Hyundai Elantra Complaints (2017)

770 consumer complaints on file.

#11725959March 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am filing a formal complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle is currently experiencing severe safety issues, including unexpected engine stalling and loud mechanical rattling, alongside a P0014 diagnostic code. These symptoms align directly with the defects described in Recall 203 (NHTSA 21V301000) involving improper piston ring heat treatment and Service Campaign 966regarding engine bearing wear. As a consumer, I am extremely concerned about the risk of a crash due to sudden loss of power. I am really concerned for my son and I as I drive my vehicle. I am requesting: 1. An immediate inspection and confirmation of eligibility for an engine replacement at no cost to me. 2. Verification of the lifetime long-block warranty extension associated with the KSDS (Campaign 966) update. 3. Provision of a loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement while my primary vehicle is unsafe to operate. Please assign a case manager to this matter and provide a timeline for resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724833March 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Subject: Escalation of Unresolved Case – Request for NHTSA Assistance Dear NHTSA, For several months, I have been dealing with an unresolved issue regarding my Hyundai vehicle. On February 18th, I was told the supervisor of my case manager at Hyundai Motor America would contact me within 5 to 10 business days. Today is March 16th, and despite repeated requests, no supervisor has reached out. As a dialysis patient without a vehicle, these prolonged delays are affecting my health and safety. Since I have not been able to receive a response from the supervisor of my case manager, I am escalating this matter to your agency. I have a full email chain documenting these events, which I can provide upon request. For transparency, I am copying my case manager and Hyundai national customer service. I appreciate your assistance with this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] Tel. [XXX] CC: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724762March 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint keeps chipping off the nose of the hood as well as areas above the doors. I have had it repainted one time and it is chipping off again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723083March 9, 2026
AIR BAGS
The passenger airbag is not activating reliably. There was not an accident but the light indicating airbage is active does not light up when passenger sits in front.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722815March 8, 2026
ENGINE
Car was constantly losing power, called Hyundai dealer about the OBI system thinking that could be the cause they told me no, and then in 2 years ago the car started stalling when you slowed down and on the way home from work it completely died. Car still turns over but car will not go, engine and transmission are completely done. It’s been at my house sitting since. Hyundai dealer is a joke a wouldn’t help when the issue first arised.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721176February 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1: Driver’s window: don't go up or down, it doesn't respond to control. 2: Headlight warning lights is on all the time because bulbs are burn out so soon after replacement .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720310February 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have been having this issue for several months. First, it was the steering wheel being locked. I believe at one point and time on the past they updated the computer on that vehicle. But this time the dealer told me there is nothing they can do. As of today, the car won’t start. How can I go to work? There is no Safety Recall for this, but I didn’t brake the car’s computer, I don’t even know and want to know where it is located.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717568February 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There was a recall Electronic Power Steering (EPS) motor connector that was being done for 2017 hyundai elantras and my car is affected by it. Hyundai is saying my car is not affected by the recall that they put out for this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717588February 12, 2026
ENGINE
After no previous issues, car stalled out multiple times on short drive to work. No warning lights and no subsequent diagnostic codes were reported. Upon final restart, engine started knocking severely. Upon investigation, the oil stick showed no oil in the pan. Vehicle was towed to trusted, licensed mechanic for evaluation where we were informed about the potential of a failure due to rapid oil consumption. The mechanic confirmed the engine failure to to oil loss. Vehicle had received regular, documented maintenance and fluids were checked periodically between cycles. There was no low-fluid indicator prior to the mechanical failure. Dealership-level conversations confirmed the rapid oil consumption issue for the 2017 Elantra is common, but because the vehicle VIN was not listed as part of a prior recall no assistance could be provided to repair the engine. The dealer provided a full cost quote of $9,000 to replace the engine block with a remanufactured unit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716106February 6, 2026
ENGINE
Driving on the highway in the far left lane. Check engine light came on, car stopped accelerating. Car came to a stop, car shut off. Smoke was coming out from under the hood and flames were seen underneath the car. Police and fire department arrived. Report states an electrical fire. Had car towed to Hyundai. Hyundai stated that the engine seized followed by the starter catching on fire. Car was only 2,000 miles in from last oil change. Was up to date on maintenance and safety inspection. Hyundai also stated there was a hole in the engine block. No prior issues with the car. The car would need roughly $16,000 in work done, confirmed by Hyundai. Car is now totaled. Car only had 121,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715210February 3, 2026
ENGINE
