Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH at night, the high-beam headlights failed to work as needed. The contact was able to drive to her destination; however, the contact stated that the vehicle became undrivable at night. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,900.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights were dim and became inoperable. The driver was unable to see the roadway clearly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the light switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at night, the high-beam headlights were activated but failed to adequately light the roadway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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.
Headlights will not go to high beam at times, other times the right side will not return back to low beam. I have had this problem many times and Hyundi replaced both headlights, but now they say they won't fix them because of the miles. This headlight design was new for the 2019 model year, I had a 2018, and a 2017 and had no problems with them. The 2019 has a projection type bulb, and uses a mechanical flap to change from high to low beam. This flap sticks, or fails to operate resulting in very intermittent operation. This is a very poor design and many times oncoming cars get blinded by one of the high beams that doesn't return to low beam. The problem is very intermittent so it doesn't always happen when your in the shop. I have talked to other Hyundi owners having the same problem, and I think this is a safety problem that needs a recall. …
My high beam lights have malfunctioned and no longer work. The light on the dash states that my headlights are on but they just flick on for one second and discontinue to work. I live in a rural area and can not see at all when leaving home in the early am hours or when returning home in the evening. I've had to stop on the side of the road at certain times, because I have no visibility. My car is approaching 6 years old with less than 70,000 miles and this is ridiculous. The dealership is charging over 2,000 dollars to fix this issue and I think this is highly unacceptable for a car of this age, especially when I bought the car brand new. I bought a brand new car to avoid issues such as this, but I have seemed to pay the price but not receive the safety that I have paid for. There are so many complaints online for this exact issue. …
The headlamp actuator inside the headlight assembly that flips to reveal high beams or low beams is made of a cheap, flimsy plastic that wears down quickly. When it is worn down, the rod can no longer control whether high beams or low beams are shown. Because of this, this car is stuck with either high beams or no headlights at all. This is extremely unsafe for nighttime driving as you are stuck being invisible and likely to be hit by another car or alternatively, blinding the other occupants of the road at night. A full headlight assembly replacement is required which numbers to nearly $3000 for both sides. However, the replacement is going to have the same issue down the line due to the non-durable material of the shutter. …
There are several things that go wrong with this car. One is the headlights. I've had to change them several times over the span of a year. It also burns an insane amount of oil. I have to change it every 2k-3k miles and even at that point it's almost out, even with an extender put in it. I've been told by numerous mechanics that I should just get rid of the car and they only run into this issue with Hyundais, especially the Elantras. My car had begun to act weird the day I got my oil changed this last time. They looked at it and there was hardly any in there even though I was still under the 3k miles. I'll have to get my oil changed at least once a month at this rate which will require so much money just to do.
Headlight complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the lights of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, 25% of the model year's 266 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Hyundai Elantra headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2019 Hyundai Elantra headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.