2018 Hyundai Elantra engine problems
140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra — 50% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“After the car was started, I drove 3 houses over when there was a loud knocking sound and the car just shut off. When trying to restart it wouldn't and the check engine, battery, and oil lights came on. After pushing it out of the road we checked the oil and it was empty. The oil has just been…”
filed Aug 24, 2026
“On July 13, 2026, my engine light came on and I don't understand why. My oil change was update and not sure what else can be wrong. So, I went to AutoZone so that can do a diagnostic and they gave me a printout of the problem. Took the vehicle to the shop gave him the printout from AutoZone so that…”
filed Aug 3, 2026
“While the car is in drive, it would power off in the middle of driving. Took the car to repair and advised regarding the engine. My safety was at risk because I loss power to operation the car in the middle of traffic, which could have called an accident for myself and others. The problem have been confirmed a repair…”
filed Jul 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Elantra years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Elantra | 3 | 14% |
| 2024 Elantra | 8 | 15% |
| 2023 Elantra | 18 | 18% |
| 2022 Elantra | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 Elantra | 13 | 10% |
| 2020 Elantra | 105 | 42% |
| 2019 Elantra | 132 | 53% |
| 2017 Elantra | 290 | 38% |
| 2016 Elantra | 111 | 38% |
| 2015 Elantra | 91 | 35% |
| 2014 Elantra | 163 | 43% |
| 2013 Elantra | 233 | 18% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.