Hyundai Elantra Complaints

8,883 consumer complaints on file.

#11710221January 11, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint is peeling off vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710269January 11, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The EPS light started coming on intermittently back in Nov. 2025 and power steering became very difficult. I could get it to reset by turning off the car and turning steering wheel all the way to right and then left and then back to center and restart. The steering ability returned but the light eventually came back on. I had Firestone look at this in Nov. and they recalibrated but advised if problem returned that I should contact dealer due to recall for 2010 Elantras for same issue. The light came back on this weekend. I note the recall is for Elantras manufactured through April 30, 2010. My car was manufactured June 20, 2010…. 6 weeks after the dates of the recalled models. Clearly this issue is affecting my car also. I plan to call the dealer and try to get them to look at it and see if they will repair under the recall… but I wanted to report this to you also since is affecting models outside the original recall dates.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710172January 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Description of the Safety Problem: In the early morning hours of January 8, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I ran off the road into a ditch. I was extremely disoriented and activated the vehicle’s built-in Blue Link SOS emergency assistance system for help. I successfully connected with a Blue Link operator and repeatedly told her that I did not know where I was and that I was scared and needed assistance. While I was actively requesting help, the SOS call was disconnected. After the disconnection, I attempted to reconnect using the SOS system but was unable to do so, despite the vehicle having power and an active, paid telematics subscription. The system did not reconnect or provide further assistance. I was forced to call 911 from my personal cell phone to obtain emergency help. This resulted in a delayed response and a $1,300 towing expense that I would not have incurred if the SOS system had functioned as marketed. This incident raises serious safety concerns. The vehicle’s emergency SOS system failed during an active emergency, disconnected while the driver was disoriented and requesting help, and provided no ability to reconnect. This defeats the purpose of an integrated emergency safety feature and could place drivers at risk of serious injury or death. I am reporting this incident so NHTSA can evaluate the reliability and safety of Hyundai’s Blue Link SOS emergency system during real-world emergencies.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11710138January 10, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My horn continues to short out. It has happened five or more times in two years. (I purchased this car in 2023 and the day I purchased it, I was driving home and found out that the horn had lost sound, I called the dealership and they told me to bring it up the next day. When I brought it up the next day it started working again and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. I then went back home and by that next week my horn was completely not working so I had to bring it back up to my dealership.) My horn not working puts me and others in risk for many of reasons. For starters, it takes away my primary warning and communication tool on the road. I have no way to warn others if they are drifting into my lane, backing into me or any other accident that can happen while driving. I have taken my car to the dealership to get it fixed multiple times. This has been a problem since the day I bought my car. Every time my horn is about to fully short out, it slowly loses its sound and will come and go for multiple days slowly losing sound. I don't have my recent documentation from taking it to the dealership to get fixed, but I have one or two forms from the beginning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709826January 9, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, WHEELS
The constant-velocity joint on the driver's side tends to vibrate, and at certain speeds there is play in the steering. Sometimes the handbrake doesn't work properly, and the right-side brake light doesn't work even after replacing the bulbs.
