The most-reported Elantra run is 5NPDH4AE3DH (2013 builds) with 62 complaints, 10.3× the typical run. Engine problems make up 21% of reports; 2013 is the worst model year at 17.7 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 57 recall campaigns for Elantra model years 1994–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Hyundai Elantra has 1,304 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 4% of every Elantra complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5NPDH4AE3DH•••••• | 2013 | 6 | 5 | |
| 5NPDH4AE9DH•••••• | 2013 | 5 | — | |
| 5NPDH4AE1DH•••••• | 2013 | 3 | — | |
| 5NPDH4AE2DH•••••• | 2013 | 5 | 3 | |
| 5NPDH4AE4DH•••••• | 2013 | 3 | 1 | |
| 5NPD84LF0HH•••••• | 2017 | 1 | — | |
| 5NPDH4AE0DH•••••• | 2013 | 3 | 1 | |
| 5NPDH4AE6DH•••••• | 2013 | 5 | 1 | |
| 5NPDH4AEXDH•••••• | 2013 | 1 | 3 | |
| 5NPD84LF7HH•••••• | 2017 | 3 | — | |
| 5NPD84LF8HH•••••• | 2017 | 1 | — | |
| 5NPD84LF1HH•••••• | 2017 | 3 | 1 |
Each of the other 1,292 Elantra runs has 44 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 535 Elantra VINs so far, most often 2017, 2018, 2020 builds; 28 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Hyundai Elantra the gap between build years is 10.4×: a 2013 car draws 17.7 complaints per run, a 2021 one 1.7.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 22 | 20 | 4 | |
| 2024 | 53 | 32 | 4 | |
| 2023 | 98 | 59 | 7 | |
| 2022 | 100 | 66 | 6 | |
| 2021 | 128 | 76 | 8 | |
| 2020 | 246 | 46 | 20 | |
| 2019 | 248 | 48 | 12 | |
| 2018 | 276 | 48 | 12 | |
| 2017 | 749 | 71 | 35 | |
| 2016 | 284 | 45 | 21 | |
| 2015 | 247 | 42 | 24 | |
| 2014 | 366 | 55 | 32 | |
| 2013 | 1184 | 67 | 83 | |
| 2012 | 607 | 49 | 43 | |
| 2011 | 393 | 47 | 12 | |
| 2010 | 339 | 33 | 31 | |
| 2009 | 232 | 24 | 23 | |
| 2008 | 280 | 16 | 36 | |
| 2007 | 235 | 22 | 19 | |
| 2006 | 138 | 26 | 25 |
Heaviest year here is 2013 at 17.7 complaints per run; lightest is 2025 at 1.1. The 2025 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 21% of everything Hyundai Elantra owners report: Engine, 1,582 of 7,813 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 42 | 75 | |
| Air Bags | 429 | 7 | |
| Steering | 70 | 9 | |
| Electrical System | 35 | 62 | |
| Service Brakes | 128 | 43 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 41 | 30 | |
| Power Train | 18 | 1 | |
| Suspension | 22 | 2 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 57 recall campaigns on the Hyundai Elantra; the 6 below cover build years 2007 to 2015. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 23V651000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module | 2011–2015 |
| 20V061000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module | 2007–2010 |
| 13V113000 | Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch | 2007–2010 |
| 13V115000 | Air Bags:side/window | 2011–2013 |
| 15V100000 | Steering:electric Power Assist System | 2008–2010 |
| 11V143000 | Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive | 2007–2009 |
23V651000 was opened in 2023 on cars built from 2011: 12 years on the road before the recall.
The Elantra against its rivals
The Elantra draws 6 complaints per production run; the Toyota Camry 5.7, the Toyota Prius 13.3 and the Nissan Altima 9.3.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra | 7,813 | 1,304 | 9.4% | |
| Toyota Camry | 15,758 | 2,788 | 15.3% | |
| Toyota Prius | 10,797 | 811 | 7.9% | |
| Nissan Altima | 13,514 | 1,455 | 5.3% |
How serious were they
Of the 7,813 reports on the Hyundai Elantra, 9.4% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Hyundai Elantra | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 7,813 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 738 (9.4%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 178 (2.3%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 613 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 14 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 62% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Hyundai Elantra share of that is 7,813 complaints over 1,304 runs, 0.7% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Hyundai Elantra VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 7,813 NHTSA complaints from 1,304 Elantra runs and 57 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Elantra production run has the most complaints?
5NPDH4AE3DH, a 2013 build, with 62 complaints, 6 of them after a crash. The typical Elantra run has 6.
Which Elantra years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2013 is heaviest at 17.7 complaints per run and 2025 lightest at 1.1.
Does the Elantra get more complaints than the Toyota Camry?
Yes: 6 complaints per production run for the Elantra against 5.7 for the Toyota Camry.
How many Elantra complaints involve a crash?
9.4% of 7,813 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 178 involved a fire.
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