Is There a Recall for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?

Yes. The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is subject to multiple safety recalls in the United States and other markets, affecting components such as braking systems, steering, electrical systems, and airbags. Most vehicles are not affected by every recall, so owners should check their specific VIN with an official recall tool to know exactly which campaigns apply.

Overview: Why the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Has Been Recalled

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra has been the focus of several National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)–registered recalls, as well as related technical service campaigns. These actions are part of ongoing industry-wide efforts to address safety issues ranging from airbag deployment risks to potential fire hazards. While the model is not unique in having recalls, owners should treat any open recall as urgent and schedule dealer service promptly.

Key Recalls Affecting the 2018 Hyundai Elantra

Several major recall campaigns have been issued for various configurations of the 2018 Elantra, including sedan and Elantra GT variants. Not every recall applies to every vehicle; coverage is determined by build date, plant, engine, and other production factors.

• Brake master cylinder / loss of braking performance – Certain 2017–2018 Elantra models were recalled due to a possible issue with the brake master cylinder or related components, which could reduce braking effectiveness and increase the risk of a crash.
• Steering issues / loss of steering assist – Some 2018 Elantra vehicles have been recalled because of defects in steering components (such as steering wheel assemblies or column-related parts) that could result in loss of steering control or assist.
• Airbag system problems – Recalls have addressed faults in airbag control modules or wiring that might prevent airbags from deploying correctly in a crash, or could disable seat belt pretensioners.
• Electrical short and fire risk (various components) – A number of Hyundai vehicles, including some Elantra and Elantra GT models from around 2018, have been subject to recalls for potential electrical shorts in components such as ABS modules, which in certain cases could create a fire risk, even when the vehicle is parked.
• Parking brake or rear brake–related issues – In limited campaigns, Hyundai has addressed problems with rear braking hardware that could affect parking brake function or rear brake performance.
• Fuel system and emissions–related recalls – Some vehicles have been recalled for fuel or emissions system faults that can cause driveability issues or increase emissions beyond legal thresholds, though these are often safety-adjacent rather than pure safety defects.

Collectively, these recalls target core safety systems—brakes, steering, airbags, and electrical components—making it essential that owners confirm recall status and complete repairs, even if the car appears to be operating normally.

How to Check If Your Specific 2018 Elantra Has an Open Recall

Because recall eligibility is VIN-specific, the only reliable way to know which campaigns affect your car is to look up its 17-character Vehicle Identification Number using an official recall database or Hyundai’s own tools.

Using Official NHTSA and Hyundai Resources

The most authoritative and up-to-date recall information for U.S. vehicles is maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, complemented by Hyundai’s own owner portals and regional sites.

The following list outlines the main ways owners can check recall status for a 2018 Hyundai Elantra in the United States and many other markets.

• NHTSA VIN lookup (U.S.) – Visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your full 17-character VIN. The tool will show all safety recalls that have not yet been completed on your vehicle over the last 15 years.
• Hyundai’s official recall page – Go to Hyundai’s U.S. site (hyundaiusa.com → Owners → Safety Recalls) or your regional Hyundai website and enter your VIN to see brand-specific recall and service campaign information.
• Hyundai owner account / app – If you have an online Hyundai owner account or the official Hyundai app, you can add your vehicle and see open recalls and service actions in your profile.
• Call a Hyundai dealership – Provide your VIN to a Hyundai service department. Dealers can pull recall records directly from the manufacturer’s system and tell you whether your car has any outstanding safety campaigns.
• Check mailed notices – Hyundai is required to mail recall notices to the last known registered owners. If you’ve moved or purchased the car used, update your contact information with Hyundai and your local motor vehicle agency so future notices reach you.

By using at least one VIN-based lookup method—ideally NHTSA plus Hyundai’s portal—you can confirm with high confidence whether your individual Elantra requires recall work and whether that work has already been completed.

What Owners Should Do If Their 2018 Elantra Is Under Recall

Once you confirm that your vehicle has an open recall, the next step is to arrange the repair with an authorized Hyundai dealer. Recall work is done at no cost to the owner, but you will typically need an appointment.

