2018 Hyundai Elantra · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 43owner reports
- 55,000median miles
- $900median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Aug 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
177 of the 282 complaints on this car are about the engine. 43 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 43 reports
Misfire on other Elantra years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ignition coils (9 reports), the spark plugs (4 reports) and the sensor (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Elantra
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Engine stalling - fuel pump failure. Closed sep 3, 2008, led to recall 08V-429.
Post-crash fuel tank leak. Closed jul 13, 2004, led to recall 04V-208.
Fuel cap replacement campaign 36. Open, led to recall 00V-095.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
What owners paid
8 of the 43 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $213 to $2,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 10,000 and 106,000 miles, from the 25 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 5 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.
Hyundai is conducting a Service Campaign related to an Electronic Control Module (ECM) software update to include cylinder imbalance learning logic optimization for Malfunction Indicator Light illumination.
This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Module (ECM) software update for 2018 - 2019MY Elantra (AD/ADA) vehicles equipped with 2.0L engine.
If you are servicing a vehicle with the DTC or symptoms listed below, refer to the Service Procedure to diagnose the condition.
1 more on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra page.
What owners wrote
“After the car was started, I drove 3 houses over when there was a loud knocking sound and the car just shut off. When trying to restart it wouldn't and the check engine, battery, and oil lights came on. After pushing it out of the road we checked the oil and it was empty. The oil has just been changed less than 2 months ago. Now the engine is seized.”
Filed Aug 24, 2026
“Since having our car, the check engine light came on several times with us being told we will need an engine replacement. Recently, our car stalled out several times while driving on different occasions leading us to look up the recalls.”
Filed Jul 27, 2026
“Burning oil. Multiple misfires. Replacing spark plugs more often than should have to. Engine knocking.”
Filed Aug 3, 2025
“Fuel injectors failed at 43,000 miles and 66,000 miles with no warning. Car misfired and left me stranded.”
Filed Apr 20, 2025 · 43,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 43 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 78 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 53 reports