VehicleVerdict

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 73 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.7 times the median Elantra GT year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 8 Elantra GT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 28 reports (38% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

73

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Elantra GT years?

Elantra GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted73 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 30 complaints2018: 73 complaints2019: 17 complaints2020: 9 complaints
Elantra GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Elantra GT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2838%
Driver Assistance1014%
Other710%
Transmission57%
Brakes45%
Electrical System45%
Fuel System45%
Tires & Wheels34%
Lighting34%
Speed Control23%
Steering11%
Suspension11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V891000Visibility & WipersDecember 14, 2018 · 86 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.

Consequence

If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 179.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“It uses a lot of oil with no visible leak or reason. I put new oil in all the time. All the time! For two years since buying it used. Warning light does not come on till it's out. Car is hot, of course, and stops running in the middle of the road. I see there is a recall on some elantras for oil…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 2, 2025

“when moving during heavy traffic the car, when braking, will suddenly stop or stop heavily at slow speeds. this causes passengers to be jolted as well as following cars. possible rear end collision is the effect as well. passenger safety of accident is a concern. no warning or indication has been…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 2, 2024

“when i was in the rear seat and closed left side door, i found myself stuck. the window would not go down from switch as well so i could not use outside handle for exit. after climbing to other side of backseat with my physical impairment (difficult in tight space backseat) i exited and checked…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 8, 2024

“The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated on one occasion, while driving the transmission locked up at two stop lights while in neutral (N) and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. Additionally, the contact stated that while powered off, and being towed in Neutral (N) by…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2023 · fire

“18000 MILES ON THE CAR STARTED HEARING AIR COME FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS FAULTY NO RECALL ON THE 2018 ELANTRA GT BUT THERE IS ON THE 2017. CAR LOOSING POWER AND SLIPPING TRANSMISSION. DEALER WAS PLANNING TO CHARGE FOR THE INSPECTION OF A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 22, 2019

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT — common questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 73 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 8 Elantra GT years. It is one of the Elantra GT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Elantra GT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (28 complaints), driver assistance (10 complaints), other (7 complaints).

Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Elantra GT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Elantra GT years to avoid are 2018, 2017. The cleanest record among Elantra GT years belongs to 2015.

How safe is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.