Research · Large Cars

2018 Hyundai Elantra GTRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 51 owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT. Most complaints involve engine (30) and power train (5). The EPA rates it 25–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25–28mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Dec 2018
Owner complaints
51
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.

Electrical systemReported Dec 14, 2018NHTSA 18V891000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

51 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2018 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine30
  2. Power train5
  3. Service brakes4
  4. Forward collision avoidance4
  5. Electrical system4
  6. Fuel/propulsion system4
  7. Exterior lighting3
  8. Vehicle speed control2
  9. Lane departure2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Elantra GT model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20131,293
2014378
2015248
2016267
2017735
201851
2019196
2020192
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

30 reports
“My 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (2.0L Nu GDI engine) has completely shut off while driving on three separate occasions: approximately June 2, 2026 (first occurrence), June 23, 2026, and September 14, 2026. The stalls happened on the highway at highway speed, while pulling into a parking spot, and on a public road at a stoplight. Immediately before each stall, all dashboard warning lights illuminated, then the engine died without further warning, causing sudden loss of power steering and power brake assist and making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer and stop. The vehicle also consumes engine oil at an extreme rate: after a full oil fill, the dipstick showed no oil within about two weeks (documented on video, September 30, 2026). An independent repair shop serviced the vehicle four times in 2026 for the same unresolved problem ($1,322.48 total), documenting diagnostic codes P0017, P0341, and P0366 and noting no oil leaks; the June 23 and September 14 shop visits correspond to two of the stall dates. This engine family is covered under Hyundai's Engine II class action settlement (2014-2020 Elantra GT, Nu 2.0L GDI) for connecting rod bearing failures that cause…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026EngineODI 11768301

Power train

5 reports1 fire
“In mid-2024, the vehicle experienced a flashing check engine light. I brought it to Murfreesboro Hyundai (TN), where they confirmed the oil was low and started an oil consumption test. A bearing clearance test (BCT) was also performed and passed. After back-and-forth over several weeks, I was told the oil consumption was within spec, but the dealership stated Hyundai would cover all necessary repairs, including a combustion chamber cleaning, under warranty. I was told this work was completed and the vehicle was returned to me. In July 2025, the exact same flashing CEL returned. I brought the car back to the same dealership, where they again found the oil was 2.5 quarts low. However, this time they claimed no previous combustion cleaning or repairs had been done, and that I would now need to pay over $1,100 out of pocket for the same cleaning that was supposedly already performed — and which they had told me would be covered under warranty. This indicates that the dealership misrepresented completed service work, failed to address a recurring defect, and is now trying to shift the financial burden to me. Hyundai’s claim that oil consumption is not “high enough”…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 29, 2025Power train, EngineODI 11677085

Service brakes

4 reports
“when moving during heavy traffic the car, when braking, will suddenly stop or stop heavily at slow speeds. this causes passengers to be jolted as well as following cars. possible rear end collision is the effect as well. passenger safety of accident is a concern. no warning or indication has been shown at dash.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 11, 2025Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11647580
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AM7) · Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Elantra GT
Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
263228$2,150317
Elantra GT
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243227$2,200327
Elantra GT
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233126$2,300338
Elantra GT
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222925$2,400363
  • Elantra GT
    Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    26 city · 32 hwy · $2,150/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Elantra GT
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 32 hwy · $2,200/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Elantra GT
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 31 hwy · $2,300/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Elantra GT
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    22 city · 29 hwy · $2,400/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Hyundai Elantra Gt 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 12660
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 Elantra GT questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT problems?

Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (30), power train (5), service brakes (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT at 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026