Hatchback, gasoline, built in South Korea. Owner complaints on file from Oct 15, 2019 to Aug 10, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
25 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.
2017 Hyundai Elantra GT suffered leakage from the hydraulic brake lines located under the driver's seat which can cause sudden and total braking failure. The leakage was caused by severe rust and corrosion trapped by the underbody panels. The fuel line was also severely corroded, with imminent failure. While Transport Canada issued an official safety recall for this exact engineering defect on the same generation of Elantra GT under Transport Canada (Campaign 2023125), Hyundai Motor America has failed to extend this protection to U.S. consumers, leaving vehicles on U.S. roads with active, life-threatening brake and fuel line failures.
NHTSA complaint 11756080The Engine stalled completely at highway speeds. It was then towed to the dealership and was diagnosed with engine rod bearing failure. Hyundai is denying the warranty extension for this engine failure based on an incomplete 'Service Campaign 966' that does not appear on the NHTSA public recall database, leaving consumers unnotified of safety-critical software updates."
NHTSA complaint 11755675I bought a vehicle used and it malfunctions in six days. It is a safety hazard to me the driver and other drivers on the roads. The vehicle is weighing heavy on the passenger side the car is not parallel. Also the vehicle stalls while driving. The pedal stops giving power to the car. I attempted to fix the car and the problems still persist. The mechanics said the car need shocks, struts, and wheel alignment.
NHTSA complaint 11751348My vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership In November 2025 to complete safety recall campaign KSDS (Campaign 966). Soon after picking up the vehicle after the dealer flashed the ECU, the vehicle went into a permanent, dangerous "limp mode" that severely limits the engine's RPMs, making it impossible to accelerate to highway speeds. The vehicle's computer displays zero OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (no P1326 or standard fault codes). The dealership is refusing to address this issue, falsely claiming a plugged catalytic converter, despite the vehicle having passed a strict California Smog Check with perfect emissions and zero catalyst codes, just a few weeks before the update was performed, and ran perfectly normal. This recall software update has rendered my vehicle extremely unsafe to drive on public roads, and the manufacturer's authorized repair facility is refusing to remedy the electronic damage caused by the recall installation. I am trapped driving a disabled vehicle in a permanent, dangerous software loop.
NHTSA complaint 11742601I am writing to formally log a critical safety and product reliability complaint regarding my Hyundai Elantra GT. The vehicle has suffered catastrophic engine failure characterized by severe rod knock. This failure occurred without any prior warning from the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic systems, exposing an engineering and sensor flaw that creates an immediate safety hazard.The vehicle was operating normally when it suddenly developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound from the engine block, indicative of failed connecting rod bearings. Upon immediate inspection, the issue was linked to critical oil starvation or pressure drops.Crucially, the vehicle’s warning systems failed entirely to alert me to an issue:No Low Oil Pressure Warning: The dashboard oil pressure light never illuminated to warn of low pressure or critical oil level depletion.No Check Engine Light (CEL): The engine sensors failed to detect underlying mechanical distress, oil degradation, or early-stage misfires before the catastrophic failure occurred.Complete System Silence: The vehicle gave absolutely no visual or audible alerts on the instrument cluster, depriving me of the chance to pull over safely and shut off the engine to prevent total destruction.This sensor failure is an unacceptable safety risk. Total engine seizure at highway speeds can cause a sudden loss of motive power, power steering, and braking assist, endangering my life and the lives of others on the road. The failure of Hyundai’s diagnostic sensors to communicate active oil or mechanical breakdown directly directly caused this total engine loss.I request that Hyundai review this case immediately, investigate the failure of the warning systems, and provide financial remediation for the required engine replacement.I look forward to your prompt response regarding the next steps for a corporate review.
NHTSA complaint 11737885After a Hyundai dealership installed the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update to prevent engine bearing failure and potential fires in certain Theta II, Nu, and Gamma engines, my Elantra GT is stuck in limp mode and will no longer accelerate. Since it takes my car a very long time to reach safe driving speeds, I took the car back to the dealership and they conveniently blamed the catalytic converter. I went for a ride with a California BAR associate, and he agreed that the update was causing my engine to go into limp mode, and it wasn't a symptom of a plugged CAT, but he was unable or unwilling to help me. Hyundai acknowledged that the engine does qualify for the Theta II extended warranty but will not explore that possibility until I have them replace the cat for $3,300, which we both know isn't going to solve anything. I have contacted Hyundai Corporate Customer Relations, and even the BBB, who refuses to qualify my car for their Engine Replacement class action lawsuit because the engine hasn't seized up yet, which will never happen since the update is preventing it. Even lemon law lawyers refuse to assist me because the car is too old. Since this is the only car I have, I am a nervous reck whenever I have to use it. If I press the accelerator pedal just a bit too much, the engine cuts out.
