Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
800–25K
7125–50K
5850–75K
3675–100K
31100–150K
4150K+
280 reports with mileage · 486 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 289 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 134 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
37 crash reports6 fire reports19 injury reports
What owners actually said
766 reports
8,300 miles · Dec 9, 2019
Engine
PURCHASED CAR FROM DRIVETIME MARCH 2019- HAD SPORADIC PROBLEMS WITH STEERING, WITH ACCELERATION ISSUES. CAR WAS DRIVING OK UNTIL THE WEEK OF DEC. 1ST -CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 12/4 THEN WENT OFF. ON 12/5 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY CAME ON AND CAR STOPPED WORK WHILE IN PARKING LOT, AFTER 20 MINUTES TURNED CAR ON-IT START…
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PURCHASED CAR FROM DRIVETIME MARCH 2019- HAD SPORADIC PROBLEMS WITH STEERING, WITH ACCELERATION ISSUES. CAR WAS DRIVING OK UNTIL THE WEEK OF DEC. 1ST -CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 12/4 THEN WENT OFF. ON 12/5 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY CAME ON AND CAR STOPPED WORK WHILE IN PARKING LOT, AFTER 20 MINUTES TURNED CAR ON-IT STARTED UP ,BUT KEPT SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. ENDED UP AT THE PEPBOY'S DIAGNOSED WITH ENGINE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #11288019
47,000 miles · Dec 5, 2019
Structure
FOUR DAYS AGO, AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED, A PASSENGER COULDN'T GET OUT OF THE BACK SEAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SINCE THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN (HE FINALLY HAD TO SLIDE OVER TO GET OUT THE OTHER SIDE). IT SEEMS IT WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO HAPPEN TO MANY OTHER OWNERS AS WELL, AS …
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FOUR DAYS AGO, AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED, A PASSENGER COULDN'T GET OUT OF THE BACK SEAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SINCE THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN (HE FINALLY HAD TO SLIDE OVER TO GET OUT THE OTHER SIDE). IT SEEMS IT WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO HAPPEN TO MANY OTHER OWNERS AS WELL, AS SEEN ON THE INTERNET WHILE LOOKING FOR A SOLUTION. IT IS STILL A PROBLEM NOW, WHETHER THE DOOR IS LOCKED OR NOT.
NHTSA ODI #11287162
115,000 miles · Dec 2, 2019
Seat Belts
A FEW WEEKS AGO I HAD TO BRAKE REALLY HARD WHEN STOPPING AND I NOTICED THAT MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T LOCK. I HAVE TESTED THE SEAT BELTS A FEW TIMES SINCE THEN AND BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK ANY OF THE TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #11283207
35,000 miles · Nov 26, 2019
Structure
REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DESPITE THE CHILD LOCKS NOT BEING ON OR THE LOCK ENGAGED. IT CLICKS AS IF THE DOOR HAS BEEN UNLOCKED BUT WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. CAR IS IN PARK. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET SOMEONE IN THE BACKSEAT OUT OF THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11282516
66,000 miles · Nov 22, 2019
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AND LOCK INTO POSITION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
NHTSA ODI #11281702
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2019
Suspension
CAR VERY UNSTABLE SUSPENSIONS VERY WEEK FRONT AND BACK CAR BOUNCING AND SHAKE SIDE WAYS WORST IN THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA ODI #11281258
75,000 miles · Nov 9, 2019
Engine
I GOT MY ELANTRA BRAND NEW! I TRADED A 2016 SHAKER CHALLENGER...I HAVE HAD IT ABOUT 2 YEARS. WITH LESS THEN 80,000 MILES ON MY ENGINE AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ACCIDENTS. MY ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. AS I TRY TURNING IT BACK ON, THERE IS A CLANGING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD...CAR WOULDNT ACCELERATE OVER 35 OR SO...I LIM…
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I GOT MY ELANTRA BRAND NEW! I TRADED A 2016 SHAKER CHALLENGER...I HAVE HAD IT ABOUT 2 YEARS. WITH LESS THEN 80,000 MILES ON MY ENGINE AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ACCIDENTS. MY ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. AS I TRY TURNING IT BACK ON, THERE IS A CLANGING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD...CAR WOULDNT ACCELERATE OVER 35 OR SO...I LIMPED HOME HAVING THE CAR SHUT OFF AT LEAST 4 TIMES WITHIN 15 MILES. BARELY MAKING IT HOME. I HAVE HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES AS MY GRANDPARENTS OWN A SHOP IN PRINCETON JUST A COUPLE TOWNS AWAY...MY CAR HAS SAT IN MY SHOP FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW...ITS VERY DISAPPOINTING. I LOST A JOB AND HAVE STILL NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET A DIFFERENT VEHICLE GOING OR EVEN AFFORD TO GET THIS ONE FIXED, AS I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 4 KIDS. I AM A VERY SAFE AND CAUTIOUS DRIVER. I HAD JUST ASKED A SHOP ABOUT PRICING AN ENGINE REBUILD AND THEY ARE THE ONES WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE 2017 2.0 HAS A RECALL AND TO LOOK INTO THIS FURTHER...PLEASE HELP... -A DESPERATE MOTHER
NHTSA ODI #11279105
66,793 miles · Nov 1, 2019
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND FUNCTIONED NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE SHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE, BU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND FUNCTIONED NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE SHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PARKWAY HYUNDAI (24050 CREEKSIDE RD, SANTA CLARITA, CA 91355, (661) 750-4042) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,793.
NHTSA ODI #11277597
5,048 miles · Oct 5, 2019
Steering
FIRST WINTER WITH THE CAR AND I HAD A WEIRD SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEN TURNING. I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY TOOK THE CAR IN AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ICE PACKED AROUND STEERING RACK. THE CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE ON THE STREET OR ALSO OFF THE ROAD IN MY DRIVEWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY YEAR S…
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FIRST WINTER WITH THE CAR AND I HAD A WEIRD SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEN TURNING. I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY TOOK THE CAR IN AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ICE PACKED AROUND STEERING RACK. THE CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE ON THE STREET OR ALSO OFF THE ROAD IN MY DRIVEWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY YEAR SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR BUT I HAVE ONLY TAKEN IT DOWN ONCE. WHEN I CALL THE APPOINTMENT IS USUALLY DAYS OUT. NY WINTERS.
NHTSA ODI #11266526
3,320 miles · Oct 5, 2019
Engine
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A SHORT ROAD TRIP THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND BELL CAME ON SAYING THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND THE RADIATOR WET AND SMELLING SWEET. I LIMPED THE CAR THE FEW MILES AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER SHIP…
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WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A SHORT ROAD TRIP THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND BELL CAME ON SAYING THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND THE RADIATOR WET AND SMELLING SWEET. I LIMPED THE CAR THE FEW MILES AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER SHIP STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FAN WAS LOOSE CAUSING THE BLADE TO RUB A WHOLE IN THE RADIATOR CAUSING A HOLE TO FORM. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE OIL IN THE CAR TO ENSURE THAT THE OIL WAS NOT COMPROMISED AFTER GETTING SO HOT. REPLACED WITH HAVOLINE SYNTHETIC.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
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
1
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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