Hyundai Elantra — Specs, Problems & Recalls
Hyundai Elantra: The Hyundai Elantra is a sedan sold in the U.S. market. Enter its 17-character VIN below to pull the exact build from NHTSA vPIC: model year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant, plus any open safety recalls filed for that model year. Decode a specific VIN below to confirm the exact year, trim and equipment, and to check for open safety recalls.
Research any Hyundai Elantra model year
Specs, engines, MPG and open safety recalls for each production year.
Each year page has that year's specific specs, EPA MPG, NHTSA crash-test ratings and every open recall campaign filed for that year and model.
| Make | Hyundai |
|---|---|
| Model | Elantra |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Production Years | Multiple model years |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
Maintenance schedule — Elantra (2021-2024 (CN7 7th gen))
Factory-recommended service intervals for the current generation (2.0L Smartstream NA, 1.6L hybrid or 1.6T N-Line; 0W-20 synthetic; IVT (CVT) or DCT).
| Oil Change | Every 7,500 mi / 12 mo normal; severe 3,750 mi / 6 mo |
|---|---|
| Tire Rotation | Every 7,500 mi |
| Brake Fluid | Replace ~every 2-3 yr; inspect at services |
| Engine Air Filter | ~30,000 mi (severe ~15,000 mi) |
| Cabin Air Filter | ~12,000-15,000 mi |
| Transmission Fluid | IVT (CVT) inspect / no normal-interval service; DCT (N-Line) fluid inspected ~96,000 mi |
| Coolant | First 120,000 mi / 10 yr, then every ~24,000-30,000 mi |
| Spark Plugs | ~96,000 mi (Smartstream 2.0); 1.6T sooner |
| Timing Belt Or Chain | Timing CHAIN — no scheduled replacement |
| Major Service Milestones | 30k filters; ~96k plugs + DCT fluid check; 120k coolant. |
Model-specific note: Coolant's first interval is long (120k) but then drops sharply (~24k-30k) — easy to miss the second cycle. On-time, documented oil changes matter for Hyundai warranty given the brand's engine-recall history.
Source: Hyundai owner's manual / HyundaiUSA maintenance schedule, compiled under CC BY 4.0. Intervals are for normal service; follow the severe-use schedule if most trips are short. Your owner's manual is authoritative for your VIN.
Hyundai Elantra generations
Model-line generations with their production years. Each generation hub lists every model year with its data.
| Elantra I (J1) | 1990–1995 |
|---|---|
| Elantra II (J2) | 1995–2000 |
| Elantra III (XD) | 2000–2006 |
| Elantra IV (HD) | 2006–2010 |
| Elantra V (MD) | 2010–2015 |
| Elantra VI (AD) | 2015–2020 |
| Elantra VII (CN7) | 2020–2026 |
Why Buyers Choose the Hyundai Elantra
- Verify the exact build with a free VIN decode
- Check open NHTSA recalls in seconds
- Confirm the listing matches the factory specification
Common Problems to Check
Known issues reported for the Hyundai Elantra. Always inspect the specific vehicle and decode its VIN for recall status.
- Wear items (brakes, suspension bushings, tires) at a rate set by mileage and prior care
- Electronics and infotainment faults reported on some model years
- Any open recall: verify by VIN, since repairs are free at the dealer
Reliability: How long a used Hyundai Elantra lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
Check engine light on your Hyundai Elantra?
Every 1996-and-newer car uses the OBD-II standard. Enter any stored code, then P0300, P0420, or search our full database of over 2,000 codes, to see what it means and how serious it is.
Recent Recalls
Recall data for this model has not been ingested yet. Check the official NHTSA recall lookup or decode a specific VIN — VIN decodes always query the current NHTSA database.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decode a Hyundai Elantra VIN?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the box above. VinSpecs returns the exact year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant for your Hyundai Elantra, plus any open recalls, free.
Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable?
How long a used Hyundai Elantra lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
How do I check the Hyundai Elantra for recalls?
Use our free recall checker by year, make and model, or decode a specific VIN for its exact recall status.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Elantra?
Run a VIN decode + recall check here, get a NMVTIS-backed title history report to catch salvage/flood brands, then have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle on a lift. Cross-reference the seller's mileage claim against the odometer history on record.
Where is the VIN located on a Hyundai Elantra?
The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places: visible through the windshield on the driver's-side dashboard, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, and on the vehicle registration and insurance card. All should match, mismatched VINs are a fraud red flag.