With no 'low oil' warning, the car's engine started may a knocking noise. Then, all kinds of warning lights started. Parked the vehicle and checked the oil the next day and there was NO OIL in the engine. This should not have been the case considering this car gets regular oil changes. Also, there was no oil spots or stains on the driveway to also indicate an oil leak. This happened to my son while driving home from work on the interstate at 10:30 at night. That is concerning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714601January 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PROBLEM: DEALER CREATES FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO RECALL COMPLETION I am reporting systematic barriers to recall completion created by Hyundai's authorized dealer that forced me to incur $834.60 in transportation costs for what should be a "no charge" recall repair, potentially discouraging recall compliance. THE BARRIER: UNCONSCIONABLE LOANER TERMS PREVENT RECALL COMPLIANCE How Dealer Creates Recall Barrier Capitol Hyundai's Loaner Contract: Service Manager Tray Nichols confirmed in writing (email 12/15/25, 7:42 AM) that loaner customers are liable for "ANY new damage that was not present before," including: Rock chips from highway driving Door dings in parking lots Small scratches from normal use Customer pays all repair costs Customer pays insurance deductible Customer risks insurance rate increases Why This Creates Barrier to Recall Completion Statistical Reality: AAA research: Average driver gets 1-2 windshield rock chips per year Over 36-day recall service period, rock chips are statistically inevitable Door dings in parking lots over 5+ weeks are unavoidable Customer cannot prevent damage no matter how careful Financial Risk to Customer: Potential repair costs: $500-1,000+ Insurance deductible: $500-1,000 Insurance rate increases: Long-term costs Total risk: $1,000-2,000+ for "free" recall Customer's Forced Choice: Use loaner → Risk $1,000-2,000+ in costs Don't use loaner → Pay for alternative transportation ($834.60 in my case) Delay/avoid recall → Keep driving defective vehicle Result: Financial disincentive to complete recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713030January 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving, pressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. No warning lights came on until after I attempted to turn the vehicle back on then the check engine light and low oil light were illuminated. My vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and I was informed that the engine was blown and to tow my car to a Hyundai dealership as I was still under the 10 year/100k mile warranty. After getting my car to Hyundai, I was told I had to get a combustion cleaning for $800 whether the cleaning worked or not before any warranty work could be completed. The cleaning did not work and it was then found that a pin was sheared off inside the engine. My engine was then replaced under warranty but I still had to pay for the cleaning. A second mechanic looked over my paperwork after getting my car back 2 months later and noted that the engine failure could have been diagnosed without the cleaning as the cleaning would not have affected where the pin was sheared off. My 2017 Elantra had 90,315 at the time of this incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711291January 15, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
to whoever it is that can help, I am reaching out to submit a formal complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Elantra due to ongoing mechanical and structural issues that began very shortly after I purchased the vehicle, which have progressively worsened. I made the purchase in January 2024 for approximately $13,000 with 60,000 miles. The vehicle now currently has approximately 108,000 miles. Since purchasing the car, I have experienced consistent time consuming and serious issues that I believe indicate defects in manufacturing or design. First, the thermostat had failed during the first winter season I owned the Elantra, despite replacement the vehicle’s heating system still does not function properly. I’m not a fan of the cold. Also, the engine burns oil at an extreme rate. I am required to add oil literally every 2–3 days to prevent the engine from running dry, which presents a serious risk of engine failure and potential safety hazards while driving. And is also costly as oil is not cheap. In addition, the vehicle’s headlights developed spiderweb pattern cracking and shattered from the inside after approximately nine months of use, without any external damage. The paint has chipped across the vehicle, including in door jambs and other protected areas, suggesting poor paint quality. And recently, the lower engine underbody cover has completely broken down and disintegrated over time due to clips constantly falling out. Given the age of the vehicle and the normal use, the amount and severity of these issues are unacceptable. These defects have caused significant financial burden and raise serious concerns on vehicle safety and manufacturing quality. I am requesting that this complaint be reviewed for potential defects or recalls. I would also like Hyundai to be held accountable, either through compensation for the repairs required or replacement. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Owner of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709904January 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
