Here are five Hyundai Elantra years to avoid. Find out why Elantra years are considered unreliable – and what years are safe to buy used.
You don’t often hear the Hyundai Elantra mentioned when discussing the best compact sedans. The Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai’s flagship three-row SUV, has been extremely successful lately. In an effort to remain at the top of several segments, including the compact sedan segment, South Korean car manufacturers are leveraging the momentum.
A lot of people have been buzzing about the Hyundai Elantra over the years. There seems to be an improvement with every iteration. A Hyundai Elantra sedan is an excellent purchase at this moment.
In order to buy a used Hyundai Elantra, you should know which years you should avoid. We’ve got you covered, lucky for you.
Which Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid?
There are several Hyundai Elantra model years that should be avoided because of reliability issues:
- 2009 Hyundai Elantra
- 2010 Hyundai Elantra
- 2012 Hyundai Elantra
- 2013 Hyundai Elantra
- 2017 Hyundai Elantra
2009 Hyundai Elantra
There are significantly fewer unreliable models on this list than the 2009 Elantra. Buying a used 2009 model will result in a number of problems, however, since it is an old model. The 2009 Elantra has been recalled four times, according to CarComplaints.com.
There have been a few reports of front suspension failures on this model year, according to owners. The front suspension had to be replaced, even at low mileage, with a severity rating of 9.0 and appearing around 37,000 miles. There is an average repair cost of $3,000 for this issue.
This model year’s Elantra also has a problem with its Electronic Power Steering system. As a result, the steering wheel stopped working when the EPS light came on randomly. Repairs typically cost $250 and are not covered by warranties.
2010 Hyundai Elantra
Compared to the previous year, the Elantra doesn’t fare much better in the following year. Among the worst Hyundai Elantra years to avoid, the 2010 model has 537 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and Car Complaints’ “Beware of the Clunker” seal of approval.
Customer complaints regarding slipping transmission topped the list, receiving 40 written complaints. A majority of reports indicate that the transmission on the Elantra frequently jerks and slips. An estimated $1,640 was required to fix the issue, which was determined to be transmission failure.
Paint fading or peeling is another complaint received frequently. It was a source of frustration for frustrated owners when their hood and doors began peeling paint.
2012 Hyundai Elantra
There are a number of engine-related issues with the 2012 Elantra that made it to this list. Approximately 915 NHTSA complaints and three recalls have been filed against the 2012 Elantra, according to Car Complaints.
There is a loud ticking noise coming from the engine that is the number one complaint about this model year. A knocking noise was reported in some reports, which is obviously concerning. It has been reported that short/long blocks need to be replaced, engines need to be repaired, or the engine needs to be replaced. It costs an average of $4,720 to repair a car.
Despite diligent maintenance routines, engines fail despite diligent maintenance. Replacement engines failed again after customers replaced them. Elantra owners will have to pay $2,290 for another expensive repair.
2013 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra had a bad year in 2013. This is the worst year for the sedan so far. The 2013 Elantra was ranked the worst compact sedan by CarComplaints. This year is undoubtedly one of the worst years ever for Hyundai Elantras with over 1,000 complaints and three recalls.
The most common complaint about this model is that it doesn’t live up to its advertised fuel economy. After the Hyundai engine was broken in, the MPG was supposed to improve, but that did not happen, according to the complainants. In my opinion, Hyundai has a problem with its advertising.
The 2013 Elantra is made worse by engine problems. Like last year’s model, the 2013 model was criticized for ticking noises and engine failures. Replacement of the engine costs up to $4,390, which is the most common solution.
2017 Hyundai Elantra
Elantra has now reached the end of its worst years. A number of complaints have also been received from owners of the 2017 model year. Sixty-two NHTSA complaints and four recalls were reported for the 2017 Elantra, according to CarComplaints.
Specifically, its peeling paint is the main concern regarding the 2017 Elantra. The paint job on Elantras has been criticized by a number of owners, especially around the roof and hood. In addition, there was no indication of cracks or chips before the paint came off.
Power loss while driving is another common complaint with the 2017 model. Misfiring is apparently a regular occurrence in the engine, which is extremely unsafe. Around 52,350 miles is when this issue typically occurs.
Which Hyundai Elantra Years are Safe to Buy Used?
Now that you know what Hyundai model years you should avoid, here are some of the ones you can buy used without worry.
2008 Hyundai Elantra
It’s fun-to-drive factor, comfortable interiors, and excellent value proposition make the 2008 Elantra a great choice for those looking for an older Elantra. However, it does have several reliability problems, including brake lockups, rumbling front-ends, and power steering issues.
2018 Hyundai Elantra
The 2018 model year Elantra gets our vote for its modern design and advanced safety features. Despite an unimpressive engine, this car offers a lot of advantages such as excellent gas mileage, a large cargo area, and above-average reliability.
2020 Hyundai Elantra
With its compact sedan lineup, Hyundai has ironed out most of the kinks. With its affordable price, practicality, and value-rich features, the 2020 Elantra is a highly rated compact sedan. As well as getting good gas mileage, the car has a comfortable ride and is highly reliable.
Hyundai Elantra Price: What does a Hyundai Elantra cost?
Well, that depends on the mileage, the condition, and the age. You might pay around $4,000 for a 2010 Elantra with 150,000 miles at a used car dealer. A $1000 sale could be yours if you bid low at Pontiac Auto Auctions. I’m chuffed!
For used Elantras, 2013 and older, we’ve seen an average sale price of $1,800. The 2000s models we sell often have over 100,000, even 150,000 miles, but if they are maintained properly, they can reach 200,000.
The price of a 2012 Hyundai Elantra with 100,000 miles at a used dealer will be closer to $7000. A car selling for $2,000 is a common occurrence at Pontiac Auto Auction. There is no doubt that auctions are a great way to save money.
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Conclusion
Hyundai Elantras are generally considered reliable, especially when you consider how inexpensive all variants of the model have been when new. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid the troublesome 2013 model year, and perhaps neighboring ones as well, since they’re unlikely to be exclusive to that year’s cars.
Aside from that, check older cars for rust, since rust can take hold of just about any vehicle on the road, particularly those that are 20 or 25 years old. As consumer reviews demonstrate, a Hyundai Elantra makes a brilliantly dependable daily driver, and it can also make a great high-mileage car.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid
Which Hyundai Elantra model years should I avoid when shopping for a used car?
You should avoid the following model years if you are shopping for a used Hyundai Elantra: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2017.
What engine-related issues plagued the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
There were severe engine problems with the 2012 Elantra, including loud ticking noises that sometimes escalated to knocking sounds. With an average repair cost of $4,720, solutions ranged from replacing short/long blocks to repairing or replacing the entire engine. The average cost of engine failure was $2,290, even for owners who maintained their engines diligently.
If I’m looking for an older Hyundai Elantra, which model year is a good choice?
An older model like the Hyundai Elantra from 2008 makes a great choice. Its fun-to-drive factor, comfortable interior, and excellent value proposition make the 2008 Elantra a good value option despite some reliability issues, such as brake lockups, rumbling front-ends, and power steering issues.
Which recent Hyundai Elantra model years are considered reliable and safe to buy used?
Choose the 2018 or 2020 model year if you’re looking for a more modern Elantra with better features and reliability. Compared to the 2018 model, the 2020 model boasts good gas mileage, plenty of cargo space, and above-average reliability ratings.
