2022 Hyundai Elantra Safety Report

2022 Hyundai Elantra: Excellent crash ratings overshadowed by numerous recalls and complaints for seat belts, rearview camera, and forward collision systems.

90Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Seat Belts (22)Unknown Or Other (9)Forward Collision Avoidance (8)Electrical System (7)Engine (6)Power Train (3)Wheels (3)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention (2)Air Bags (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for side and rollover protection, and 4 stars for frontal impact, there are significant concerns regarding component reliability and recall history. The vehicle has accumulated 90 total complaints, with 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries reported. A notable pattern in complaints revolves around the SEAT BELTS (22 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system (8 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 complaints). The high number of seat belt complaints directly correlates with five recalls issued for the vehicle, all related to front seat belt pretensioners exploding and projecting metal fragments, posing a serious injury risk. Additionally, issues with the rearview camera and forward collision avoidance system are frequently reported, impacting driver visibility and active safety features. The single reported fire incident, where the vehicle was unoccupied, also raises concerns about potential electrical or engine-related fire hazards, although the specific cause is not detailed in the provided data.

Reliability Score

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Exploding Seat Belt Pretensioners
Multiple recalls (5 total) address front seat belt pretensioners that can explode upon deployment, projecting metal fragments and increasing injury risk. This is reflected in 22 complaints related to SEAT BELTS.
High Common N/A miles
Rearview Camera Failure
Complaints and a recall (BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA) indicate the rearview camera may fail to display an image, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk. Several owners report this issue even after dealership visits.
Medium Common 24000-62000 miles
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
The forward collision avoidance system frequently malfunctions, displaying 'Check Forward Safety System' warnings, disabling cruise control, and in some cases, causing sudden unintended braking at highway speeds. There are 8 complaints specifically for this system.
High Common N/A miles
Horn Failure
Several complaints indicate the horn stops working unexpectedly, preventing drivers from warning others and increasing accident risk. Dealerships have reportedly replaced multiple horns.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Unintended Acceleration/Brake Assist Failure
Isolated reports describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds or complete brake assist failure leading to collisions, with no prior warning lights.
High Rare N/A miles
Engine/Power Loss
Some owners report sudden loss of power while driving, with the vehicle cutting off or being unable to exceed low speeds, sometimes linked to ignition coil misfires.
High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Hyundai Elantra:

Seat Belts 24% of complaints

The most frequent complaint category, with 22 reports, primarily concerning the front seat belt pretensioners exploding, leading to multiple recalls.

Forward Collision Avoidance 9% of complaints

8 complaints detail malfunctions of the forward safety system, including warning messages, cruise control disablement, and unintended braking.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

7 complaints cover various electrical issues, including horn failure, headlights going off randomly, and display screen malfunctions.

Engine 7% of complaints

6 complaints relate to engine issues such as power loss, misfires, and general engine noise.

Back Over Prevention 4% of complaints

Complaints about rearview camera failure, which is also subject to a recall, impacting driver visibility when reversing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Hyundai Elantra

Is the 2022 Hyundai Elantra safe?

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra received excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, its safety record is significantly impacted by 5 recalls, primarily for exploding seat belt pretensioners, and numerous complaints (90 total) regarding critical safety systems like the forward collision avoidance and rearview camera, as well as horn failures. While it performs well in controlled crash tests, real-world reliability of active safety features and critical components is a concern.

What are common problems with the 2022 Hyundai Elantra?

The most reported issues for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra are related to SEAT BELTS (22 complaints) due to exploding pretensioners, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system malfunctions (8 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues (7 complaints) including horn and headlight failures. Rearview camera failures are also a common problem, leading to a recall.

Are there any recalls for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra?

Yes, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra has 5 recalls. Four of these are specifically for front seat belt pretensioners that can explode and project metal fragments. The fifth recall addresses a damaged circuit board causing the rearview camera to not display an image.

How does the 2022 Hyundai Elantra perform in crash tests?

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash protection, and 5 stars for both side crash and rollover protection, indicating strong performance in controlled crash scenarios.

Should I be concerned about the forward collision avoidance system?

Yes, there are 8 complaints specifically about the forward collision avoidance system, with reports of 'Check Forward Safety System' warnings, cruise control disablement, and even random activation causing sudden braking at highway speeds. This indicates a potential reliability issue with a critical active safety feature.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the numerous recalls and complaints, particularly regarding seat belt pretensioners, rearview camera, and forward collision avoidance system reliability. Thoroughly check if all recalls have been addressed and consider an extended warranty for peace of mind regarding these known issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Hyundai Elantra

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. The data includes 90 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Hyundai Elantra an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.