NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
I own a Hyundai Elantra with approximately 103,000 miles. The vehicle has developed an intermittent issue where the engine will suddenly stall while driving. This most often occurs when I am decelerating and turning, such as when entering or navigating roundabouts. At the time of the stall, multiple warning indicators appear simultaneously, including the check engine light, battery warning light, and a “no key detected” message. There are no prior warning signs before the failure occurs—no unusual noises, no loss of power leading up to the event, and no dashboard warnings in advance. The stall is sudden and unexpected. When the vehicle stalls, I must quickly shift into park and restart the engine. The car restarts immediately without hesitation, and all warning lights disappear. The vehicle then operates normally again until the issue randomly reoccurs. This has happened multiple times. This issue creates a safety risk because the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while in motion, particularly during low-speed turns and in roundabouts, which could increase the risk of a collision due to sudden loss of propulsion and reduced control. The problem has not yet been formally diagnosed by a dealer or independent repair shop, but based on research and similar reported cases, it may be related to an intermittent engine or electrical signal failure. The issue has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. UNKNOWN as to the exact failed component, but the failure appears to involve a sudden loss of engine operation without warning, followed by immediate recovery upon restart.
Car is burning oil. Replaced timing chain and it continues to burn oil.
Subject: Escalation of Unresolved Case – Request for NHTSA Assistance Dear NHTSA, For several months, I have been dealing with an unresolved issue regarding my Hyundai vehicle. On February 18th, I was told the supervisor of my case manager at Hyundai Motor America would contact me within 5 to 10 business days. Today is March 16th, and despite repeated requests, no supervisor has reached out. As a dialysis patient without a vehicle, these prolonged delays are affecting my health and safety. Since I have not been able to receive a response from the supervisor of my case manager, I am escalating this matter to your agency. I have a full email chain documenting these events, which I can provide upon request. For transparency, I am copying my case manager and Hyundai national customer service. I appreciate your assistance with this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] Tel. [XXX] CC: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There was a recall Electronic Power Steering (EPS) motor connector that was being done for 2017 hyundai elantras and my car is affected by it. Hyundai is saying my car is not affected by the recall that they put out for this issue.
After no previous issues, car stalled out multiple times on short drive to work. No warning lights and no subsequent diagnostic codes were reported. Upon final restart, engine started knocking severely. Upon investigation, the oil stick showed no oil in the pan. Vehicle was towed to trusted, licensed mechanic for evaluation where we were informed about the potential of a failure due to rapid oil consumption. The mechanic confirmed the engine failure to to oil loss. Vehicle had received regular, documented maintenance and fluids were checked periodically between cycles. There was no low-fluid indicator prior to the mechanical failure. Dealership-level conversations confirmed the rapid oil consumption issue for the 2017 Elantra is common, but because the vehicle VIN was not listed as part of a prior recall no assistance could be provided to repair the engine. The dealer provided a full cost quote of $9,000 to replace the engine block with a remanufactured unit.
With no 'low oil' warning, the car's engine started may a knocking noise. Then, all kinds of warning lights started. Parked the vehicle and checked the oil the next day and there was NO OIL in the engine. This should not have been the case considering this car gets regular oil changes. Also, there was no oil spots or stains on the driveway to also indicate an oil leak. This happened to my son while driving home from work on the interstate at 10:30 at night. That is concerning.
Driving on the highway in the far left lane. Check engine light came on, car stopped accelerating. Car came to a stop, car shut off. Smoke was coming out from under the hood and flames were seen underneath the car. Police and fire department arrived. Report states an electrical fire. Had car towed to Hyundai. Hyundai stated that the engine seized followed by the starter catching on fire. Car was only 2,000 miles in from last oil change. Was up to date on maintenance and safety inspection. Hyundai also stated there was a hole in the engine block. No prior issues with the car. The car would need roughly $16,000 in work done, confirmed by Hyundai. Car is now totaled. Car only had 121,000 miles on it.
1: Driver’s window: don't go up or down, it doesn't respond to control. 2: Headlight warning lights is on all the time because bulbs are burn out so soon after replacement .
