YearToAvoid

2019 Hyundai Elantra GT Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

71/100

#3 most-complained of 8 Elantra GT years

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT has a complaint index of 71, ranking 3rd worst among 8 model years covered. Engine problems make up 77% of its 13 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 46,616. No recalls have been issued for this year.

Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
27
25 city / 32 hwy

Top 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine10 (77%)
  2. Brakes1 (8%)
  3. Electrical System1 (8%)
  4. Fuel System1 (8%)
  5. Other1 (8%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain1 (8%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)

What owners report

  • Check engine light comes on followed by white smoke from the rear of the vehicle and sudden loss of power while driving on the highway.
  • Engine develops a knocking or ticking sound under the hood before stalling without warning.
  • A broken connecting rod was diagnosed after engine failure, with oil pooling under the vehicle.
  • Rod bearings failed around 87,000 miles, with owners reporting the dealership said a full engine replacement was needed.
  • A starter intermittently failed to engage before being replaced at 37,800 miles.
  • The high-pressure fuel pump failed, causing the car to shut off at a stop and not restart.
2019 Hyundai Elantra GT complaints: complaints filed per month3Sep 2019Aug 2021Apr 2023Dec 2023Aug 2024Jul 2025Jun 2026
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2019 to Jun 2026; peak Sep 2019 (3).

2019 Hyundai Elantra GT recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2019 Hyundai Elantra GT fuel economy and fuel cost

City
25 MPG
Highway
32 MPG
Combined
27 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,400
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2019 compared with other Elantra GT years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Avoid8625027
2018Avoid10050126.5
2019Caution7113027
2020Caution577027

All Hyundai Elantra GT years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT reliable?
Compared to other Elantra GT model years, the 2019 ranks 3rd worst out of 8 years tracked, with a complaint index of 71 and a Caution verdict. Engine problems account for 77% of its complaints.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT have any recalls?
NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2019 Elantra GT, though owners still reported engine failures similar to issues seen in other model years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2019 Elantra GT?
Engine issues dominate, making up 10 of 13 complaints (77%), including stalling, knocking noises, and connecting rod failures with a median failure mileage of 46,616.
How does the 2019 Elantra GT compare to the 2018 model?
The 2018 Elantra GT is worse, with a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, versus 71 and Caution for 2019. Both years show engine-related complaints as a top concern.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.