NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2023 Hyundai Elantra Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 94 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 2 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH11 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra receives a 6.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 94 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 2 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 7,000 miles (IQR: 7,00063,500 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .

Hyundai Elantra PlatformHyundai Elantra Series
DLC Port: Behind fuse cover panel on driver left knee dashboard

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
6.5 / 10

7.2 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
94

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
2

2 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Elantra Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYMedium Severity81% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

31
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):7,000 milesIQR: 7,00063,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11753112 • Filed: 07/27/2026Odometer: 120,000 mi

The horn is intermittenly failing and was verified by a Weimer Hyundai in Morgantown, WV on XXX. This is a known defect in 2023 Hyundai Elantras and they have issued an extended warranty to address the problem. An absence of a horn is a safety issue as you cannot signal other ...

ODI #11728976 • Filed: 04/03/2026

Electrical component with car has been malfunctioning. ADAS system malfunctioning (all the lights on the dash have been coming on in and out at different times) despite turning the car on and off. Video and picture evidence has been collected on different days and times this i...

ODI #11713501 • Filed: 01/26/2026

Vehicle screen will shut off while driving and come back on randomly. This is not the first time I have reported it. I have reported it to my dealership, they looked at it and checked the vehicle. It happens so randomly but it's been over 2 years now that this has been happeni...

#2 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity79% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

28
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):8,372 milesIQR: 4,98318,250 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757852 • Filed: 08/19/2026

The engine mounts on this vehicle failed. Dealership and many others online have stated that this seems to be a reoccurring issue with the 2021-2023 generation of Hyundai elantras. The vibrations of these failed motor mounts become so severe that they can dislodge the brakes m...

ODI #11757020 • Filed: 08/14/2026Odometer: 40,000 mi

The vehicle is a 2023 Hyundai Elantra N Line purchased from CarMax in February 2026 with approximately 40,000 miles. It currently has approximately 49,000 miles. The vehicle intermittently cuts off, hesitates to accelerate, and jerks/shudders during acceleration. The specific ...

ODI #11738642 • Filed: 05/18/2026Odometer: 5,744 mi

I purchased a 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2023 on December 15, 2023, and since early ownership I have experienced persistent jerking/clunking while slowing to a stop, harsh downshifts, hesitation during braking, and rough transitions between electric and engine power. The issu...

#3 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity71% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

21
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):65,500 milesIQR: 38,25092,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757852 • Filed: 08/19/2026

The engine mounts on this vehicle failed. Dealership and many others online have stated that this seems to be a reoccurring issue with the 2021-2023 generation of Hyundai elantras. The vibrations of these failed motor mounts become so severe that they can dislodge the brakes m...

ODI #11755848 • Filed: 08/10/2026

While driving on ... north near exit ... in rain, at 70 mph Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance were on. The vehicle displayed a warning that the smart systems were disabled. The vehicle then began jerking and changing lanes and speed unexpectedly. The steering...

ODI #11753112 • Filed: 07/27/2026Odometer: 120,000 mi

The horn is intermittenly failing and was verified by a Weimer Hyundai in Morgantown, WV on XXX. This is a known defect in 2023 Hyundai Elantras and they have issued an extended warranty to address the problem. An absence of a horn is a safety issue as you cannot signal other ...

#4 STEERING & SUSPENSIONCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

14
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11755848 • Filed: 08/10/2026

While driving on ... north near exit ... in rain, at 70 mph Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance were on. The vehicle displayed a warning that the smart systems were disabled. The vehicle then began jerking and changing lanes and speed unexpectedly. The steering...

ODI #11734991 • Filed: 04/30/2026

The tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue is 11733456 I am writing to update and escalate my previously filed safety complaint regarding my vehicle. I recently received my car back from the dealership after they informed me that all issues had been repaired and that...

ODI #11705361 • Filed: 12/16/2025

This has happened twice. I brought it to Hyundai in Syracuse and they said they could not find a problem. The problem: While driving the car loses power, when pressing the gas pedal the car stops propelling forward. Safety: The car randomly loses power while driving. This coul...

#5 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity79% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

13
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):22,872 milesIQR: 14,30831,436 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11757020 • Filed: 08/14/2026Odometer: 40,000 mi

The vehicle is a 2023 Hyundai Elantra N Line purchased from CarMax in February 2026 with approximately 40,000 miles. It currently has approximately 49,000 miles. The vehicle intermittently cuts off, hesitates to accelerate, and jerks/shudders during acceleration. The specific ...

ODI #11738642 • Filed: 05/18/2026Odometer: 5,744 mi

I purchased a 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2023 on December 15, 2023, and since early ownership I have experienced persistent jerking/clunking while slowing to a stop, harsh downshifts, hesitation during braking, and rough transitions between electric and engine power. The issu...

ODI #11731508 • Filed: 04/16/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a full stop, the brake pedal was released, and the vehicle surged forward before the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no w...

#6 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity78% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

9
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11704412 • Filed: 12/11/2025

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light intermittently flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the clock spring on two separate occasions, but the failure reoccu...

ODI #11700651 • Filed: 11/20/2025

The contact owned a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at night and at approximately 60 MPH, a deer had crashed into the driver's side front door and bounced off and crashed into the driver's side front bumper. The contact stated that he had been throw...

ODI #11678057 • Filed: 08/03/2025

The vehicles horn does not when pressed. Multiple other users have complained of the same issue affecting their vehicle as well.

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONLow Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

1
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (1)
ODI #11722380 • Filed: 03/05/2026

*The engine began sputtering really bad and the check engine light came on. I brought the vehicle to the dealership that I purchased it from and they recommended a fuel system flush and change the spark plugs. I had them change the spark plugs and the check engine was cleared ...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (2)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #22V632000Reported: 18/08/2022

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra N and 2022-2023 Elantra vehicles. The emblem on the cover of the driver's front air bag may not have been welded properly, which can result in the emblem detaching upon deployment.

Safety Consequence: A detached air bag cover emblem may strike a vehicle occupant, which can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 234.
NHTSA Campaign #23V526000Reported: 27/07/2023

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.

Safety Consequence: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2023 Hyundai Elantra

Before purchasing a used 2023 Hyundai Elantra, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2023 Hyundai Elantra

Is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra a reliable used car?

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra earns a 6.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 94 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?

The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 7,000 miles (IQR: 7,00063,500 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?

Yes, the NHTSA records 2 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.