Hyundai Elantra Complaints

8,883 consumer complaints on file.

#11764904September 17, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving with cruise control activated, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate properly. Additionally, the engine vibrated abnormally, smoke emanated from under the hood, the message "Reduced Speed" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road, and a tow truck and a State Trooper arrived at the scene. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the throttle had failed and needed to be replaced. The throttle was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764989September 17, 2026
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to turn into the driveway, there was a burning odor and white-grayish smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The contact exited the vehicle, and smoke was still coming from the engine compartment. The failure mileage was 101,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764291September 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle's cruise control, which was set at 63 mph, set itself to 110 mph and began to accelerate before I turned it off. I reset the cruise control, and it happened again immediately afterwards.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764129September 14, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Windshield wipers intermittently malfunction in the intermittent setting. The wipers stop at random locations in the middle of the windshield, pause, move a short distance, stop again, and behave erratically. This can obstruct the driver’s forward visibility. The problem occurs without snow, ice, or an obstruction on the windshield. A previous NHTSA complaint concerning a 2021 Hyundai Elantra describes essentially the same failure: wipers stopping midway and obstructing the driver’s view (NHTSA complaint 11685493/complaint record). A separate 2026 complaint involving a 2021 Elantra reported intermittent wiper operation along with other multifunction-switch functions, and the dealer diagnosed a failed multifunction switch (NHTSA 11726986). I believe this represents a safety-related defect in the windshield-wiper/control system and request that NHTSA investigate whether additional vehicles should be included in a safety recall or other corrective action. The problem persist to this day.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764142September 14, 2026
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My 2026 Hyundai Elantra at 3,300 miles experienced a severe frontal impact with 6g logitudinal deceleration due to uncommanded acceleration and complete brake blindness. Depiste this severe impact, neither airbags nor seatbelt pretensioners deployed. At -2.5 sec. prior to impact, the Forward Collision Avoidance Assist data drops off and goes completely silent. There were no warnings or alerts on the vehicle instrument cluster. This proves catastrophic CAN-bus network crash. Because the network crashes, the engine control unit (ECU) became digitally blind and incapable of registering the driver's physical brake applications. EDR telemetry captured erractic signal cascade from -1 sec to 0 sec impact. The accelerator pedal jumped to 70%, dropped to 0% at -0.5sec and teleported to 100% at 0 sec while the engine RPM increases from 2100 to 2400. No human foot can physically strobe a pedal from 70% to 0% and back to 100% in 0.5 sec while the engine RPM steadily increases. Hyundai deceptively using data generated by a glitched, crashed system to blame driver error and evade product liability. Hyundai even claimed non-deployment of airbag system was "appropriate" at 6g longitudinal deceleration for a frontal impact. Damages to the vehicle was estimated at $10,254.67 by State Farm Ins. Police report confirmed via traffic camera footage that my car stopped at a solid red light behind another vehicle, then it suddenly moved forward, just as the driver described. The driver's foot was phyically on the brake pedal, the engine revved up, the car moved foward on its own and crashed into the vehicle in front despite the brake pedal was depressed throughout the entire episode.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11763633September 11, 2026
ENGINE
I bought my 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE earlier this year with about 119,000 miles. It had good maintenance records when I bought it, and it now has about 128,000 miles. Since buying it, I've had two oil changes done along with new spark plugs, coils, front brake pads, and tires. About two days before the engine failed, I noticed the car had suddenly burned through a significant amount of oil. There was no visible oil leak. The car stopped running, so I had it towed instead of continuing to drive it. Oil was added, and afterward it started and seemed to be running fine.The next day, I was driving approximately 70 mph on the interstate when the car suddenly lost acceleration and warning lights came on. There was smoke while I was driving, including smoke/fumes coming into the car. Afterward, there was oil everywhere. The car had to be towed again and is no longer drivable.What concerns me most is how quickly this happened. The car went from suddenly consuming oil with no visible leak to losing acceleration and experiencing a major engine failure while I was traveling 70 mph on the interstate. Losing power at that speed was dangerous, and the amount of oil and smoke also made me concerned about the possibility of a fire. Hyundai has told me the vehicle is no longer under warranty. I have not paid for an extensive engine teardown yet. My grandfather looked and he said it appears the engine threw a connecting rod through the side of the engine block. With the valve cover off, the engine looked brand new. I'm filing this complaint because an engine suddenly losing power at interstate speeds, along with oil and smoke, is a serious safety concern, especially with the potential for a fire. I hope NHTSA will compare this incident with other complaints involving engine failure and excessive oil consumption in 2017 Hyundai Elantras. Currently, it's available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763304September 10, 2026
