Hyundai Elantra 2019 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Hyundai Elantra 2019 and 251 complaints filed by owners. It has 11% more complaints than the average Hyundai Elantra from 2016–2025 (225 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Hyundai Elantra 2019? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Hyundai Elantra 2019
Engine
NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · 2021-04-28
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
251 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
12 with a crash · 3 with a fire · 4 injuries · 1 deaths
Most reported problems on the Hyundai Elantra 2019
- Engine: 133 (53% of complaints)
- Exterior lighting: 65 (26% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 37 (15% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 11 (4% of complaints)
- Steering: 9 (4% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Hyundai Elantra 2019
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Hyundai Elantra recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 293 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 767 complaints
- 2018 : 0 recalls · 283 complaints
- 2019 : 1 recalls · 251 complaints
- 2020 : 3 recalls · 253 complaints
- 2021 : 6 recalls · 131 complaints
- 2022 : 5 recalls · 102 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 98 complaints
- 2024 : 1 recalls · 54 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 22 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Hyundai Elantra 2019 have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Hyundai Elantra 2019. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Elantra 2019?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (133 of 251 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).