Hyundai Elantra brake problems, 2016–2026
137 of the 2,549 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Elantra 2016–2026 name the brakes (NHTSA’s “Service Brakes” heading — the hydraulic brakes, ABS and brake assist). The loudest years: 2017 (51), 2018 (19), 2023 (16). Filed under the same heading across these years: 1 recall campaign. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Hyundai Elantra brake problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the brakes | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2025 | 2 | 6% | — | — | the year → |
| 2024 | 4 | 6% | — | — | the year → |
| 2023 | 16 | 9% | — | — | the year → |
| 2022 | 11 | 7% | — | — | the year → |
| 2021 | 13 | 8% | — | — | the year → |
| 2020 | 14 | 5% | — | — | the year → |
| 2019 | 7 | 3% | — | — | the year → |
| 2018 | 19 | 6% | — | — | the year → |
| 2017 in depth | 51 | 6% | 37k | 1 recall | the record → |
| 2016 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the brakes. Nothing here is a rate.
When the brake complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2017: 11 · 2018: 11 · 2019: 14 · 2020: 9 · 2021: 7 · 2022: 15 · 2023: 18 · 2024: 17 · 2025: 20 · 2026: 15
Across the model years, half of the 56 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the brake problem between 10,000 and 52,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the brakes, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
Brake line corroded AFTER recall with treatment was done. Loss of brakes while driving on highway. Avoided collision but could've been highly fatal accident. Hyundai should've replaced a serious safety issue instead of covering it with a coating and hoping it holds. It is a XXX Car driven in .
2017 Hyundai Elantra GT suffered leakage from the hydraulic brake lines located under the driver's seat which can cause sudden and total braking failure. The leakage was caused by severe rust and corrosion trapped by the underbody panels. The fuel line was also severely corroded, with imminent failure.
I had my car brakes replaced checked for the past three months it's been making a grinding noise when braking at slow speeds had the car checked 3 different shops, they said rotors and pads are perfectly fine almost new, but the grinding is still there dust shield is not touching pads are new, rotors on specifications normal now i am…
when moving during heavy traffic the car, when braking, will suddenly stop or stop heavily at slow speeds. this causes passengers to be jolted as well as following cars. possible rear end collision is the effect as well. passenger safety of accident is a concern. no warning or indication has been shown at dash
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights flashed on and off on the instrument panel, and the brakes independently activated due to slippery weather conditions.
What is on file about the brakes, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaign filed under this heading, any model year
- 17V063000 HighJan 26, 2017 · 33,803 vehicles
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Other systems with a record on the Hyundai Elantra
Source: the same files- engine problems
- exterior lighting problems
- electrical problems
- steering problems
- transmission and drivetrain problems
Every system, every model year: Hyundai Elantra problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Hyundai Elantra years have the most brake complaints?
2017, 51; 2018, 19; 2023, 16. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2023 (9%).
Is there a recall for the brakes on the Hyundai Elantra?
Yes — one campaign is filed under this heading across these model years: 17V063000 (2017). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do brake problems show up on the Hyundai Elantra?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 24,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 10,000 and 52,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Service Brakes" heading cover?
The hydraulic brakes, ABS and brake assist. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.