NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
163 reportsClear category filter72,000 miles · Apr 15, 2019
Engine
I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA THAT NOW HAS 72,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER EXPERIENCING RECENT ISSUES WITHIN THE ENGINE OF THIS VEHICLE, I TOOK IT TO DAVE HALLMAN HYUNDAI IN ERIE, PA WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT I WOULD PAY THE COSTS OF THE LABOR, WHI…
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I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA THAT NOW HAS 72,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER EXPERIENCING RECENT ISSUES WITHIN THE ENGINE OF THIS VEHICLE, I TOOK IT TO DAVE HALLMAN HYUNDAI IN ERIE, PA WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT I WOULD PAY THE COSTS OF THE LABOR, WHICH TOTALS $2,345. DURING THIS EXPERIENCE I HAVE FOUND THAT HYUNDAI SONATAS, SANTE FES, AND ELANTRAS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. AS A MATTER OF FACT, WHEN I INITIALLY TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, EMPLOYEES WERE ALSO WORKING ON A SANTA FE THAT HAD EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE, LEADING ME TO QUESTION THE QUALITY OF THESE VEHICLES WHEN THE ISSUE IS SO PROMINENT. IN THE PAST 4 YEARS I HAVE BOUGHT TWO VEHICLES FROM HYUNDAI, BUT FOR REASONS BEYOND MY CONTROL, HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FIRST AND NOW POTENTIALLY THE SECOND. MOREOVER, I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR FOUR WEEKS NOW. I WAS INFORMED A CASE MANAGER COULD ASSIST ME, BUT OF THE MULTIPLE HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVES, NONE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE EVEN A PHONE NUMBER. EIGHT DAYS AFTER REPRESENTATIVES TOLD ME THE CASE HAD BEEN SUBMITTED, THE CASE MANAGER CONTACTED ME ONLY TO TELL ME HE COULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE. I WAS NOT INFORMED MY CASE WOULD BE DEEMED VOID IN TWO DAYS, BUT JUST HAPPENED TO CALL AND CHECK. I UNDERSTAND HYUNDAI MAINTAINS POLICIES AROUND THE SERVICE THAT CAN AND CANNOT BE PROVIDED TO SECOND OWNERS. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT AS A SECOND OWNER, MY VEHICLE'S WARRANTY WOULD HAVE EXPIRED 12,000 MILES AGO. HOWEVER, I AM ASKING THAT HYUNDAI CORRECT ITS MISTAKE AND PAY FULL PRICE FOR SELLING A DEFECTED PRODUCT THAT INHIBITED THE SAFETY, RELIABILITY, AND QUALITY OF MY VEHICLE. THERE IS NO REASON MY CAR SHOULD HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED THIS EARLY ON. I DO NOT FEEL HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING TO CORRECT SUCH A PROMINENT MISTAKE.
NHTSA ODI #11196542
77,680 miles · Apr 12, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine
THIS IS NOW THE THIRD TIME THAT MY CAR HAS COMPLETELY CUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING AND IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS THERE IS ALWAYS A BURNING SMELL COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR AT ALL. HYUNDAI DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI #11195871
60,000 miles · Mar 30, 2019
Engine
ENGINE KNOCKING STARTED AT 60,000 MILES. THE RODS ARE KNOCKING, AND METAL SHAVINGS FOUND IN OIL PAN.
NHTSA ODI #11192627
101,000 miles · Mar 22, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND MADE AN ABNORMAL TICKING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND MADE AN ABNORMAL TICKING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11190971
78,000 miles · Mar 9, 2019
Engine
MOTOR JUST STARTED KNOCKING.
NHTSA ODI #11185534
112,000 miles · Feb 27, 2019
EngineCrash
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE ENGINE WOULD RANDOMLY SHUT OFF. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND 1 TIME WHILE STOPPING. WHEN SITTING IN PARK, THE OIL LIGHT STATS TO FLASH. AFTER TAKING IT INTO A DEALER, THEY INFORMED ME THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS ONLY 112,000 MILES ON A 2014 CAR. IT HAS HAD REGULAR OIL CHAN…
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WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE ENGINE WOULD RANDOMLY SHUT OFF. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND 1 TIME WHILE STOPPING. WHEN SITTING IN PARK, THE OIL LIGHT STATS TO FLASH. AFTER TAKING IT INTO A DEALER, THEY INFORMED ME THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS ONLY 112,000 MILES ON A 2014 CAR. IT HAS HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND KEPT IN GOOD CONDITION. THIS LOOKS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE HYUNDAI PUTS IN THEIR VEHICLES. THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY PEOPLE.