PROBLEM: DEALER CREATES FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO RECALL COMPLETION I am reporting systematic barriers to recall completion created by Hyundai's authorized dealer that forced me to incur $834.60 in transportation costs for what should be a "no charge" recall repair, potentially discouraging recall compliance. THE BARRIER: UNCONSCIONABLE LOANER TERMS PREVENT RECALL COMPLIANCE How Dealer Creates Recall Barrier Capitol Hyundai's Loaner Contract: Service Manager Tray Nichols confirmed in writing (email 12/15/25, 7:42 AM) that loaner customers are liable for "ANY new damage that was not present before," including: Rock chips from highway driving Door dings in parking lots Small scratches from normal use Customer pays all repair costs Customer pays insurance deductible Customer risks insurance rate increases Why This Creates Barrier to Recall Completion Statistical Reality: AAA research: Average driver gets 1-2 windshield rock chips per year Over 36-day recall service period, rock chips are statistically inevitable Door dings in parking lots over 5+ weeks are unavoidable Customer cannot prevent damage no matter how careful Financial Risk to Customer: Potential repair costs: $500-1,000+ Insurance deductible: $500-1,000 Insurance rate increases: Long-term costs Total risk: $1,000-2,000+ for "free" recall Customer's Forced Choice: Use loaner → Risk $1,000-2,000+ in costs Don't use loaner → Pay for alternative transportation ($834.60 in my case) Delay/avoid recall → Keep driving defective vehicle Result: Financial disincentive to complete recall
I have been having this issue for several months. First, it was the steering wheel being locked. I believe at one point and time on the past they updated the computer on that vehicle. But this time the dealer told me there is nothing they can do. As of today, the car won’t start. How can I go to work? There is no Safety Recall for this, but I didn’t brake the car’s computer, I don’t even know and want to know where it is located.
I've owned a 2017 Hyundai Elantra for a few years now, and it has been a headache. Over the course of the past year and a half, the engine has went out (seized) not once, not twice, but three times without any warning. I go to start the car one day and the engine bay starts shaking and power of the engine goes either completely out or down significantly. It feels like a gamble every few months of if my car will simply stop working. I've had the engine rebuilt twice already and will probably have to have it rebuilt again for the same issue (the timing).
The contact owns 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The check engine warning light and the low coolant level warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that a bystander assisted in pushing the vehicle into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine); however, the model of the vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the cost of the repair would not be covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 99,112.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V213000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the loss of power steering functionality was intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal whistling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was fractured and had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
While driving, pressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. No warning lights came on until after I attempted to turn the vehicle back on then the check engine light and low oil light were illuminated. My vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and I was informed that the engine was blown and to tow my car to a Hyundai dealership as I was still under the 10 year/100k mile warranty. After getting my car to Hyundai, I was told I had to get a combustion cleaning for $800 whether the cleaning worked or not before any warranty work could be completed. The cleaning did not work and it was then found that a pin was sheared off inside the engine. My engine was then replaced under warranty but I still had to pay for the cleaning. A second mechanic looked over my paperwork after getting my car back 2 months later and noted that the engine failure could have been diagnosed without the cleaning as the cleaning would not have affected where the pin was sheared off. My 2017 Elantra had 90,315 at the time of this incident.
The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that they were informed by a family member that when the vehicle was turned on and moved into the driveway, smoke was coming from underneath the hood, where the engine was located. A while later, when returning to the vehicle, they noticed the vehicle had caught fire. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. The contact was unsure if a report was filed. The vehicle was towed and determined totaled. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Check engine turn on , sent to shop for check up and they find out the engine is leaking.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact also stated that the rear passenger’s side door failed to open when the unlock button was engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed regarding the door failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,541.
Was traveling at 5mph in traffic. Pressed the brake to stop, and my car kept rolling. I pressed the foot pedal brake many many times without stopping. I pulled the emergency brake and I still didn’t stop. I came to rest on the back bumper of a semi truck in front of me.
I own a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle has developed an issue with the steering column worm shaft bearing, which is documented in Hyundai’s Technical Service Bulletin 20-ST-003H-1. When turning the wheel, the steering intermittently feels loose and unresponsive, creating a sensation of loss of control. This is especially noticeable during turns and lane changes. Hyundai has acknowledged this problem in a TSB, but no recall has been issued. Since this defect affects the steering system and can compromise safe handling of the vehicle, I believe it should be classified as a safety defect and covered under a recall. This issue poses a serious risk of loss of vehicle control and potential crash
[XXX], this is the 2nd time driving in the freeway going 55 mph and steering wheel automatically lock . [XXX] first time it happens and it is really scary going 60 in a freeway and steering locked itself. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My EPS, ABS and electronic stability control lights all came on at once and my steering wheel went stiff while driving on interstate
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the electric power steering message was displayed. The contact was unable to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V213000 (Steering). The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to provide additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,590.