AIR BAGS
Drivers air bag high resistance too high (2nd stage) B149000- PODS(passenger occupant detecting system) sensor (Bladder) Defect Start with replacing the clock spring assembly maybe be other problems. Airbag uncertain if operational. Not covered by Hyundai's Clock Spring Extended Warranty despite fitting within model year. Unacceptable and needs to be replaced by free and expanded within coverage by Hyundai corporation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763344September 10, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle entered limp mode. The Hyundai dealer diagnosed a camshaft problem, said the repair would be covered, ordered the part, and began the work. After the engine was opened, the dealer noted sludge/varnish and denied coverage, claiming lack of maintenance. This VIN is included in safety recall 21V301 for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Hyundai told NHTSA that chipped rings can scuff the cylinder bore, cause accelerated oil consumption, knocking, oil-pressure warning, connecting-rod bearing seizure, stall, and in limited cases fire. The published remedy is inspection of the cylinder bore and piston skirt, engine replacement if damage is found, and PNSS software, at no charge. Hyundai National Consumer Affairs Case #XXX. I sent a written demand that they complete Campaign 203 and not convert an open safety recall into a customer-pay job. On XXX, case manager Mohammad issued a letter denying only “limited warranty” coverage for lack of Owner’s Manual maintenance. That letter does not state whether the Campaign 203 bore/skirt inspection was done, does not state whether PNSS was installed, and does not decide the incomplete recall. Oil and filter were changed on a regular schedule by the owner’s family using the specified oil. A signed affidavit was provided. Hyundai’s warranty does not require dealer-only oil changes. The symptom of the recalled oil-consumption defect (varnish/sludge) is being used to refuse the recall remedy. The vehicle remains unrepaired. I have not authorized customer-pay work or disposal of parts. What I want NHTSA to do Record this as an incomplete recall remedy. Require Hyundai Motor America to complete Campaign 203 on VIN [XXX]: perform the official bore and piston-skirt inspection, replace the engine if abnormalities exist, install PNSS, and cover related camshaft/engine damage found when the engine was opened, at no charge. 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
#11763085September 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Voice activated calling no longer works without Hyundai's Bluelink subscription. Each time I say a command to "Call John Doe," the response is always, "Sorry, I don't understand. Please upgrade to Bluelink cloud assisted voice calling." This is a basic safety feature that should not be behind a paywall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763045September 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2020 HYUNDAI [XXX], VIN: [XXX] Incident Description: On XXX I was pulling into a parking spot and had my foot firmly on the brake pedal. When I attempted to shift the vehicle into Park the engine suddenly revved up excessively. The vehicle then accelerated forward on its own and crashed into a building. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11762346September 5, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
All four rear/side door latch mechanisms have exhibited intermittent failure to release the door from the interior and/or exterior handle. Repeated operation or increased force can sometimes cause the door to release. This creates a potential safety hazard because an occupant may be unable to exit the vehicle through an affected door during an emergency. The manufacturer has previously issued an extended warranty/TSB addressing this latch failure, but the vehicle is now beyond the 10-year extension period.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762242September 4, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 35-40 MPH on a bridge, the engine made a loud banging and knocking sound, and the vehicle stalled. The driver shifted into neutral, coasted down the bridge with the engine off, and pulled over to the side of the road. The driver noticed an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the contact's husband performed an oil change and discovered a hole in the side of the engine block. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,286. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762012September 3, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, excessive force was needed to bring the vehicle to a stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and it was confirmed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762038September 3, 2026
ENGINE
