How common are engine problems in the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?

NHTSA lists 150 engine complaints for the 2018 Elantra, which is 53% of all 282 complaints filed for that model year, the highest engine share of any Elantra year in the data.

Is there a recall for 2018 Hyundai Elantra engine problems?

No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for the 2018 Elantra's engine complaints.

At what mileage do 2018 Elantra engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2018 Elantra is 38,000 miles.

Have engine problems in the 2018 Elantra led to fires or crashes?

NHTSA data for this engine complaint set includes 7 fires, 3 crashes, and 1 injury among the 150 complaints.

Is the 2018 Elantra worse than other Elantra years for engine issues?

Yes, relative to other Elantra model years, 2018's engine complaint share of 53% is the highest, compared to 40% in 2017 and 47% in 2019.

2018 Hyundai Elantra Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 150 of 282 total complaints (53%) for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, the highest share of any model year. Owners report stalling, seizing, and engine fires, with a median failure mileage of 38,000. No related recall is listed in NHTSA data.

Engine complaints: 150; 53% of 282
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 7
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 38,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine stalls or seizes suddenly while driving, sometimes accompanied by smoke, with no prior warning light.
Engine compartment fires occur while driving or while the vehicle is parked and turned off, in some cases totaling the car.
Owners report unexplained oil loss between changes, with the low-oil and low-tire warning lights illuminating before a stall.
Sudden loss of acceleration or a fail-safe mode that limits speed and prevents passing, described as a near-crash hazard.
An 'engine overheated' warning appears along with stalling, later traced by a dealer to a transmission fluid leak.
Loud engine or exhaust noise develops over several days, in one case traced to a failed weld in the exhaust piping.

When 2018 Hyundai Elantra engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 22, 2018, latest Aug 24, 2026.

150 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q4 (12).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Elantra model year

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

201040 (11%)
2011109 (25%)
2012161 (25%)
2013271 (21%)
2014180 (47%)
2015105 (40%)
2016123 (42%)
2017303 (40%)
2018150 (53%)
2019136 (54%)
2020117 (47%)
202125 (19%)
202213 (13%)
202322 (22%)
202413 (24%)
20254 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?: NHTSA lists 150 engine complaints for the 2018 Elantra, which is 53% of all 282 complaints filed for that model year, the highest engine share of any Elantra year in the data.
Is there a recall for 2018 Hyundai Elantra engine problems?: No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for the 2018 Elantra's engine complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 Elantra engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2018 Elantra is 38,000 miles.
Have engine problems in the 2018 Elantra led to fires or crashes?: NHTSA data for this engine complaint set includes 7 fires, 3 crashes, and 1 injury among the 150 complaints.
Is the 2018 Elantra worse than other Elantra years for engine issues?: Yes, relative to other Elantra model years, 2018's engine complaint share of 53% is the highest, compared to 40% in 2017 and 47% in 2019.