Most common 2019 Hyundai Elantra problems
Share of the 266 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Elantra complaints by model year
Best Elantra years: 2025. Years to avoid: 2013, 2017, 2012, 2018, 2011. Compare all years →
2019 Hyundai Elantra recalls (1)
Engine
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.
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.
What 2019 Hyundai Elantra owners say
Engine & cooling all 147 →
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.
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 contact stated that the internal trunk release lever was inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk required to be slammed manually to close securely. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggish. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. …
Lights all 66 →
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall for the headlamps; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the headlights occasionally would not illuminate after the vehicle was started or while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that when the headlights failed to illuminate, the warning messages for daytime running lights and headlight and taillight out warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the driver's headlight needed replacement because it did not illuminate. The contact then stated that the passenger's side headlight needed replacement; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the repair for the headlights would be out of pocket. …
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that the high-beam headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights failed to function properly. The contact stated that the bulbs for the high-beam headlights were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Electrical system all 37 →
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.
I am contacting you regarding Service Campaign 993 (Atni-theft software upgrade). My car was stolen on March 7th, 2023 due to a lack of the required safety system on anti-theft software and immobilizing. Although, the recall updates and adds the mentioned safety issues, However, my war was stolen due lack of these safety systems. The car was recovered by police, however, it is damaged (Window, ignition cylinder, body of the car, bumpers, etc) I did contact the Hyundai customer care center, and I was told that Hyundai is not going to reimburse the cost of the repair of the damages to my car (although the safety issue in their Elantra cars caused this accident). I believe they should be responsible for any theft damages to the car because of the safety issue in Recall 993. …
2019 Hyundai Elantra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 32 / 40 / 35 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 29 / 38 / 33 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 36 / 29 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 26 / 33 / 29 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra a good car?
Based on 266 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Elantra rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the Elantra at the same age. It is one of the Elantra years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
The engine & cooling — 147 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the lights (66) and electrical system (37).
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have?
There is 1 recall for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, the most recent from April 28, 2021 (engine). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Elantra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2017, 2012, 2018 and 2011. See the full Hyundai Elantra years comparison.
At what mileage do 2019 Hyundai Elantra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 48% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.