How the 2019 compares
About average for the Elantra
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Elantra year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 89,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Elantra years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 252 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (137, 54% of complaints), followed by the lights, wipers and visibility and the electrical system. That ranks 9th of 13 Elantra years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 1 recall.
Complaints252filed with NHTSA
Recalls1for this model year
Crashes124 injuries reported
Fires3reported in complaints
4 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2019 Hyundai Elantra before you buy.
Engine and cooling
137 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 89,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
It was no incident. Car died and mechanic says engine is locked. Got oils changed everytime in a timely manner and this is a fairly new car. Please helpOwner complaint, filed 2026
I am reporting that there is not a recall but a factor warranty from the manufacture. Stating that the o ring in the 2019 hyundai elantra was not properly tempered. Which will cause the car to stall, rod bearing to break, and cause the car to set on fire. My report is that my 2019 hyundai elantra with 139,000 miles has did exactly that.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
67 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 39,000 miles. Parts named most: Headlights (6).
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Highbeam shutters stop working. When engaged the solenoid engages, the shutter attempts to activate (wobbles) but never does. The indicator inside also lights up despite the shuttee never opening.Owner complaint, filed 2026
During my state inspection it was noted that my high beams were not properly functioning. The garage tested my bulb and said it appeared to be a malfunction of the flap assembly in the headlamps. We checked online for information on how to proceed and noted a recall campaign T5G that was aimed at the exact problem we noted. I called our…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
37 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 11,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Headlight housing mechanism for high beam and low beam lights do not allow headlights to stay on high beam. Will not pass Massachusetts motor vehicle safety inspection.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Vehicle turned off while turning into an intersection, low power when on the highway. Alternator was already replaced several months ago. Safety was definitely put at risk, no lights were on the dashOwner complaint, filed 2024
Transmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart and…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 116,421 miles
I own a 2019 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition . 2.0L 1999CC L4. A few weeks ago we started with really cold/snowy weather and as I’m driving I’ve noticed weird knocking sound that sounds like a Ford F250 starting up. Today while stopped in traffic with the vehicle idling, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra cut off into the battery mode as if I just…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Driver assist systems
11 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Warnings (7).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
I was pulling into my driveway to do a 3 point turnaround and my cars forward collision warning came on, then the tire pressure light as well. There was nothing around me. I put the car in park shut it off and left it off. I figured if it the lights were still on and it wouldn’t move I’d call the dealership in the morning and have it…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Many times after only a few minutes of driving the blind spot warning ⚠️ light comes on that it is unable to report any vehicles in this area. This light will stay on preventing any vehicle warnings of approaching vehicles. This light will stay on the duration of my driving whether on interstate or highway. I have repeatedly ask during…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Steering
9 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The car is very hard to keep in a straight line going down the road. Constant inputs have to be given to keep the wheel at center as the wheel will not re-center after small inputs (I.e. changing lanes, gentle curves in road, etc.). I feel it is a safety hazardOwner complaint, filed 2023
The contact called on behalf of the driver of a 2019 hyundai elantra. While driving, the steering wheel seized. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into trees and a small abandoned home. The vehicle burst into flames. The driver was trapped inside the vehicle and burned to death. The fire department extinguished the fire.…Owner complaint, filed 2019
Brakes and stability control
6 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2019 hyundai elantra. While driving 53 MPH, a deer collided with the vehicle. While coasting over to the side of the median, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and failed to stop the vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact quickly engaged the emergency brake to stop…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 6,000 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rubbing sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 147,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
6 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The driver side seatbelt is pulled out and will not retract. Our safety is at risk every time we drive this vehicle as the seatbelt won't protect the driver from being flung into other passengers or prevent from being flung out of the vehicle. This issue has been confirmed by Walser Hyundai in Brooklyn Park, MN on 11/7/23. There were no…Owner complaint, filed 2023
4 year old was buckled into carseat, seat belt would not loosen for him to get out, seat belt was tightening against his t Stomach and daycare faculty had to cut him out Dealership cost will be 621.00 to repair. Not covered under warrantyOwner complaint, filed 2021
Wheels and tires
6 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Bridgestone Turanza Quiet Track Tires bought 2 April 2023, and 2 in July 2023 at Discount Tire.I has to replace all 4 today with than half (20,000) of the 80,000 mile tread wear. A ripoff and dangerous. I was notified by sales rep that Bridgestone knows these tires are not for the hot climate. I live in Conroe, Texas.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Hankook ventus s1 noble tires sized 225/40 r18 tires are cracking on the sidewall. I had a 2018 model of this same vehicle and it happened on those tires as well. I just noticed this last night on the 2019 model.Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 30,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
5 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rubbing sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 147,000 miles
Car got broken into, back window smashed. Ignition ripped out, someone tried stealing it, even though I got the recall fixed. try to steal vehicle with USB cord.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Fuel system
4 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
I was driving down a main highway, approaching a busy intersection preparing to turn left... I had a green light without a green arrow and had quite a bit of distance/time between myself and any approaching vehicle so I went ahead and proceeded. Just as I entered the intersection, all of the sudden my car stopped responding to my…Owner complaint, filed 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the dealer completed an unknown recall repair on the vehicle however, when she picked up the vehicle from the dealer and was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. Several warning lights including the check engine warning light were illuminated. The contact…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 20,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
4 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
My car was a total lost after car did not break, and instead the accelerator got stuck. My car went straight into a pole, causing the accident. Car was purchased 2 weeks prior, the dealer did not acknowledge it was a defect, and I lost my deposit of $7000.Owner complaint, filed 2024
My 2019 Elantra has stalled while in motion 5 separate times since 15 November 2022. My warranty claims are based on a defect in the vehicle’s material or workmanship that is covered by the Hyundai New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of 5 years from date of original retail delivery and 60,000 miles. Why I believe the problems are the…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Air bags
2 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
I hit a small center divider in a parking structure going about 1 MPH which hit under the car. The three front airbags deployed. There is no body damage to the front of the car so I don’t think that the airbags should have deployed. My local dealership can’t fix it and I have reached out to Hyundai USA and they are not responding.Owner complaint, filed 2022
Suspension
1 complaintClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The suspension on this vehicle is out of control. The vehicle jumps, and It moves from one side to another over any road bump. The car only has 60,000 miles and it shouldn't be doing that, it's unsafe and it can cause an accident.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Hyundai Elantra complaints by year
Compare the 2019 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2019 compact cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Hyundai Elantra | About average | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | About average | 5 |
| 2019 Honda Civic | About average | 4 |
| 2019 Mazda Mazda3 | One of the better years | 6 |
2019 Hyundai Elantra recalls
This is every recall issued for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.
Engine
- Risk
- A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2019 Hyundai Elantra questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
The most reported problem areas on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra are the engine and cooling (137 complaints), the lights, wipers and visibility (67 complaints) and the electrical system (37 complaints).
Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra a good year to buy?
About average for the Elantra. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Elantra year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 89,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Elantra years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The most recent, from Apr 2021, covers the engine. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2019 Hyundai Elantra problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 89,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the lights, wipers and visibility gave a mileage of about 39,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Hyundai Elantra years should I avoid?
The Elantra years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012, 2013 and 2017. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model