2019 Hyundai Elantra with 2.0L Nu MPI engine suffered catastrophic engine failure at approximately 118,530 miles. Vehicle is currently at the [XXX] Hyundai dealership. Vehicle appears to fall within the exact parameters of Hyundai Recall 203/NHTSA 21V-301. Have spoken to the dealership as well as Hyundai corporate and they have refused to either honor their own recall campaign or do a goodwill service to replace the engine, citing my VIN does not fall under their recall campaign, however they have yet to provide any reason, and according to their own campaign 203 recall information my vehicle meets the exact criteria. I am concerned the recall population may exclude vehicles suffering the same engine defect, and their clearly is a clerical error or something on their behalf, and they appear to not be interested in remedying it, which could and has in my case resulted in potential danger. My car died in the middle of [XXX], and had I been in heavy traffic and could not have coasted it down a hill to a parking lot almost certainly would have resulted in a collision. I was fortunate enough to at the time be in light traffic. Upon restarting car motor made a horrendous knocking noise, which is symptomatic of exactly what recall campaign 203 warned of with the defective engines they installed in my series of vehicles. Hyundai denied goodwill solely based on time in service and mileage rather than identifying a different failure mechanism, and as of the time of writing this has not provided an explanation of why according to them my VIN doesn't fall in their campaign, when clearly it should as it is the correct year, correct factory stock engine, correct place if manufacture, and the very same symptoms they published in their campaign. They have told me I need new engine, as was obvious by the fact it's disabled and sounds as if a rod has thrown. I have brought this to their attention every day for going on 2-3 weeks. 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
#11762043September 3, 2026
STEERING
I am reporting Hyundai’s failure to complete open Campaign 127/NHTSA Recall 15V-100 on my 2009 Hyundai Elantra. I acquired the vehicle from a family member in late July 2026 after the previous owner died and the vehicle was delayed in probate. I sought recall service immediately after legal transfer. Component/system: The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failed. Power steering assist is completely unavailable. The EPS warning lamp is illuminated and the EPS module reports DTC C1604. The vehicle and EPS system remain at [XXX] Hyundai in [XXX] and are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle was driven from [XXX] to [XXX] during transportation during its transfer to me, and the power steering failed en route. Loss of steering assist substantially increased steering effort suddenly& created a safety risk to the driver, passengers and other motorists. Dealer confirmation: Yes. The condition is recognized by [XXX] Hyundai. I presented the vehicle on XXX specifically for the open EPS recall, and it has remained there since. This is the second area Hyundai dealer that attempted to decline recall service. [XXX] states it cannot perform the prescribed software update because the required Hyundai tablet/programming equipment is no longer available. The dealer has also pressured me to retrieve the unrepaired vehicle and attempted to charge for diagnostics. Other inspections: Hyundai Consumer Affairs is involved under case #XXX. No police or insurance representative has inspected the vehicle. Hyundai’s latest update is that it is attempting to source either the required computer or part, but no remedy or completion date has been provided. Warnings/symptoms: When the EPS failed, the EPS warning lamp illuminated and steering assist was lost. OBD-II/EPS diagnostics subsequently identified C1604. The vehicle has been continuously available for recall repair since XXX. Thank you for your review & assistance with this. 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
#11761555September 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Braking system failed to brake properly. It feels like even though the brakes were pressed all the way down, the car did not brake as it should. Also, the automatic collision avoidance system did not respond.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
5
Deaths:
0
#11761736September 2, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted but unexpectedly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure caused by a misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,691.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761307September 1, 2026
ENGINE
Car sudden stopped then would not turn on Currently being looked at but for suspected timing chain, VVT, and related parts Others have reported these same issues and other model with same engines have been recalled
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760993August 31, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN There is no incident happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760761August 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint is peeling off of my hood and on the sides of my car I have noticed other Hyundais with the same problem I tried to go through warranty and Hyundai wouldn't help me I've noticed in the past that they have had recalls on their vehicles for paint and I believe that this needs to be a recall also
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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