NHTSA complaint 11729107Was driving the car on a two lane road and engine shut off. Had to coast to side of road. Had car towed to deal and they say it is a bottom end knock and engine has to be replaced. It has 54,000 miles and has been serviced regularly by Hyundai dealers. Dealer can not specify what is wrong with engine other than bottom end knock and won’t drop the pan or do an oil analysis to find out more details.
NHTSA complaint 11658501The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to gain forward momentum, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact observed that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact stated that the vehicle was operating in "LIMP Mode" and was able to exit the highway. The contact stopped and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC Code: P1326; and determined that the PCM needed to be flashed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the contact had experienced a similar failure a year and a half prior. The contact stated that another dealer had performed a similar repair of flashing the PCM. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,600.
NHTSA complaint 11613120Knock Sensor and decreased internal battery No harm to me or others Yes No No, 12-23-2023 date of incident.
NHTSA complaint 11563027my vehicle with apparently refurbished engine was purchased certified used through carvana in 2019 & was one of the recalled vehicles from 2017 (which I was NOT informed of at them of purchase)and is exhibiting the same signs as those in the recall, loss of power at acceleration, vibrating, etc & my local dealership, Doug's Hyundai of Edmonds is refusing to service my vehicle. I don't feel safe driving further to another dealership
NHTSA complaint 11554259The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power while accelerating. Additionally, while driving at approximately 65–70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal and decelerated to 45 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Brookshire Hyundai & Ioniq, 34656 Katy Fwy, Brookshire, TX 77423, where it was diagnosed that a point and plug, an oil change, and an oil consumption test were performed. The dealer recommended a catalytic converter replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact there was no warranty on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint 11552193I bought a 2017 Hyundia Elantra GT on 2/14/22 for my 16 year old daughter cash $8000. The car ran good for about a month but I could smell fumes so I took the car to the dealership on 3/11/22. I had to replaced the catalytic converter with the Hyundia dealership, which cost me $2600. On 4/8/22, my 16 year old daughter was driving to work and she advised me that it was really hard to stop on the brakes. I asked her did the brake light or service light come on. She was like no, so I drove the care to see what she was talking about and it was really hard to stop on brakes. I was having to use all my weight just to stop on brakes. I was so terrified because she could have had an accident. we thought we had all the problems behind us after getting the brake booster replaced ($500). I recently found out that there was also a recall on the brake booster (recall#17V0630000). Little did we know the worst was yet to come. On 7/26/22 my daughter was on her way to work up a hill on the freeway and the car completely stopped after making a thumping/tapping noise. No check engine warning. Leaving her in a dangerous situation to be hit by oncoming traffic. Being that the car could not be moved we had to have the car towed to the closet service center. Once they conducted their diagnostic they found that the Engine needed to be replaced showing code P0326, P0014, P052A, P0506, P0300, P0301, P0303. I was told that 2014-2017 Hyundia Elantra GT 2.0 engines had a campaign and they extended the warranty to 15years 150,000 miles. I contacted Hyundia and they advised me that I needed to take the car to the dealership in order for them to run test to determine if the engine can be replaced under the campaigns extended warranty. The car made it to the dealership yesterday 8/1/22 and I was told because they are backed up with other customers with similar issues it was going to be at least 3 months before the car would be ready, IF they get the okay from Hyundia on my case. Case#20112426
NHTSA complaint 11477089Bought my vehicle used a few months ago. Engine started knocking. Hyundai dealership told me I had a engine recall but would not fix the problem due to sludge buildup causing the engine to knock. Sludge buildup is due to manufacturing problems but Hyundai is refusing to fix.
