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
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine96
  2. Exterior lighting54
  3. Electrical system29
  4. Power train9
  5. Steering9
  6. Forward collision avoidance6
  7. Seat belts6
  8. Service brakes5
  9. Wheels4
  10. Vehicle speed control4
  11. Lane departure4
  12. Engine and engine cooling3
  13. Fuel/propulsion system3
  14. 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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20198
20208
202139
202238
202343
202434
202524
20262

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.

03 —Owner reports

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2026EngineODI 11767363

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 11, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11654195

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2025Electrical systemODI 11674035

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11651061

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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 9, 2023SteeringODI 11526199

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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 15, 2024Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11572036
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.