Steps to Take After Identifying an Open Recall

The process from confirmation to completion is straightforward, but timing and preparation can make it smoother and safer, especially when a defect involves braking, steering, or fire risk.

1. Read the recall notice carefully – Note the defect description, potential safety risk, and whether Hyundai advises you to limit driving or park the vehicle outdoors.
2. Contact your nearest Hyundai dealer – Call or schedule online, telling them your VIN and recall number. Ask about part availability and approximate repair time.
3. Follow any interim safety guidance – For recalls involving fire risk or potential loss of braking/steering, follow instructions such as parking outdoors, avoiding high-speed driving, or minimizing vehicle use until repairs are done.
4. Bring documentation – Take your recall letter (if you have it), registration, and photo ID. These are usually enough for the service department to process the repair.
5. Confirm completion and keep records – After work is done, ensure your invoice notes that the recall was performed and keep that paperwork with your vehicle records; it can be useful for resale or future questions.

Handling recalls promptly protects both you and future owners, and ensures your car’s safety record is accurately documented should you decide to sell or trade it.

Costs, Warranties, and Used-Car Considerations

Automakers are legally obligated to correct recall-related safety defects free of charge, regardless of ownership changes. For a 2018 Elantra, that obligation still applies today for active safety recalls.

What You Can Expect to Pay—and What You Shouldn’t

While the recall repair itself is free, there are a few practical aspects owners often ask about, especially with older vehicles and secondhand purchases.

The following points summarize typical cost and responsibility issues around recall repairs for a 2018 Hyundai Elantra.

• No charge for recall parts and labor – Safety recall repairs must be performed at no cost to the owner at an authorized Hyundai dealer, even if factory warranties have expired.
• Dealer upsells are optional – Technicians may recommend additional maintenance (brakes, fluids, tires, etc.). These are not part of the recall and are optional paid services.
• Loaner vehicles or rentals – For some time-consuming or higher-risk recalls, Hyundai or dealers may offer loaners or rental coverage, but this is not guaranteed and varies by campaign and location. Ask in advance.
• Used-car buyers – If you bought your 2018 Elantra used, you remain fully eligible for free recall work. It is wise to check the VIN before purchase and again after registering the vehicle in your name.
• Out-of-region or imported vehicles – If your Elantra was originally sold in another country, you may need to work through that market’s Hyundai division or a dealer experienced with “grey market” vehicles to handle any recall-related work.

Understanding these practical details helps prevent surprise charges and ensures you get the full benefit of the manufacturer’s recall obligations, no matter how long the car has been on the road.

Safety Context: How Serious Are the 2018 Elantra Recalls?

While having multiple recalls can sound alarming, the severity varies by campaign. Airbag and fire-risk issues are generally treated as high priority; others may be corrective but less urgent if interim guidance is followed.

Risk Assessment and Owner Response

Regulators and automakers classify recall risks based on the probability of failure and the consequences if a defect occurs. For owners, the practical question is how quickly to act and whether to alter daily driving habits.

The following considerations can help you weigh urgency if your 2018 Elantra is subject to one or more recalls.

• Airbag and seat belt recalls – These can directly affect crash protection; repairs should be scheduled as soon as parts are available, and you should avoid disabling any safety systems (for example, airbag warning light ignoring) while waiting.
• Fire-risk recalls – If Hyundai or NHTSA advise parking outdoors or away from structures, follow these instructions immediately and keep the appointment as soon as possible.
• Braking and steering defects – Any issue that could lead to loss of control should be treated as urgent. Reduce highway driving and avoid heavy loads or aggressive driving until repairs are complete.
• Non-critical or emissions-related campaigns – Some actions focus on compliance and long-term reliability more than imminent danger. They remain important but may not require altering short-term driving behavior.
• Multiple overlapping recalls – If your Elantra has more than one open recall, ask the dealer to address them all in one visit. This minimizes time in the shop and ensures all key risks are mitigated.

Even in lower-risk cases, regulators and safety advocates consistently urge owners not to ignore recall notices; unaddressed defects can combine with other factors—such as bad weather or heavy traffic—to create dangerous situations.

