Electrical system
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles. A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 55 owner complaints for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. Most complaints involve electrical system (17) and forward collision avoidance (13). The EPA rates it 50–54 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles. A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical and/or electrical malfunction that made it unsafe to operate. While driving, the vehicle began displaying warning indicators and experienced abnormal performance consistent with a system malfunction. Hybrid system failed, radar malfunction, blind spot malfunction. I couldn't control the car , while I was exiting the highway XXX and took a excit on [XXX] where the incident was happend. Stering wheel got licked out , braking system got soft , failure notification on my dashboard. I couldn't do anything, stuck on that car , it was trying to go left , n trying to flip over. I had used my full forced to pull it back on the road. Had to find parking spot , let it coast drive and I had to press on the engine start button to stop the car. Due to malfunction caused me the collusion incident, my driver side got scratched on my rims and the tiers The issue raised concerns about potential loss of power and vehicle reliability during operation. This created a significant safety risk, as the failure could occur unexpectedly while driving in traffic, increasing…”
“Since 2/2/24 13 episodes of all safety features failing including blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and others. Last occurrence on 8-8-24. On one occasion the car failed to accelerate in the middle of an intersection, the car did move slowly and operation returned to normal after turning off the car and pressing the 12V reset button. Diagnostic codes found on car APP include both C164286 and C164202 for all 13 episodes. Despite being told this code is "for the speed sensor because it saw a voltage drop from the battery system" the dealer claims there is nothing they can do because they can't recreate the problem. This is highly dangerous to my family and others as the safety features can prevent accidents. The most concerning is the car suddenly losing acceleration as this could potential happen where there is no safe way to get off the road in time prior to an accident. This loss of acceleration has been reported by many other people on the Facebook group I am a part of called Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Owners. The loss of safety features occurred after all recalls were performed as of 8-8-24”
“I was performing a low-speed maneuver to reverse-park into my driveway. After making a right turn between my driveway and the driveway of a neighboring townhouse across the street, I came to a complete stop. When I shifted the vehicle into reverse, the vehicle did not reverse as expected and instead unexpectedly accelerated forward. I applied the brake but was unable to stop the vehicle before it traveled forward into the driveway across the street and struck the garage door of a neighboring townhouse. The maneuver was being performed at low speed. Weather conditions were clear, and the driveway surface was dry. The cause of the unexpected acceleration is unknown at this time. No warning lights, messages, or alerts were observed prior to or during the incident. Immediately following the collision, I placed the vehicle into park and applied the parking brake, at which point the vehicle came to rest. Upon impact, the driver-side front airbag deployed. Smoke and a burning odor were observed coming from the deployed airbag. The incident posed a safety risk due to the vehicle’s unexpected forward movement during a low-speed maneuver and resulted in property damage.…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra Hybrid Blue Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 53 | 56 | 54 | $1,100 | 165 |
| Elantra Hybrid Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 49 | 52 | 50 | $1,200 | 177 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 13, 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.
Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (17), forward collision avoidance (13), power train (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid at 50–54 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.