2024 refreshed Elantra in silver, front three-quarter view on a winding hill road | Hyundai
The 2019 and 2020 Elantras still carry a piston-ring recall, a defect that can cause a serious failure of the 2.0-litre engine. The good news is that the seventh generation is not covered by that recall. The continuously variable transmission still needs watching. Eleven Transport Canada campaigns also affect this compact sedan, from a horn that can go silent to a fire risk. Before you sign, it is the vehicle identification number (VIN) that settles it.
The Elantra is a front-wheel-drive compact sedan that received a refresh in 2024. Examples sold in Canada were assembled in Montgomery, Alabama, or in Ulsan, Korea.
| Years | Engine | Power and torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 2.0 L | 147 hp at 6,200 rpm, 132 lb-ft at 4,500 | 6-speed manual |
| 2021-2026 | 2.0 L | 147 hp at 6,200 rpm, 132 lb-ft at 4,500 | Continuously variable (IVT) |
| 2021-2026 (N Line) | 1.6 L turbo | 201 hp at 6,000 rpm, 195 lb-ft | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| 2021-2026 (Hybrid) | 1.6 L and electric motor | 139 hp, 195 lb-ft | 6-speed dual-clutch |
| 2022-2026 (N) | 2.0 L turbo | 276 hp at 5,500 rpm, 289 lb-ft | 6-speed manual or 8-speed dual-clutch |
In Canada, comprehensive and powertrain coverage is 5 years or 100,000 km, and the hybrid system is 8 years or 160,000 km.
We start with the mechanical side, then move on to the major recalls.
The piston-ring recall does not cover this generation, but major failures of the 2.0-litre are still reported on 2021 to 2023 models. The N Line turbo and the hybrid’s 1.6-litre, for their part, look durable so far. Have oil changes done at a Hyundai dealer and keep every invoice. Hyundai tends not to honour an engine claim without a complete service history.
Hyundai and Kia’s continuously variable transmission had early trouble starting in 2019. Some units were replaced after only a few thousand kilometres. In 2021, its reliability was still unproven. In 2023, it was still worth watching.
The 2022 showed suspension and chassis noises. The paint is fragile. Touch up chips on the front of the hood and roof before rust sets in.
On 2021 and 2022 models, the pretensioner, which tightens the belt in a crash, can explode and throw metal fragments. Recall 2022-259 replaces campaign 2022-098. The cap is installed at no charge, even on a car that was already repaired.
On 2021 to 2023 models, the electric-motor controller can enter a fail-safe mode and leave slow acceleration after braking (2023-468). On 2024 to 2026 models, the hybrid module can overheat, with a fire risk (2026-235). Both are fixed by software. Even a refreshed recent hybrid is therefore not in the clear.
On 2022 and 2023 N models, the high-pressure fuel pump can fail and cut power (2024-403). On the 2022 N with the dual-clutch, a transmission oil pump can also cut power after 20 to 30 seconds (2022-568). The manual is not covered, and the N Line escapes both recalls.
On 2021 to 2025 models, water can corrode the horn until it goes silent. Recall 2025-636 does not send everyone for a new horn. The dealer tests yours and replaces it if it fails, and the horn warranty extends to 10 years or 200,000 km.
On some 2023 models, the board for the electric transmission oil pump can overheat (2023-414). Until the fix is done, Hyundai asks owners to park outdoors, away from structures. On some 2024 models, the exhaust-gas recirculation valve, which cuts pollution, can drop power to the wheels (2024-255). Finally, the backup camera on 2021 and 2022 models can stay black in reverse (2024-709).
The table keeps the campaigns that matter at purchase. Unit counts are Canadian, often shared with other models, and do not add up.
| TC | Date | Defect | Variant | Years | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-235 | May 14, 2026 | Hybrid module overheating. Software | Hybrid | 2024-2026 | 6,082 |
| 2025-636 | Nov. 17, 2025 | Corroded horn. Test, replace if faulty, extended warranty | Several versions | 2021-2025 | 332,486, several models |
| 2024-709 | Nov. 20, 2024 | Backup camera with no image. Replacement | Gas and hybrid | 2021-2022 | 48,509, with Santa Fe |
| 2024-403 | July 11, 2024 | High-pressure pump. Software, pump if needed | N | 2022-2023 | 7,579, several models |
| 2024-255 | April 30, 2024 | Recirculation valve. Replacement | Engine not named | 2024 | 3,508, with Kona and Venue |
| 2023-468 | Aug. 18, 2023 | Slow acceleration after braking. Software | Hybrid | 2021-2023 | 6,014 |
| 2023-414 | July 27, 2023 | Electric transmission oil pump. Fire risk | Transmission type not specified | 2023 | 11,134, several models |
| 2022-568 | Oct. 6, 2022 | Oil pump in the 8-speed transmission | N with 8-speed | 2022 | 9,427, several models |
| 2022-259 | May 19, 2022 | Front pretensioners. Cap, even if already repaired | Gas and hybrid | 2021-2022 | 42,809 |
Behind the wheel, the Elantra wins people over. It is after the purchase, at the service desk, that the picture blurs.
Materials are good for the class, and real buttons for climate and multimedia get praise. On the road, the 2.0-litre is smooth day to day but noisy when pushed, while the hybrid feels livelier than its 139 horsepower.
After-sales service remains the weak point. In 2026, J.D. Power surveyed 10,262 Canadian owners on their service experience. Hyundai dealers scored 785 points out of 1,000, below the 806 average. They rank near the bottom, while Kia reaches 810.
In winter, the standard heated front seats and the heated steering wheel, offered on versions sold here, make happy drivers in January. Driver assists give more trouble.
When snow covers the front radar or the windshield in front of the camera, a message says the radar is blocked or the camera is obstructed. Automatic emergency braking then shuts off. Lane keep also drops out when the lines disappear under snow. Everything returns once the sensors are clear. If the alert persists, Hyundai recommends a dealer inspection.
Here, year by year, is what to have checked on a used Elantra.
2.0-litre, all years. Demand oil-change invoices from Hyundai. Hyundai tends not to cover an engine failure without a complete service history.
2021 and 2022. Have the pretensioners checked (2022-259), even if a repair was already done, and the camera (2024-709).
Hybrid. From 2021 to 2023, controller update (2023-468). From 2024 to 2026, module update (2026-235). A recent model is not in the clear.
Elantra N 2022 and 2023. High-pressure pump (2024-403). On the 2022 N with the eight-speed, add the transmission (2022-568).
Some 2023s. Electric transmission oil pump (2023-414). Park outdoors until it is done.
Some 2024s. Recirculation valve (2024-255).
2021 to 2025. Have the horn tested (2025-636).
The best pick. The hybrid. Confirm that its software update is done (2023-468 or 2026-235) and, on a 2021 or 2022, the seat-belt caps.
Before you sign, check the VIN at recalls-rappels.canada.ca, at recalls.hyundaicanada.com, or by calling 1-888-216-2626.
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