NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 90 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it in the Strong band. Solid crash-test performance anchors that score, but two recalls, including one park-outside campaign, and a six-point drop from the 2022 model year temper the picture for safety-focused shoppers.
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, based entirely on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 90 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 75 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV's Safety Index rating of 80 out of 100 marks a notable six-point decrease from the 2022 model's 86. This decline does not stem from its crash-test performance, which remains robust; the vehicle achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including perfect scores in side impact and rollover resistance. These results contribute to a strong crash protection sub-score of 65 out of 70. The primary factors influencing the lower Safety Index are its defect record and avoidance technology. A defect record sub-score of 9.5 out of 20 reflects two recall campaigns, including a critical "park outside" advisory for its powertrain transmission fluid pump. This particular recall, impacting multiple Hyundai models and indicating a fire risk, significantly weighs on the Index due to its severe safety implications. Furthermore, an avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 suggests limitations in the breadth of active safety features on this Elantra configuration. While forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standard, the model did not rank highly for its comprehensive suite of these systems. The 90 unverified owner complaints, which include 19 reports alleging Forward Collision Avoidance issues and 21 related to the Electrical System, underscore the importance of scrutinizing the effectiveness of these avoidance systems beyond the favorable crash-test outcomes.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Hyundai Elantra perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra received a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side and rollover protection both achieved 5-star ratings. Frontal crash protection, however, earned 4 out of 5 stars, marking the single category that did not reach the highest possible score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17142
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 Elantra. The first, and more serious, is a powertrain transmission fluid pump recall that carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, meaning affected owners were advised not to park near structures. The second involves a driver airbag emblem cover that could affect frontal airbag deployment. Both require VIN verification.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP23V526000
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-07-27
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL22V632000
Risk: A detached air bag cover emblem may strike a vehicle occupant, which can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-08-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has logged 90 unverified owner allegations for this model year. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System with 21 alleged incidents, Unknown or Other with 20, and Forward Collision Avoidance with 19. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
90 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
Potential buyers of a 2023 Elantra must verify recall completion, especially regarding the park-outside powertrain recall, as an unresolved issue of this nature poses a significant safety concern.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index of 80 out of 100 represents a six-point drop from the 2022 Elantra's 86, driven primarily by the defect record sub-score of 9.5 out of 20 tied to two active recall campaigns.
- One of the two recalls is a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign covering a powertrain automatic transmission fluid pump issue, a designation NHTSA reserves for situations with elevated fire-related risk.
- NHTSA recorded 90 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with Forward Collision Avoidance accounting for 19 of them, a concentration in a safety-critical system that used buyers should investigate before purchase.
- The frontal crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars is the sole NHTSA category where the 2023 Elantra fell below a perfect score, making frontal protection the one area where the otherwise strong crash-test record has a measurable gap.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Hyundai Elantra places
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Hyundai Elantra safety questions
Was the 2023 Hyundai Elantra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 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 2023 Hyundai Elantra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Hyundai Elantra 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 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Elantra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 90 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Elantra years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17142), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Elantra 2023.
- 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 75 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.