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    GREEN CHOICE

    Hyundai Elantra

    EPA MPG: 33 mpg

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Elantra is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Hyundai Elantra owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "The tailgate stepup area is so badly discolored it looks like black mold and service says it can't be corrected, several friends have had the same issue."

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Unsure)

    "The original paint is chipping off in several areas. After 2 years the company or dealership has refused to fix the problem. I am currently awaiting for an appointment to be made."

    Anonymous, VA (2018 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)

    "A couple of years ago we had noticed some small areas of bubbling paint in different areas of the car. Then last fall (2024) a couple of very large areas of paint on the hood just completely peeled off. The local Hyundai dealer repainted the hood at no cost as it was covered under the warranty."

    Anonymous A., WI (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Clear Coat on top of regular paint is cracking and coming off"

    Anonymous, NC (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "after 2 years of ownership, paint above windshield started to peel and kept growing showing bear metal"

    Anonymous, AL (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "White paint chipping and cracking off"

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Left turn signal light went out. It took every guy at the repair shop to get the bulb out."

    Anonymous, NC (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Bad washer pump motor. Bad coil pack and plug."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "The "engine splash shield" came loose and dragged on the road. It had to be replaced."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited Unsure)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "Lock on exterior of door handle stopped working. Had to have the other doors exterior door handle lock replaced in the first year I had the car!"

    Anonymous, NC (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "It took several months andt the discoloratoon/staining just kept building up, I tried everthing to clean it but nothing worked and service said they didn't know how to correct it. A friend who had the same issue said he ripped this piece off because it was just plastic?"

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Unsure)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    "Started a year ago. Right rear brake light burned out. It continues to burn out every 3 or 4 months. Has been replaced 3 times and is not resolved."

    Anonymous, AZ (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other electrical system problem

    ""Front passenger seat airbag sensor malfunctioning. Sensor will go off even when there is nothing on the seat. Push button start would intermittently not work. Taken to dealership but they couldn't find issue despite internet research showing other models having same issue. Eventually, starter stopped working and was replaced.""

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition Unsure)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    ""After about 4 years , the ride became more unpleasant because of the suspension system. I live in a city with major pot holes. Also dangerous .""

    Anonymous, (2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Tie rods

    "Had to replace tbem"

    Anonymous, MI (2018 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "The car started burning oil at high rate at 52000 miles. Hyundai replaced the engine voluntarily (had an internal cylinder defect). That was great but the experience with the dealer repair department was not great. I have 2 Elantras (also a 2013) and they are overall pretty good cars. Their engines do not last as well as the Chevrolet or the Fords I own (I own a 2014 CHEVROLET Cruze and 2013 Ford Focus with similar mileage and those engine do not burn any oil, the 2013 Elantra is starting to burn oil). Probably go with Toyota next time"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other major engine problem

    "Uses excessive amount of oil."

    Anonymous A., (2018 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Occasional phone does connect to system"

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited Unsure)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor engine problem

    ""wife has complained that sometimes on Excelleration, like getting on freeway, the engine seems to hesitate""

    Anonymous A., ID (2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    ""The entire A/C system had to be replaced right after the warranty expired (60,000 miles).""

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Hyundai Elantra SE Unsure)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
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