Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
630–25K
3225–50K
3850–75K
3275–100K
39100–150K
9150K+
213 reports with mileage · 169 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 163 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
35 crash reports15 fire reports22 injury reports
What owners actually said
382 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2021
Air BagsCrashInjury
I was involved in an accident where I was rear ended at a high rate of speed and pushed into the vehicle in front of me. I was thrown forward, hitting my head/left eye on something inside the vehicle. I received significant facial injuries and neck pain. My car was totaled from the impact but not a single airbag deployed. I ca…
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I was involved in an accident where I was rear ended at a high rate of speed and pushed into the vehicle in front of me. I was thrown forward, hitting my head/left eye on something inside the vehicle. I received significant facial injuries and neck pain. My car was totaled from the impact but not a single airbag deployed. I cannot believe this is how airbags are intended to function, why have them if they are not going to deploy in a situation like this!
NHTSA ODI #11437538
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2021
Engine
Motor failed while driving on the highway at cruising speed and car did not lose electrical power. This Elantra has been properly maintenanced as per manufacturer specifications no check engine or other dash lights present prior to the failure.
NHTSA ODI #11436329
169,000 miles · Sep 16, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly shut off and a knocking noise was present coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…
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The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly shut off and a knocking noise was present coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,000.
NHTSA ODI #11433220
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2021
Engine
The engine block blew, a few days after getting an oil change and seeing a mechanic about the ticking sound in the engine. 53k miles on it. I was told by the dealerships service/mechanic shop as well as other mechanics that there was a hole in the engine. The car had starting issues along with a ticking or clapping sound in the …
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The engine block blew, a few days after getting an oil change and seeing a mechanic about the ticking sound in the engine. 53k miles on it. I was told by the dealerships service/mechanic shop as well as other mechanics that there was a hole in the engine. The car had starting issues along with a ticking or clapping sound in the engine, mechanics couldn't figure it out, the last time it ran I turned the engine off to get gas and started it again going uphill, it didn't go past 20mph uphill before I heard the engine shutoff, I pulled over, tried to start it and the engine smoked and popped.
NHTSA ODI #11432076
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire
Passing a car on the highway when the Elantra died. Pulled over on the side of the road and all service lights came on. Fire started coming up from the hood. Barely got out of the car before the entire car was engulfed in flames.
NHTSA ODI #11431970
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2021
Structure
My front passenger car door handle completely broke without doing anything!
NHTSA ODI #11426289
97,000 miles · Jun 15, 2021
Service Brakes
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated he had parked and turned off the vehicle while the brake warning light was illuminated, the next morning the vehicle failed to start. The battery had completely drained overnight. The contact inspected the vehicle and found a particle under the brake pedal. The dealer w…
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The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated he had parked and turned off the vehicle while the brake warning light was illuminated, the next morning the vehicle failed to start. The battery had completely drained overnight. The contact inspected the vehicle and found a particle under the brake pedal. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed that the contact that he was responsible for the cost of repair. The Vin was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V769000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
NHTSA ODI #11420982
83,000 miles · Jun 2, 2021
Exterior Lighting
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the brake lights failed to turn off. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: …
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The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the brake lights failed to turn off. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V574000 (Exterior Lighting) however, neither the VIN nor the model year were included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #11419374
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2021
Engine
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Some, but we were not on a highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Reproduced as heard before yes, 7 plus time…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Some, but we were not on a highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Reproduced as heard before yes, 7 plus times. No independent service or dependent. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet as in the process of trying via our Hyundai Crestmont Service. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning of lights or lamps. The rest described briefly below. Our vehicle is a Hyundai; Vin # [XXX], year 2014, purchased 3/22/15, mileage 16,000 or so On April 1, 2021, snow of 5-7 inches and a cold snap of 41 degrees happened in Cleveland Ohio where we were uncostumarily were out and about, we audibly witnessed the noise under the hood and felt the right side brakes failure. I have experienced these noises at least 7 previous times. And the noises seem to come from the drivers side to midland to lower area of car. We carry an Extended Power Train Warranty, that by definition implies it kicks in when the Factory Power Train has expired. Good until 2024 or so? Willing to follow the advice on what is needed. It can only be driven on the back roads at slower pace with less public endangering. Please bear in mind that driving to Hyundai Crestmont in Brunswick is unattainable, due to safety issues betting there. We feel uncomfortable driving on highways and freeways, that places our lives in danger but also that of the public with the engine ceasing potential. The car is in danger of seising itself which will render it destroyed and not repairable. Documentation of reporting dating back to 2018, 2019 and April 1, 2021, and further. Later disc INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
NHTSA ODI #11418658
Mileage unknown · May 17, 2021
Engine
While driving the car stalls and you have no steering power or brakes to stop. I was able to coast to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. Restart car again and as I was braking for a stop light the car stopped again. To keep from rear ending another vehicle I had to switch lane and pull off of road. No warning lights came on…
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While driving the car stalls and you have no steering power or brakes to stop. I was able to coast to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. Restart car again and as I was braking for a stop light the car stopped again. To keep from rear ending another vehicle I had to switch lane and pull off of road. No warning lights came on the car just stopped. The car would start again as if everything is okay, but stall as you slow or come to a stop at a stop light. There is a total of 13 complaints on "Car Complaints.com" for this same issue. Below are some of the complaints on this website: "Driving the car in town at slow speeds, usually around 15-25 miles an hour, with rpms at about 1250. First noticed an issue with extremely jerky driving, but added gas and the problem went away, and I thought it was a one time thing. About a week later, it happened again. Then, a few days later, the car shut off as I was driving through a parking lot. I set up an appointment with the dealership for a week later. In that week, the car died while driving through town twice, and also as I was driving into work once. It is the smoothest shutoff I have ever experienced, only the engine dies, and it starts right up once I stop and put it in park. I don't even notice the engine turn off until I try to press the gas." "The car died 4 times, the engine completely shut off. It would throttle by itself at lights or in the drive thru.I could not drive up until no one was in front of me because the car would hesitate then jerk forward. Almost got hit from behind making a right turn because the car would not accelerate with oncoming traffic approaching from behind." "Were on a very busy street and the car just died. Very hot outside, people backed up behind us. Could start the car, but when lift off the break, it would die again. Police helped us push it off the busy road into a parking lot. Our concerns - this is a new car and a part goes bad? One that makes the car quit? What if it had happen
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.
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
2
AQ23002 · 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.