NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra 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 achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, positioning it firmly within our "Strong" safety band. This score reflects genuinely impressive NHTSA crash-test results. However, a single active recall and minimal integration of advanced crash-avoidance technology prevent the Elantra from reaching the highest tier of our ratings. This model presents as a well-protected sedan, though prospective owners should note the specific defect concern tied to its recall.
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, based on NHTSA 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 ranks 53 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 | 53 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra shows a notable gap in its active safety suite. Its avoidance technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 points to the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning, leaving electronic stability control as the only active safety technology counted by NHTSA. This deficiency prevents the model from achieving a Safety Index in the low-to-mid 90s. Despite this, the vehicle earns a Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it within the Strong band, though this is a two-point decrease from the 2025 model's 88 out of 100. Crash protection remains a strong point, contributing 65 out of 70 to the overall score. This is supported by its 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star result in side-impact tests. The defect record also holds firm with a score of 19 out of 20, reflecting only one recall and no owner complaints to date. The single recall, concerning the air bag side-impact sensor, is a critical item for all owners to address.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Hyundai Elantra perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact and rollover protection both earned 5 out of 5 stars, with a 10 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip observed in testing. Frontal protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, a solid but comparatively lower score than other categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21149
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 have any recalls?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra carries one recall campaign involving air bag side-impact sensors. The campaign also covers certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson PHEV models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data, but owners should verify remedy status for this air bag sensor issue by VIN before driving.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT26V254000
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 299. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 22, 2026.
Reported 2026-04-21
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra. There are no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths on file, and no top components have been flagged. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, the complaint record may grow as more units accumulate miles.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
A single open recall for the air bag side-impact sensor impacts the current model year, making immediate VIN verification through NHTSA's recall lookup tool essential for prospective buyers and new owners to ensure the remedy has been applied.
- The 2026 Elantra's Safety Index fell two points to 86 out of 100 compared to the 2025 model year's 88, both remaining in the Strong band, with the gap driven by a 2 out of 10 avoidance technology sub-score reflecting the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this configuration.
- NHTSA's 2026 crash tests produced a 5-star overall rating, with side and rollover protection each earning 5 stars and a 10 percent rollover risk, while frontal protection scored 4 out of 5 stars.
- One recall is active for this model year, specifically targeting the air bag side-impact sensor system shared with certain 2025 Elantra N and 2026 Tucson variants, and owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
- Zero owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year, meaning no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged, though the complaint record is expected to be sparse for any vehicle this new to market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Hyundai Elantra places
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Hyundai Elantra safety questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Elantra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Hyundai Elantra, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra. 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.
Other Elantra years
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 21149), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Elantra 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 53 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.