Problems · NHTSA complaints

2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid problems

Owners filed 40 complaints about the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid with NHTSA between Feb 2022 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (13).

Complaints
40
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system13
  2. Vehicle speed control9
  3. Power train8
  4. Engine7
  5. Forward collision avoidance6
  6. Service brakes4
  7. Lane departure4
  8. Seat belts4
  9. Exterior lighting3
  10. Back over prevention1
  11. Air bags1
  12. Steering1
  13. Hybrid propulsion system1
  14. Visibility/wiper1

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 Nov 12, 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
202214
20234
20249
202511
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

Electrical system

13 reports
“The vehicle's cruise control, which was set at 63 mph, set itself to 110 mph and began to accelerate before I turned it off. I reset the cruise control, and it happened again immediately afterwards.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Electrical systemODI 11764291

Vehicle speed control

9 reports
“On [XXX] and [XXX], while driving at approximately 50 MPH, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The incident unfolded as follows: Without warning, the car emitted an alarming sound from the cabin. Simultaneously, a message appeared on the dashboard stating "Check Hybrid System" and instructing me to "Pull Over Safely." This was the first and only warning; there were no prior indications or symptoms of any problem before this sudden failure. Immediately upon this warning, the vehicle experienced a total loss of power. The component that failed appears to be the hybrid system itself, leading to a complete electrical system shutdown. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. After safely pulling over and turning off the car, all electrical functions ceased. This included essential safety features such as hazard lights, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable and "electrically dead." My safety and the safety of other motorists were severely put at risk due to the sudden and complete loss of propulsion and all electrical systems (including safety lights) while the vehicle was in…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2025Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11669196

Power train

8 reports1 crash
“While driving on the freeway at 65MPH, my car suddenly displayed a "Check Hybrid System , Stop Safely" warning. The vehicle rapidly decelerated to 20MPH and would not respond to acceleration, despite pressing the pedal. This created a dangerous situation for my family, as we were forced to pull over abruptly on the side of the freeway. I had to reset the battery system before the car would restart. Alarmingly, this issue happened twice on same day on [XXX]. I have since contacted the dealership and informed about the problem. The dealership (Larry Miller Hyundai Peoria - 85382) took my car to address the issue on Feb 28th Feb 2025 and performed a HCU software update and informed me that there was a recall and assured me that the problem shouldn't happen again. However on [XXX], the same problem resurfaced. While stopped at a signal, the car once again displayed "Check Hybrid System , stop Safely" and became unresponsive to acceleration. I had to pull over and reset the battery system to get the car moving again. This recurring issue is not only frustrating but becoming increasingly dangerous. I now drive with constant anxiety, unsure when or where the car might…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 12, 2025Power trainODI 11660435

Engine

7 reports
“This 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid poses an imminent fire and safety hazard due to catastrophic high-voltage system failures. On December 11, 2025 (Mileage: 54,527), the vehicle displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning. The dealership diagnosed a swollen 12V battery and, critically, a melted power relay assembly and melted power cable. This indicates extreme thermal overload. The dealer stated they could not repair it independently and deferred to the Hyundai Engineering Team. This is the second major high-voltage failure. On March 23, 2024 (Mileage: 34,276), the vehicle suffered a total electrical blackout while driving at highway speeds at night. The vehicle lost all motive power, interior lights, and hazard flashers, leaving the car invisible in a high-speed lane. The high-voltage battery was replaced in April 2024, yet the system has failed again with melted wiring less than 20 months later. Despite a previous recall performed in August 2024 (Campaign 9B4 - BMS Software Update for 12V Battery Over Voltage), the electrical system remains unstable. The vehicle currently exhibits signs of thermal runaway. I have been informed by the dealer on Dec 16, 2025, that…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 18, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, EngineODI 11706009

Forward collision avoidance

6 reports
“The emergency braking system activated and began slowing down the car on two occasions: sometime in the fall of 2022 and on 09/01/2025. In both instances, I was driving about 65mpg on an interstate. There were no cars in front of me to cause the system to activate.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2025Forward collision avoidanceODI 11690278

Service brakes

4 reports1 crash
“I was slowly pulling into a parking spot in a lot. As I approached the curb, I gently pressed the brake to come to a complete stop. However, instead of stopping, the vehicle suddenly and forcefully accelerated forward very fast without warning, resulting in a crash.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 28, 2025Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11676850
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026

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