Hyundai Elantra recalls and complaints by year
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Hyundai Elantra, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Hyundai Elantra. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Hyundai Elantra, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1992–2025 with 99 recall campaigns and 11598 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 2008 (7), 2021 (6), and 2007 (6).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 2013 (1824), 2017 (1023), and 2012 (904).
- Top recall themes: Airbags, Brakes, and Fuel and emissions.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Engine, Steering, Air bags.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Airbags
12 campaigns · Years: 1994–1995, 2001–2002, 2004–2005, 2007–2009, 2017, 2022–2023These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.
Brakes
9 campaigns · Years: 2001–2003, 2007–2015, 2017These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
Fuel and emissions
9 campaigns · Years: 1996–1997, 2002–2004, 2008, 2024These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Seats and restraints
6 campaigns · Years: 2015–2016, 2021–2022These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Steering and suspension
6 campaigns · Years: 2001–2003, 2005, 2008–2011, 2017, 2020These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
Electrical
3 campaigns · Years: 1994, 1999–2000, 2011–2012These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
Other
3 campaigns · Years: 2011–2012, 2020–2022These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.
Visibility and lighting
3 campaigns · Years: 1996–1997, 2005–2007, 2021These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Hyundai Elantra in NHTSA complaint data are Engine, Steering, Air bags.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 12 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Lane departure: warning, Lane departure: assist, Engine. |
| 2024 | 1 | 72 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance: warnings. |
| 2023 | 2 | 120 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking. |
| 2022 | 5 | 115 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance: warnings. |
| 2021 | 6 | 189 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Forward collision avoidance: warnings, Electrical system, Seat belts. |
| 2020 | 3 | 267 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Exterior lighting. |
| 2019 | 1 | 287 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Exterior lighting, Electrical system. |
| 2018 | 0 | 371 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Power train. |
| 2017 | 4 | 1023 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Structure:body, Electrical system. |
| 2016 | 1 | 362 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Air bags. |
| 2015 | 2 | 337 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Service brakes, Service brakes, hydraulic. |
| 2014 | 2 | 538 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulic. |
| 2013 | 4 | 1824 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Engine, Air bags. |
| 2012 | 4 | 904 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Air bags, Electrical system. |
| 2011 | 5 | 585 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Air bags, Steering. |
| 2010 | 3 | 492 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Electrical system, Air bags. |
| 2009 | 4 | 312 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Air bags, Electrical system. |
| 2008 | 7 | 419 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Air bags, Fuel system, gasoline. |
| 2007 | 6 | 363 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Visibility/wiper, Air bags, Steering. |
| 2006 | 1 | 209 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Exterior lighting, Service brakes. |
| 2005 | 4 | 177 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Air bags:frontal. |
| 2004 | 5 | 209 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module, Air bags:frontal. |
| 2003 | 5 | 310 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Air bags, Air bags:frontal. |
| 2002 | 6 | 431 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Suspension:front:control arm, Suspension. |
| 2001 | 6 | 445 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Air bags:frontal, Suspension. |
| 2000 | 1 | 259 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Visibility:power window devices and controls. |
| 1999 | 2 | 183 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal, Electrical system. |
| 1998 | 0 | 75 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal. |
| 1997 | 3 | 196 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal, Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. |
| 1996 | 3 | 138 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal. |
| 1995 | 1 | 179 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags. |
| 1994 | 2 | 110 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Structure:body:door, Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator. |
| 1993 | 0 | 39 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor. |
| 1992 | 0 | 46 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Electrical system:ignition. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Air bags , Service brakes and Fuel system
Other Hyundai Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Hyundai models.
- Accent 1995–2027
- Azera 2006–2018
- Elantra GT 2017–2020
- Elantra N 2022–2027
- Elantra Touring 2010–2010
- Entourage 2006–2014
- Equus 2011–2016
- Excel 1986–1994
- Genesis 2009–2016
- Genesis Coupe 2010–2016
- Ioniq 2017–2022
- Ioniq 5 2022–2027
- Ioniq 5 N 2025–2027
- Ioniq 6 2023–2027
- Ioniq 9 2026–2027
- Kona 2018–2027
- Kona N 2022–2027
- Nexo 2019–2027
- Palisade 2020–2027
- Santa Cruz 2022–2027
- Santa Fe 2001–2027
- Santa Fe Sport 2013–2018
- Santa Fe XL 2019–2027
- Scoupe 1991–1995
- Sonata 1989–2027
- Tiburon 1997–2008
- Tucson 2005–2027
- Veloster 2012–2021
- Veloster N 2019–2022
- Venue 2020–2027
- Veracruz 2007–2013
- Xcient 2023–2027
- XG300 2001–2001
- XG350 2002–2005
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.