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2017 Hyundai Elantra
2017 model shown · Photo: Crisco 1492, CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact cars · AD generation

2018 Hyundai Elantra: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well below average

It scores 9 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $11,157 to own, including $3,124 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Hyundai Elantra.

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Reliability

9/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$3,124

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$5,829

35 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$8,505

$7,484 – $9,525, estimate

Recalls

1

on record

Owner complaints

335

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$1,901
Transmission & drivetrain$607
Steering$174
Electrical system$133
Driver-assist & stability$90
Body, glass & interior$75

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

Get a vehicle history report →Check for accidents, title problems and odometer rollbacks before you buy.Compare insurance quotes →Insurance is a big part of the cost to own, and it varies a lot by car.Check used-car loan rates →Get pre-approved before visiting a dealer so you can compare their offer.

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Other years of the Hyundai Elantra

Of the years we rate, the 2021 scores best (64/100) and the 2017 worst (6/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202450/100
202327/100
202253/100
202164/100
20207/100
201911/100
20189/100
20176/100
201623/100
201544/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 9 out of 100, among the least reliable compact cars of 2015–2024. The 2021 Elantra scored much better.

Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

It scores 9 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 335 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $3,124 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2018 Hyundai Elantra cost to own?

About $11,157 over 5 years: $2,204 in lost value, $3,124 in repairs and $5,829 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $8,505 today.

What are the best years of the Hyundai Elantra?

Of the years we rate, the 2021 scores best (64/100) and the 2017 worst (6/100).

How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have?

1 recall on record with NHTSA.