Hyundai Elantra Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid the 2013, 2012, 2017, and 2010 Hyundai Elantra — 2013 has the worst complaint index (100) with 1,313 complaints centered on brakes and steering. The 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 models score lowest (complaint index 7, 13, 0, and 20) and are the best picks.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2012Avoid 2013Avoid 2017Best 2021Best 2022Best 2024Best 2025
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 5,666
- Recall campaigns
- 29
- Crashes reported
- 399
- Fires reported
- 111
- Top problem area
- Engine
Elantra 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.
Hyundai Elantra problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 80 | 379 | 45 | 9 | 3 | Steering | 29 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 60 | 432 | 17 | 8 | 5 | Engine | 32 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 93 | 652 | 47 | 11 | 4 | Engine | 32 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 1,313 | 93 | 31 | 4 | Brakes | 32 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 73 | 382 | 35 | 15 | 2 | Engine | 29 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 53 | 262 | 27 | 8 | 3 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Good | 47 | 292 | 22 | 5 | 2 | Engine | 30 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Avoid | 87 | 767 | 37 | 6 | 4 | Engine | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Good | 40 | 282 | 12 | 7 | 0 | Engine | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Good | 33 | 250 | 12 | 3 | 1 | Engine | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Caution | 67 | 250 | 21 | 6 | 3 | Engine | 34 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Best | 7 | 130 | 8 | 1 | 6 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 33 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 13 | 101 | 6 | 1 | 5 | Seat Belts | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Good | 27 | 98 | 8 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 31 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 0 | 54 | 5 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 31 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 20 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Lane Departure | 31 | 5★ |
Elantra years to avoid: what went wrong
2013 Hyundai Elantra Index 100 · 1,313 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2013 Elantra is the worst year on record, with a complaint index of 100 and 1,313 total complaints, the highest of any Elantra year. Brakes lead problem reports at 24% (median failure mileage 50,000), followed by engine and steering issues at 21% each. Owners reported brake pedal failures and vehicles catching fire after engine shutdowns while driving. NHTSA logged 4 recall campaigns, including two separate brake pedal stopper pad recalls and the shared park-outside brake recall.
2013 brakes problems →2013 engine problems →2013 steering problems →
2012 Hyundai Elantra Index 93 · 652 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2012 Elantra has a complaint index of 93, ranking 2nd worst overall out of 652 complaints. Engine problems lead at 25% (median failure mileage 67,000), followed closely by electrical, brake, and airbag complaints, some tied to crashes and side airbags not deploying. NHTSA recorded 4 recall campaigns, including a park-outside brake recall, a tire mobility kit accessory outlet issue, and an electronic stability control sensor malfunction affecting brake force.
2012 engine problems →2012 electrical system problems →2012 brakes problems →
2017 Hyundai Elantra Index 87 · 767 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2017 Elantra ranks 3rd worst with a complaint index of 87 across 767 complaints. Engine problems account for 40% of reports (median failure mileage 45,500), and structure & body issues make up 24%. Owners described power steering failing during turns, leading to crashes, and brake boosters failing to provide assist. NHTSA issued 4 recalls that year covering steering (EPS connector), brake booster failure, and a driver airbag module replacement.
2017 engine problems →2017 structure & body problems →2017 electrical system problems →
2010 Hyundai Elantra Index 80 · 379 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2010 Elantra carries a complaint index of 80 and ranks 4th worst of 16 model years. Steering complaints dominate, making up 51% of its 379 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 73,000 miles. Owners also reported brake, electrical, and airbag issues, including cases of airbags not deploying in crashes. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this year, covering brakes, steering (electronic power steering control unit), and an electrical stop lamp switch.
2010 steering problems →2010 brakes problems →2010 electrical system problems →
Most common Hyundai Elantra problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine1,772 (31%)
- Electrical System980 (17%)
- Brakes863 (15%)
- Steering835 (15%)
- Other732 (13%)
- Airbags562 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires505 (9%)
- Structure & Body391 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain391 (7%)
- Fuel System193 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Hyundai Elantra should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2017 Elantra. The 2013 is the worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 1,313 total complaints.
- What is the best year for the Hyundai Elantra?
- The 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 Elantra are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 7, 13, 0, and 20 respectively, the lowest across all 16 model years covered.
- Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2013 Elantra, including two brake pedal stopper pad recalls and a park-outside brake recall shared with several other model years.
- What is the most common problem area for the Hyundai Elantra overall?
- Across all 16 model years and 5,666 total complaints, the Engine is the top problem area at 31% share, followed by Electrical System at 17% and Brakes at 15%.
- Is the 2017 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- The 2017 Elantra ranks 3rd worst of 16 years with a complaint index of 87 and 767 complaints, driven mainly by engine issues (40%) and reported power steering failures.