Problems · NHTSA complaints
2019 Hyundai Elantra GT problems
Owners filed 196 complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT with NHTSA between Mar 2019 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (96).
Complaints
196
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
11
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine96
- Exterior lighting54
- Electrical system29
- Power train9
- Steering9
- Forward collision avoidance6
- Seat belts6
- Service brakes5
- Wheels4
- Vehicle speed control4
- Lane departure4
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Structure3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
8
8
39
38
43
34
24
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 39 |
| 2022 | 38 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
96 reports2 crashes
“The oil consumption appears similar to issues reported in recalls and investigations involving Hyundai engines; Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II. However, when the VIN was checked, it was reported as not included in any recall. No external oil leaks have been identified. The component available for inspection is the engine and related lubrication system. Prior to discovering the excessive oil consumption, there were no warning lamps, messages, unusual noises, or other symptoms. The issue was first noticed when the oil level was found to be significantly low despite regular maintenance and no evidence of leaks. The cause is believed to be internal engine oil consumption. UNKNOWN whether the manufacturer has inspected the vehicle. Additional inspection and investigation are requested due to the similarity of this condition to known Hyundai engine oil consumption complaints.”
Exterior lighting
54 reports2 crashes1 fire
“The driver and passenger headlight has been replaced and the bulbs but the headlights keep going out was told it is an electrical problem and contact manufacturer. Also emergency braking did not work in recent accident nor did forward collision warning.”
Electrical system
29 reports3 crashes1 fire
“Headlight housing mechanism for high beam and low beam lights do not allow headlights to stay on high beam. Will not pass Massachusetts motor vehicle safety inspection.”
Power train
9 reports
“My car started hesitating when shifting gears in smart and normal mode smelled like something was burning. Car only drives in sport mode, shifts hard, engine lags, and the check engine light has not come on. This is the second incident with this car. The first time I lost all power to the car and the entire electrical system shut down, when it was towed to the dealership they said nothing was wrong with it. I keep up on all the maintenance.”
Steering
9 reports2 crashes2 fires
“The car is very hard to keep in a straight line going down the road. Constant inputs have to be given to keep the wheel at center as the wheel will not re-center after small inputs (I.e. changing lanes, gentle curves in road, etc.). I feel it is a safety hazard”
Forward collision avoidance
6 reports2 crashes
“While driving on the highway, engine light comes on and THEN CAR SHUTS OFF MID DRIVE. Days later, tire pressure light comes on and stays on showing GOOD pressure. The car doesn't properly shift gears. Luckily I didn't have an accident. I have a case opened with Hyundai, but unable to get diagnosis until March. Car hasn't been consistently operable since purchase 3 years ago, as you can tell by my mileage”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.