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Hyundai Elantra (5th Gen)

11-16 · Hyundai Elantra

88out of 100

The 5th gen Elantra was praised at launch for its 40-MPG highway rating, but the Nu engine has a documented connecting rod bearing failure concern that Hyundai quietly extended the warranty on, check your VIN.

Score breakdown

80/ 100Reliability×2.588/ 100True Annual Cost×3.095/ 100Safety×2.084/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A genuinely improved compact that jumped to 5-star NHTSA and IIHS Good. The 1.8L Nu engine is chain-driven but had a connecting rod bearing failure pattern on some examples. Hyundai extended the warranty coverage and issued a recall on certain 11-14 units. Parts are widely available and affordable.

Why it's on this list

Good safety ratings, low purchase price ($6k–$10k), and 32 MPG combined. ESC standard across all trims. For a budget commuter, a verified-clean 5th gen Elantra is a solid pick.

The honest trade-offs

Nu engine connecting rod bearing failure recall, check NHTSA recall lookup for your specific VIN. Hyundai's long-term reliability still trails Toyota and Honda at high mileage. Automatic transmission fluid service is commonly neglected, verify history.

What to buy and what to avoid

14-16 SE or Sport. Check NHTSA.gov recall database for the connecting rod bearing recall on your VIN. Verify the recall was completed if applicable. 6-speed manual is the cleanest powertrain choice.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,254 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$452 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$160 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,820 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,380 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,326 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$1,886 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
32[5]
MPG city / hwy
28 / 38[5]
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl (Nu)
Horsepower
148 hp
Torque
131 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
14.8 cu ft
Stock tires
195/65R15
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

Also available in hatchback. The score reflects the primary body style listed above.

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
17%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$452 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
12%[1]
250k-mile survival
48%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$18 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Hyundai Elantra?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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