Oil consumption, 1 quart a week with no known or visible leaks. 64,000 miles
Dual clutch transmission failed at 49,000 miles
While driving down the road, the car lost complete power. No warning lights came on until after the car had lost power. Car struggled to start back up. I put flashers on in hopes that others would notice my disabled vehicle in the middle of the road, while it was also pouring down the rain. The vehicle was towed to my local dealership where it was confirmed that I would need a new engine. The engine had a high oil consumption issue that caused it to stale while driving. The dealership informed me either there was a rod bearing issue or a piston slap in the engine. They recommended to park the car until fixed
the defrost does not work good, Hard to see when it's raining and fog
This is for a paint problem that my car has lost its paint within six months. My car is peeling off very fast and there was a class action lawsuit. And now a new one has started. I see nobody at your office wants to help people.
Hi, Over the course of the 8 years I have owned this vehicle. The brake lights have needed to be replaced multiple times on multiple areas. This is a common issue that there’s entirely Facebook and Reddit pages dedicated to because of the known faulty harness issues. It is an incredibly expensive repair and these parts should be recalled as they are a known issue. My service guys know it. Every Hyundai owner knows it. And even random Facebook/redditors know it.
The vehicle has experienced ongoing powertrain and electrical malfunctions over several months. The most common symptoms include being stuck in 4th gear (limp mode), complete loss of RPM and speedometer readings, and illumination of the check engine and ESC lights. Most recently, while traveling at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of both acceleration and braking. The brake pedal became stiff and unresponsive, and the car had to coast to a stop without driver control. This posed a serious safety risk to myself and nearby traffic. These issues have persisted across multiple service visits to Ricart Hyundai in Groveport, Ohio. That dealership has replaced the crankshaft position sensor three times, the powertrain control module (PCM), and the battery, but the underlying problems remain unresolved. A technician at the dealership was able to reproduce the stalling event during a test drive. Despite that, the dealership has refused to proceed with further diagnostics unless I pay for an oil change, even though previous inspections by their own staff found no visible leaks and confirmed the oil level was sufficient at the time. They have also revoked complimentary access to a loaner vehicle despite the unresolved and unsafe condition of the car. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership, has occurred repeatedly, and continues to pose a safety concern. Warning lights and gauge failures typically appear when the issue occurs.
When driving at low speeds(20mph and under) vehicle stalls. It appears to happen at random. It makes driving pretty dangerous for other vehicles that would not be able to tell the vehicle has stalled and hit me at low speeds. All electrics stay on, there is no check engine light. The problem first appeared after ignition lock was broken, even before replaced it started stalls at low speeds, seems to possibly happen more after engine is warmed up.
My auto has a problem with the brake light on the drivers side not working at some times. The issue seems to happen almost every 6 months or so. The first time it stopped working, I took my auto to the dealership where i purchased it from costing me about $65.00, the second time 6 months later the brake light went out again. The bulb was replaced by the dealership at no charge, I was told that the bulb was put in wrong. The brake light is now out again. I noticed that it may come on but when I press the brake pedal and release the emergency brake, it goes out and stays out until I shut the auto off for a long period of time. Often it will be on when I'm driving and then it goes out.
My vehicle was towed to manly Hyundai in Santa Rosa Ca June 18,2025. The vehicle when driving steered all over the lane then locked up on me almost causing a crash. The dealership says it’s the electrical column assembly. My vehicle is a 2017 Hyundai Elantra but don’t see any recall on it and I am being charged $3400.00. The red steering wheel light went on . I’m looking for a recall on this vehicle seems many others have had the same issue. I do not have any receipts yet since it was towed and parts are being ordered and work will start this week. As soon as I have paperwork I can forward it to you. Thanks for your help in advance. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Back door on driver's side will not open from inside or outside when door is unlocked. I have checked and the child safety feature is not on. I have not had it checked into yet. No one rides in the back currently but this is a definite safety hazard. No messages/warning lamps of any problems. I wanted to place a few grocery bags back there and it would not open. Have repeatedly tried over a couple of months and nothing changes. Even though I can hear it unlock.