I bought a car in Hyundai ELANTRA2024 at drivers Mart in Orlando, Florida. About a month after I bought the car I brought it back for something to service dealership area and let them know that the paint was coming off my car. I did notice that there was a tiny little spot that someone putcover paint about a half inch to an inch. The service people the dealership told me that there was a known classaction lawsuit. They weren’t sure what had happened. I looked up the Class action lawsuit for peeling paint, and it did state that there was one for white, beige, and light blue in Canada that was an ongoing lawsuit. The one for US was only doing certain white vehicles. But there was a class action lawsuit for USA, but it was dismissed I think because they thought that it had to do with pebbles or something that came on the freeway etc. basically said it was buyers fault. So now I have taken it to Hyundai dealerships talking to corporate office making appointments four times, now my car as you see is almost 12 inches in diameter by eight more or less and getting bigger by minute because every time I wash the car{has to be by hand, or it rains. My car is bubbling the paint the paint on my car is all the way down to the metal. The metal is not protected so it’s actually rusting, etc. every time it rains it will add another couple inches to my paint coming off. I have called the corporate office again and got my answer on Wednesday, January 5 stating that there’s nothing else they can do, because my car’s is not on the recallThis does not make any sense. Obviously there’s a Facebook/Google sites called Hyundai paint peeling 7.7 k people are in the same predicament and very upset at Hyundai motors not doing anything. Is there any governments or state regulations that are helping people get their car painted or helping people have them be accountable for everything that needs to be done? Government/local have done nothing what is the agency that we need to contact?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709071January 6, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V213000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the loss of power steering functionality was intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708512January 3, 2026
ENGINE
Component or System Involved Engine and internal lubrication system. The engine and related components are available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem In January 2025, this vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure and seized. An independent repair facility inspected the engine and reported metal fragments in the engine oil, indicating internal engine damage. The vehicle was then transferred to a Hyundai-authorized dealership for major engine repairs, which were completed on January 18, 2025. Less than one year later, the vehicle developed excessive oil consumption. In October 2025, the engine stalled and was found to have no oil, despite having received an oil change approximately one month earlier. The vehicle is currently undergoing Phase 2 of Hyundai’s oil consumption testing. The dealership has indicated a full engine replacement will likely be required. Oil consumption has been measured at approximately 1.5 quarts per 1,000 miles. This vehicle is not currently included in Hyundai’s engine recall or warranty extension, despite being the same make, model, and model year as vehicles that are covered and exhibiting the same failure characteristics. Hyundai and NHTSA have documented similar engine defects on other Elantra models due to piston oil ring issues, resulting in excessive oil consumption and engine failure. My vehicle exhibits the same symptoms and failure mode. Safety Risk Excessive oil loss can result in sudden engine stalling or seizure without warning, creating a risk of loss of propulsion while driving, including at highway speeds. Confirmation or Reproduction of the Problem The failure has been confirmed by an independent repair facility and by a Hyundai-authorized dealership through inspection and ongoing oil consumption testing. Inspections by Others The vehicle has been inspected by both an independent repair facility and a Hyundai-authorized dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708521January 3, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Year/Make/Model: 2017 Hyundai Elantra ________________________________________ Component or System Involved Exterior paint and primer adhesion on multiple body panels. Affected areas are available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem This vehicle has experienced progressive paint peeling and delamination over approximately five years. The issue was first reported to Hyundai at approximately 60,000 miles, when peeling was limited. Since that time, large sections of paint have peeled from the hood, roof, and other exterior panels, exposing bare metal. Hyundai reviewed the condition and declined assistance. Hyundai has acknowledged similar paint and primer adhesion failures on certain vehicles through Warranty Extension Z05 and related Technical Service Bulletins. My vehicle, while not included due to paint color, exhibits the same type of paint failure. Safety Risk Paint delamination presents potential safety concerns, including glare from exposed surfaces, driver distraction, and the possibility of paint material detaching from the vehicle while in motion. Confirmation or Reproduction of the Problem The condition has been visually confirmed by the vehicle owner and reviewed by Hyundai. Inspections by Others The vehicle’s paint condition has been inspected by Hyundai representatives. Warning Lamps or Symptoms No warning lamps or messages are associated with this condition. The issue developed progressively over time. ________________________________________ Request for Review I am requesting that NHTSA review whether paint delamination and primer adhesion defects acknowledged by Hyundai may extend beyond the currently covered paint colors and affect additional vehicles of the same make and model. Reference: Hyundai Warranty Extension Z05 and related Technical Service Bulletins documenting paint adhesion failures. Thank you for your time and consideration
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707284December 27, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption/ vehicle dies while driving.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704666December 12, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The check engine warning light and the low coolant level warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that a bystander assisted in pushing the vehicle into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine); however, the model of the vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the cost of the repair would not be covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 99,112.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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