NHTSA complaint 11448590The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while her husband was driving 50 MPH, he lifted his foot off the accelerator pedal and started to hear an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive to his employer's parking lot. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
NHTSA complaint 11443863driving down highway 50MPH, car completely lost power. Could have run off road due to loss of power steering, could have been hit, Got looked at by Ruddell dealership in port angeles wa where it was purchased, has a seized motor, not due to lack of oil. based upon research on the internet, this is a common issue at around 60-80K miles with this year make model. especially considering the fact that Hyundai just settled in october of 2020 for motors seizing without admitting fault, I believe they are still producing faulty motors. they have also since discontinued producing this motor, so I cant get a new one from the factory. it was dark, and I could have been ran into, or rolled off the road.
NHTSA complaint 11433931I am the second owner of a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback. I have not had any issues with the car until last week. I was driving in town to pick something up and the engine started knocking and losing power. The rpms would go up but I could not go anywhere. Eventually I had to park the car and have it towed to my house. I checked the oil and it was very low and had sludge in the upper engine area. I could visually see sludge where you fill the oil. I received no low oil light or engine light. Car still starts but has severe knock and shaking. Called into the Dealership, its over 60k (68k total miles) so they said it is over warranty but to bring in and they will call it into Hyundai. There is a 30 day wait so their must be something going on with these engines. I am seeing this same issue online with same cars.
NHTSA complaint 11429324I was driving down the freeway and moved over to pass a slower vehicle when the engine lost acceleration. I pulled over to the side oft the road and had the vehicle towed to the nearest garage. They told me the engine lost all its oil and the engine needed to be replaced. I find this hard to believe in a 4 year old car. I am bringing it to dealership tomorrow to see if they have the same diagnosis.
NHTSA complaint 11425887I bought it new in 2017 and paid it off a year early in May 2021. I have about 90,000 miles on it. When I was driving to a client's house on Friday, 16 July 2021, I was on the highway. It was making a lot of noise and would not accelerate. Eventually, the car completely died, would not start, did not have any dash lights, nothing. Totally dead. I was stranded on the side of the road for about two hours before a tow truck came to get me. When I got to the dealership, I was informed that my engine was blown. I provided my last 3 oil change receipts to prove that I have been taking care of the vehicle. I am still waiting to find out if they are going to fix it or if I am going to have to pay for it. While I was waiting for information from the service dept, I googled the engine problems, and it appears that it has been an ongoing issue since about 2011. Now, I am out of work and in danger of losing my job while waiting to find out if they are going to fix it. They said that IF they approve the repairs, they will NOT be providing a vehicle, but will REIMBURSE me $30/day for a rental. I cannot rent any vehicle in this area for $30.00/day, even with my USAA discount. I also can't afford to pay $500.00/week for a rental while they fix (if they fix) the vehicle that I bought and paid for. Today is day 4 and I still don't know if my repairs are going to be authorized. I found out today that if/when they are authorized, it will take WEEKS, not days, to repair my vehicle. During this time, they will not provide a car (the dealership nor Hyundai). I was informed that there are short blocks that have been sitting there for MONTHS waiting for parts, and that my vehicle may face the same time line. My car is paid off and now I am expected to pay about $500/week out of pocket for a rental while they wait to fix a faulty engine that had me stranded on the side of the road 4 years after I bought it.
NHTSA complaint 11425556I was driving on the freeway and started hearing some knocking noise coming out from the engine , I decided to go home and as I was getting close to my house , the engine seized and the car won’t start. I towed it to the Hyundai dealership and they quoted me 10.000$ for a new engine and they wouldn’t tell the main reason to why my engine died. They only said to me that all four pistons are bad and that the engine has been burning lots of oil.
NHTSA complaint 11423970I have a 2017 Hyundai Elantra gt that currently has 108,000 miles and I already replaced the catalytic converter twice within 7 months. Last month, as I was driving on the freeway going home, I started hearing some knocking noise coming out of the engine. I decided to go to my house since I was close by. The noise was getting louder and louder, then as I was going down the hill on my way home, the engine seized and good lord I was going down hill , put it in neutral and it got me exactly in front of my house.I saw that there’s many recalls about Hyundai cars and engine especially the elantras from 2012 to 2016 but for some reason my 2017 elantra gt is not included in any of the recalls, even though it has the same engine. My car is currently at the Hyundai dealership for a diagnostic and they’re telling me that I need a new engine without a proper explanation of what exactly happened to the engine.I have been doing my maintenance on the car regularly and it doesn’t make sense to why the engine failed out of the blue.
NHTSA complaint 11420364Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.