Popular since the start and highly reliable according to the ratings, the Hyundai Elantra is one of the most popular options in the midsize sedan class. It is known for its appreciable ride quality and has a comprehensive warranty package, which makes it an ideal pick for family buyers. The 2015 iteration covers various technology and safety features that increase according to the various trims. In terms of reliability, the 2015 Hyundai Elantra official has 0 recalls, 1 open investigation, and 128 complaints received. Its engine has received most of the complaints that state various problems, mainly with the engine making knocking/ticking sounds while driving or even starting. Other problems include the service brakes, airbags, electrical system, steering, and so on. The 2015 Elantra faces competition against the Nissan Sentra, the Ford Focus, and the Honda Accord. On paper, the car seems reliable and safe, but is the car really safe? Is it even reliable on the road? Let’s find out according to the complaints received.
2015 Hyundai Elantra User Problems and Complaints
Mechanical problems
- Engine Noises: Common complaints received for the Hyundai Elantra were with the engine making ticking and knocking noises, which usually start when the car is being started or while driving or when the car has fully come to a stop. Additionally, there are some other complaints that buyers have made furthermore for reasons like, smoke appearing from the hood, the engine failing to start, and the engine accelerating suddenly for no reason.
- Service brake issues: Brake caliper was a common issue, wherein buyers have reported the component breaking apart. Additionally, the brake lights fail to illuminate when the pedal is depressed or the brake lights remain illuminated even after disengaging the brakes or when the car is shut down.
- The steering wheel sticking: A common issue noticed in the steering department was the steering of the car being unable to turn left or right with force applied. As a result, the additional force results in oversteering, which requires constant correction. Some users claimed that the steering would oddly skip or stick sometimes, causing distress in staying in a straight line or being unable to turn properly.
- Powertrain issues: Failure of shifting gears, failure of acceleration resulting in a change of engine and transmission, and stalling due to incorrect gear changing were the common issues that buyers of the 2015 Hyundai Elantra had reported about its powertrain.
- Bent suspension: Poor handling and excessive tire wear would result in the suspension of the car making noises and even sometimes being bent. This results in a change in the height and the performance of the sedan, increasing the chances of risk of a crash or accident.
- Tire blowoff: Users claimed that the tires of the sedan were weak and would sometimes be flat or even potentially cause a blowout, which would be a concern especially while driving.
Electrical problems
- Electrical system issue: As explained with the service brakes, the common issue was the brake lights being on even after turning off the car. Other electrical system complaints made by the buyers range from the lane changing indications malfunctioning to issues with the wipers and air blowers switching due to heavy rain, which would require the car to warm up for the wipers and air blowers to work.
- Vehicle speed control: The 2015 Hyundai Elantra acceleration problems have three distinct causes. These deal with the vehicle’s hesitation when accelerating from a stop, the vehicle picking speed without any input from the driver, and also the unexpected stalling of the engine. All these issues have been common recurrences in the current iteration.
Safety problems
- Airbag deployment: Among the 2015 Hyundai Elantra problems, buyers have reported the failure of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash. Whether or not any occupants have been injured is yet not known, however, such a malfunction can result in hazardous situations.
Other problems
- Structural issues: For some users, the sunroof of the 2015 Elantra has been a major cause of concern. Complainants have reported the sunroof failing to close completely, while some others have recorded an explosion without any impact or incidence. Additionally, another structural issue noted by the buyers relates to the paint of the sedan peeling from the hood and other parts of the vehicle’s body.
Should you buy the 2015 Hyundai Elantra
After looking at the complaints and 1 investigation that is currently open, it is safe to say that the 2015 Hyundai Elantra is average in reliability and safety. NHTSA has officially given the car 5 stars in the overall safety rating and when compared to the competitors, the Korean sedan manages fewer listed issues. Additionally, it also has decent space, comfort, and performance for the price range and also offers good warranty coverage. So, by managing impeccable rankings, the Hyundai Elantra falls highly in its class.
