Hyundai Elantra Complaints

8,883 consumer complaints on file.

#11707629December 29, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving on the freeway at normal highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately lost power, and the vehicle shut down within seconds. There was no prior warning or opportunity to take corrective action. The vehicle became completely disabled and could not be driven. This occurred late at night with limited traffic, and I was LUCKY to be near a freeway exit. I was able to coast toward the exit, but the engine seized fully, resulting in total loss of propulsion and blocking the freeway exit ramp. Law enforcement had to assist due to the disabled vehicle creating a traffic obstruction and safety hazard. A tow truck was required to remove the vehicle because it could not be restarted or moved. Under normal traffic conditions, this sudden loss of engine power at freeway speed could have resulted in a SERIOUS, potentially FATAL COLLISION. The outcome depended on luck, timing, and location rather than any safety system functioning as intended. The engine was later diagnosed by an authorized Hyundai dealership as seized due to internal failure. Hyundai denied warranty coverage because a software safety campaign had not been completed prior to the failure, even though the failure occurred suddenly and without warning, leaving no opportunity to complete the campaign. However, at the time of the failure, the NHTSA recall lookup tool showed ZERO unrepaired recalls associated with this vehicle’s VIN. The campaign referenced by Hyundai is intended only to detect certain engine conditions and does not repair engine defects. In this case, the engine failed before any detection or warning could occur. The vehicle had just been refueled and was equipped with four brand-new tires, confirming it was being operated normally. This incident involved an unexpected and complete loss of engine power at freeway speed due to an apparent engine defect, presenting a SERIOUS SAFETY RISK to the driver and other motorists.
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
#11707292December 27, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have a 2018 Hyundai Elantra with about 155k miles. It has been consuming oil excessively and has developed serious drivability issues. If I try to accelerate even slightly harder than normal—especially above 2,000 RPM—it makes a metallic, chain-type rattling noise, loses power, and produces heavy smoke from the exhaust. The smoke sometimes continues even after shutting the engine off and restarting. Because of this, I’ve been avoiding rapid acceleration and slowly working up to highway speeds. The car also periodically shakes at idle, idles higher than normal at times, and the RPMs will occasionally rise on their own. In the past it has stalled randomly, and sometimes it feels like the transmission is “stuck” and won’t shift properly. Despite all this, there are currently no check-engine codes. This is terrible and clearly there’s been lawsuits and other recalls regarding the same issue and same engine but nothing for mine? I am out of warranty and had no clue the amount of issues the car was going to have until last year and I’m screwed now, insurance doesn’t cover issues with the engine or transmission. Neither will Hyundai?! Last year Hyundai performed a CVVT repair that cost about $6,000, which temporarily improved things, but the symptoms returned shortly afterward. When I brought it back, they said they couldn’t recreate the issue. The car is now out of warranty. Separately, the car was stolen two months ago due to the immobilization fault and TIk TOKs videos and the police said it has been hundreds of these Elantras stolen and destroyd and the ignition and wiper control switch/harness were damaged, which still hasn’t been repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707192December 26, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My headlights high beams stopped working .I found a recall called a dealer said it was out of warranty . how do you differentiate a car built when there was a problem with high beams going out .The replacement would cost over one thousand dollars I already have to use a club because immobilizer installed in car I hade the update. But both of there are safety issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707177December 26, 2025
SEATS
Component/System Involved: Driver-side rear seat back latch / locking mechanism. The rear seat back would not latch or lock in the upright position. The vehicle and seat are available for inspection upon request. Description of the Incident: During normal use of the vehicle, the driver-side rear seat back unexpectedly moved forward because it was not latched. At the time of the incident, we were not aware that the seat back would not latch or could not be secured in the upright position. The condition was discovered only after the incident occurred. Safety Risk: Because the driver-side rear seat back was not latched, the seat back or attached child seat moved forward and struck a child passenger seated in the rear. This created a serious risk of injury and represents a failure of a safety-related interior component. Confirmation / Reproduction: After the incident, attempts were made to secure the driver-side rear seat back. The seat could not be latched under any condition. A Hyundai dealership later inspected the vehicle, confirmed there was an issue, and ordered parts. A dealer representative stated on video that a component appeared to be missing. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership. No collision occurred. The vehicle has not been modified. Warnings or Prior Symptoms: There were no warning lights, messages, or indicators. No prior warning or indication of the seat latch failure was known before the incident. Cause (Best Assessment): UNKNOWN. Based on post-incident inspection and dealer findings, the condition appears consistent with a defective, improperly installed, or missing rear seat latch component from the factory.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11707148December 26, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Horn is inoperable due to internal fault. Horn receives power when button is depressed, relay actuates, but horn does not sound. There is no warning system in place for this fault.