Hyundai Elantra 2017–2020 problems by year and mileage
6th generation · AD
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,558 complaints, 505 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 44,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 768
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Engine290 reports · median 49,000 mi
- Body structure134 reports · median 58,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise131 reports · median 38,000 mi
Recall areas Steering — electric power assist system · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist · Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 27,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 284
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2018
- Engine142 reports · median 38,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise54 reports
- Electrical system43 reports
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 50,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 252
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2019
- Engine134 reports
- Exterior lighting65 reports
- Electrical system37 reports
Recall areas Engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 10,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 254
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2020
- Engine109 reports · median 32,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline47 reports
- Exterior lighting28 reports
Recall areas Engine · Suspension — front · Wheels — lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2019; earliest: the 2020, and the 2019 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 39,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 106,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 505
- Recalls
- 7
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Engine43.3% of complaints · median 48,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise15.1% of complaints · median 34,000 mi
- Electrical system14.1% of complaints · median 40,000 mi
Owners filed 1,558 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra; the engine leads with 43.3% of them, and half of the 505 that record an odometer reading came by 39,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 10,000 to 70,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra last?
On the 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra, half of the 505 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 39,000 miles and 90% by 106,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
11 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 2 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Elantra reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Hyundai Elantra 2017–2020 · 505 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 121 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 2 complaints (0.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 2,000
- 25%
- 10,000
- Median
- 39,000
- 75%
- 70,000
- 90%
- 106,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 121 | 24.0% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 50 | 9.9% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 30 | 5.9% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 56 | 11.1% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 39 | 7.7% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 36 | 7.1% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 34 | 6.7% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 34 | 6.7% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 21 | 4.2% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 17 | 3.4% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 25 | 5.0% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 13 | 2.6% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 4 | 0.8% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 8 | 1.6% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 6 | 1.2% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 2 | 0.4% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 4 | 0.8% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 2 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 2 | 0.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Elantra problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Hyundai Elantra 2017–2020
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Transmission and driveline144 reportsmedian 21,000middle half 3,000–74,000
- Steering116 reportsmedian 22,000middle half 5,000–60,000
- Problems owners could not categorise236 reportsmedian 34,000middle half 16,000–70,000
- Exterior lighting132 reportsmedian 35,000middle half 10,000–57,000
- Electrical system219 reportsmedian 40,000middle half 12,000–65,000
- Engine675 reportsmedian 48,000middle half 18,000–85,000
- Body structure159 reportsmedian 54,000middle half 36,000–77,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 675 | 43.3% | 48,000 | 18,000–85,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 236 | 15.1% | 34,000 | 16,000–70,000 |
| Electrical system | 219 | 14.1% | 40,000 | 12,000–65,000 |
| Body structure | 159 | 10.2% | 54,000 | 36,000–77,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 144 | 9.2% | 21,000 | 3,000–74,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 132 | 8.5% | 35,000 | 10,000–57,000 |
| Steering | 116 | 7.4% | 22,000 | 5,000–60,000 |
| Brakes | 77 | 4.9% | 20,000 | 10,000–44,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 58 | 3.7% | 28,000 | 4,000–58,000 |
| Latches and locks | 56 | 3.6% | 70,000 | 45,000–92,000 |
Known problems with the 2017–2020 Elantra
Engine 2017–2020
Nu 2.0L connecting-rod bearing failure leading to knocking, engine seizure, stalling and in some cases engine-compartment fire; addressed through recalls and the Hyundai/Kia engine settlement with knock-sensor detection software and coverage extended to 15 years/150,000 miles.
Transmission 2017–2018
7-speed dual-clutch transmission shudder, hesitation from a stop and clutch actuator faults on the 1.4T and 1.6T trims.
Anti-theft 2017–2020
Key-start trims lack an engine immobilizer, enabling the widely publicized USB-key theft method.
Before you buy a 2017–2020 Elantra: the 3-minute check
Generated from 505 mileage-tagged complaints, 7 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2017–2020 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check transmission on 2017–2018 cars.
- Check anti-theft on 2017–2020 key–start trims cars.
- Years differ here: from 252 to 768 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Elantra problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi66% below | At 90k mi83% below | At 120k mi94% below | At 150k mi98% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 18,000–85,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 16,000–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 12,000–65,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 36,000–77,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 3,000–74,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 10,000–57,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 5,000–60,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Hyundai Elantra 2017–2020 · 505 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 66% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 83% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 94% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls (7)
NHTSA records 7 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (2), the engine (1), the suspension (1) (why one area can repeat).
Apr 2021 · 2019–2020 · EngineA damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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…
Oct 2019 · 2020 · SuspensionA detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Elantra vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened allowing the ball joint to detach from the lower control arm.
What can happen. A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the ball joint fasteners, free of charge. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer…
Oct 2019 · 2020 · WheelsA wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
What can happen. A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten the lug nuts, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at…
Mar 2017 · 2017 · SteeringLoss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
What can happen. Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766.…
Jan 2017 · 2017 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
What can happen. A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at…
Dec 2016 · 2017 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at…
Apr 2016 · 2017 · Air BagsAn air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured…
What can happen. An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,558 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 82 (5.3%)
- Fires
- 22
- Injury reports
- 40
- Fatality reports
- 3
Elantra problems by model year
The 2017 drew the most complaints of this generation, 768, most of them about the engine, and the 2019 the fewest, 252. A typical year drew about 269.
That makes the 2017 stand out at roughly 2.9 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 768 | 281 | 44,000† | Engine (290) | 4 |
| 2018 | 284 | 91 | 27,000† | Engine (142) | 0 |
| 2019 | 252 | 57 | 50,000† | Engine (134) | 1 |
| 2020 | 254 | 76 | 10,000 | Engine (109) | 3 |
What Elantra owners reported
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 99,546, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the title mileage was 99,498. A Carfax report was…
2017 · 180,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) as a potential cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle…
2020 · 102,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 35-40 MPH on a bridge, the engine made a loud banging and knocking sound, and the vehicle stalled. The driver shifted into neutral, coasted down the bridge with the engine off, and pulled over to the side of the road. The…
2019 · 120,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted but unexpectedly stalled. The vehicle was taken…
2020 · 47,000 miles · Engine
Built from 505 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Elantra generations
- Elantra 1996–2000 163 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Elantra 2001–2006 952 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Elantra 2007–2010 940 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- Elantra 2011–2016 1,973 reports with mileage, most about the engine