NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator may rupture when the air bag deploys during a collision.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator at no cost.
3,493 vehicles affected
This page covers 4 recalls, 257 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Hyundai Elantra.
27–31 mpg combined
7.6–8.7 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2015 Elantra's complaint record, with owners frequently describing sudden power loss, stalling, and abnormal engine noises, particularly a tapping or knocking sound that often accompanies low oil warnings and a check engine light. Several owners report engines that lose power while driving and then restart, only to repeat the failure. Brake complaints make up the second-largest group, with owners describing reduced stopping ability and pedal feel issues. Steering is the third most-reported system, with owners noting unexpected stiffness or loss of assist. Back on the engine side, a recurring thread involves oil consumption concerns tied to the power-loss pattern, owners report the check engine and low oil lights illuminating together before the engine cuts out, sometimes multiple times on the same vehicle.
257
Total Complaints
27
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Hyundai Elantra has 4 recalls, the most serious being a driver's airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, raising the risk of serious injury or death.
A separate recall covers the anti-lock brake control module, which can cause an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or being driven. On the structural side, two recalls address the trunk: a failed part in the trunk release latch can prevent the emergency interior release from working, and the trunk latch itself can become damaged in a way that also traps someone inside. Both trunk issues describe the same practical danger, with prior repair attempts not fully resolving the problem across all affected vehicles.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator may rupture when the air bag deploys during a collision.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trunk latch can become damaged, making it impossible to open the trunk from inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the trunk release latch can fail, which may prevent the emergency trunk release inside the trunk from working. This could trap a person inside the trunk.
What the fix does
Hyundai will mail you instructions to have a dealership replace the trunk latch assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The ABS fuse will be replaced at no cost to restore normal brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
