Hyundai Elantra Complaints

8,883 consumer complaints on file.

#11686309September 10, 2025
ENGINE
In or about December/2022, I had made numerous attempts to fix my vehicle's engine. It kept stalling on the roadway and finally Hyundai agreed the motor was the problem and they ended up installing a new motor. The vehicle was then out not warranty and they said they were not responsible for the vehicle any longer. The vehicle's check engine light kept coming on and off at times. I did minor work to the vehicle and kept up with maintenance. Now my vehicle's motor is blown again without notice. It stalls on the highway and leaves me stranded. I believe that this type of vehicles were flawed from the beginning. I really convinced these vehicles should be recalled and taken off the highways since, in my opinion, they are not safe to be on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685979September 9, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
the defrost does not work good, Hard to see when it's raining and fog
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686022September 9, 2025
STEERING
THE MOST CAR HUNDIA ANTRA 2020 HAS ONLY 75000MILES NEED TO REPLACE SOMTHING IN STEERING WHEEL HAS COMMON ISSUE STERING WHEEL TRUN IS VARY DENGRES ISSUE UNTILL NOW IS NO RECALL DID CALL HUNDIA COORPRAT OFFICE ABOUT THIS ISSUE IS NO ANSWER IS VARY DENGRES ISSUE CAN LED TO BIG ACCDENT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685952September 9, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is for a paint problem that my car has lost its paint within six months. My car is peeling off very fast and there was a class action lawsuit. And now a new one has started. I see nobody at your office wants to help people.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685657September 8, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The Elantra had less than 15,000 miles on it. I was driving on [XXX] at about 80MPH for about 1 hour. With no warning, while going up over a very large, high bridge/overpass (above a large outlet emptying from the everglades into the Atlantic ocean near Stuart Florida) the power totally died. A warning light came on saying the hybrid system was not functioning instructing me to pull over to the shoulder. This happened just as I crested the top of the overpass. I was able to coast to the bottom of the bridge, cross two lanes with large 18 wheeler vehicles making this challenging and park on the shoulder at the bottom of the bridge. The vehicle was towed to a nearby dealer. Their mechanic determined the "brain" between the hybrid battery and the drivers controls (the gas peddle) had failed, which disabled all power to the wheels. Had I not been cresting the top of the bridge it would have been impossible for me to move to the shoulder. This was an incredibly dangerous scenario that occurred with no warning. This failure of a key electronic component put me at extreme risk of a high speed accident on a very busy turnpike with no control whatsoever of the speed of the vehicle. There should be a redundant "brain" that would take over in this "failure" situation that would provide power at least for a limited time allowing a driver to maneuver to the shoulder. It was a miracle I was not killed. Had I been driving on limited access high speed lanes (as exist in Orlando where I live and my wife frequently drives which has no real shoulders one can safely pull over onto) the situation would have absolutely life threatening. These high speed toll lanes eliminate any ability to actually safely park and exit the car. I traded the car in (warranty covered repairs) the next day for a normal gas powered Hyundai. I will never drive a hybrid again until this type breakdown has been addressed so it can never occur. 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
#11685525September 7, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally file a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Hyundai Elantra. I recently learned that Hyundai issued a recall related to a defect that poses a risk of engine fires in certain vehicles. However, my vehicle, which has exhibited the same dangerous symptoms, was not included in this recall campaign. Specifically, my vehicle has experienced a critical error relating to a defect included in NHTSA Recall #21V-301, which I understand is directly related to the safety defect identified in Hyundai’s recall. Despite this, I have not received a recall notice, and Hyundai has declined to provide repair coverage under the recall. This raises serious concerns for my safety, the safety of my passengers, and the public. A defect that can cause an engine fire should not be limited to specific VIN ranges if the underlying issue is present in additional vehicles like mine. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and ensure Hyundai expands the recall to include affected vehicles such as mine. If Hyundai continues to exclude vehicles with the same defect, I believe this could warrant further legal and consumer protection actions, including potential class action litigation. Please find my vehicle information below: 2020 Hyundai Elantra VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 51,000 Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent safety concern. I look forward to your response and am willing to provide additional documentation, repair invoices, or photographs as needed. Sincerely, [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
#11685492September 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I've replaced the headlights 4 times and the daytime running lights 20 times! Bought and installed 2 entire headlight assemblies... 5 days later right headlight blew out. Ive entered many complaints about this 1 vehicle and conveniently for Hyundai NO recalls!!!! Continuous oil level issue reported the very first time I put the car in the shop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685493September 6, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Windshield wipers will stop midway moving and stay in place at random times while switched on. Not related to rain droplet mode. Happens at random. Obstructs view of road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685488September 6, 2025
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Horn does not work
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685250September 5, 2025
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra equipped with Waterfall Tires, Tire Line: Eco Dynamic, Tire Size:195/65/R15, DOT Number: 48AEYUEN. The contact stated that while performing an oil change on the vehicle, the contact discovered that the steel belt was exposed on the front driver’s and front passenger’s side tires due to severe tread separation. The dealer that sold the contact the tires was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the tires had exceeded the 90-day warranty period. The contact was then informed that the tires were still covered under warranty through the manufacturer. The contact made several attempts to reach the tire manufacturer through email but had not received a response. The tires were replaced. The tire failure mileage was approximately 12,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685047September 4, 2025
ENGINE
The Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software malfunctioned by failing to detect abnormal vibrations or knocking sounds. As a result, there was significant internal engine damage that caused the vehicle to seize unexpectedly in the middle of traffic on 4/10/25. The car started and abnormal noises were noted from the engine though not significant. week later, car stalled several times on interstate. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited a progressive knocking noise in the engine. After seizing, the vehicle would struggle to start, idle briefly, then stall. It also randomly shut off while driving, creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle was taken to Precision Tune Auto Care, where technicians confirmed problems with the crankshaft, excessive oil consumption/leakage, and metal shavings in the oil, which they attributed to rod bearing and crankshaft wear consistent with Hyundai Campaign 203 (improperly heat-treated piston rings). Despite the KSDS being installed during the initial recall remedy, the system did not activate prior to engine failure. Additionally, no engine or oil warning lamps were illuminated. An oil change was performed at the time, but the vehicle had already burned through excessive amounts of oil since the prior change. Precision Tune Auto Care advised me to take the vehicle to Allen Turner Hyundai. At the dealership, staff confirmed issues with the engine but refused to acknowledge Recall Campaign 203, even when presented with documentation. They also failed to address the malfunctioning KSDS system or the lack of functioning engine/oil warning lamps. They were asked to perform inspection relating to piston ring and rod bearing, though refused. This situation raises major safety concerns, as my engine seized in the middle of traffic without warning. Other owners with a malfunctioning KSDS system could face the same risks, leading to sudden engine failure, potential engine fires, or serious traffic accidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685170September 4, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was pulling into a parking spot, moving very slowly, and the car suddenly accelerated. I’m not sure if it was the brakes only because I was slowed down and preparing to stop. I was lucky that I only went into a PVC fence and no one was injured. There was no indication of any sort of a possible problem. No one looked at it because I had no idea that that could be done, and I wouldn’t know where to go.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684638September 2, 2025
ENGINE
On August 9, 2025, my 2013 Hyundai Elantra suffered catastrophic engine failure while driving. The engine seized, creating immediate danger on the road. This vehicle is under NHTSA Recall 23V651000 (Hyundai Recall 251), which warns of fire/engine compartment risks both while parked and driving. Hyundai denied my claim, citing a vendor report that found “no thermal damage” to the ABS wiring. However, the dealer’s inspection confirmed internal engine failure with thermal damage, and I directly witnessed flames. The recall does not require ABS wiring itself to burn , it covers the broader safety hazard of fire and failure, which is exactly what occurred. In addition, Hyundai tried to shift blame onto owner maintenance. Their own recall language acknowledges failures occur due to the defect, not neglect. Furthermore, the handling by Hyundai’s case managers was unacceptable: my case was transferred without notice, calls were ignored, and I was left without clear instructions or remedy while my vehicle was disabled. I have attached the denial letter, the dealer report, the recall notice, and proof of maintenance. I request NHTSA review Hyundai’s mishandling of this recall obligation and require them to provide remedy and compensation
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683822August 29, 2025
ENGINE
The component that failed was the pistons in my engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Se which I see is on recall. I understand that my VIN may have been missed or looked over during the recalling systems decision making. I was on my way to work when my engine just shut off in the middle of traffic! Since that happened my anxiety levels has been extremely high! I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed that it was my pistons and to keep checking the recall website because they have seen something like this before. Before the engine cut off there was abosulutly no warning! Date of incident [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11683575August 28, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. While the contact’s daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683626August 28, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the electric power steering message was displayed. The contact was unable to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V213000 (Steering). The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to provide additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,590.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683682August 28, 2025
ENGINE
My 2013 Hyundai Elantra with the 1.8L Nu engine suffered catastrophic engine failure. A mechanic found metal shavings in the oil and diagnosed a failed connecting rod bearing. The Hyundai dealership quoted $10,000 for a new engine and refused warranty coverage because I am over 120,000 miles, even though this is a well-documented defect. Hyundai issued TSB 22-EM-007H covering rod bearing wear in this engine, and there have been class actions and warranty extensions for similar failures. This failure creates a safety hazard, as the engine can seize or stall suddenly while driving, increasing risk of an accident. I request NHTSA investigate this known defect in the 1.8L Nu engine, as it poses a safety risk to myself and others.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683789August 28, 2025
ENGINE
Engine light is on. Noticed engine shaking and burning of engine oil. Checked by Hyundai dealership who states engine EXHAUST CVVT AND CAMSHAFT needs to be replaced which is the engine timing chains. The engine is burning oil quickly which could indicate damaged piston rings as well. It is an extreme safety risk as the engine smokes and can cause a fire! Car has been regularly maintained with oil changes being done twice a year at Cocoa Hyundai
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683767August 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
The Horn never worked since I bought it in August 2023, i’ve been in a countless near accident situations where I was rendered helpless. I’ve had several instances where I get locked out of my car because the vehicle would not read the key. I tried fix the issue because I assumed it was a dead car or key battery but the same problems kept happening shortly after. I became aware of the issue with the horn not working, when I recently purchased the vehicle. I tried to contact the ALM dealership salesman to report the issue and they told me he had recently quit. They mentioned bringing it back to the shop but it wasn’t guaranteed that the issue would be fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682966August 25, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Under carriage steel brake line rust through at support bracket and causing a loss of brake fluid and risk of stopping condition that raise a concern of an accident and protentional risk of injury to the owner/operator and other drivers on the road. This rust condition and due to road salt condition in state that use road salt and Hyundai clearly lacks undercoating protection. This issue has been seen by other 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT owner and been clearly documented in Hyundai discussion forums. The brake light did come on and I drive it to the first repair shop to fix the issue by replacing the rusted brake line. The repair shop noted the lack of manufactures undercoating of this product cause numerous rusting concern on the under carriage of this vehicle include steel brake line, steel Fuel line and steel Evp emission lines along with safety concern associated with each issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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