Here Are The Hyundai Elantra Years To Avoid
We've identified five Hyundai Elantra years to avoid. See what problems make them unreliable — and which Elantra years are considered safe to buy used instead.
When you talk about the best compact sedans, the Hyundai Elantra doesn’t often come up in the conversation. However, Hyundai has seen a lot of success lately, especially with its flagship three-row SUV, the Palisade. Taking advantage of the momentum, the South Korean car manufacturer is pushing hard to come out on top in several segments – including the compact sedan segment.
The Hyundai Elantra has been making quite some buzz over the years. Every new iteration seems to be better than the last. It’s safe to say that there’s no better time to buy an Elantra sedan than now.
If you’re looking to buy a used compact sedan, you need to know which Hyundai Elantra years to avoid. Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered.
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Which Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid?
Below is a quick list of Hyundai Elantra model years you should avoid due to reliability issues:
- 2009 Hyundai Elantra
- 2010 Hyundai Elantra
- 2012 Hyundai Elantra
- 2013 Hyundai Elantra
- 2017 Hyundai Elantra
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA
Read on to learn about the most reliable Hyundai Elantra year, the worst, common issues across the years, and everything else.
2009 Hyundai Elantra
The 2009 Elantra is far from the most unreliable model on this list. However, it’s a relatively old model, so you can expect several problems when buying a used 2009 model. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2009 Elantra has 297 NHTSA complaints, and 4 recalls.
According to a few written reports by owners, one of the worst problems with this model year is the front suspension failure. With a 9.0 severity rating and appearing around 37,000+ miles, frustrated owners had to replace the front suspension, even at low mileage. The average repair cost for this issue is $3,000.
Another common issue with this model year is Elantra’s Electronic Power Steering or EPS. According to the complaints, the EPS light would come on randomly, which caused the steering wheel to stop working. The typical repair cost is $250 and is not covered by a warranty.
2010 Hyundai Elantra
The following year isn’t strictly better for the Elantra. With 537 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and the “Beware of the Clunker” seal of disapproval from Car Complaints, the 2010 model is one of the worst Hyundai Elantra years to avoid.
At the top of the list of issues is slipping transmission, which received 40 written complaints from customers. The majority of the reports indicated that the Elantra transmission frequently slips and jerks, especially at low speeds. The issue was ruled out to be transmission failure and costs a whopping $1,640 to repair.
Another issue that received numerous complaints is the paint fading or peeling. Frustrated owners complained that the paint from the hood and doors started to peel, which looked unsightly.
2012 Hyundai Elantra
The 2012 Elantra made it to this list because of the severity of its issues, mostly related to the engine. According to the folks at Car Complaints, the 2012 Elantra has a staggering 915 NHTSA complaints, and 3 recalls.
The number one problem about this model year is the loud ticking noise coming from the engine. In some reports, the sound upgraded to knocking noises which is obviously a cause for concern. Some reported solutions include replacing the short/long block, repairing the engine, or replacing it altogether. The average repair cost comes down to $4,720.
Next is engine failure, and it happens even after diligent maintenance routines. Customers had to replace the engine, only for the replacement to fail again. Another costly repair for Elantra owners at $2,290.
2013 Hyundai Elantra
2013 was not a good year for the Elantra. In fact, it’s the sedan’s worst year to date. CarComplaints identified the 2013 Elantra as the worst model year for the compact sedan. With over 1k complaints and 3 recalls, it’s undoubtedly one of the worst Hyundai Elantra years to avoid.
The top complaint about this model is that its real-life MPG doesn’t come close to what’s advertised. Hyundai said that the MPG would improve once the engine had been broken in, but that was not the case, according to the complainants. This seems to be an advertising problem on Hyundai’s part.
Making it worse for the 2013 Elantra is the appearance of engine issues. The 2013 model received complaints about ticking noises and engine failure like the previous year. The most common solution is to replace the engine, which may cost up to $4,390. Ouch!
2017 Hyundai Elantra
At this point, the worst years of the Elantra are now behind us. However, the 2017 model year is another year that received many complaints from its owners. According to CarComplaints, the 2017 Elantra received 692 NHTSA complaints, and 4 recalls.
The primary concern about the 2017 Elantra is its cosmetic issue, particularly with its paint peeling problem. Numerous owners complained about Elantra’s paint job, especially around the roof and hood area. Concerningly, the paint came off without prior indication, like cracks or chips.
Another common issue with the 2017 model is the loss of power while driving. Apparently, the engine tends to misfire at random, which is exceptionally unsafe. This issue tends to rear its head at around 52,350 miles.
Which Hyundai Elantra Years are Safe to Buy Used?
That wraps up the list of the worst Hyundai years to avoid, so here are the model years you can safely purchase used.
2008 Hyundai Elantra
If you’re going to buy an older Elantra, the 2008 model is a solid choice for its fun-to-drive factor, comfortable interiors, and excellent value proposition. It has several reliability issues, such as brake lockups, rumbling front-end, and power steering problems, but they’re few and far between.
2018 Hyundai Elantra
For a more modern Elantra with advanced tech and safety features, the 2018 model year gets our vote. Although the engine seems unimpressive, you still get plenty of advantages like good gas mileage, cargo space, and above-average reliability ratings.
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2020 Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai has ironed out the kinks with its compact sedan lineup by this point. The 2020 Elantra is a highly-rated compact sedan that’s affordable, practical, and value-rich. It also gets good gas mileage, comfortable road manners, and top-notch reliability ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid
Q: Which Hyundai Elantra model years should I avoid when shopping for a used car?
A: If you’re in the market for a used Hyundai Elantra, avoid the following model years due to reliability issues: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2017.
Q: What engine-related issues plagued the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
A: The 2012 Elantra had severe engine problems, including loud ticking noises that sometimes escalated to knocking sounds. Solutions ranged from replacing the short/long block to repairing or replacing the entire engine, with an average repair cost of $4,720. Engine failure was another common issue, even with diligent maintenance, costing owners an average of $2,290.
Q: If I’m looking for an older Hyundai Elantra, which model year is a good choice?
A: The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is a solid option for those seeking an older model. Although some reliability issues, such as brake lockups, rumbling front-end, and power steering problems, were relatively infrequent, the 2008 Elantra is known for its fun-to-drive factor, comfortable interiors, and excellent value proposition.
Q: Which recent Hyundai Elantra model years are considered reliable and safe to buy used?
A: Consider the 2018 and 2020 model years for a more modern Elantra with advanced features and improved reliability. The 2018 Elantra offers good gas mileage, ample cargo space, and above-average reliability ratings, while the 2020 model is praised for its affordability, practicality, comfortable ride, and top-notch reliability.
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