NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 252 owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. Most complaints involve engine (134) and exterior lighting (65). The EPA rates it 25–35 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Elantra model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 101 |
| 1997 | 118 |
| 1998 | 56 |
| 1999 | 133 |
| 2000 | 200 |
| 2001 | 329 |
| 2002 | 348 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 267 |
| 2008 | 316 |
| 2009 | 287 |
| 2010 | 455 |
| 2011 | 461 |
| 2012 | 676 |
| 2013 | 1,330 |
| 2014 | 387 |
| 2015 | 262 |
| 2016 | 293 |
| 2017 | 770 |
| 2018 | 284 |
| 2019 | 252 |
| 2020 | 254 |
| 2021 | 132 |
| 2022 | 102 |
| 2023 | 101 |
| 2024 | 56 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“I am reporting that there is not a recall but a factor warranty from the manufacture. Stating that the o ring in the 2019 hyundai elantra was not properly tempered. Which will cause the car to stall, rod bearing to break, and cause the car to set on fire. My report is that my 2019 hyundai elantra with 139,000 miles has did exactly that. O ring was bad and the rod bearing broke. When calling hyundai to report it they claim that my vehicle Vin number doesn't fall under that manufacture recall. Why doesn't it? This is exactly what happen to my car!!! Can anyone please help me. Thanks”
“Where the Hyundai place tell that I don't need drive that because recall on the light shower! on my car and how electric part in the car. I still a note the balance 14,700. The paying balance need be 9,900. Because the wiring and light show balance I would owe. 6,000.”
“Both Front headlamp assemblies broken hi beam mechanism. My cars headlights burn out every couple months and the bright lights will not work. I took to a Hyundai dealership on 03/28/2026 who told me it would be $5,333.30 to fix. I have done nothing to cause this electrical problem on both headlamps and when searching the internet; this issue seems to be a big problem on this vehicle year. This is obviously an issue in manufacturing of the vehicle and should have the issue be a recall to fix. It is so dangerous not knowing when my lights will stop working again after replacement and not having the use of bright lights at night.”
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 Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 40 | 35 | $1,850 | 256 |
| Elantra SE Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 38 | 33 | $1,950 | 272 |
| Elantra Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 37 | 32 | $2,000 | 281 |
| Elantra Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,200 | 305 |
| Elantra Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 36 | 29 | $2,200 | 301 |
| Elantra Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,550 | 356 |
| 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 3, 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 252 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (134), exterior lighting (65), electrical system (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2019 Hyundai Elantra at 25–35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Hyundai Elantra 4 out of 5 stars overall.