YearToAvoid

2018 Hyundai Elantra Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 15 brake complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, 5% of its 282 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 22,550 miles. There are no related brake recalls on file. One crash and one fire were reported in this category.

Brakes complaints
15
5% of 282
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
22,550 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Brake pedal loses stopping power during sudden hard braking, with drivers reporting the vehicle would not stop even with the pedal pressed to the floor.
  • Brake pedal flutters and produces a loud noise when pressed, sometimes with intermittent loss of braking.
  • Brakes feel spongy or soft, requiring the pedal to be pumped two or three times before braking feels normal again.
  • Vehicle skids or the wheels lose stability during sudden stops at highway speed, with the brake pedal becoming unusually firm.
  • Owners report front and rear brake failure diagnosed by a shop, sometimes tied to rotors needing resurfacing.
  • Brakes emit a burning smell along with popping noises from the steering wheel during turns.

When 2018 Hyundai Elantra brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 23, 2018, latest May 1, 2026.

2018 Hyundai Elantra brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2018Jul 2019Oct 2019Dec 2020May 2022Mar 2024Oct 2025
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2018 to May 2026; peak Oct 2025 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes complaints by Elantra model year

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

  1. 201051 (13%)
  2. 201175 (17%)
  3. 2012131 (20%)
  4. 2013315 (24%)
  5. 201498 (26%)
  6. 201555 (21%)
  7. 201619 (7%)
  8. 201753 (7%)
  9. 201815 (5%)
  10. 20196 (2%)
  11. 202015 (6%)
  12. 20218 (6%)
  13. 20228 (8%)
  14. 20239 (9%)
  15. 20243 (6%)
  16. 20252 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA lists 15 brake complaints for the 2018 Elantra, which is 5% of the 282 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
No. The data shows no related recalls listed for brakes on the 2018 Elantra.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2018 Elantra?
The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2018 Elantra is 22,550 miles.
Did the 2018 Elantra's brake problems cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 fire associated with brake complaints for the 2018 Elantra, with 0 injuries reported.
How does the 2018 Elantra compare to other years for brake complaints?
The 2018 Elantra's brake complaint share is 5%, lower than years like 2013 at 24% and 2014 at 26%, but similar to 2019 at 2% and 2020 at 6%.

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.