DecodedCars2015 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan L/Gl/Gls/Limited, Coupe 2dr Gls/Se, GT 5dr Gl/Gls/Se
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 27 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 168.9–179.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,782–2,877 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2015 midsize car (25.7 MPG).
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,877 lb (4dr Sedan L/Gl/Gls/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (27 city / 37 highway), 21% better than the 2015 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 261 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Elantra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Elantra →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 Elantra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan L/Gl/Gls/Limited | 179.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 2,877 lb | 62/38 |
| Coupe 2dr Gls/Se | 178.7 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 2,782 lb | 61/39 |
| GT 5dr Gl/Gls/Se | 168.9 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 2,855 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +21% | $2,150 | 285 |
| Elantra Limited | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +17% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +17% | $2,250 | 290 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 314 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 319 |
| Elantra Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Elantra Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +5% | $2,500 | 324 |
| Elantra GT | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +5% | $2,500 | 328 |
| Elantra GT | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +5% | $2,500 | 327 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Hyundai Elantra.
Similar 2015 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2015 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 14, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V307000 · 3,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
- Risk
- An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 300. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Feb 23, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V146000 · 186,588 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
- Risk
- A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 256.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Not every 2015 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 93 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 29 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 26 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 55,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Hyundai Elantra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Elantra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2024 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 63 |
| 2023 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 170 |
| 2022 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 159 |
| 2021 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 162 |
| 2020 Elantra | 36 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 262 |
| 2019 Elantra | 35 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 266 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 335 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 796 |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 300 |
| 2014 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 378 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →