What years of the Hyundai Elantra GT should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data flags 2017 and 2018 as the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 86 and 100, the two highest of the 8 model years covered.

What is the best year for the Hyundai Elantra GT?

The 2013 Elantra GT is the best year, with a Complaint Index of just 14 and only 5 total complaints logged with NHTSA.

What is the main problem with the Hyundai Elantra GT?

Across all years, the Engine is the top problem area, accounting for 80 of 116 total complaints, or 69%.

Does the 2018 Elantra GT have any recalls?

Yes. Recall campaign 18V891000 covers a panoramic sunroof motor that may fail to detect an obstacle while closing on 2018 Elantra GT vehicles.

Are 2019 and 2020 Elantra GT models safe to buy?

NHTSA data marks 2019 and 2020 as Caution years, with Complaint Index scores of 71 and 57, lower than 2017 and 2018 but higher than the best years like 2013.

Hyundai Elantra GT Best and Worst Years (2013–2020)

Avoid the 2017 and 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT, which post Complaint Index scores of 86 and 100 and are dominated by engine complaints (88% and 58% of each year's total). The 2013 model, with a Complaint Index of just 14, is the best year to buy.

Avoid 2017 Avoid 2018 Best 2013

Model years: 8; 2013–2020
NHTSA complaints: 116
Recall campaigns: 2
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Engine

Elantra GT Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Hyundai Elantra GT problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2013	Best	14	5	0	0	Airbags	30	5★
2014	Good	43	8	0	0	Engine	27	5★
2015	No verdict	0	1	0	0	Engine	27	5★
2016	Good	29	7	0	1	Engine	27	5★
2017	Avoid	86	25	0	0	Engine	27	5★
2018	Avoid	100	50	1	1	Engine	26.5	4★
2019	Caution	71	13	0	0	Engine	27	4★
2020	Caution	57	7	0	0	Engine	27	4★

Elantra GT years to avoid: what went wrong

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Index 100 · 50 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2018 Elantra GT is the worst year in the lineup, with 50 complaints, a Complaint Index of 100, one fire, and one injury reported. Engine problems make up 58% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 32,000. Electrical system issues appear early, with a median mileage of only 250, and owners describe headlights that leave a distracting shadow and poor visibility ahead of the car. One recall, campaign 18V891000, covers a panoramic sunroof motor that may not detect an obstacle while closing. Owners also reported a transmission lockup accompanied by a fire during towing.

2018 engine problems →

2017 Hyundai Elantra GT Index 86 · 25 complaints · 0 recalls

NHTSA lists 25 complaints for the 2017 Elantra GT, giving it a Complaint Index of 86 and a rank of 2nd worst out of the model's 8 years. Engine problems make up 88% of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 85,000. Owners describe pistons breaking apart inside the engine and abnormal engine noises at highway speed that led to towing and engine replacement. Transmission and powertrain issues account for another 20% of complaints, with a median mileage of 115,600. No recalls were issued for this year.

2017 engine problems →

Most common Hyundai Elantra GT problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine80 (69%)
Electrical System13 (11%)
Transmission & Powertrain12 (10%)
Brakes11 (9%)
Other9 (8%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (7%)
Fuel System7 (6%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (3%)
Steering3 (3%)
Airbags2 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Hyundai Elantra GT should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data flags 2017 and 2018 as the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 86 and 100, the two highest of the 8 model years covered.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Elantra GT?: The 2013 Elantra GT is the best year, with a Complaint Index of just 14 and only 5 total complaints logged with NHTSA.
What is the main problem with the Hyundai Elantra GT?: Across all years, the Engine is the top problem area, accounting for 80 of 116 total complaints, or 69%.
Does the 2018 Elantra GT have any recalls?: Yes. Recall campaign 18V891000 covers a panoramic sunroof motor that may fail to detect an obstacle while closing on 2018 Elantra GT vehicles.
Are 2019 and 2020 Elantra GT models safe to buy?: NHTSA data marks 2019 and 2020 as Caution years, with Complaint Index scores of 71 and 57, lower than 2017 and 2018 but higher than the best years like 2013.