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706638December 22, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I randomly get warning lights that my camera is disabled for Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision warning, Lane Assist Warning. Each warning message I get comes one after the other stating CAMERA disabled. After a few minutes of driving, all the orange lights disappear and it seems to reset itself to normal. This has happened on three random occassions. I took it immediately to Hyundai of Bay Ridge but they said they were not able to duplicate the problem. I also mentioned to them that my dashboard and Infotainment system constantly dims then brightens for no reason whatsoever. Sometimes, it dims for two seconds, then goes bright again, sometimes it dims for much longer. This happens everyday and it doesnt matter if it is a bright sunny afternoon or an early morning. It constantly dims then brightens. The dealer keeps saying they can't find anything wrong because diagnostics shows everything is ok with their computer. I feel like they are simply sweeping this under the rug because it is a leased vehicle and I am concerned for my safety should I suddenly lose power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706302December 20, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I own a 2019 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition . 2.0L 1999CC L4. A few weeks ago we started with really cold/snowy weather and as I’m driving I’ve noticed weird knocking sound that sounds like a Ford F250 starting up. Today while stopped in traffic with the vehicle idling, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra cut off into the battery mode as if I just have my car running off of my battery (ex: roll windows up) and all of the lights on the dash board on. I put my car on the break to turn my car off and it went back into drive mode, it didn’t shut off. I tried accelerating my car went no where, within a few minutes it did it multiple times. I called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. I let Hyundai Webb aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706316December 20, 2025
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
Engine turns off unexpectedly when driving. all power steering and brakes stop working when engine itself off. entire engine, drive train, and vehicle shakes while driving. Transmission is a replacement as first one failed after 90 days of purchase. paid labor for replacement and waited over 6 weeks without a vehicle. Now replaced oem transmission slips out of gear. making vehicle difficult to drive as the transmission and engine sputter and make ride jerky. car has turned off on the freeway in traffic 3 times. almost causing an accident each time. car has been robbed at least 5 separate times. stealing items within the vehicle. car was locked and next day it is unlocked and my stuff all gone. i am scared to drive the vehicle. i believe it is a lemon.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706009December 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE
This 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid poses an imminent fire and safety hazard due to catastrophic high-voltage system failures. On December 11, 2025 (Mileage: 54,527), the vehicle displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning. The dealership diagnosed a swollen 12V battery and, critically, a melted power relay assembly and melted power cable. This indicates extreme thermal overload. The dealer stated they could not repair it independently and deferred to the Hyundai Engineering Team. This is the second major high-voltage failure. On March 23, 2024 (Mileage: 34,276), the vehicle suffered a total electrical blackout while driving at highway speeds at night. The vehicle lost all motive power, interior lights, and hazard flashers, leaving the car invisible in a high-speed lane. The high-voltage battery was replaced in April 2024, yet the system has failed again with melted wiring less than 20 months later. Despite a previous recall performed in August 2024 (Campaign 9B4 - BMS Software Update for 12V Battery Over Voltage), the electrical system remains unstable. The vehicle currently exhibits signs of thermal runaway. I have been informed by the dealer on Dec 16, 2025, that the wiring has melted, yet they initially refused to provide a repair order documenting these specific findings. This vehicle is a fire risk and a threat to public safety. I am requesting assistance in having this vehicle removed from the road immediately as it constitutes a public safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705871December 18, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the vehicle’s infotainment and forward safety systems. When this occurs, the vehicle also shows a “Check Forward Safety System” warning message. Diagnostic trouble code C162078 is triggered, indicating a front radar out of alignment. As a result, critical safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and other radar-based driver assistance systems are disabled. This issue creates a significant safety risk because the driver is not alerted to potential forward collisions and cannot rely on active safety systems. The blank infotainment screen also prevents access to vehicle settings, warnings, and camera functions. In South Korea, this same defect has resulted in an official recall and free front radar replacement and calibration. However, in the United States, customers are not covered under a recall and are required to pay out of pocket for radar realignment or replacement, even though the issue is identical and a lot of time the issue came back 3 months later and customer have to pay out of pocket once again to fix the same issue. Many owners report receiving official recall notices in other markets, while U.S. owners must independently diagnose the issue. Dealers often state that the problem may be caused by radar misalignment after a software update or system fault. In some cases, cleaning or recalibration temporarily resolves the issue, but in other cases, full radar replacement is required. This inconsistent treatment places U.S. consumers at a financial disadvantage and allows a known safety defect to remain unresolved. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect and require the manufacturer to issue a U.S. recall with free repair, calibration, or replacement, consistent with actions already taken in other countries.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705305December 16, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The car began stalling and started to become unresponsive while I was driving to work. While I was not 100% sure of what component was malfunctioning at the time, I suspected that it might be a timing chain problem because I had this same exact issue happen to to this car back in January 2025. I did not expect this issue to occur again because at the time of the previous problem, the dealership confirmed that issue was the timing chain and the VVT system, and replaced those components with new parts. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car started stalling and sputtering, then became unresponsive while I was driving. If I were in a high-traffic area, I'm not confident that I would have been able to accelerate, stop, or safely pull over to the side of the road without putting myself and/or someone else in harms way. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the car is currently at the dealership and they confirmed that the issue is the timing chain and the VVT system. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the car is currently at the dealership and they confirmed that the issue is the timing chain and the VVT system. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, there were absolutely no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705361December 16, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
