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Active NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from structures until repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.

Hyundai · Midsize Sedan

2023 Hyundai Elantra

Hybrid Gas

Midsize Cars
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26

Safety Signal

62 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record

Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.

Recalls2 critical 4

Complaints16 crash · 9 injured reported 170

Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★

Fuel economybest combined, EPA 54 mpg

Starting MSRP8 trims · manufacturer $20,650

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas midsize sedan with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Elantra Hybrid Blue, is EPA-rated at 54 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of D. Owners have filed 170 complaints, most often about the forward collision avoidance. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall. Manufacturer pricing runs from $20,650 to $34,400 across 8 trims.

Hyundai Elantra N — photograph via Wikimedia Commons — Hyundai Elantra N · Photo: OWS Photography · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Trims & pricing

Source: manufacturer press kitWhich trim should I buy? → Compare a trim →

Trim	Powertrain	Drive	MSRP	HP	Torque	MPG comb	Seats	Cargo (2nd row)	Wheels
SE	Gas	FWD	$20,650	147 hp	132 lb-ft	37 mpg	5	14.2 cu-ft	15 in
SEL	Gas	FWD	$21,900	147 hp	132 lb-ft	34 mpg	5	14.2 cu-ft	16 in
Limited	Gas	FWD	$26,500	147 hp	132 lb-ft	34 mpg	5	14.2 cu-ft	17 in
Blue HEV	Hybrid	FWD	$24,550	104 hp	109 lb-ft	54 mpg	5	14.2 cu-ft	16 in
Limited HEV	Hybrid	FWD	$29,150	104 hp	109 lb-ft	50 mpg	5	14.2 cu-ft	17 in
N Line	Gas	FWD	$27,200	201 hp	195 lb-ft	31 mpg	5	14.2 cu-ft	18 in
N MT	Gas	FWD	$32,900	276 hp	289 lb-ft	—	5	14.2 cu-ft	19 in
N DCT	Gas	FWD	$34,400	276 hp	289 lb-ft	—	5	14.2 cu-ft	19 in

MSRP excludes destination. Open a trim for the complete spec sheet and standard/optional equipment. Have the car in front of you? Decode its VIN to see which of these trims it is and what it was priced at.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Configuration	Powertrain	Drive	Engine / motor	City	Hwy	Comb	Annual fuel*
Elantra Hybrid Blue	Hybrid	FWD	1.6L 4-cyl + 240V Li-Ion	53	56	54	$1,250
Elantra Hybrid	Hybrid	FWD	1.6L 4-cyl + 240V Li-Ion	49	52	50	$1,350
Elantra	Gas	FWD	2.0L 4-cyl	33	42	37	$1,800
Elantra	Gas	FWD	2.0L 4-cyl	30	40	34	$1,950
Elantra	Gas	FWD	1.6L 4-cyl turbo	28	36	31	$2,150
Elantra N	Gas	FWD	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	22	31	25	$3,300
Elantra N	Gas	FWD	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	20	30	23	$3,550

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 45298, 45297, 45295, 45294, 45296, 45934, 45933.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates

Configuration	Smog rating	Emission standard	Where it can be sold new	SmartWay
Elantra Hybrid, Elantra Hybrid Blue	7 / 10	Federal Tier 3 Bin 30 / California LEV-III SULEV30	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	SmartWay
Elantra	5–7 / 10	California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 / California LEV-III SULEV30	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	SmartWay
Elantra	5–7 / 10	Federal Tier 3 Bin 30 / California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	SmartWay
Elantra	5 / 10	Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 / California LEV-III ULEV70	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	—
Elantra N	3 / 10	Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 / California LEV-III ULEV125	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

New-vehicle warranty

Source: manufacturer press kits, make-level

Basic 5 yr / 60,000 mi Powertrain 10 yr / 100,000 mi

As stated in Hyundai's press kits for the 2022–2023 model years (4 kits); this model year's own kit states no warranty terms, so the make's are shown. Confirm the term for this car with the dealer.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (4)

Source: NHTSA recall database

▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

262-023G

54,647 vehicles 83% reported repaired built Sep 15, 2021 – Nov 23, 2023

Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power. Risk A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 9, 2024. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 262 and 023G.

Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF Owner letter PDF Remedy instructions PDF Chronology PDF

NHTSA campaign 24V528000 reported Jul 11, 2024 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

!critical

Electrical System

248

37,997 vehicles 97% reported repaired Hybrid only

Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles. A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released. Risk Unintended vehicle acceleration can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will update the motor control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 248.

Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF

NHTSA campaign 23V589000 reported Aug 18, 2023 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

!critical

Power Train

246

Park outside 52,109 vehicles 93% reported repaired

Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat. Risk An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. Fix Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF Remedy instructions PDF

NHTSA campaign 23V526000 reported Jul 27, 2023 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

▲high

Air Bags

234

247 vehicles 89% reported repaired

Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra N and 2022-2023 Elantra vehicles. The emblem on the cover of the driver's front air bag may not have been welded properly, which can result in the emblem detaching upon deployment. Risk A detached air bag cover emblem may strike a vehicle occupant, which can increase the risk of injury. Fix Dealers will replace the air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 234.

Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF Remedy instructions PDF

NHTSA campaign 22V632000 reported Aug 18, 2022 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

Whether any of this applies to one specific Elantra

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2023 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Hyundai publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Hyundai’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database

170complaints filed

16 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 9 injuries · 0 deaths reported

9.3 per 10,000 built · Hyundai reported 182,492 Elantra built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2022: 1 · 2023: 54 · 2024: 50 · 2025: 37 · 2026: 28

Most-cited components

Forward Collision Avoidance 45

Electrical System 44

Unspecified 35

Engine 26

Service Brakes 14

Power Train 12

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra N. The contact stated that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a total of 4 times. The dealer completed an oil consumption test and found that the engine was consuming one quart of engine oil every 100 miles driven.

Engine at 1,520 miles Feb 12, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11642145

When vehicle gets wet, knock sensor trips and puts the vehicle in limp mode. Making it very dangerous to drive since everything is underpowered and makes it hard to get up to speed, shift, etc

Electrical System Jul 29, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11605020

Throw out bearing leak, resulting in excessive loss of brake fluid and potential for reduced braking ability. Low brake fluid warning light illuminated and was reported to Suburban Hyundai of Troy around 6,000 miles and again around 10,000 miles.

Service Brakes Aug 5, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11754976

I find myself in this situation due to a defect in my 2023 Hyundai, which is under Full Factory Warranty. I have had all my required services completed by Hyundai on time, and as the consumer had no idea anything was wrong with my vehicle.

Steering Oct 1, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11617602

This is a known issue within these new Hyundai N cars and Hyundai is completely clueless. It’s a “p1326 code” that pops up after a carwash. Whenever the knock sensor gets wet it automatically puts the car into limp mode at highway speeds and it’s very hazardous.

Power Train Mar 28, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11579842

Driving on a highway at 80mph, adaptive cruise control was engaged. It was a clear, sunny day, around 55 degrees F outside. We were 3.5 hours into a 4 hour drive. There were no cars in front of the vehicle. There were other cars in the lanes immediately to both the left and right of us, as well as a car behind us.

Forward Collision Avoidance Mar 11, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11576726

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Hyundai itself: 44 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 50 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 24 per 100,000 built. Every Elantra model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 16k

miles, typically

Half the 19 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 2,000 and 21,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

Too few readings for a curve — the 19 on file: 8 under 10k, 4 10k–20k, 3 20k–30k, 2 30k–40k, 1 40k–50k, 1 70k–80k.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

Configuration	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR FWD	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	10%
4 DR FWD	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	—
4 DR FWD	not rated	not rated	not rated	★★★★★	10%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications

Extended coverage on file 2 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first · Hyundai warranty extension Z03Certain Elantra (CN7) non-N-Line and N-Line, Elantra (CN7A), Elantra N (CN7 N), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles may experience an inoperable horn.
15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first · Hyundai warranty extension Z04Certain 2019-2022MY Veloster N (JSN), 2022-2023MY Elantra N (CN7N), and 2022-2023MY Kona N (OSN) vehicles are equipped with high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) assemblies that have fuel control valves…

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Hyundai warranty extension (62) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 129

Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-08

Kindsas classified by NHTSA 80 service bulletins, 22 service campaigns, 21 warranty extensions

Most often about: Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Engine, Visibility/Wiper, Latches/Locks/Linkages.

26-EM-016H TSB Service bulletin
2026-10-08 · Engine
Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operation, depending on driving conditions and mileage, and this procedure should only be performed when dee
26-EM-015H TSB Service bulletin
2026-10-07 · Engine
Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operation. Oil consumption rates may vary based on mileage, operating conditions, driving habits, and mainte
26-AT-004H TSB Service bulletin
2026-06-05 · Power Train
This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for some vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). The software update revises the touch point learning variation, improving drivability and judder symptoms. Certain 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an updated clutch spring. The correct TCU software update m
26-GI-002H TSB Service bulletin
2026-05-27 · Electrical System
This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software c
26-EE-003H TSB Service bulletin
2026-04-18 · Electrical System
Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
11032523 Other
2026-04-10 · Air Bags
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and
11032522 Other
2026-04-10 · Air Bags
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may
26-AD-001H TSB Service bulletin
2026-02-25 · Exterior Lighting
Some 2019MY and newer vehicles equipped with a front view camera may illuminate certain warning lights and trigger DTC C272246 fault code for the front camera. In the following cases, the front camera auto-calibration range may be exceeded while driving: • If the front camera is not properly installed and is completely or partially detached. • In case of excessive changes affecting the vehicle's b

