general problems of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra - part 2

131 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra based on all problems reported for the 2019 Elantra.

36 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/10/2025

The knock sensor detection system (ksds) software malfunctioned by failing to detect abnormal vibrations or knocking sounds. As a result, there was significant internal engine damage that caused the vehicle to seize unexpectedly in the middle of traffic on 4/10/25. The car started and abnormal noises were noted from the engine though not significant. Week later, car stalled several times on interstate. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited a progressive knocking noise in the engine. After seizing, the vehicle would struggle to start, idle briefly, then stall. It also randomly shut off while driving, creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle was taken to precision tune auto care, where technicians confirmed problems with the crankshaft, excessive oil consumption/leakage, and metal shavings in the oil, which they attributed to rod bearing and crankshaft wear consistent with Hyundai campaign 203 (improperly heat-treated piston rings). Despite the ksds being installed during the initial recall remedy, the system did not activate prior to engine failure. Additionally, no engine or oil warning lamps were illuminated. An oil change was performed at the time, but the vehicle had already burned through excessive amounts of oil since the prior change. Precision tune auto care advised me to take the vehicle to allen turner Hyundai. At the dealership, staff confirmed issues with the engine but refused to acknowledge recall campaign 203, even when presented with documentation. They also failed to address the malfunctioning ksds system or the lack of functioning engine/oil warning lamps. They were asked to perform inspection relating to piston ring and rod bearing, though refused. This situation raises major safety concerns, as my engine seized in the middle of traffic without warning. Other owners with a malfunctioning ksds system could face the same risks, leading to sudden engine failure, potential engine fires, or serious traffic accidents.

37 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/27/2025

My car started hesitating when shifting gears in Smart and normal mode smelled like something was burning. Car only drives in sport mode, shifts hard, engine lags, and the check engine light has not come on. This is the second incident with this car. The first time I lost all power to the car and the entire electrical system shut down, when it was towed to the dealership they said nothing was wrong with it. I keep up on all the maintenance.

38 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/22/2025

On 03/22/2025, I took my car into riverside Hyundai because of engine shuttering. Riverside Hyundai discovered foreign fragments in my cylinder from the piston and stated they had never seen this issue before. Their diagnosis was engine replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $7,500 for the engine and $3,168 for labor for a total amount of $10,668. Searching for answers, I quickly came across the Hyundai Elantra piston defect class action lawsuit (brown v. Hyundai motor America), which pertains to an engine piston defect not properly heat treated affecting the same year and make of my 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The class action lawsuit related to a defect found in certain Elantras equipped with nu 1. 8l engines. Although this defect is specifically tied to issues within the pistons, which are a critical component of the engine responsible for generating the force necessary to power the vehicle. The defect can ultimately result in “total and irreparable engine failure. ” this failure leads to a loss of engine power, power steering, and brake assistance, all of which pose significant safety risks. While this class action suit has settled, and is an important step in addressing the engine defect that has already impacted many vehicle owners, I believe that the scope of the class action lawsuit was not broad enough, as it failed to include all vehicles that could potentially be affected by the same or similar defects, specifically Hyundai Elantras with different engine types, like the one in my 2019 Hyundai Elantra. Although my Elantra is equipped with a different engine, I believe that the defect that was present in the class action suit, is the same defect that caused this damage to my engine. I also came across images of the defect online which seem identical to damage caused to my engine. Please see attached files for your review. Riverside Hyundai has denied my request for a good faith replacement engine and are still waiting on a reply from Hyundai.

39 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2025

No warning light for oil consumption and it depletes rapidly. Also, high beam lights stopped working and you have to hold the signal in place and the high beam still doesn't turn on. Ive had so many issues with this car since purchasing it, it ridiculous and saddening how there hasn't been any recalls and the issue before this one was dangerous and life threatening. Also, since it's purchase it consumes oil at a rapid rate that has been documented and each time I've visited the repair shop they informed 'there's no oil' in the vehicle and no oil light or anything comes on to warn me. I find out about it because of an entirely different issue needing to be fixed.

40 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and oil needed to be added frequently between scheduled oil changes. No visible external leaks were found. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

41 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/18/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rubbing sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the internal trunk release lever was inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk required to be slammed manually to close securely. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggish. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The Hyundai dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to a used car dealer, sandy sansing automotive (6200 pensacola blvd, pensacola, FL 32505), where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer determined that the catalytic converter and unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

42 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The vehicle lost power in the middle of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The low oil pressure and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had thrown a piston rod. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.

43 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2025

I purchased this car in 2019 and 2-3 days later I started to experience the engine stalling, I contacted the dealer, and they checked it out by test driving it and said there was nothing wrong with it, it has still been happening, now more frequently > I have to constantly change the oil before the due time to see if it helps but it is becoming a bit dangerous for me and my family when it stalls as I'm trying to accelerate. I would like some assistance from Hyundai.