Summary

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra has been subject to several safety recalls, covering components such as the braking and steering systems, airbags, and certain electrical parts that can pose fire or crash risks. Whether your individual vehicle is affected depends on its VIN, production details, and recall completion history. Owners should check their car using NHTSA’s recall lookup, Hyundai’s official tools, or a dealer inquiry, and schedule any needed repairs without delay. All recall work is free, remains available even for second or third owners, and is a critical part of keeping the 2018 Elantra safe and compliant on today’s roads.

What are the recalls on the Hyundai 2018?

Hyundai has issued recalls for several 2018 models, including the Santa Fe, Sonata, Ioniq, and Accent, for issues like fire risks from the ABS module, potential steering wheel separation, trunk latch problems, and power relay assembly issues. To check for open recalls on a specific vehicle, enter its VIN on the Hyundai website or another vehicle recall site.
 
This video explains Hyundai’s recalls due to potential fuel tank leaks: 23sNews 4 Tucson KVOA-TVYouTube · Nov 21, 2025
Recalls affecting 2018 Hyundai models

• Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport:
  • Fire risk: A recall was issued for the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, which can cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire. 
  • Steering wheel separation: The steering wheel assembly may break, potentially causing it to detach from the steering column while driving. 
  • Side curtain airbag: A recall was issued to replace the side curtain airbag in some Santa Fe Sport models. 
• Sonata:
  • A recall for the trunk latch prevents the trunk from being opened from the inside. 
• Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid:
  • Power Relay Assembly: Recalls were issued to inspect and replace the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) in certain 2017-2018 Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. 
• Accent:
  • A recall for the trunk latch, similar to the Sonata, prevents the trunk from being opened from the inside. 
• Ioniq:
  • A recall was issued for the hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA) due to potential damage to the oil seal, which could cause an electrical short. 

How to check for recalls

• Use your VIN: Visit the Hyundai recall website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number to see if your specific car has any open recalls.
• Contact a dealer: If you have an open recall, contact a local Hyundai dealer to have the repairs done for free. 

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?

There are currently no recorded recalls for this car. If you believe your car has a safety defect, but hasn’t been recalled, please check up with your local dealer or service center.

What are the most common problems with a 2018 Hyundai Elantra?

Top 2018 Hyundai Elantra Problems

• Stalling/failure to start due to crankshaft angle sensor failure.
• Hyundai Elantra service light activation upon headlight use and recurring tail light issues.
• Hyundai Elantra excessive wind noise from lower right corner of front windshield.

Are there any recalls on a Hyundai Elantra?

Yes, there are recalls on Hyundai Elantra vehicles, but specific recalls depend on the model year and VIN. Recent recalls include a driver’s airbag emblem for some 2022-2023 models, potential issues with the rear-view camera, and a gas tank issue affecting some 2023 and 2024 models. Older models have separate recalls for items like the electronic power steering motor or seat recliners. To check for recalls specific to your vehicle, use the Hyundai VIN checker on the Hyundai website or a similar service, and then schedule an appointment with a dealer for any necessary repairs.
 
Specific recalls

• 2022-2023 Elantra: A recall (234) for a condition with the driver’s airbag emblem requires replacement of the driver airbag module. 
• 2023 Elantra: Recalls are in place for issues with the automatic transmission fluid pump and the Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller, notes Cars.com. 
• 2023-2024 Elantra: A recent recall involves certain vehicles with a potential problem with the gas tank that could cause it to melt and start a fire, reports Road and Track. 
• 2021 Elantra: Recalls are in place for the driver and front passenger seat back recliners and the windshield assembly, according to Cars.com. 
• 2017 Elantra: An electronic power steering (EPS) motor recall affects some models produced around December 2016, as noted on the Hyundai website. 
• 2020 Elantra: A recall was issued to address issues with rearview cameras in some Elantra and Santa Fe models, according to Cars.com. 
• 2020 Elantra: A recall was also issued for some Elantras regarding the rear-view camera, per Cars.com. 

How to check for recalls on your vehicle

1. Find your VIN: Locate your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number on the dashboard or your registration card. 
2. Use the Hyundai VIN checker: Enter your VIN on the Hyundai recall website to see if your vehicle is affected by an open recall. 
3. Schedule an appointment: Contact your local Hyundai dealer to schedule a free repair for any recalled issues.