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
#11709984January 9, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received confirmation from my local Hyundai dealership that my 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT is consuming over 1.8 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. The mileage is currently 70k miles. This is not the result of lack of maintenance or neglect but because of Hyundais engine design. I was told by the local dealership that I would need a total engine re build. This was the only option to fix the issue 100%. I was told that if the issue is not fixed it will result in engine failure. Hyundai is not recalling their engines or acknowledging the inherent danger this will cause. I am at my engines will if I cannot afford this repair because Hyundai won’t honor the Powertrain warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709714January 8, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The rare brake light is working fine but the car dashboard computer keeps on saying „Check rare brake light“ intermittently. It either needs a repair (although brake lights are working) or a replacement. Please resolve this issue because other Elantra owner have reported the same.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709298January 7, 2026
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had a couple of issues that I have had others tell me or read online that they have had the same issues 1- When I bought the car, which was used at the time. Just a couple of years ago I drove it off of the lot and it had a break issue. I had to take it towed back to the dealership bc something broke underneath and the breaks were failing. So they fixed the problem supposedly. I only had a 30 day warranty and after the 30 days the breaks started grinding every time I stopped. This went on for a long time. I had an other mechanic look at it and did something and I can not recall exactly what he said but after about a week, the noise started back up and at that time I had had the car for about a yr and he said I still had about 25 percent left on my break pads. So probably about 4 months ago I changed my front breaks, including the rotors and the back breaks to, I also had to replace the front left caliber bc while trying to take the pin out of the caliber to clean it, the pin broke. So I replaced it. Took my care in to get inspected And they told me I need to do the back breaks and the back right caliber to pass inspection. So I did the work and got it done. I am not a rich person so I can only take it a mechanic if it something that I can not do myself my I have had good training bc had been a mechanic and had taught at mechanic schools so I know I have help and if I am not sure about something he will help. So now after doing all of that hard work, I am starting to hear the grinding noise again with the breaks and my breaks are good. It always starts our really light and then gets louder within a couple of weeks. 2- the second issue is that my airbag light is on, I am not sure why this is , I have never been in any kind of accident. One day just popped on and never went off 3- I have read online that you have had a recalls on newer models for Hyundai Elantra with the issue but not my year. Well my trunk latch ended up get latched and would not open
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709302January 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is an issue with mice getting into the front of the car. It smells like urine and is unsafe to breathe. I have cleaned out air filters monthly and find nests every time and have even found a dead mice. My car has nothing that would attract the mice. I have tried everything and spent so much money to prevent this from happening. Apparently with this car it is a known issue, and has not been fixed.
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
#11709281January 6, 2026
ENGINE
Engine is stalling and consuming oil at a higher then normal rate. Knock sensor is having issues at 24k miles both part of recall campaign 974 and recall 203. Took the auto to dealer for service and was told Hyundai would not honor the recall due to a branded title which now puts me in a scenario of possibly engine stall in the middle of highway traffic.
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
#11708400January 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:HYBRID MANAGEMENT
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH during ice and snow, the engine revved, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the Hybrid battery. While turning, the contact stated that the vehicle had unintendedly accelerated. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was related to the Hybrid battery. The vehicle was driven to the residence, where it remained parked and was not driven since. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,900.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708433January 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, AIR BAGS
I was performing a low-speed maneuver to reverse-park into my driveway. After making a right turn between my driveway and the driveway of a neighboring townhouse across the street, I came to a complete stop. When I shifted the vehicle into reverse, the vehicle did not reverse as expected and instead unexpectedly accelerated forward. I applied the brake but was unable to stop the vehicle before it traveled forward into the driveway across the street and struck the garage door of a neighboring townhouse. The maneuver was being performed at low speed. Weather conditions were clear, and the driveway surface was dry. The cause of the unexpected acceleration is unknown at this time. No warning lights, messages, or alerts were observed prior to or during the incident. Immediately following the collision, I placed the vehicle into park and applied the parking brake, at which point the vehicle came to rest. Upon impact, the driver-side front airbag deployed. Smoke and a burning odor were observed coming from the deployed airbag. The incident posed a safety risk due to the vehicle’s unexpected forward movement during a low-speed maneuver and resulted in property damage. No injuries were reported. The vehicle remains available for inspection.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708161January 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car caught fire all the sudden while parked and burnt almost completely (~80%)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707760December 30, 2025
ENGINE
Reporting motor has a cold start ticking sound coming from the motor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707780December 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Was driving car after a recent oil change. The oil change was performed early because the car was ticking and found oil to be low. Was going to take into dealer to be looked into but the car made a loud sound and stopped immediately and turned off. Luckily I was not driving too fast but had I been this could have posed a risk to myself, my passengers and other drivers. This complaint is consistent with prior engine failure complains of other Hyundai models. The Elantra has yet to be investigated. The maintenance lights that came on have only been for a high mount break light and low tire pressure. I did not get a low oil or oil change needed alert.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707856December 30, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
This happens frequently and has probably happened at least 6 or 7 times since I purchased the car last month. Digital warning alert appears on dash for no reason saying “Consider Taking a Break” even though i consistently keep my car in my lane. The warning is both distracting and annoying, and there is no way on this vehicle to turn it off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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