Hyundai Elantra Reliability and Common Problems

The Hyundai Elantra is a decent car that gets better with every new generation. While the newest models have the best features, an older Elantra can also be a good buy with proper care and maintenance. The Elantra has an average resale value, and CarEdge.com reports that one in good condition will depreciate by 22% after five years.

Are Hyundai Elantras Reliable Cars?

The Hyundai Elantra earned good scores on all major reliability ratings. RepairPal gives the Elantra a score of 4.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 8th out of 36 compact car models. While the earliest generations showed average fuel economy, the later model years grew more fuel efficient with each new generation.

There’s at least one 2013 Hyundai Elantra that clocked a million miles in the span of five years. Hyundai says the car is still using its factory-issue powertrain and offers to give a new Elantra to anyone else who hits that milestone. While you probably won’t push your Elantra to such extremes, you’ll be glad to know your car can reach 200,000 or even 300,000 miles if you stick to your service schedule and perform maintenance.

Top Hyundai Elantra Problems

Although the Hyundai Elantra is generally reliable, it isn’t perfect and can develop problems that may vary between the model year. Below are the most commonly reported problems for various Elantra models:

Defective Airbags

CarProblemZoo counted more than 1,130 separate problems related to airbags since the Elantra debuted in 1996.

The most frequently reported problem involves the airbag warning light switching on and off without reason. It’s easy to think that the rest of the airbags may not work properly when your safety and life depends on them. Other airbag problems include failure to deploy during crashes, malfunctioning front airbag sensor controls, and issues with the inflator.

Serious airbag issues led to two separate recalls for the Hyundai Elantra. A faulty front seat weight sensor can accidentally deploy the airbags in the 2006-2008 model years. Meanwhile, the excessive pressure inside the airbags of the 2006 and 2007 models could cause them to deploy by accident.

Finally, the Takata airbag recall included some Elantra models. Faulty Takata airbags could burst or deploy too slowly. Either way, they can put the driver in danger.

Engine Issues

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra is arguably the worst model year for this sedan. Going by the reports gathered by CarComplaints.com, many of its problems pertain to its engine. 2013 Elantra owners have complained about ticking noises and the engine failing outright. They also reported that the engine may run roughly, shake, vibrate, or stall while driving.

These engine problems weren’t just common in the 2013 Elantra. The earlier 2011-2012 model years may also develop similar issues.

The Hyundai Elantra’s engine may also catch fire. An electrical short in the ABS module can lead to a “key-off” fire in the engine compartment. In February 2020, Hyundai recalled more than 430,000 Elantras made between 2006 and 2011 with this problem.

Steering Problems

CarProblemZoo lists more than 530 complaints about Hyundai Elantra steering problems. Frequent issues include the electronic power steering locking up while on cruise control or at highway speeds and knocking caused by a faulty steering coupler when making turns.

In 2017, Hyundai issued a recall for a small number of Hyundai Elantras with Electronic Power Steering (EPS). The affected units had a faulty EPS connector that could cause the power steering to shut down because of lack of power.

Faulty Electrical System

Like most vehicles, the Hyundai Elantra can develop various problems involving its electrical system. Because so many parts rely on a steady supply of power, the list of possible electrical problems is extensive. Common problems include malfunctioning car alarms and problematic ignition systems.

Many of these issues are caused by wiring problems. Old or damaged wires can prevent the engine from starting because the ignition doesn’t get enough power. You should always have your vehicle checked for any worn-out or faulty wires that need replacement.

Service Brake Problems

Hyundai issued a recall in 2017 for more than 33,000 Hyundai Elantras built in that same year.

According to the NHTSA, a manufacturing issue dislodged the diaphragm in the affected vehicles’ brake booster. This produced a vacuum leak that reduced the effectiveness of the power brake assist. In the worst-case scenario, the power brake assist wouldn’t work.

A bad brake booster could reduce the Elantra’s braking power. It increases the distance required for the car to come to a stop, which can lead to an accident if the driver fails to apply the brakes on time.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has also experienced recurring problems with its brakes. Many drivers complained about grinding noises while braking. The problem was traced to faulty brake pads and rotors.

Suspension Problems

Corrosion also posed a threat to the Hyundai Elantra’s suspension parts. In 2015, Hyundai issued a recall for certain 2011 Hyundai Elantra units. The affected vehicles’ front coil springs were vulnerable to corrosion caused by exposure to road salt. A rusty coil spring could fracture and puncture the nearby tire, putting the vehicle’s safety at risk.

Buying a new or used Hyundai Elantra should be a good idea as long as you research the common problems for each model year. And if you already drive this car, knowing these issues beforehand can help you find ways to extend your car’s service life.

Settling the Debate: Hyundai Elantra vs. Toyota Corolla

When talking about reliable compact sedans, the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla are usually the first two that come to mind. Reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency are the Elantra and Corolla’s strongest traits, but some critics might say that one model is superior to the other in some aspects.

Let’s use the 2023 Corolla and Elantra, for example. In terms of fuel economy, the Elantra has a fuel economy rating of 33 and 42 mpg in the city and highway, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Corolla has slightly lower ratings at 32 and 41 mpg. This might only be a slight difference for many, but for some eagle-eyed enthusiasts, this feat can ultimately define which model is better. Still, both models can help you save some money at the pump in the long run.

When it comes to space and comfort, the Elantra has slightly wider dimensions that makes long drives more comfortable for the driver and passengers. The Hyundai sedan has 40.6 inches of front headroom and 42.3 inches of front legroom. Meanwhile, the Corolla isn’t that far behind with 38 inches of front headroom and 42 inches of front legroom.

In terms of warranty, the Elantra comes with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty while the Corolla comes with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

But among all of these specs, the Toyota Corolla does have one significant advantage over the Elantra一horsepower. The Toyota Corolla boasts a horsepower rating of 169 hp while the Elantra is limited to 147 hp.

While there are some slight differences between these two models, there’s no denying that both are capable of becoming a reliable daily driver with proper maintenance and good driving habits.

Get Replacement Parts for Your Hyundai Elantra

If you want to keep driving your Hyundai Elantra for a long time, you’ll have to fix any issues that pop up as soon as possible. Putting off urgent repairs can lead to a bigger repair bill and affect your Hyundai’s driveability. It’s best to avoid driving your car until you can replace faulty parts, especially if you’re dealing with damaged brake boosters or broken coil springs. Luckily, getting replacement parts for your Hyundai Elantra is fast and easy with CarParts.com.

CarParts.com offers a wide selection of high-quality steering couplings, brake boosters, coil springs, and other Hyundai Elantra parts. You can easily browse through our catalog with the help of our vehicle selector and search filters. Thanks to our strategically located warehouses around the US, CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping. Order by 12 PM ET, and you can expect your brand-new Hyundai Elantra parts to arrive in as fast as two business days. 

Replace defective Hyundai Elantra parts before they can harm other systems. Check out our catalog of high-quality steering couplings, brake boosters, coil springs, and other Hyundai Elantra parts at CarParts.com and order yours today!

Products Mentioned in this Guide

Brake Disc and Pad Kit Coil Spring