Hyundai Elantra Complaints

8,883 consumer complaints on file.

#11721058February 27, 2026
ENGINE
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2012 Hyundai Elantra equipped with the 1.8L Nu engine, which is experiencing premature internal engine damage that presents a potential safety risk. Vehicle details: Year/Make/Model: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Mileage: Approximately 134,500 miles Issue description: The engine produces a persistent ticking/knocking noise, most pronounced at cold start but now continuing even after the engine has warmed. A Hyundai dealership diagnosed the vehicle with piston slap and confirmed significant scarring on the cylinder walls, stating that the only repair is full engine replacement. Despite the presence of internal engine damage, no warning lights are illuminated. I am concerned this condition could lead to sudden engine seizure or loss of power while driving, creating a safety hazard. Additional observations include: Excessive crankcase blow-by observed when removing the oil fill cap while the engine is running Strong exhaust fumes at cold start Noise most noticeable at idle and low RPM Regular oil changes using manufacturer-recommended oil viscosity The dealership advised the condition was not repairable short of engine replacement and did not submit the concern for Hyundai corporate technical review (Techline), despite the known history of engine defects in Hyundai Nu engines. I am filing this complaint to document a pattern of premature internal engine wear that may not be adequately addressed through recalls or warranty programs, and which could result in sudden engine failure. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720582February 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I took my car to McDonough Hyundai to get a transmission flush. 22 hrs later, the transmission died while my daughter was driving it. We had it towed back to the dealership and were told that they would not repair or replace the transmission they destroyed. I found out that my car is covered under Service Campaign 963 for the IVT transmission and they still won't fix my car and have been holding it hostage for about six months now. I've even lodged complaints with Hyundai Corporate and the BBB AND the GA Attorney General's office and either recieve no answer or they are running me around in circles. I just want them to fix my car and give it back to me!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720191February 24, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle has developed a pronounced knocking noise that was diagnosed by your authorized dealership as “piston slap.” I was informed by dealership staff that this is a known issue with this vehicle. However, because the vehicle is outside of warranty by time and mileage, I was told no repair assistance would be provided. My primary concern is safety. While there are currently no warning lamps illuminated, the engine is producing a consistent knocking noise. If this condition progresses to piston or engine failure while the vehicle is in operation, it could cause sudden loss of power or engine seizure. Such a failure at highway speeds or in traffic could create a serious accident risk to myself and others. Additionally, I was charged one hour of diagnostic labor, despite the dealership immediately recognizing the noise as piston slap without needing further testing. This raises concern that: The issue is well-known, The condition was identifiable without extensive diagnosis, Yet I was still billed for a full diagnostic hour. Given that this is acknowledged as a known issue, I am requesting: A formal review of this case by your product safety and quality department. Clarification on whether this condition has been the subject of technical service bulletins, extended coverage programs, or internal advisories. Consideration of goodwill repair assistance due to the potential safety implications. Reimbursement of the diagnostic charge, as no true diagnostic procedure appears to have been required. Written confirmation that continued operation of the vehicle in its current condition does not present a safety risk. I am prepared to provide service records, invoices, and any additional documentation needed. Given the potential safety implications, I respectfully request a response within 48 hours. I am hopeful the manufacturer will stand behind the safety and reliability of its product and address this matter promptly.
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
#11719343February 20, 2026
ENGINE
My car started stalling on speed bumps and turning. Then one day it stopped accelerating and died. There is No COMPRESSION. I am told I now probably need a new engine. I saw that other Elantras from 2019 were recalled for this issue and why wasn’t mine? I could have gotten hurt
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719531February 20, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SEAT BELTS
I bought my car at McGrath Hyundai in chicago in May 2021. It’s been in their shop 30 plus times for various and repeated issues. As of late, over the last 6 months, I have reported to them and to Hyundai, my drivers side seat belt won’t retract properly and the high mounted brake light warning continuously goes off, a dinging, stating that there is an issue. Hyundai and McGrath repeatedly misdiagnosed and refused to fix these issues when they were first brought to their attention when under 60,000 miles. NOW that the car is over 60,000 miles, conveniently they’re stating that it’s out of warranty and will cost $2k. The technicians and service advisor Christine Tonelli at McGrath, knowingly and willfully misdiagnosed my car, attempting to cover up the issues stating that there was no issue. They said the seat belt was fine and the wiring wasn’t the issue for the high mount d brake light and kept changing the bulb. They knew it should have known there was a seat belt issue with it not retracting and the same with the high mount d brake light. Suddenly after 60,000 miles, they now state I was right the whole time by telling me it will be $2000 to fix it. I have all service records and emails.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719235February 19, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact then towed the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston oil rings failure, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had refused to honor the recall repair. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719247February 19, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Cars engines stopped for no apparent reason pulled over and it started back up but it stopped two more times within a two block radius both times it restarted the date was2/17 26 on the next day it did the same thing but only once