NHTSA ODI #11182826
Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2019
EngineUnknown Or Other
FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS NOW MY CAR RANDOMLY WON'T START. AFTER A FEW TRIES IT FINALLY DOES. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE JUST ON COLDER DAYS BUT IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY. I CHANGED THE BATTERY AS PER THE SUGGESTION OF THE DEALER AND IT STILL RANDOMLY WON'T START.
NHTSA ODI #11179903
50,000 miles · Jan 14, 2019
EngineFire
DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT APPROX 70 MPH. CARE SHUTS OFF AND GOES DARK. MANAGED TO PULL CAR OVER TO SHOULDER. GOT OUT OF CAR AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. WAS NOT HURT BUT CAR AND EVERYTHING IN CAR BURNT AND WAS TOTAL LOSS. FOUND OUT AFTER THAT PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED ABOUT HYUNDAI FIRE ISSUE'S.
NHTSA ODI #11169921
71,000 miles · Jan 6, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineStructureCrashInjury
TAKATA RECALL ON 9/23/2018, ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER A RAINSTORM (CAR WAS GARAGED DURING STORM) MY CAR WAS IN MOTION AT 40 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE ON A CURVE OF A SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE EXIT I275. THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT SIDEWAYS, AND BEGAN FISHTAILING. I TRIED TO PUMP THE BREAKS BUT THEY WERE NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE THEN SMASHED THE FRO…
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TAKATA RECALL ON 9/23/2018, ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER A RAINSTORM (CAR WAS GARAGED DURING STORM) MY CAR WAS IN MOTION AT 40 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE ON A CURVE OF A SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE EXIT I275. THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT SIDEWAYS, AND BEGAN FISHTAILING. I TRIED TO PUMP THE BREAKS BUT THEY WERE NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE THEN SMASHED THE FRONT SIDE OF BUMPER INTO THE GUARD RAIL, AND PUSHED ME ACROSS TWO TRAFFIC LANES. THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE RIGHT LANE, FACING NORTH IN A SOUTHBOUND EXIT. I TRIED TO PUT IT IN REVERSE TO GET INTO THE SHOULDER, AND THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE HAD SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT FAILED THE ENGINE, OR WHY IT SHUT OFF. HYUNDAI CORPORATE WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OPENED A CASE, AND PERFORMED A FULL INSPECTION. ON 11/12/18 HYUNDAI CLAIMED "WE CANNOT AGREE THAT THE ACCIDENT INVOLVED A PRODUCT DEFECT AND ARE DECLINING ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE." A THIRD PARTY MECHANIC WAS THEN CONTACTED, AND FOUND CODE C1555 AND A FAILING VVTI CYLINOID. THERE IS NO RECALL. THERE IS NO WAY TO PROVE THIS CAR IS UNSAFE WITH THE ROUTES I HAVE TAKEN SO FAR. I WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS ANSWER. THE ENGINE OF THIS CAR SHUT OFF AND COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. IT IS ALSO TERRIFYING TO THINK ABOUT WHO WOULD TO BE BLAMED FOR SUCH A FATAL OR DANGEROUS ACCIDENT SINCE HYUNDAI "COULDN'T FIND ANY DEFECT." I ASKED FOR RESULTS OF THE SCAN AND THE CASE MANAGER, CHRISTINA REPLIED THAT I AM NOT AUTHORIZED TO SEE THEM, FOR "RESULTS ARE FOR PROPRIETARY USE ONLY." THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THEIR RISKY PRODUCT!
NHTSA ODI #11165490
Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2018
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED AND MOVED ABNORMALLY AS A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. PUGI HYUNDAI (1866 OGDEN AVE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515, (630) 964-9500) INDICATED THAT AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WOUL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED AND MOVED ABNORMALLY AS A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. PUGI HYUNDAI (1866 OGDEN AVE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515, (630) 964-9500) INDICATED THAT AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WOULD BE NEEDED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ELIGIBLE FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE DUE TO THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH THREE LOANER VEHICLES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING FOR THE PART TO ARRIVE FOR MONTHS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE PART MAY BECOME AVAILABLE IN MID JANUARY OF 2019. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11154265
Official recalls
2Sep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Nov 30, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
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