VehicleVerdict

2019 Hyundai Elantra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 322 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Elantra year — the 2019 model ranks #15 of 37 Elantra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 126 reports (39% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

322

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

8

Injuries

1

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Elantra years?

Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted1,858 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 46 complaints1993: 39 complaints1994: 110 complaints1995: 179 complaints1996: 138 complaints1997: 196 complaints1998: 75 complaints1999: 183 complaints2000: 259 complaints2001: 445 complaints2002: 431 complaints2003: 310 complaints2004: 209 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 209 complaints2007: 365 complaints2008: 424 complaints2009: 316 complaints2010: 501 complaints2011: 588 complaints2012: 917 complaints2013: 1,858 complaints2014: 548 complaints2015: 352 complaints2016: 387 complaints2017: 1,070 complaints2018: 397 complaints2019: 322 complaints2020: 324 complaints2021: 213 complaints2022: 135 complaints2023: 146 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Elantra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Elantra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine12639%
Lighting6520%
Electrical System3912%
Other258%
Driver Assistance113%
Transmission113%
Steering93%
Brakes62%
Tires & Wheels62%
Seat Belts62%
Speed Control41%
Fuel System41%
Body & Structure31%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Latches & Locks21%
Airbags21%
Suspension10%

Does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

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

21V301000EngineApril 28, 2021 · 158,493 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Engine failure believed to be related to NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V-301. Vehicle had no warning lights on message. Vehicle turned off while driving and steering wheel became stuck and vehicle jerked off road, I turned vehicle back on and it sounded like a truck and would not move again.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 7, 2022 · crash

“The driver and passenger headlight has been replaced and the bulbs but the headlights keep going out was told it is an electrical problem and contact manufacturer. Also emergency braking did not work in recent accident nor did forward collision warning.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 25, 2025 · crash

“Engine failure believed to be related to NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V-301. Vehicle had no warning lights on message. Vehicle turned off while driving and steering wheel became stuck and vehicle jerked off road, I turned vehicle back on and it sounded like a truck and would not move again.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 7, 2022 · crash

“The brake system of my vehicle failed completely when I was attempting to reduce my speed and exit the freeway. I exited through a red light and hit the light pole at freeway speed. Seconds later the cars to my right hit my car causing it to flip over. People involved in the collision got off to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 6, 2021 · crash

“The driver and passenger headlight has been replaced and the bulbs but the headlights keep going out was told it is an electrical problem and contact manufacturer. Also emergency braking did not work in recent accident nor did forward collision warning.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 25, 2025 · crash

2019 Hyundai Elantra — common questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 322 complaints put the 2019 model at #15 of 37 Elantra years. It is one of the Elantra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Elantra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (126 complaints), lighting (65 complaints), electrical system (39 complaints).

Does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Elantra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Elantra years to avoid are 2013, 2017, 2012, 2011, 2014, 2010, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2016, 2007, 2015, 2020, 2019, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1993. The cleanest record among Elantra years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra 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.