Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 765 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra, and it carries 4 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 165 | 22% |
| Structure | 106 | 14% |
| Unknown or other | 69 | 9% |
| Steering | 45 | 6% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 44 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 24 | 3% |
| Power train | 22 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 22 | 3% |
| Air bags | 15 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 14 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
All four rear/side door latch mechanisms have exhibited intermittent failure to release the door from the interior and/or exterior handle. Repeated operation or increased force can sometimes cause the door to release. Th
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Doors are not unlocking on open from the outside both front doors from inside and out do not open unless you pull three or four times the rear doors the passenger side rear door does not open at all. It’s like it doesn’t
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off and re
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Vehicle stalled while driving on a highway without warning. The car was able to start back up, would go a few feet and stall again. Had it towed to a Hyundai dealership to repair. They replaced the exhaust camshaft and
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Car wouldn't start. Makes clicking sound. Mechanic diagnosed it and said timing chain is broken, valves are bent and pistons broken.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
While operating my 2017 Hyundai Elantra under normal driving conditions at approximately 70,000 miles, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power and stalled completely while moving in active traffic
NHTSA complaint: Power train
While driving and turning, the car loses power steering. This has happened multiple times to my wife at lower driving speeds. These disconcerting safety incidents have randomly occurred without warning since the first we
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I am reporting an active odometer fraud case on a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, VIN: [XXX]. The seller listed this vehicle on Facebook Marketplace claiming it had 65,000 miles and was in like-new condition. Upon running a CARFAX
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Hy
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 ha
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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
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.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 1-800-63
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, th
Risk: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460
| Reliability raw | 56 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 68 | good |
| Maintenance | 87 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 76 | good |
| Performance | 45 | below average |
| Efficiency | 55 | average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 765 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 165 of them (22%). There are 4 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 56/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 68/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2017 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.