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

Code	What it means	Most often filed under	Where it appears
P1326 P1326 on Hyundai →	Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.	Engine	1 bulletin · 2 owner reports
P0088 P0088 on Hyundai →	Fuel rail pressure is above what the system commanded.	Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →	2 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

New York inspections 0.76%

failed emissions

5,900 initial inspections of 5,791 vehicles.

Measure	The 2023 Elantra	Every 2023 vehicle	Behind it
Failed the emissions check	0.76%	1.6%	5,886
Failed the safety inspection	2.3%	1.1%	5,900
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit	0.22%	0.16%	5,900
Miles driven a year	10,918	10,038	odometer at inspection
Average odometer	35,466	32,673	odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2023 vehicle” is every 2023 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Compare the 2023 Elantra with

Any vehicle, your weights →

Head-to-head	Verdict
2023 Toyota Prius Prime · Midsize Sedan · grade C	Elantra +12.1

Elantra by model year

all years, side by side →

Year Safety Recalls Complaints

2026 D 4 4 54 mpg 2025 C 2 34 54 mpg 2024 C 2 62 54 mpg 2023 this page D 4 170 Park outside 2022 F 8 159 54 mpg 2021 F 7 162 54 mpg 2020 C 3 262 36 mpg 2019 B 1 266 35 mpg 2018 A 1 335 35 mpg 2017 C 4 795 35 mpg 2016 C 2 300 31 mpg

Common questions about the 2023 Elantra

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

How much does the 2023 Hyundai Elantra cost?

Manufacturer pricing runs from $20,650 for the SE FWD to $34,400 for the N DCT FWD, across 8 trims. Those are MSRPs from the manufacturer's own press material; they exclude destination, options, taxes and whatever the dealer adds. Every trim and price is listed above.

Does the 2023 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 4 recall campaigns for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, 2 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 23V589000, covering Electrical System. 1 of them was filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. There is an active park outside advisory — act on it before driving. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?

NHTSA gave the 2023 Hyundai Elantra 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 5-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it D (62/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?

Across the 7 EPA-rated configurations of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, the best EPA combined figure is 54 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What do owners complain about on the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?

Owners have filed 170 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, most often about forward collision avoidance, electrical system, unspecified. Of those, 16 involved a crash, 9 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?

The EPA smog rating for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra runs 3 to 7 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III SULEV30, California LEV-III ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 30, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?

The manufacturer has filed 129 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, most often covering electrical system, unknown or other, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-10-08. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2023 Hyundai Elantra do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra failed the emissions check on 0.76% of first inspections — lower than the 1.6% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.3% (every 2023 vehicle: 1.1%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

Which 2023 Hyundai Elantra trim is the best value?

$13,750 separates the cheapest of the 8 trims from the most expensive, so the answer depends on which of the differences you would actually use. Every trim has its own page here with the manufacturer's full specification and equipment list, plus a short summary of exactly what it adds over the base trim — worth reading before a dealer frames the walk-up for you. The trim-by-trim ladder shows what every step up costs and what it makes standard.

Is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra better than the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime?

The Hyundai Elantra wins clearly, 88 to 75.9, on tech & comfort, price, warranty. The Toyota Prius Prime is ahead on safety and space & cargo. We publish a full side-by-side of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra against the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime — specifications by family, equipment feature by feature, safety record and ownership costs. You can re-weight what matters to you and the verdict recalculates.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

Data	Held	Source	What it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations	7 configurations	EPA certification records	Every configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates	7 configurations	EPA emission certificates	Smog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls	4	NHTSA recall campaigns	A complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints	170	NHTSA complaint database	Also complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings	3 tested	NHTSA NCAP	Only the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins	129	NHTSA manufacturer communications	Everything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations	none	NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation	No defect investigation has been opened.
Driver-assist crash reports	none	NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01	No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA	none	NHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patterns	We had no VIN pattern to decode for this model year, or the manufacturer filed nothing usable.
Trims, pricing & equipment	8 trims	Manufacturer press kit	Transcribed from the manufacturer's own press material, every value carrying the document it came from.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly. Trim-level specifications and pricing are transcribed from the manufacturer's official press kit; every value carries its source in the data file.

JSON for this page · API