2019 Hyundai Elantra Problems And Complaints

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Rating6.1

Ranked #11 in 

Compact Sedan
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$17,200 - $23,700
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2019 Hyundai Elantra

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Disliked by Users

  • T

    Thomas

    18/06/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... labor could have been saved if I had chosen a different manufacturer that did not try to nickle and dime their customers. For all the money spent on legal settlements, they could have just slightly raised the MSRP and added an engine immobilizer. If it hadn't been for the settlement, new buyers would still be paying $170 for practically the same software "upgrade."Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • K

    kp

    15/02/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    Don't buy this car unless you want to spend $650 additional dollars at dealer to fix ignition issue where key does not have chip. Car and easily be stolen and insurance will not sure this car.

    Source: edmunds

  • D

    Daqvnd

    04/08/2022

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... the gas door wont open so it’ll need to be serviced for that. In addition, my radio will come on randomly while driving. Sometimes the display screen is black when starting the car and I have to turn the car off and open the door and restart the engine to make it come back on. Of course when taking to hyundai dealership the standard answer is “we are not able to replicate your problem. Save yourselfRead More

    Source: edmunds

2019 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

204

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 7, 2024

As a manufacturer Hyundai strives toward better reliability standards for the vehicles. However, the Hyundai Elantra does not follow this trend. The Hyundai Elantra offers a practical and comfortable drive but lacks reliability. The sedan comes across a few major concerns. These issues with the car range from brake failures to diminished headlights. Hyundai aftersales show a drop in the quality standards of the services offered. Records for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra reports 63 complaints and 1 recall. The car carries a safety concern for side-impact crashing. Furthermore, the sedan receives a 4-star safety rating. The Elantra rivals the Honda Civic, the Kia Forte, and the Toyota Corolla in the compact sedan segment. 

User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

  • Brakes - Brake system complaints are common with the Jeep Compass. These issues include brake grinding, braking failure, and brake lock-ups. These braking problems increase the chances of a crash.
  • Engine - Users report instances of engine knocking and white smoke from the engine compartment. This progresses to engine stalling. Few users report separation and ejection of the piston rod from the engine. This becomes a road hazard. The engine issues with the Hyundai Elantra increase the risks of injury and crashing. 
  • Steering - Power steering failure is common with the sedan. This leads to a loss of steering functionality. Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of crashing.
  • Powertrain - Users report gear slipping and grinding with the Hyundai Elantra. Few cases also report slipping of the rear axle. These issues can increase the risk of crashing. Powertrain issues are time-consuming and demanding to fix.

Electrical Problems 

  • Driver aids - Driver aid issues are common with the Hyundai Elantra users. These issues include Auto Emergency braking and lane-keep assist malfunctions. Few cases also report cruise control malfunctions. These driver aid defects increase the chances of a crash.
  • Headlights - User complaints report dimmed headlights illumination. The high beam headlights too do not function as intended. This compromises the driver’s vision in the dark. Low illumination increases the chances of crashing. 
  • Battery - Parasitic battery drain is a common issue with the sedan. Users report instances of rapid battery drain without any warnings. A sudden loss of drive power increases the chances of crashing. 
  • Instrumentation cluster - The IC of the sedan is prone to intermittent flashing of all the warning lights. Few cases also report blacking out of the IC cluster. Either of these issues can distract the driver and increase the chances of crashing.

Recalls 

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1

April 28, 

2021

21V301000

Improperly heat-treated piston oil rings.

A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

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 on August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

Should you buy the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?

The Hyundai Elantra offers a comfortable and practical sedan experience. However, the sedan comes across major reliability concerns. The issues with the sedan range from brake failures to dimmed headlights. Additionally, the sedan carries a safety concern for rear door structural integrity. Hyundai aftersales show a drop in service standards offered to the customers. Users report unavailability of recalled parts delaying vehicle recalls. The sedan receives a 4-star NHTSA safety rating. We recommend potential buyers thoroughly inspect the vehicle history before making the purchase. We recommend buyers to go ahead with options like the Honda Civic or the Kia Forte over the Hyundai Elantra. 

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

September 17, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11688002

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11688002

Incident Date:
September 17, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KMHD84LF6KU

Consumer Location:
NEW BERN, NC

Summary
My high beam lights have malfunctioned and no longer work. The light on the dash states that my headlight...

September 10, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11686309

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11686309

Incident Date:
September 10, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KMHD84LF5KU

Consumer Location:
HOUSTON, TX

Summary
In or about December/2022, I had made numerous attempts to fix my vehicle's engine. It kept stalling on t...

September 6, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11685492

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11685492

Incident Date:
September 6, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPD84LF8KH

Consumer Location:
ARLINGTON, TX

Summary
I've replaced the headlights 4 times and the daytime running lights 20 times! Bought and installed 2 enti...

September 4, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11685047

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11685047

Incident Date:
September 4, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KMHD84LF2KU

Consumer Location:
PENSACOLA, FL

Summary
The Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software malfunctioned by failing to detect abnormal vibrations ...

August 29, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11683822

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11683822

Incident Date:
August 29, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPD74LF7KH

Consumer Location:
AUGUSTA, GA

Summary
The component that failed was the pistons in my engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Se which I see is on re...

86/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

82/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

76/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

71/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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