NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 240 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 71/100, placing it in the Average band. Across-the-board 4-star NHTSA crash ratings are a genuine strength, but a near-zero avoidance-tech score and an engine recall pull the overall figure down to a middling result.
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 71/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra ranks 109 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 71 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 240 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 109 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra records a Safety Index of 71/100, which reflects a divergence in its safety provisions. Its 56 out of 70 crash-protection sub-score is solid; the Elantra earned four out of five stars across all NHTSA crash-test categories, including rollover. This establishes a meaningful safety foundation for a sedan of its class. The vehicle's overall score is constrained by its 2 out of 10 sub-score in avoidance technology. This low figure is due to the omission of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning as standard features. Only electronic stability control contributes to this category's score. This deficiency is a significant factor in the overall rating. Its defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20 reflects one engine recall. The vehicle accumulated 240 owner complaints, with 123 reports specifically citing engine-related issues. With no prior-year Safety Index available, a year-over-year comparison is not possible. However, the 71 score indicates that the 2019 Elantra provides average safety coverage, rather than exceptional performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Hyundai Elantra perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Elantra received a consistent 4-star rating across all NHTSA crash-test categories. This includes its overall evaluation, frontal impact, side impact, and rollover assessment. No individual test result deviates from this 4-star performance. The vehicle's rollover risk is identified at 11 percent, supported by a "no-tip" dynamic test result. This figure aligns with the 4-star rollover score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13634
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
One recall is on file for this model year. It targets 2019-2020 Elantra vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine and was initiated by Hyundai Motor America. The campaign covers a potential engine defect and also applies to certain Kona and Veloster models from overlapping years. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has received 240 unverified consumer complaints against the 2019 Elantra. Alleged issues are concentrated heavily in the Engine category at 123 reports, followed by Exterior Lighting at 65 and Electrical System at 37. Reported allegations include 12 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, and 1 death, all unverified.
240 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
Before purchasing this 7-year-old vehicle, prospective owners must verify whether the open engine recall on the 2.0L Nu MPI has been addressed. Confirming the remedy status via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool is the most critical safety action available for this model.
- The 2019 Elantra carries a single NHTSA recall targeting the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, a powertrain-level defect that also affects certain 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster models built in the same period.
- NHTSA awarded this model year 4 stars across all four tested categories including rollover, with an 11 percent rollover risk and a dynamic no-tip result recorded.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2/10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, equipment that was not standard on the 2019 Elantra.
- The complaint file includes 123 unverified engine-related allegations out of 240 total reports, making the engine the dominant concern in the NHTSA complaint record for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Hyundai Elantra places
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Hyundai Elantra safety questions
Was the 2019 Hyundai Elantra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Hyundai Elantra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Hyundai Elantra earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 4 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 240 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Elantra years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13634), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Elantra 2019.
- 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 109 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- 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.