12 of the
405 complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra are about the
airbag system — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
46,000 miles.
On July 13, 2026, my engine light came on and I don't understand why. My oil change was update and not sure what else can be wrong. So, I went to AutoZone so that can do a diagnostic and they gave me a printout of the problem. Took the vehicle to the shop gave him the printout from AutoZone so that he will know what the problem is. Brought the part and that didn't take the engine light off and I paid $300 for nothing because I am still experiencing the issue. I took it back to the shop and the guy said that I need to replace my engine. I have had the car for about three years and not understanding why the engine needs to be replaced already. Then the passenger seat belt light keeps going off when there's no one sitting in the seat. I think there's a problem with the engine and my seatbelt light, but there's a recall on the vehicle. I replaced the air filter like it was suggest to me the car dealer where I purchase the car from. So, I did that and the car is running a little loud at times.
NHTSA complaint #11754355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moseley, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was in a car accident. I was hit on the passenger rear side and the car spun out of control but none of the airbags deployed. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer but we did reach out to them and are in the process of filling out a questionnaire. The vehicle is currently being assessed in a body shop as we work with the insurance to see the final damages.
NHTSA complaint #11626528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pioneertown, CA
AIR BAGS
Driver airbag light came on. My car has 33,000 miles on it. I live in California and the car is garaged. I think the maker has had airbag recalls on other models
NHTSA complaint #11621744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
AIR BAGS
I got this car like 5 months ago and after driving it for 2 months I had to get a new engine for 4500 dollars. There is no way it can go bad in 2 months. The car only had 52,000 miles on it and it went bad when it reached 54,000 miles. After fixing that it went bad again after 4 months. I was also told that Hyundai Elantras are known for their engine problems. It would be great if there is an engine recall on this car. I am not trying to sell this car but I was this car to be fixed. Thank you!
NHTSA complaint #11575007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, IL
AIR BAGS
I brought my car from Landmark ford in Springfield Illinois [XXX]. I had the car a week and the airbag sensor came on. I took the car to the dealership and told them that this light came on and I only had the car for a week. I told them I believe they erased and reprogrammed the codes, and they knew this car had an airbag defect. I also told them. that they put my life at risk because if something had of happened to me and the airbag didn't work. I should have never drove off this lot with that car it's considered a safety requirements before being sold or operated on public roads. They were rude didn't want to communicate with me or help me with the situation I felt because I was a young woman 24. They kept my car to look at after 2 days I called no answer left a message no call back. I went up there next with my dad and then they wanted to talk. My dad told them my daughter could have been hurt and she was not suppose to leave off this lot this is a serious safety issue. He then told them they reprogrammed and erased the codes. My dad then said we are making a complaint and we were leaving. They refused to let me leave and take my car they lost my keys didn't find it until an hour later and said you can't leave the car is a safety hazard and we don't want to be responsible. To my knowledge I thought they were going to fix the car they told me they will drive it to Green Hyundai but they didn't and I go back up there I had to pay to get the car towed. Now Green Hyundai is having problems with Landmark Ford saying they want answer or call back. I haven't even had my car a month drove it a week and can't no longer drive a new car because its not safe and they refuse to fix this issue after a week purchasing a car. I ask to put me in a car without a safe car to drive off the lot with. They said we will take it to Green Hyundai only to give them the runaround's. I'm frustrated and lost my job because of no Transportation. the situation is not resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFO
NHTSA complaint #11572569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesBogalusa, LA
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:STATUS INDICATOR LAMP/LIGHT
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the air bag was falling out of the air bag enclosure. The vehicle failed to start immediately but was started after several attempts. The air bag and seat belt warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the battery terminal posts were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who tightened the battery post. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #11541387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash
AIR BAGS
Was involved in accident on interstate. The car in front of me began decelerating and as a result, I did the same. The car behind me crashed into me at high speed and pushed me into the car in front. (3 cars involved total). The front and rear ends of my car were completely crushed to the point where the drivers door will not open more than about a foot. At no point did my airbags deploy. My car is serviced regularly and no warning lights were on. I was not injured but am extremely lucky that this was the case. A police report was filed.
NHTSA complaint #11529995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesGirard, PACrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the contact crashed into a deer causing severe damage to the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
NHTSA complaint #11492236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perry Hall, MD
AIR BAGS
The air bag warning light randomly comes on disabling the air bags. It seems to turn on when the passenger seat gets moved forward or backward fast. In looking into this, it would appear Hyundais over the years have had this issue. It turns off sometimes when some one sits in the seat.
NHTSA complaint #11462548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NCCrash
AIR BAGS
When I first purchase the car It was stated that i had no issues, I have records stating this. Also, I was having tremendous issues with the tires. Four months later I encountered an car accident. I was getting off of an exit and as I was getting off there was a car in the middle of the street that was broken down with no hazardous lights on. I suspected that the car was moving but it was not. As I am braking I was somewhat too close to the car and I ended up hitting the back of the car. At this time, the air bags did not deploy. Once the car was evaluated by the insurance company the car was considered totaled. The insurance company took the car to a salvage. This could have taken my life.
NHTSA complaint #11445043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jersey City, NJCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Had a car accident, airbags did not deploy but the airbag light was on. Insurance inspector said they inflated but did not come out of their housing. The airbags did not deploy upon impact. I attached pictures of the accident to show the airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11444671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesAddison, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE HAD THE RIGHT AWAY AND WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND ANOTHER VEHICLE ROLLED A STOP AND BOTH CARS INTERSECTED.
NHTSA complaint #11197193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.