NHTSA has received 251 owner complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, or 32.7 per year on the road — fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.78, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #42 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Hyundai models its rate is 41% lower; against other Compact cars it is 42% higher.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2019-03-24 and 2026-09-01. Median delay from incident to filing: 18 days.
251Complaints
32.7Complaints per year on the road
0.78Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
1Recalls
5.6%Share involving a crash or fire
50Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2018) drew 38.0 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2020) drew 38.1 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2019 model collected 16 complaints, 80% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (54.2% of complaints), followed by Lighting (17.9%) and Electrical (10.4%). Engine complaints are 2.4 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “engine”, “oil”, “piston”, “knocking” and “stalled”. 14 reports (5.6%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 4 injuries and 1 death.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 51 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (40% of incidents). In the last 12 months 50 new complaints were filed, versus 40 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for this model year. 54% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.78
vs. other Hyundai models0.59
vs. other 2019 models0.71
vs. other Compact cars1.42
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (16)0.2
A safety recall performed by Hyundai automotive company was completed on 10.4.2022 to remedy a known security flaw in Kia/Hyunai vehicles made between 2011 and 2022. This recall was performed successfully by a certified Hyundai dealer.
Interior & equipment · 2025-11-09 · ODI 11698415 · Crash
The component that failed was the pistons in my engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Se which I see is on recall. I understand that my VIN may have been missed or looked over during the recalling systems decision making.
Engine · 2025-08-29 · ODI 11683822
Car sudden stopped then would not turn on Currently being looked at but for suspected timing chain, VVT, and related parts Others have reported these same issues and other model with same engines have been recalled
Engine · 2026-09-01 · ODI 11761307
Where the Hyundai place tell that I don't need drive that because recall on the light shower! on my car and how electric part in the car. I still a note the balance 14,700. The paying balance need be 9,900.
Electrical · 2026-04-29 · ODI 11734543
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.
Lighting · 2026-04-28 · ODI 11734441
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
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.
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
251 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, or about 32.7 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 54.2% of complaints.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 50 new complaints were filed, versus 40 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
How does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 251 owner complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, or 32.7 per year on the road — fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.78, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #42 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Hyundai models its rate is 41% lower; against other Compact cars it is 42% higher.