2018 Hyundai Elantra Gt Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra Gt carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering electrical system. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electrical system malfunctions.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #18V891000 · Dec 14, 2018

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.

Risk: If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 179.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Gt.

Reported to NHTSA

Electrical system malfunctions

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2025-03

AFTER SWITCHING ENGINE OFF, SOME ELECTRICAL (MAYBE IGNITION) REMAINS ON WHICH SOMETIMES DRAINS BATTERY. THIS ISSUE HAS ALWAYS OCCURRED UPON SHUTTING CAR OFF
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266182
when i was in the rear seat and closed left side door, i found myself stuck. the window would not go down from switch as well so i could not use outside handle for exit. after climbing to other side of backseat with my physical impairment (difficult in tight space backseat) i
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11647588
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHUT-OFF VEHICLE, THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM REMAINED ACTIVATED WHICH RESULTED IN A CHECK BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAROLINA HYUNDAI OF HIGH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11396644

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Tire sidewall cracking

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2022-07

My vehicle is a 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT sport. The side walls on the Hankook Ventis S1 Noble 2 tires are cracking. The tires lose air constantly and cannot be driven on for a fear of a blowout. There has been a recall for this same make and model of tire just not this size for
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11476453
The tires came stock on this model car and at the 30K mile mark I noticed cracking or splitting in the sidewalls of each of the tires. I am not aware if the manufacture, Hankook, has released any statements or confirmation about this issue but the issue occurred well with the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11435092

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Headlight low-beam visibility pattern

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2019-04

I HAVE THE SPORT MODEL OF THE ELANTRA GT WITH THE FULL LED HEADLIGHTS AND THERE ARE MOON SHAPED SHADOWS WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT PATTERN THAT ARE VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11195841
THE LIGHTING AREA OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS MUCH TOO LOW. YOU CAN NOT SEE VERY WELL THE AREA IN FRONT OF YOU. SEE THE ATTACHED IMAGE OF A GROUP OF GIRLS ON THE SIDEWALK. YOU CAN BARELY SEE THEM FROM THE WAIST OR KNEES DOWN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11092018
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, THERE IS VERY A DISTINCT SHADOW IN FRONT OF CAR. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AND DANGEROUS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091992

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Engine oil consumption requiring refills

ENGINE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2026-04

Engine is burning excessive amounts of oil regularly
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11686907
The engine burns oil quickly which could lead to the engine blowing. I have to get more oil changes than average to the engine burning oil
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632165
It uses a lot of oil with no visible leak or reason. I put new oil in all the time. All the time! For two years since buying it used. Warning light does not come on till it's out. Car is hot, of course, and stops running in the middle of the road. I see there is a recall on some
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670888

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Rod bearing knock and engine failure

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2026-01

Engine rod bearing failure cause engine broke if You have any information please give me and hyundai have a recall for knock sensor they cause a premature engine failure cause Fire in most of the case
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11500801
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 40 mph a loud ticking noise was suddenly present coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443321
I WAS DRIVING ON A THE INTERSTATE GOING 75 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE, I LOST POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. I HAD TO STRUGGLE TO MANEUVER AND STOP THE CAR TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. IT WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER THAT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11399096

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Engine stall and shutdown while driving

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2024-07

So took my car for a recall at Hyundai which it was related to a camp 966 engine monitoring. The car has been turning off multiple times so took it to them and they told me it needs a new engine at only 60,000 miles on it
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446240
WHILE ON HIGHWAY CAR MOTOR STOPPED WORKING COULD NOT GET CAR TO TURN BACK ON. THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. AFTER 8 DAYS IN DEALERSHIP SO FAR RECEIVED A CALL SAYING THE CARS FUEL PUMP MAY BE THE PROBLEM
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11131771
CAR SHUT OFF WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY RANDOMLY STARTED SHAKING. ALL LIGHTS TURNED ON CHECK ENGINE,MOTOR OIL LIGHT BATTERY LIGHT. CAR SHUT OFF TO THE POINT WHERE I COULDN'T ACCELERATE. SO IMAGINE BEING ON THE HIGHWAY AND YOUR CAR SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY WHILE YOUR IN MOTION AND CANT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130331

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Forward collision and ABS warning lights

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-03

Parked car on street (facing slightly uphill) on Saturday morning, neutral weather conditions. Upon starting car several hours later, yellow warning lights were displayed for Collision Avoidance, ABS, and Stability Control. Yellow Auto Hold light was illuminated and could not be
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607125
The collision warning system has failed 4 or 5 times since I bought the car new in March of 2019. When the system stops working, the warning "Check BSD" appears on the driver's display. A couple of times the system started working without service. Other times service was
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11497859
THE AEB SYSTEM DOES NOT SHOW ANY WARNINGS OR ATTEMPT TO STOP THE CAR. I DO NOT DRIVE AROUND TRYING TO MAKE THIS FEATURE WORK BUT AFTER GETTING THE NEW CAR I DID REALIZE IT WAS NOT DETECTING ANYTHING WHILE MY OTHER CAR DETECTS AND STOPS FINE IN THE SAME SCENARIO. I HAVE GONE TO
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11176420

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Sudden braking and brake booster fault

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2025-03

when moving during heavy traffic the car, when braking, will suddenly stop or stop heavily at slow speeds. this causes passengers to be jolted as well as following cars. possible rear end collision is the effect as well. passenger safety of accident is a concern. no warning or
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11647580
18000 MILES ON THE CAR STARTED HEARING AIR COME FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS FAULTY NO RECALL ON THE 2018 ELANTRA GT BUT THERE IS ON THE 2017. CAR LOOSING POWER AND SLIPPING TRANSMISSION. DEALER WAS PLANNING TO CHARGE FOR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11245944

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Gt reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.