NHTSA has received 255 owner complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, or 32.7 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints (complaint index 0.81, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 78 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #44 of 78 by complaints per year (#1 = fewest). Against other Hyundai models its rate is 39% lower; against other Compact cars it is 49% 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 2026-09-28. Median delay from incident to filing: 18 days.
255Complaints
32.7Complaints per year on the road
0.81Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
1Recalls
5.5%Share involving a crash or fire
49Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2018) drew 38.0 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2020) drew 38.3 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 (54.9% of complaints), followed by Lighting (17.6%) and Electrical (10.2%). Engine complaints are 2.5 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. 14 reports (5.5%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 4 injuries and 1 death.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 52 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (41% of incidents). In the last 12 months 49 new complaints were filed, versus 45 in the 12 months before — up 9%.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for this model year.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.81
vs. other Hyundai models0.61
vs. other 2019 models0.73
vs. other Compact cars1.49
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.
Unspecified or other · 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
The oil consumption appears similar to issues reported in recalls and investigations involving Hyundai engines; Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II. However, when the VIN was checked, it was reported as not included in any recall.
Engine · 2026-09-28 · ODI 11767363
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.
