Problems · NHTSA complaints

2023 Hyundai Elantra problems

Owners filed 101 complaints about the 2023 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA between Sep 2022 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (25).

Complaints
101
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system25
  2. Engine20
  3. Forward collision avoidance20
  4. Service brakes9
  5. Lane departure9
  6. Power train9
  7. Vehicle speed control6
  8. Air bags6
  9. Visibility/wiper5
  10. Fuel/propulsion system4
  11. Tires4
  12. Structure3
  13. Back over prevention3
  14. Steering3

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 3, 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
20221
202328
202429
202521
202622

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

25 reports
“I have a 2023 Hyundal Elantra SEL and my rear camera starts flickering and also goes blank frequently. In fact nowadays it is rarely working. I understand that there was a recall for 2021 and 2022 but not for 2023 yet. However it seems the issue continues with 2023 as well cause when I google I see I am not the only one having this issue. I called the dealership and because I am out of warranty they say they will charge as there is no recall for 2023.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Electrical systemODI 11772755

Engine

20 reports
“A month ago my car started making a knocking noise very loudly at start up, and once driving for about 5 to 8 minutes it kind of stops, my speed doesn't accelerate as normal and if I go over 67 mph feels like I'll lose control. I see Hyundai have a knock sensor recall and from the video on the website my car makes same sound but my 2023 Elantra isn't list on the recall list. I'm the first Original owner of the vehicle only at 80,000 miles”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2026Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11771878

Forward collision avoidance

20 reports
“While driving on [XXX] north near exit [XXX] in rain, at 70 mph Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance were on. The vehicle displayed a warning that the smart systems were disabled. The vehicle then began jerking and changing lanes and speed unexpectedly. The steering wheel pulled/jerked forcefully to the left and right and I had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. When I attempted to brake, the brake pedal became very hard and could not press down the vehicle did not slow normally. I was able to get the vehicle onto the shoulder and shut it off. After restarting the vehicle, the problem occurred again. The vehicle was towed to Wallace Hyundai dealership in Stewart Florida and is currently being diagnosed. The cause has not yet been determined. Scared me to death.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2026Forward collision avoidance, Lane departureODI 11755848

Service brakes

9 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights flashed on and off on the instrument panel, and the brakes independently activated due to slippery weather conditions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,900.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2026Service brakesODI 11758580

Lane departure

9 reports2 crashes
“The tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue is 11733456 I am writing to update and escalate my previously filed safety complaint regarding my vehicle. I recently received my car back from the dealership after they informed me that all issues had been repaired and that the vehicle was safe to drive. However, after getting the vehicle back, it is not the same, and it is not safe to operate. The vehicle pulls strongly to the left while driving, which creates a serious risk of losing control, especially at normal road speeds. In addition, multiple safety and driver‑assistance functions are not working as intended. Despite these issues, the dealership insists that everything is “within specifications” and refused to take further corrective action. Because of these unresolved defects, I am afraid to drive this vehicle. I have already experienced a traumatic incident related to this car, and returning it in this condition has caused significant fear and emotional distress. I cannot go through another dangerous situation. I believe this vehicle poses a genuine safety risk to me and to others on the road. I am requesting that NHTSA review my complaint again,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 30, 2026Fuel/propulsion system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11734991

Power train

9 reports1 crash1 related recall
“I purchased a 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2023 on December 15, 2023, and since early ownership I have experienced persistent jerking/clunking while slowing to a stop, harsh downshifts, hesitation during braking, and rough transitions between electric and engine power. The issue was first documented around 5,744 miles and continued through approximately six to eight repair/work orders, where dealerships repeatedly described the condition as normal hybrid/DCT behavior while performing software resets, adaptive relearns, and diagnostic checks. After continued complaints, Hyundai Techline became involved and the dealership concluded the vehicle “jerks pretty bad,” leading to a full transmission replacement under warranty. Despite the transmission replacement, the issue persisted and the dealership later confirmed slight clunking during downshifts and discovered a torn engine mount, which was also replaced. The dealership additionally noted that the issue did not occur while driving another Elantra Hybrid or the loaner vehicle, suggesting the condition was specific to my vehicle. I also opened a case with Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs regarding the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 18, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11738642
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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