MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Hyundai Elantra

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
240Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA

The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan competing in one of the most hotly contested segments in the American market. Aimed squarely at value-conscious commuters and first-time new-car buyers, it has evolved across the 2019 to 2025 model years into a genuinely stylish, feature-rich alternative to stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Here at MotorCaliber, we cut through the styling and the sticker price to focus on what matters most: how safe is it?

VERDICT

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Elantra as a competitive and well-rounded compact sedan that punches above its price point in terms of features and interior quality. Most professional assessments highlight its sharp styling and comfortable ride as genuine strengths, while acknowledging that the segment is intensely competitive. Safety technology content on higher trims tends to draw favorable mention.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13634

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record13/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

ENGINE21V301000

Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

Reported 2021-04-28

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

240 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

12reported crash
3reported fire
4reported injuries
1reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 123Exterior Lighting 65Electrical System 37Unknown Or Other 25Power Train 11Steering 9

Other Elantra years

Rivals in Sedan (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13634), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Hyundai Elantra 2019. Class rank 109 of 119 in Sedan 2019. Methodology · Disclosure