Car had check engine come on with No significant symptom. Mechanic said this code leads them to either timing chain, phasers, or piston valve all located in the engine. The car does not have much time at this point. It’s very costly after just having changed all the oil gaskets from a leaky engine. Mechanic said it will suddenly get bad if left unpaired and could be dangerous for me while driving.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal felt stiff while depressed. Additionally, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the brake pads and rotors were replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V063000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, the contact was informed that there was a mileage discrepancy. Additionally, the contact was informed that the check engine warning light had been tampered with and tape had been applied over the check engine warning light prior to the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, it was reported that the mileage was 85,000, and upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic shop, it was discovered that the mileage on the Carfax report was 215,000 on September 2024.
Constant misfire issue causes vehicle fo completely bog down while driving..
Coil 1 & 4 misfire. Won’t accelerate well & engine light blinks. Car will stall then die when engine light blinks too much in 1 minute.
I was currently in an accident and my airbags did not deploy. My safety was at risk because I am pregnant. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives or body shop. No warning or other symptoms of problems prior to failure
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle in a driveway, she was unaware if she was depressing the brake pedal or accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle accelerated out of control and crashed into her barn, where it came to a stop. No air bags deployed. The contact stated that she did not sustain injuries. No medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed by her insurance company. The fire department was at the scene. The contact mentioned the vehicle was stuck in the barn on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the seat belt did not retract. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Component or system failed: The electrical and/or engine system failed spontaneously. Gray smoke originated from under the hood, followed by black smoke and an intense fire. The vehicle is NOT available for inspection as it was declared a total loss and scrapped 30 days after the incident. Safety risk: My safety was at immediate risk as I was inside the vehicle when the fire began. Public safety was also threatened; the Bloomingdale Fire Department had to evacuate a Wendy’s restaurant and its customers for two hours due to the intensity of the fire and smoke. Confirmation of problem: The problem was confirmed as a Total Loss due to fire by the Bloomingdale Fire and Police Departments on the scene. Inspections: The vehicle was inspected at the scene by police and fire officials. No manufacturer or dealer inspection was possible because the fire occurred only 7 days after purchase and the vehicle was destroyed. Warning symptoms: There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The smoke appeared suddenly while the vehicle was parked and idling.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently shuddering while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt and exhaust camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer who confirmed the diagnostic results. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost automotive power and then lost power after driving a short distance. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic; however, the failure was not replicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the same independent mechanic, and the spark plugs were replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
A car pulled out in front of me. I hit my brakes and now the calipers are locked. When the incident happened the brakes on the left side of the car locked up. I have no warning lights and the caliper is still locked. I have been to a couple mechanics and no one understands. If you unplug the brake line from the ABS unit the calipers release. Front calipers, brakes, and brake lines have been replaced
See attached document for complaint.
The electronic power steering is not working in my 2017 Hyundai Elantra. My vin# is showing as unaffected for this specific recall, however I am having the same issue that the recall is for. I have a code that came up for the electronic power steering. It is quite a coincidence.
Engine light keeps coming on... took back to dealer twice coil misfiring had to be replaced Car was bought in 2018 Coils were replaced twice in 2020 because of check engine light and car not running In 2024 coils had to be replaced again because of engine failure 2025 blinking check engine light on again engine failed needs to be replaced Maxon Hyundai refused to replace the engine.,. Car has 86,000 miles Does not meet the 100000 threshold
Door lock actuator on rear driver's side door not working. Door stuck closed, even though power to lock is present and locking / unlocking mechanism works. Door will not open from inside or outside.
Issue with engine burning oil after I passed 104000 miles. I had my oil changed just after 100000 with no issues and just before the 104000 mile mark my Elantra began to make a clicking noise and my oil light came on. I took it to get the oil changed and I was told I was completely out of oil. I began monitoring the issue every few days and after traveling about 300 miles in a day I rechecked the oil level and noticed a definite drop in level. I contacted the dealer and was told nothing could be done due to the fact it was over 60000 miles and there were no active recalls. There is an TSB posted for the issue already. As well as there are recalls for the 2014-2016 hyandai Elantras burning oil after 100000 miles.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026