2026 Hyundai Elantra Problems & Complaints

Average78% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Elantra at the same age

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2026 Hyundai Elantra with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Elantra at the same age. The most reported problem area is the wheels & tires (1 complaint). 3 recalls cover this model year.

3complaints
3recalls
0crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2026 Hyundai Elantra problems

  • Wheels & tires
    133%
  • Air bags
    133%
  • Other / not specified
    133%

Share of the 3 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Hyundai Elantra complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26112100115551281973153422341821371552673142543804336541.3k39626330079533526626213210210055223
Owner complaints per model year, Hyundai Elantra. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Elantra years: 2025. Years to avoid: 2013, 2017, 2012, 2018, 2011. Compare all years →

2026 Hyundai Elantra recalls (3)

Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut

NHTSA recall 26V-692 · Oct 20, 2026 · 24 vehicles

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Tucson Hybrid and Elantra vehicles. The front strut assembly fasteners may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front strut assembly fasteners and perform a wheel alignment, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 19, 2026.

Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

NHTSA recall 26V-693 · Oct 20, 2026 · 17 vehicles

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Venue, Elantra N, Elantra Hybrid, and Elantra vehicles. The wheel lug nuts may loosen and allow the wheel to detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the wheel assembly lug nuts, and replace the hub bearing assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 19, 2026.

Air bags › Sensor › Side impact

NHTSA recall 26V-254 · Apr 20, 2026 · 2,931 vehicles

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460.

2026 Hyundai Elantra engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
1.6L 4-cyl hybrid6-speed dual-clutchFWD51 / 58 / 54
2.0L 4-cylCVTFWD31 / 40 / 35
1.6L 4-cyl turbo7-speed dual-clutchFWD28 / 35 / 31
2.0L 4-cyl turbo6-speed manualFWD21 / 29 / 24
2.0L 4-cyl turbo8-speed dual-clutchFWD20 / 27 / 23

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra a good car?

Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2026 Elantra rates average: 78% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Elantra at the same age. 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 2026 Hyundai Elantra?

The wheels & tires — 1 complaint, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next is the air bags (1).

How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra, the most recent from October 20, 2026 (macpherson strut). 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.

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.