NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Safety Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100. Its crash-test results are a clear highlight. However, one active recall is on record, and its avoidance technology scores are notably thin, which presents a significant caveat in the safety profile.
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid received a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid ranks 54 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 54 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid earns a Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, though without prior-year data for trend analysis. Its crash protection sub-score, 65 out of 70, is bolstered by a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, with perfect 5-star scores in both side-impact and rollover resistance tests. The 4-star frontal crash rating prevents a higher crash protection score. The vehicle's defect record contributes 19 out of 20 points, reflecting a single recall concerning the Hybrid Control, and zero owner complaints. However, the most significant detractor from its overall Safety Index is the avoidance technology sub-score of 2 out of 10. For a 2026 model, the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning is a notable deficiency, with only electronic stability control listed as standard. The Hybrid Control recall, while not necessitating a park-outside order, addresses a critical component of the hybrid system and demands timely resolution.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Elantra Hybrid achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though its frontal crash protection registered 4 out of 5 stars. Both side impact and rollover resistance were rated at 5 stars. The vehicle demonstrated a low 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" designation in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21151
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid have any recalls?
One recall is on file for the 2026 Elantra Hybrid. The campaign covers the hybrid power control unit (HPCU) assembly, which may overheat, affecting the electrical propulsion system. The recall spans 2024 through 2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.gov.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:HYBRID MANAGEMENT:POWER CONTROL UNIT/MODULE (HPCU)26V308000
Risk: Overheating in the HPCU increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 301. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.
Reported 2026-05-15
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged. No top components are flagged. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, the complaint record remains early and may grow over time.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?
Shoppers for this current model year vehicle should verify the status of the hybrid power control unit recall by running the specific VIN through NHTSA.gov. An open recall on the HPCU must be remedied before taking delivery or continuing to operate the vehicle.
- The 2026 Elantra Hybrid carries one active NHTSA recall targeting the hybrid power control unit (HPCU), which may overheat and affect the propulsion system. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
- NHTSA awarded the 2026 model an overall 5-star rating, with perfect scores on side and rollover tests and a 4-star frontal result, producing a crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning, a notable gap for a 2026 model year vehicle.
- Zero NHTSA complaints are on file for this model year, but the vehicle is new to market and the complaint record should be monitored as owner experience accumulates.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid places
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid safety questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21151), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 54 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.