This has happened twice. I brought it to Hyundai in Syracuse and they said they could not find a problem. The problem: While driving the car loses power, when pressing the gas pedal the car stops propelling forward. Safety: The car randomly loses power while driving. This could happen when pulling out onto a highway or railroad tracks etc. Problem been reproduced: It has not been reproduced by a dealer. It's happened twice randomly in the 2 years I've had the car. I did bring it to Hyundai in Syracuse NY but they said they didn't find an issue. Inspection: Hyundai in Syracuse NY checked the car for an issue. No police or insurance. Warning/messages: There were no messages or warnings before it lost power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705234December 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is the 7th time my vehicle has been parked and over night killed a battery. It’s been replaced 3 times and this battery lasted 8 months and now my vehicle is dead again. Also you can’t lock your vehicle if the battery is completely dead.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705215December 15, 2025
ENGINE
2015 Hyundai Elantra is consuming oil. I have changed the oil on all of my vehicles ever since I have owned vehicles and this vehicle purchased used for my children and maintained by me is consuming oil requiring addition of +/- a quart of oil between trips from Baltimore, MD to New Haven, CT. Oil lamp on dashboard is lighting indicating low level of oil upon return to home just north of Baltimore December 15, 2025 after a trip north to New Haven CT November 29, 2025. Oil was topped off prior to trip back to school on November 28, 2025 and 16 days later after trip home on December 15, 2015, oil lamp on dash is lighting and oil level is low. There are no observations of oil leaking at home or in parking garage at New Haven, CT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704643December 12, 2025
ENGINE
Subject: Abnormal Engine Failure – Hyundai Case #[XXX] I am filing this complaint regarding my Hyundai vehicle, which suffered catastrophic engine failure at approximately 150,000 miles. While the vehicle is outside the standard warranty, this type of failure is not consistent with normal use or expected durability. Hyundai Motor America has acknowledged receipt of my certified demand letter (Case #[XXX]) but has refused to provide coverage, instead directing me to pay for towing and diagnostic costs. This position is unacceptable given Hyundai’s history of abnormal engine defects and related settlements. Key points: • The failure is abnormal and consistent with systemic defects Hyundai has faced in prior litigation, including the Theta II and Lambda II engine defect class actions, which resulted in recalls and settlements covering millions of vehicles. • Hyundai has previously extended goodwill repairs and recall coverage for similar failures, even outside warranty periods. • Engine failure at this mileage presents a serious safety hazard, including risk of stalling, fire, or loss of power while driving. • Hyundai’s refusal to cover towing and diagnostic costs places an unfair burden on consumers and may violate consumer protection statutes. Requested Action: I request that the agency investigate Hyundai’s handling of abnormal engine failures, ensure compliance with consumer protection and safety laws, and require Hyundai to provide coverage or reimbursement for towing, diagnostic, and repair costs in cases where engine failure is abnormal and unsafe. Supporting Documentation: • Certified demand letter sent to Hyundai Motor America. • Hyundai’s written denial (Case #[XXX], dated December 11, 2025). • Vehicle mileage and details of engine failure. 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
#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
#11704779December 12, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The head lights will not go into high beam mode. When the high beams are turned on, they initiate and then flicker back and forth from on and off and will not remain on. This happens simultaneously with both lights. It appears to be a electrically issue with the high beam setting and the current not remaining constant. I have taken it to two different shops and they said it is a common with this car and to check for a recall because they have had others that had the same issued recalled. My VIN does not show a recall. This issue can also ONLY be corrected by Hyundai. The places that I have taken it to said there is a special tool they have to use to even get to this component. I noticed this starting a few months ago and still has not corrected. I have not been able to use my high beams since Aug/Sept.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704783December 12, 2025
STEERING
There is a grinding in my steering column, worse at lower speeds. I have spoke to Hyundai about this and several other shops and they said this is a common recall for Elantras and there is a barring that is in the recall. However, my VIN is not in this common recall. If this is a common recall on Elantras in my year range, wouldn't ALL Elantras have the option to have to corrected not just a select few? Per Hyundai dealership, They know exactly what it is and it should be on a recall list my VIN just showing it so they can not correct the problem. This started before I purchased the car from a friend and she was told the same thing when she checked into it before.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704487December 11, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was frequently checking the engine oil level after noticing that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil between oil changes. The contact was frequently topping off the engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact then stated that the oil warning light started flashing on the instrument panel, and the contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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