This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Hyundai Elantra brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have filed 7 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Elantra | 63 |
| 2015 Elantra | 45 |
| 2016 Elantra | 9 |
| 2017 Elantra | 18 |
| 2018 Elantra (this page) | 7 |
| 2020 Elantra | 10 |
| 2022 Elantra | 4 |
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2019-2020MY Santa Fe and 2018-2020MY Elantra equipped with front camera/multi-function camera may exhibit a series of Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Front Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) warnings and function conditions on the instrument cluster. This bulletin describes the procedure to replace the front camera/ multi-function camera.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a (Check Engine Light on) and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the input/output speed sensor and oil pressure harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The rear lights, brake and tail lights , burn out frequently. Had it repaired twice in less than 6 months
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.