How common are engine problems on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT?

NHTSA lists 29 engine-related complaints out of 50 total complaints for the 2018 Elantra GT, or 58% of all complaints filed for this model year.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 32,000 miles, though some owners reported issues much earlier or later.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT engine?

NHTSA data provided here lists no related recall tied to this engine complaint pattern for the 2018 Elantra GT.

What do owners say happens when the engine fails?

Owners report sudden stalling, loud ticking or banging noises, loss of power while driving, and in some cases full engine replacement recommended by dealers.

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 29 of 50 complaints (58%) filed on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT, with median failure mileage at 32,000 miles. No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this specific issue.

Engine complaints: 29; 58% of 50
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 32,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden engine stalling or shutting off while driving at highway speeds, sometimes without any warning lights.
Several complaints describe a loud ticking, thumping, or banging noise from the engine before it lost power or died.
Some drivers report the timing chain or connecting rod bearings failing, with one case naming the Nu 2.0 GDi engine.
Multiple owners report the vehicle would not properly accelerate or lost power steering and brakes when the engine cut out.
Owners describe being told by dealers that the engine needed full replacement, in some cases around 60,000 miles.

When 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 20, 2018, latest Sep 14, 2026.

29 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2018 to Sep 2026; peak Dec 2021 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Elantra GT model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20131 (20%)
20147 (88%)
20151 (100%)
20165 (71%)
201722 (88%)
201829 (58%)
201910 (77%)
20205 (71%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT?: NHTSA lists 29 engine-related complaints out of 50 total complaints for the 2018 Elantra GT, or 58% of all complaints filed for this model year.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 32,000 miles, though some owners reported issues much earlier or later.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT engine?: NHTSA data provided here lists no related recall tied to this engine complaint pattern for the 2018 Elantra GT.
What do owners say happens when the engine fails?: Owners report sudden stalling, loud ticking or banging noises, loss of power while driving, and in some cases full engine replacement recommended by dealers.