Hyundai Elantra Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)
Hyundai Elantra years to avoid, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, are 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2020, with 2013 having the highest complaint index (100) among all 21 model years. The best-rated years are 2022, 2024, and 2025, each with low complaint indexes (20, 0, and 15).
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2012Avoid 2013Avoid 2014Avoid 2017Avoid 2020Best 2022Best 2024Best 2025
- Model years
- 21
- 2005–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 6,792
- Recall campaigns
- 38
- Crashes reported
- 544
- Fires reported
- 161
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Good | 5 | 137 | 30 | 3 | 4 | Airbags | 25 | — |
| 2006 | Good | 10 | 155 | 28 | 0 | 1 | Airbags | 24 | — |
| 2007 | Good | 30 | 267 | 21 | 13 | 6 | Visibility & Wipers | 27.5 | — |
| 2008 | Caution | 65 | 314 | 38 | 23 | 7 | Engine | 27.5 | — |
| 2009 | Caution | 70 | 253 | 28 | 11 | 4 | Steering | 27.5 | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 85 | 379 | 45 | 9 | 3 | Steering | 29 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 60 | 432 | 17 | 8 | 5 | Engine | 32 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 90 | 652 | 47 | 11 | 4 | Engine | 32 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 1,313 | 93 | 31 | 4 | Brakes | 32 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 75 | 382 | 35 | 15 | 2 | Engine | 29 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 55 | 262 | 27 | 8 | 3 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 50 | 292 | 22 | 5 | 2 | Engine | 30 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Avoid | 95 | 767 | 37 | 6 | 4 | Engine | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Good | 40 | 282 | 12 | 7 | 0 | Engine | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Good | 45 | 250 | 12 | 3 | 1 | Engine | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Avoid | 80 | 250 | 21 | 6 | 3 | Engine | 34 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Good | 25 | 130 | 8 | 1 | 6 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 33 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 20 | 101 | 6 | 1 | 5 | Seat Belts | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Caution | 35 | 98 | 8 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 31 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 0 | 54 | 5 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 31 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 15 | 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 ranks worst of all model years with a complaint index of 100. Brakes lead the complaint mix at 24%, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles, followed by engine and steering issues each at 21%. NHTSA recalls cover a park-outside brake fluid leak campaign and two separate brake pedal stopper pad replacements. Owners reported sudden loss of braking and steering control. The year recorded 93 crashes and 66 injuries, the highest injury count of any Elantra year.
2013 brakes problems →2013 engine problems →2013 steering problems →
2017 Hyundai Elantra Index 95 · 767 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2017 Elantra has a complaint index of 95, the second-worst of any year. Engine complaints make up 40% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 45,500 miles, and structure/body issues follow at 24%. NHTSA recalls cover a damaged Electronic Power Steering connector, a brake booster failure that could cut power brake assist, and a driver's airbag module replacement. Owners reported sudden steering loss and brakes going soft. The year saw 37 crashes and 24 injuries.
2017 engine problems →2017 structure & body problems →2017 electrical system problems →
2012 Hyundai Elantra Index 90 · 652 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2012 Elantra has a complaint index of 90, the third-worst among Elantra years. Engine complaints lead at 25%, followed closely by electrical system (21%), brakes (20%), and airbags (19%). NHTSA recalls include a park-outside brake fluid leak campaign, a tire mobility kit outlet replacement, and an electronic stability control sensor update. Owners reported crashes tied to airbag non-deployment and steering instability. The year saw 47 crashes and 44 injuries.
2012 engine problems →2012 electrical system problems →2012 brakes problems →
2010 Hyundai Elantra Index 85 · 379 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2010 Elantra carries a complaint index of 85, the fourth-worst of any Elantra year. Steering complaints dominate, making up 51% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 73,000 miles. Owners also reported brake and electrical issues. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, including one to update the Electronic Power Steering control unit and another to install a relay to reduce a fire risk. The year recorded 45 crashes, 48 injuries, and one death linked to complaints.
2010 steering problems →2010 brakes problems →2010 electrical system problems →
2020 Hyundai Elantra Index 80 · 250 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2020 Elantra carries a complaint index of 80, the fifth-worst year. Engine complaints dominate at 47%, with a median failure mileage of 20,500 miles, while transmission and powertrain issues account for 19% with a much lower median mileage of 5,000 miles. NHTSA recalls include an engine replacement campaign for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings, a lower control arm ball joint fastener fix, and a lug nut tightening campaign. The year recorded 21 crashes, 16 injuries, and two deaths.
2020 engine problems →2020 electrical system problems →2020 transmission & powertrain problems →
2014 Hyundai Elantra Index 75 · 382 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2014 Elantra has a complaint index of 75, ranking sixth-worst. Engine problems account for 47% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 78,000 miles, followed by brakes at 26%. NHTSA recalls include the park-outside brake fluid leak campaign and a brake pedal stopper pad replacement. Owners described sudden engine behavior and brake pedal failures shortly after purchase. The year recorded 35 crashes, 29 injuries, and two deaths linked to complaints.
2014 engine problems →2014 brakes problems →2014 electrical system problems →
Most common Hyundai Elantra problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine1,930 (28%)
- Electrical System1,172 (17%)
- Steering1,066 (16%)
- Brakes1,037 (15%)
- Airbags815 (12%)
- Other798 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires568 (8%)
- Structure & Body460 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain453 (7%)
- Fuel System253 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Hyundai Elantra years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2020 Elantra model years are rated Avoid. The 2013 Elantra has the highest complaint index of any year at 100.
- What is the best Hyundai Elantra year to buy?
- The 2022, 2024, and 2025 Elantras are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 20, 0, and 15 respectively, the lowest of any model years covered.
- Why is the 2013 Elantra rated Avoid?
- The 2013 Elantra has a complaint index of 100, the worst of all 21 model years tracked, with brakes making up 24% of its complaints and 93 crashes reported to NHTSA.
- Does the Hyundai Elantra have engine recalls?
- Yes. The 2020 Elantra was recalled for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings that could require an engine replacement, and engine complaints were the top problem area for several avoid years including 2012, 2014, 2017, and 2020.
- Are early Elantras from 2005 to 2007 reliable?
- They are rated Good, but the 2005 and 2006 verdicts are capped at Good rather than Best because NHTSA complaint records for those years are less complete.