The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is associated with 788 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 4 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 181 reports (23% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 8 certified vehicle configurations spanning 1.4l 4-cyl, 2l 4-cyl, and 1.6l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 25 to 35 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 788 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 4 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (181 / 23%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 37 crash / 6 fire / 19 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 25–35 MPG (8 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Elantra | 1.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 32 MPG | 40 MPG | 35 MPG | — | $1,750 / yr |
| Elantra SE | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 29 MPG | 38 MPG | 33 MPG | — | $1,850 / yr |
| Elantra | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 28 MPG | 37 MPG | 32 MPG | — | $1,900 / yr |
| Elantra | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 26 MPG | 36 MPG | 29 MPG | — | $2,100 / yr |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 26 MPG | 33 MPG | 29 MPG | — | $2,100 / yr |
| Elantra GT | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 24 MPG | 32 MPG | 27 MPG | — | $2,300 / yr |
| Elantra GT | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 MPG | 32 MPG | 27 MPG | — | $2,300 / yr |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 22 MPG | 30 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR FWD Later Release | | | | | 10.7% |
| 4 DR FWD Early Release | | | | | 10.7% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2017 Hyundai Elantra models.
View complete 2017 Hyundai Elantra crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2017 Hyundai Elantra problems & component breakdown (123 categories) →
Affected Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.
View all 2017 Hyundai Elantra recalls & campaign history (4 campaigns) →