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7 Surprising Issues with the 2019 Hyundai Elantra That You Need to Know

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra was a popular compact car that found its way into the hands of many buyers looking for affordability style and decent reliability. It was a solid choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient daily driver with modern features. But hey no car is perfect right? And the 2019 Elantra certainly had its fair share of quirks and issues that owners may encounter. Some of these problems are simply annoying while others could make you rethink your purchase. Let’s break down what you need to know about these problems in a way that’s easy to digest—peppered with a bit of humor along the way because why not?

Engine Problems That’ll Rev You Up in All the Wrong Ways

Engine Stalling and Rough Idling

One of the most common complaints owners have about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra involves the engine. In many cases the engine may start to stall or exhibit rough idling often when at a stoplight or in slow traffic. This can be particularly nerve-wracking for drivers who have to wonder Will my car suddenly die in the middle of the street?

The issue seems to be linked to the ECM software (that's the Electronic Control Module—basically the car's brain) and is often resolved by an ECM update at a Hyundai dealership. Easy fix right? Not so fast. Some owners have reported that even after multiple ECM updates the problem persists leaving them to deal with a vehicle that doesn't exactly want to idle smoothly. Oh the joys of modern technology.

Signs You Might Have Engine Issues:

  • Rough idling when at a complete stop
  • Stalling when stopping or in slow-moving traffic
  • The car shakes or vibrates excessively while idling

Transmission Troubles: Jerky Rides and Hesitant Shifts

Shifting Ain’t What It Used to Be

The 2019 Elantra’s transmission can be a bit… let’s say "unique." Many drivers have experienced a delayed shifting or jerky feeling when moving through gears particularly from first to second gear. This is most notable in the automatic transmission models where shifts might come with an unwelcome jerk or hesitation.

As Alex Collantes a car enthusiast who drove the 2019 Elantra for a year says: “The transmission feels like it's always in a hurry but doesn’t know where to go.” It's not dangerous per se but it can be downright annoying especially if you're looking for a smooth driving experience.

Potential Transmission Red Flags:

  • Transmission jerks or hesitates when changing gears
  • Difficulty shifting smoothly particularly from first to second gear
  • Delayed acceleration especially after a complete stop

Steering Issues: Feeling a Little Loose?

Loose or Unresponsive Steering

If you’re someone who likes a car that feels responsive and tight in the corners the 2019 Hyundai Elantra might leave you feeling a little loose. Some owners have reported that the steering feels unresponsive or lacks feedback particularly at highway speeds. This can lead to a disconnected feeling from the road and even a slight wandering effect on the highway which could require frequent steering adjustments.

The issue is mainly due to the motor-driven power steering system which doesn't quite match up to traditional hydraulic setups in terms of providing a connected feel. The result? A steering wheel that might feel a bit like it's got a mind of its own.

How to Know If You Have Steering Issues:

  • The car feels like it wanders or drifts at highway speeds
  • Loose or "numb" steering feel with minimal feedback
  • Constant micro-adjustments needed to stay in a straight line

The Infotainment System: More “No” Than Entertainment?

Infotainment Quirks and Connectivity Issues

The 2019 Elantra came equipped with a nice infotainment system offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. That's great when it works! But some owners have reported various connectivity issues that cause frustration. Bluetooth may disconnect without warning the touch screen might freeze or lag and sometimes the infotainment system just decides to reboot itself mid-drive—how's that for entertainment?

It’s not like it’s a deal-breaker but having an unreliable infotainment system in a modern car is like having a toaster that only toasts when it feels like it. Annoying.

Infotainment System Issues to Watch For:

  • Bluetooth disconnects randomly
  • Frozen or lagging touch screen
  • The system reboots without warning while driving

Interior Quality: That Ain’t Leather You’re Smellin’

Cabin Material Quality and Wear

Let’s be honest the interior quality of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra isn’t going to blow your socks off. The use of hard plastics and budget-friendly materials is pretty obvious especially on the base model trims. Over time some owners have noticed that these materials can start to show wear and tear faster than they might expect.

Common complaints include peeling plastic trim on the doors and dashboard areas fading upholstery and sometimes even the headliner detaching around the edges—just what you want falling on your head during your morning commute.

Quick Interior Drawbacks Recap:

  • Hard plastic surfaces prone to scratching and peeling
  • Upholstery can show signs of wear quickly
  • Some owners report the headliner coming loose

Suspension Woes: Bump Bump Bump

Rough Ride and Suspension Noise

The suspension system of the 2019 Elantra may not be the smoothest out there. Owners have noted a stiff ride over rough road surfaces and significant noise from the suspension when going over bumps or potholes. It almost feels like the car is trying to communicate with you—except it's yelling about every crack in the pavement.

There have also been complaints about a "clunking noise" when going over uneven surfaces which can be traced back to worn-out strut mounts or poorly assembled suspension components. The car handles decently overall but don't expect a cushy ride.

What to Watch For:

  • Stiff ride quality over bumps and road imperfections
  • Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension area
  • Noticeable body roll when taking corners at speed

Brake Issues: Not Exactly Confidence-Inspiring

Braking Performance and Feel

A car’s brakes are one of its most important components and the Elantra doesn’t exactly score a perfect ten here. While it has the stopping power you need the brake pedal feel can be inconsistent with some drivers finding it either too soft or too grabby depending on the situation. This inconsistency might make it harder to come to a smooth stop—think jerky city driving.

There are also reports of early brake wear meaning you may need to replace pads and rotors sooner than expected. That's no fun especially when you're expecting your brakes to last longer than just a couple of years.

Brake-Related Complaints:

  • Inconsistent brake pedal feel
  • Early brake pad or rotor wear
  • Difficulty coming to a smooth stop

Fuel Economy That’s Good but Not Great

Real-World MPG: Don’t Expect to Go the Distance

Hyundai advertised the 2019 Elantra as an economical car with up to 32 MPG combined for the automatic transmission. In the real world though some owners have found that the Elantra’s fuel economy isn’t quite as stellar as those numbers suggest especially in city driving. You might end up getting closer to 28-30 MPG combined depending on your driving habits.

It’s not bad per se but if you were expecting top-tier fuel economy like a hybrid you might end up feeling a bit let down.

MPG Expectations vs Reality:

  • Advertised at 32 MPG combined but often falls a bit short
  • Actual MPG may vary depending on driving habits and conditions
  • Not as fuel-efficient as some competitors in the compact car segment

Final Thoughts: Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra the Right Car for You?

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra is a great choice for those looking for a stylish compact car with a solid set of features at an affordable price point. But like all vehicles it comes with a set of quirks that can range from mildly annoying to a bit concerning. Issues like engine stalling transmission hesitations and steering feel can be deal-breakers for some while others may find that these problems are manageable with regular maintenance and repairs.

As Alex Collantes puts it "If you can overlook some of its quirks the Elantra is a decent car for the money. But if you're expecting it to be a perfect trouble-free ride you might be in for a surprise."

Pros of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra

  • Affordable price with modern features
  • Good looks and style for its class
  • Decent warranty coverage

Cons of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra

  • Engine and transmission issues can be frustrating
  • Steering feel can be disconnected
  • Some interior quality concerns with cheaper materials

References

If you're considering a used 2019 Hyundai Elantra just remember that while no car is perfect it's best to do your homework check for any known issues and take it for a thorough test drive to ensure it meets your needs and expectations. Because at the end of the day you want a car that makes you happy not one that leaves you yelling at your dashboard every time you hit a bump or stoplight. Happy driving! 🚗