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719249February 19, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON FEBUARY 8 TH 2026 WAS DRIVEING ON HIGHWAY AT 65MPH SPEED AND CAR SUDENLY WAS DROPPING SPEED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CAR WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED KEPT ON DROPPING SO I PULLED OVER THE CLOSET PLACE WAS SCARY IF IT HAD STALLED IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY COULD HAVE BEEN IN MAJOR ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN INJURES OR KILLED LUCKLY WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AT LOWER SPEED STALLING AT GAS STATION CALLED FOR HELP HUNDAI NEW CAR PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2024 WAS PROMISED TOWING WILL COME 2 HOUR WENT BUY AND NOW TOW TRUCK AND CALLED AGAIN ONLY TO FIND OUT NO TOW TRUCKS ARE AVAILABLE I WAS TOLD TOA RRANGE MY OWN TOW TRUCK TO GET REINBURSTMENT 2 HOUR LATER IN SEVERE COLD IT HAS BEEN OVER 10 DAYS AND DEALER HAS NOT DIAGONISED IT SAID THEY ARE BACKED UP I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION UPON GOOGLING FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAD SAME PROBLEM AND SOME HAD REPEATED PROBLEM AFTER SERVICED I BELIVE IF YOU CAN HELP HOPE IT IS NOT A LEMON CAR I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY SON FOR SAFTEY FEATURES ONLY TO KNOW THIS IS MORE PROBLEM NPOT SATIFIED WITH CAR OR SERVICE ATTENTION GIVEN TO ME ALL I GOT IS RUN AROUND AND NO ANSWER AND NO CAR AND NO LOANER CAR THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718875February 18, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that a week after the dealer performed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the contact was made aware that the brake lights had remained illuminated after the vehicle was parked and turned off. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 199,950.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718975February 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The horn on my vehicle all of a sudden does not work. Im afraid that i'll be in a accident because im unable to blow it. Plenty times ive almost been in a accident & it was literally nothing i could do because my horn isnt working. secondly, something is going in with the suspension on the right side of my car. Too much rattling noise. I see in the complaints im not the only one having this issue. third but not least, the ac isnt working. blowing out hot air. ive also seen where alot of people is complaining about that Ive had this car only a year and it has too many recall issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718343February 16, 2026
ENGINE
2019 Elantra has been experiencing oil loss. The last oil change on 14 Feb 2026 at 57400 miles. Checked the oil today 16 Feb 2026 after 266 miles and it was a quart low. It appears that oil consumption is a know issue with Hyundai year and model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718092February 15, 2026
ENGINE
So I have a suspicion oh a connecting rod, might be a bearing but it’s making a tik tik noise, no other issue than that, no engine light no nothing, been doing it for a while but car still goes great
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718111February 15, 2026
ENGINE
A system in the Engine that allows for oil to sit and burn. UNKOWN A Mechanic shop that I go to regularly stated that this has been a known issue that has been going on for the past 12 years. Along side when I bought the car I was told that the engine is usually louder then most cars, this has been the general consensus. Personally with my car no, having done research outside of just my car: UNKNOWN there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem. I was first told about this issue during the 2nd week of February of 2026, With the oil change paperwork of when I found out about the issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718016February 14, 2026
ENGINE
My car just lost all power and stopped on the side of the road after making a weird noise under the hood
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717820February 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS
My vehicle has been in the shop here at McGrath Hyundai in Chicago, IL 30+ times since I bought it 5/21. Electrical, (rear), 6 horns, 6 blower motors, multiple warranty and recalls and now my front driver seat belt. They’re refusing to fix it even though I have reported it before. They’re saying over 60,000 miles makes it no longer under warranty. I reported it before and they said that it was okay. It was not okay and still isn’t okay and they think I’m going to pay $1500 to get it fixed now as well as re wiring the back of the vehicle for $600, which I have been reporting issues with for years.
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
#11717574February 12, 2026
ENGINE
Car check engine light illuminated and car began shaking and stalled at 79284 miles. Local mechanic said engine was dry and would need full replacement, no dashboard lights indicating oil level or engine issues prior to this point.
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
#11717631February 12, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE ----- 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (blue trim) The instrument panel showed Hybrid System Failure, and the ENGINE DIED on the freeway at 70 mph. Luckily, I was able to pull to the right shoulder on a busy freeway. I tried restarting the car, but the instrument panel turned off after one second for the first two tries, and then nothing would turn on. I had it towed to Lithia Hyundai of Fresno on February 11, 2025. The car is still at the dealer being diagnosed and repaired for Hybrid System Failure with Total Power Loss. Extremely dangerous to have the engine cut out at 70 mph on a busy freeway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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