2019 Hyundai Elantra Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
45/100
#12 most-complained of 21 Elantra years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra has a complaint index of 45, ranking 12th of 21 model years, with a Good verdict relative to other Elantra years. NHTSA lists 250 complaints, 1 recall, and 12 crashes tied to this year.
- Complaints
- 250
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 12 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 27 city / 36.5 hwy
Top 2019 Hyundai Elantra problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine136 (54%)
- Electrical System90 (36%)
- Other25 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (4%)
- Steering9 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (3%)
- Brakes6 (2%)
- Seat Belts6 (2%)
- Structure & Body5 (2%)
What owners report
- Steering wheel reportedly seized or locked up suddenly while driving, in one case leading to loss of control and a crash into trees.
- Brake pedal reportedly went to the floorboard and failed to stop the vehicle after a low-speed collision with an animal.
- Headlight assemblies reportedly failed on both driver and passenger sides, with owners told replacement parts were on back order.
- Owners reported the engine seizing entirely, in one case tied to NHTSA recall campaign 21V-301 for piston oil rings.
- Some owners reported unexpected safety system failures after a software update, including issues with forward collision warning and emergency braking not activating during a crash.
2019 Hyundai Elantra recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V301000Apr 28, 2021Engine158,493 vehicles
Engine
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
2019 Hyundai Elantra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 36.5 MPG
- Combined
- 30.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,150
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- Compared to other Elantra model years, 2019 ranks 12th of 21 with a complaint index of 45 and a Good verdict. It has fewer reported problems than higher-index years like 2013 (100) or 2017 (95).
- What problems does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are Engine (136 complaints, 54% share) and Electrical System (90 complaints, 36% share), including headlight and software-related issues.
- Does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have an engine recall?
- Yes. Recall 21V301000 covers 2019-2020 Elantra vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines where piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, and Hyundai will inspect and replace the engine if needed.
- What year Hyundai Elantra should I avoid?
- Based on complaint index, 2013 (100), 2017 (95), 2012 (90), and 2010 (85) rank worse than 2019 and carry Avoid verdicts, while 2019 carries a Good verdict.
- What is the median mileage for engine complaints on the 2019 Elantra?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 89,000 miles for Engine-related complaints on the 2019 Elantra.