Car Yearsto Avoid

2019 Hyundai Elantra Problems

What owners have reported about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Elantra. Owners have filed 251 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, lights and electrical system.

251 complaints 1 recall, 1 fire risk 13th worst of 17 Elantra years

Top 2019 Hyundai Elantra problems

1

Engine problems

136 complaints (54%) name the engine.

Complaints 136 · Usually at 55,000–131,000 miles · Recall 21V301000

2

Lighting problems

65 complaints (26%) name the lights, most often the headlights and bulbs.

Complaints 65 · Usually at 31,000–52,000 miles

3

Electrical problems

37 complaints (15%) name the electrical system, most often the key / sender.

Complaints 37 · Usually at 4,000–33,000 miles

4

Transmission problems

11 complaints (4%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.

Complaints 11 · Usually at 38,000–90,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 54%
Lights 26%
Electrical 15%
Unknown or Other 10%
Transmission 4%
Steering 4%
Emergency Braking 3%
Brakes 2%
Seat Belts 2%
Wheels 2%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (56 of 251). The amber line is the middle value, about 51,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2019 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Engine

Fire risk

0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software.

Recall 21V301000 · Apr 2021
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Elantra years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2019 Hyundai Elantra problems by system

Common questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Elantra. Owners have filed 251 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, lights and electrical system.

What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Elantra problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, lights, electrical system and transmission. 136 complaints (54%) name the engine.

At what mileage do 2019 Hyundai Elantra engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 55,000–131,000 miles, with a middle value near 89,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have?

1. Engine (21V301000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2019 Hyundai Elantra?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.