The Elantra's most significant documented problems are ABS-module fire recalls on 2007–2015 models, engine coverage for the 2.0L Nu engine (a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty on 2014–2016 GDI cars and a piston-ring recall on 2019–2020 models), and exploding seat belt pretensioners on 2021–2022 cars. The Elantra N has fuel pump and transmission recalls.
CarWhere lists 12 documented Elantra issues, including 10 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
MD/UD (2011–2016) Elantra problems
ABS module can leak and start a fire; park outside (recall 23V651) (2011–2015 Elantra, 2013–2015 Elantra Coupe)
Safety recall- Generation:
- MD/UD (2011–2016)
- Years:
- 2011–2015 Elantra, 2013–2015 Elantra Coupe
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short-circuit, which can start an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Dealers replace the ABS fuse, free of charge, and owners were told to park outside until then. The 1,649,478-vehicle count covers the whole campaign, one of Hyundai's largest, spanning many models.
Symptoms
- ABS warning light
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Until the repair is confirmed, follow the recall advice to park outside and away from buildings
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V651 (2023-09-22) · 1,649,478 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1]
2.0L Nu GDI Elantra: 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty (2014–2016 Elantra, 2014 Elantra Coupe)
Major repair- Generation:
- MD/UD (2011–2016)
- Years:
- 2014–2016 Elantra, 2014 Elantra Coupe
The Engine II class settlement (judgment entered April 26, 2024) covers 2014–2016 Elantras and the 2014 Elantra Coupe with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine. It extends the powertrain warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles from original delivery for engine damage caused by connecting rod bearing failure, provided the free Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update was installed before any failure.
Symptoms
- Engine knock that rises with rpm
- Flashing check-engine light with reduced power
Check before buying
- Confirm Service Campaign 953 or 966 (KSDS) is completed
- Check the original delivery date to see how much coverage remains
- Have a dealer evaluate any engine noise
Sources: [3][4]
Driver air bag inflator may rupture (recall 26V307) (2015–2016 Elantra, 2016 Elantra GT)
Safety recall- Generation:
- MD/UD (2011–2016)
- Years:
- 2015–2016 Elantra, 2016 Elantra GT
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The driver's air bag inflator can rupture when it deploys and send sharp metal fragments toward the driver and passengers. Dealers inspect and replace the inflator as needed, free of charge; interim letters went out in July 2026, with the final remedy expected from August 2026.
Symptoms
- No warning signs before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask whether the final inflator remedy is available and completed
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V307 (2026-05-15) · 3,493 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12]
Brake pedal stopper pad can wear and keep brake lights on (recall 17V769) (2013–2014 (sedan, coupe and GT))
Safety recall- Generation:
- MD/UD (2011–2016)
- Years:
- 2013–2014 (sedan, coupe and GT)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The brake pedal stopper pad can break down, leaving the brake-light switch plunger extended. The brake lights can then stay on all the time, the shifter can be moved out of Park without pressing the brake, and the engine's brake-override feature can kick in. Dealers replace the stopper pad, free of charge. This campaign expanded recall 16V574.
Symptoms
- Brake lights stay on with the pedal released
- Shifter moves out of Park without pressing the brake
- Cruise control will not engage
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 17V769 (2017-11-30) · 390,467 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13]
Turn-key Elantra models need the free anti-theft software upgrade (campaign 993) (2011–2022)
Moderate- Generation:
- MD/UD (2011–2016), AD (2017–2020) and CN7 (2021–present)
- Years:
- 2011–2022
- Powertrain:
- All engines with a turn-key ignition and no engine immobilizer
Hyundai offers a free anti-theft software upgrade, service campaign 993, for 2011–2022 Hyundai models built with a traditional turn-key ignition and no engine immobilizer, after a theft method spread on social media. Once installed, locking the doors with the key fob arms the factory alarm and an ignition-kill feature, so the car cannot be started that way. Hyundai says vehicles with push-button start, or built after November 2021, already have an immobilizer and are not affected. A Elantra with a turn-key ignition from these years may qualify; the VIN check settles it.
Symptoms
- Vehicle starts with a mechanical key in a turn-key ignition (no push-button start)
- No record of campaign 993 in the service history
Check before buying
- Enter the VIN on Hyundai's campaign 993 site (autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign993) to see whether the upgrade applies and is done
- Confirm the alarm and ignition-kill feature arm when you lock the doors with the fob
- Ask a Hyundai dealer to install the upgrade if it is still open; it is free
Sources: [14][15][16]
CN7 (2021–present) Elantra problems
Front seat belt pretensioners may explode in a crash (recall 22V354) (2021–2022 (including Elantra Hybrid))
Safety recall- Generation:
- CN7 (2021–present)
- Years:
- 2021–2022 (including Elantra Hybrid)
- Powertrain:
- All
When they deploy in a crash, the front seat belt pretensioners can explode and throw metal fragments into the cabin. Dealers fit a cap over the pretensioners, free of charge. This campaign expanded and replaced earlier recalls 21V796, 22V069, 22V218 and 22V123. The 230,233-vehicle count also covers the Accent.
Symptoms
- No warning signs before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- If earlier pretensioner work was done, confirm 22V354 is also recorded
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V354 (2022-05-19) · 230,233 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6][7]
Elantra Hybrid software can cause unintended acceleration (recall 23V589) (2021–2023 (Elantra Hybrid))
Safety recall- Generation:
- CN7 (2021–present)
- Years:
- 2021–2023 (Elantra Hybrid)
- Powertrain:
- Hybrid
A software error in the motor control unit can make the car accelerate unexpectedly after the brake pedal is released. Dealers update the motor control software, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Car creeps or surges after releasing the brake
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V589 (2023-08-18) · 37,997 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8]
Elantra Hybrid power control unit may overheat (recall 26V308) (2024–2026 (Elantra Hybrid))
Safety recall- Generation:
- CN7 (2021–present)
- Years:
- 2024–2026 (Elantra Hybrid)
- Powertrain:
- Hybrid
The hybrid power control unit (HPCU) can overheat, which raises the risk of a fire. Dealers update the HPCU software, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Hybrid system warning light
- Reduced power
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V308 (2026-05-15) · 54,337 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9]
Elantra N fuel pump may fail (recall 24V528) (2022–2023 (Elantra N))
Safety recall- Generation:
- CN7 (2021–present)
- Years:
- 2022–2023 (Elantra N)
- Powertrain:
- Elantra N (engine not specified in the recall)
The fuel pump may fail, which can cut drive power. Dealers update the engine control software and inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly as needed, free of charge. The 54,647-vehicle count covers the whole campaign, which also includes the Veloster N, Kona N and Genesis G70.
Symptoms
- Hesitation or loss of power under load
- Stalling or hard starting
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 24V528 (2024-07-12) · 54,647 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10]
Elantra N transmission fail-safe may not work (recall 22V746) (2022 (Elantra N))
Safety recall- Generation:
- CN7 (2021–present)
- Years:
- 2022 (Elantra N)
- Powertrain:
- Elantra N (engine not specified in the recall)
If the transmission oil pump malfunctions, the limited-mobility 'fail-safe' drive mode may not work, which can cause a complete loss of drive power. Dealers inspect and replace the transmission as needed and update its control software, free of charge. The 56,148-vehicle count covers several Hyundai N and turbo models.
Symptoms
- Transmission warning light
- Sudden loss of drive
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V746 (2022-10-06) · 56,148 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [11]