IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2017 Hyundai Elantra
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Elantra years
Owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Elantra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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 reports3 OUT OF 4 OF MY DOORS DO NOT OPEN ON MY ELANTRA WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR, THINLY DOOR THAT OPENS IS THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR!
MY ELANTRA TURNED OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT, WITHIN 30 MINUTES THE CAR TURNED OFF 3 FREAKING TIMES, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BUT I MANAGED TO TURN VEHICLE ON RIGHT AWAY AND MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME, THANK GOD I WAS ALONE AND DID NOT HAVE MY 5 YEAR OLD WITH ME. H…
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MY ELANTRA TURNED OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT, WITHIN 30 MINUTES THE CAR TURNED OFF 3 FREAKING TIMES, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BUT I MANAGED TO TURN VEHICLE ON RIGHT AWAY AND MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME, THANK GOD I WAS ALONE AND DID NOT HAVE MY 5 YEAR OLD WITH ME. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO REALLY LOOK INTO ALL THESE PROBLEMS ASAP
STATIONARY VEHICLE WITH OEM HANKOOK TIRES DEVELOPED SEVERE SIDEWALL CRACKING, NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT. WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER REPLACEMENT AS THEY WOULD NOT COVER TIRE DAMAGE WHEN VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD ATTEMPT TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER, AND WOULD REACH OUT IF A PARTIAL CREDIT WAS AVAILABLE. NO WORD A…
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STATIONARY VEHICLE WITH OEM HANKOOK TIRES DEVELOPED SEVERE SIDEWALL CRACKING, NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT. WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER REPLACEMENT AS THEY WOULD NOT COVER TIRE DAMAGE WHEN VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD ATTEMPT TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER, AND WOULD REACH OUT IF A PARTIAL CREDIT WAS AVAILABLE. NO WORD AT THIS TIME.
ENGINE DIES INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. RMP'S DROP, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE DIES. AT TIMES THERE WILL BE A SHAKE FROM THE ENGINE AND A LOUD RUMBLING SOUND WHILE THE FAN WAS ON PRIOR TO ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE DOES RESTART IMMEDIATELY 90% OF THE TIME AND DRIVES NORMAL. THESE EPISODES HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES W…
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ENGINE DIES INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. RMP'S DROP, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE DIES. AT TIMES THERE WILL BE A SHAKE FROM THE ENGINE AND A LOUD RUMBLING SOUND WHILE THE FAN WAS ON PRIOR TO ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE DOES RESTART IMMEDIATELY 90% OF THE TIME AND DRIVES NORMAL. THESE EPISODES HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING. AT ONE POINT I HAD MY CHILD IN THE VEHICLE, I WAS ENTERING THE INTERSTATE AND THE ENTRANCE RAMP WAS ONTO THE FAST LANE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS TRAVELING AT A FAST SPEED OF APPROX. 65-70 MPH AS MY VEHICLE STALLED ONCE AGAIN, I LOST CONTROL OF STEERING POWER. THERE WERE SEVERAL VEHICLES BEHIND ME THAT HAD TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES AND VEER OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID HITTING ME. IT WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION TO BE IN, NEVERTHELESS UNSAFE. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED WITH MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AS OF TODAY. IT'S GOING BACK TODAY FOR A 4TH ATTEMPT. SERVICE CALL #1: CANNOT DUPLICATE AND NO CODES PRESENT, BRING BACK WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. SERVICE CALL #2: CANNOT DUPLICATE AND NO CODES PRESENT, RESET ADAPTIVE VALUES AND ROAD TESTED RESCANNED NO CODES PRESENT, BRING BACK IF ANY OTHER ISSUES. SERVICE CALL #3: FINALLY GOT A DUPLICATION, NO CODES PRESENT STILL, REPLACED FRONT ENGINE COVER AND EXHAUST CVVT PHASER PER HYUNDAI TECH LINE. AFTER HAVING MY VEHICLE BACK FOR THE THIRD ATTEMPT THE ENGINE DIES TWICE WITHIN 45 MINUTES.
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING ON THE ROAD THE CAR STARTED SHAKING IT WOULD NOT INCREASE IN SPEED TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER IT WAS THE IGNITION COIL #3 THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN AS HYUNDAI WILL NOT COVER TO REPLACE ALL 4 COILS JUST THE BAD ONE THAT WAS IN MAY 2019 NO…
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THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING ON THE ROAD THE CAR STARTED SHAKING IT WOULD NOT INCREASE IN SPEED TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER IT WAS THE IGNITION COIL #3 THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN AS HYUNDAI WILL NOT COVER TO REPLACE ALL 4 COILS JUST THE BAD ONE THAT WAS IN MAY 2019 NOW IT STARTED SHAKING AGAIN THIS TIME I WAS BACKING UP OUT OF A PARKING SPOT IT IS IGNITION COIL #4 ONLY 3 MONTHS LATER I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WAI FOR THE SHAKING TO STOP BLOCKING TRAFFIC
REAR UPPER BUMPER BECAME LOOSE AND FELL OFF OF CAR WHILE DRIVING ON SOUTH PARKWAY FRONT FENDER IS LOOSE AS WELL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. MOMENTS LATER, AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. FLINT HILLS HYUNDAI (7920 E. HIGHWAY 24, MANHATTAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. MOMENTS LATER, AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. FLINT HILLS HYUNDAI (7920 E. HIGHWAY 24, MANHATTAN, KS) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
THE VEHICLE ORIGINAL PAINT JOB IS PEELING, HOOD, ROOF , NO INDICATION OF HAIL DAMAGE, ACCIDENT OR ETC...
'TAKATA RECALL' I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY TRANSMISSION SKIPS OR JERKS RANDOMLY. AS I'M DRIVING ON THE STREETS OR ON THE HIGHWAY... MY RPM'S WILL JUMP UP TO 3, 4, OR SOMETIMES 5 WHEN I'M DRIVING AND HOLDING STEADY AT 2 RPM'S. I ALWAYS DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT AND NEVER FLOOR MY GAS PEDAL. IT ALSO WILL FEEL LIKE IT'S NOT CATCHING THE…
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'TAKATA RECALL' I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY TRANSMISSION SKIPS OR JERKS RANDOMLY. AS I'M DRIVING ON THE STREETS OR ON THE HIGHWAY... MY RPM'S WILL JUMP UP TO 3, 4, OR SOMETIMES 5 WHEN I'M DRIVING AND HOLDING STEADY AT 2 RPM'S. I ALWAYS DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT AND NEVER FLOOR MY GAS PEDAL. IT ALSO WILL FEEL LIKE IT'S NOT CATCHING THE GEARS CORRECTLY AND WILL JERK. THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE NOTICED OVER THE YEARS WITH MY CAR BUT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. I DO ALSO HAVE TROUBLE IF I CHANGE MY DRIVE MODE TO 'SPORT'. THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SEEM TO GRIP THE GEARS WHEN NEEDED SO I NEVER REALLY USE THE SPORT MODE.
Official recalls
417V213000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Mar 28, 2017
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.
17V063000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
Jan 26, 2017
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.
16V956000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Dec 30, 2016
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.
16V232000 · Air Bags:frontal
Apr 21, 2016
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
1DP22003 · 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.