Hyundai Elantra vs Volkswagen Golf
For 2005–2021 models, the Hyundai Elantra has 24.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 35.7 for the Volkswagen Golf. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Hyundai Elantra
24.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
33% fewer than the Volkswagen Golf
- Complaints
- 6,615
- Sold
- 2,759,877
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2010, 2013 and 2017. Fewest: 2005–2006, 2015 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 78,500 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 59,850 mi
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 45,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 77,000 mi
Volkswagen Golf
35.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.5× the Hyundai Elantra’s rate
- Complaints
- 1,958
- Sold
- 547,879
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2019. Fewest: 2005–2006, 2014 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 36,909 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 54,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 1,150 mi
-
Tank, lines and filler
Typically around 37,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 18,546 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Hyundai Elantra or the Volkswagen Golf?
For 2005–2021 models, the Hyundai Elantra has 24.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Golf has 35.7, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported problem on the Hyundai Elantra is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 78,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Golf?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Golf is fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 36,909 miles; the repair typically runs $630–$1,700.
Which Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Golf years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Hyundai Elantra: 2010, 2013 and 2017; Volkswagen Golf: 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2019.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.