44 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was frequently checking the engine oil level after noticing that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil between oil changes. The contact was frequently topping off the engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact then stated that the oil warning light started flashing on the instrument panel, and the contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later discovered NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

45 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/24/2025

I was getting off the highway in late January 2025- in my fairly used 2019 Hyundai Elantra value edition, that had less than 70,000 miles on it- when a piston rod suddenly shot from my engine, causing a slight implosion. This set off the oil pan gasket & caused it to blow into hundreds of pieces, leaking my engine oil all over the highway. The vehicle has never been in an accident and has always been taken care of, so I was very disheartened when this incident occurred. Research showed me that I’m not the only one who’s experienced this destructive incident in this year & model of my vehicle. There was never a day that my engine light or oil light had come before prior to this incident, but as soon as the happened- nearly every light in the car came on. Since there was no crash or other vehicles involved, police didn’t file a report.

46 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2025

A hole in the engine block developed and oil leaked out of the engine and became a fire hazard and caused catastrophic engine failure.

47 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/04/2025

Motor is knocking due to recalls. Was not able to make recall appointment because car car isn’t reliable at this point.

48 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/22/2024

Car keeps turning off every time I start it and won’t stay on.

49 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2024

The engine failed for my 2019 Hyundai Elantra. We bought it at atlantic Hyundai dealership. They used a passing recall inspection to clear a defective engine, misdiagnosed the ensuing failure as an oil pan leak, and abandoned me with a vehicle that stalled dangerously in traffic. We brought car to atlantic Hyundai told them that the car just stopped on the highway in the middle of driving. Our mechanic told me to tell Hyundai the car was rapidly consuming oil. Hyundai said OH no it’s just an oil pan snd we trusted them allowed them to fix it. Several weeks later the car completely stopped in middle of driving on exit ramp. Police came to make sure traffic was diverted so they could help me get car to side of road safely. It was towed back to my mechanic who said same exact thing car is dangerous bring it to Hyundai they need to fix this for you it’s the engine recall. We had it towed to dealership and after 2 weeks they said OH yeah you need new engine. We brought it to independent mechanic because atlantic Hyundai knowingly sent me off in a dangerous vehicle the first time and no longer did I trust them with safety of myself and others on the road.

50 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/12/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment prompting her to discontinue driving the vehicle. The engine check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the timing chain and engine piston valves. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 106,000.

51 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/21/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with piston oil rings and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. In addition, the contact was informed about NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

52 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/22/2024

The engine seized up completely and the car would not start. The car ran fine prior to this on the same day and there were no warning lights or warnings when a portable code reader was plugged in to assess the problem. It was towed to a mechanic who said it looked like excessive oil consumption as the oil was changed only 6 weeks prior and the level was assessed to be perfect then. This is a safety risk due to the engine seizing without warning. If this were to happen while driving, it could cause a fire or cause the driver to be stranded on a busy road, causing accidents. The car is being looked at by a Hyundai dealer currently.

53 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2024

For the now 2nd time for the same problem as before, I was on the highway and the car just cut off mid drive on 8/17/2024 @70mph!! engine light came on. Later that day while on the street, 35-40 mph, all of a sudden no engine light on. . . The car cuts off again mid drive!! I purchased the car with roughly 15k miles on it and it's been absolutely nothing but issues back to back. The daytime running lights constantly blow out also. The shop supposedly repaired this issue when I put it in the shop the first time, but it's doing the exact same thing again.

54 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/16/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the piston ring. The contact was informed that the engine and timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

55 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2024

The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at various speeds. The owner brought the vehicle to the independent mechanic where the contact, diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved dtc code: p0366 (cam position sensor and or the engine). The sensor was replaced; however, while testing the repair, the failure reoccurred, and the diagnostic code was retrieved. The contact believed that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic found recall NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine); and then contacted the dealer where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall or covered by warranty. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,428.

56 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/23/2024

While taking a trip from jacksonville florida to harvey louisiana the car engine died without no engine lights on. After a tow truck came and pick it up we realized the oil drain plug fell out the oil pan and the motor is seized. We have contacted westside Hyundai many times with no help. All service has been done only at westside Hyundai of jacksonville. The car is now at harvey Hyundai of louisiana waiting to hear from westside Hyundai.

57 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2024

My engine is burning oil at a rapid rate. I have always maintained the vehicle's engine on-time or early and now I am needing to top-off oil many times between frequent oil changes. I am now having to add a quart a week and am changing the oil every two thousand miles to ensure it is clean. This is not regular or okay and two mechanics/service technicians said that many Hyundais that come in are doing the same thing.

58 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/11/2024

My vehicle will randomly stop driving and then might be fine. The check engine light has been in for over a year and the dealership says it leaks oil and builds up sludge when we were only taking it to them. When checking the code for the check engine light it says it’s the cam shaft sensors. The dealership said it was fine and cannot figure out why there is a light or why it stops driving. Last night it was sputtering when breaking and then when turning.

59 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/25/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal cracking sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. All warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that an internal oil leak had resulted in the engine seizing, requiring a replacement engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 196,000.

60 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/19/2024

The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat treated, which resulted in engine damage.

61 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/18/2024

The drain pan, and drain plug malfunctioned. Drain plug dislodged while driving, engine almost locked up going 50 mph. Problem was looked at my mechanic, and told it was a known issue among the make and model of my car. There was no symptoms or problems prior to the failure of the drain plug and pan.

62 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2024

Vehicle started making strange noises and not accelerating properly. On April 1, 2024 took to dealership where purchase was made and it died upon arrival. Dealership couldn't identify issue but believed oil consumption was excessive and said to take it to a Hyundai dealer. On April 30, Hyundai tech said issue was a valve and would be fixed by may 3. It is now may 15 and my vehicle remains in the shop with no resolve. When I dropped my vehicle to the Hyundai dealership I informed them about the possible oil consumption issue and they have yet to examine that.

63 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2024

I am experiencing an issue where the o-rings in the engine are not preventing oil from entering the engine stated by a repair shop that took a look into issues where my engine would cut out while driving, lurching when downshifting. I believe this to be related to a current recall that is happening with 2019-22 model Elantras. This poses a significant safety hazard to me and other drivers due to the engine cutting out while driving and prevents oil from being distributed in the engine without a warning light telling me that my oil pressure and oil level were low potentially causing a vehicle fire. I received a check engine light and not long after started to see my engine cut out, lurch and have a significant lack of power about 20 miles after the check engine light came on. My car currently is at 67k miles and mostly use it on the highway.

64 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/04/2024

Problemas con el motor, específicamente la lubricación. El vehículo fue reparado y aún continuó con los problemas DE lubricación, incluyendo los llamados " sprocket" que se dañaron. He leído que Hyundai a retirado muchos vehículos por este mismo problema.

65 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/19/2024

The vehicle has demonstrated a recurring and dangerous problem of stalling while in operation, without any warning indicators or lights. This fault has not only persisted but has also led to a near-collision incident, underlining its severity. The first occurrence of this issue was when my car stalled unexpectedly during regular driving, with no dashboard warning lights or indicators of a malfunction. After taking the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership, I was informed that the car was burning oil, which had spread throughout the engine. This diagnosis led to costly repairs amounting to $2,500. However, merely two months post-repair, the same problem reoccurred. The car stalled abruptly as I was merging onto a highway, nearly causing a severe accident. This incident was particularly alarming as it happened without any prior warning or indication of engine trouble. I emphasize that I have diligently maintained the vehicle, adhering to the recommended 3,000-mile oil change intervals and ensuring all fluids are regularly checked and replaced as necessary. The recurrence of this issue despite proper maintenance raises significant concerns about the reliability and safety of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra model.

66 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2024

Vehicle stalls when coming to a stop or light. Very reminiscent of recall 21v30100, but when I called local dealership and natl Hyundai customer service, I was told that the recall was not specific to my VIN nbr. The vehicle stalls in traffic which is extremely dangerous and gives no engine light or obd code. I have taken it to a few local mechanics and they cannot resolve the issue. They have changed parts that could possibly be the issue, but it solves nothing. The vehicle has 109,471 miles 2019 Elantra which is practically new still. I would like my VIN added to that recall so it can get fully checked out by Hyundai. Ived spent a few hundred dollars already and am tapped out, plus the stress of getting into an accident crosses my mind every day and worries me. Thank you.

67 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/17/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The battery and low-oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle was consuming oil abnormally fast, and as a result, the engine was low on oil. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.

68 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/13/2023

I was going 40mph when my car started to produce loud noises and stalled. It immediately lost power and I had to pull over on the side of the road. It started back up after 30 minutes and I was able to drive it home, but it continued to make loud noises and I had to drive very slow. Battery is good with 70% charge and the alternator is good.

69 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/05/2023

The car was driving on the highway and out of nowhere the car just stopped in the middle of the highway. I brought it to my mechanic who said the car was rapidly consuming oil and my cars engine was seizing. And he safely brought me and the car to atlantic Hyundai where I had bought the car to have them diagnose and fix the issue. After several days they diagnosed the issue as a simple oil pan issue and replaced the oil pan and sent me on my way. The same issue with the engine seizing up in the middle of driving on the highway endangering my life and others. I am still terrified thinking of this. We brought car back to Hyundai by tow truck because I was scared to drive it and after 2 weeks of waiting they then told me the car needed new engine however they never mentioned what I later discovered was a serious recall for this specific engine . Upon further research my car was listed under the recall however before I bought the car it says it passed the test to see if it needed engine replacement under recall 203 . They knowingly said my vehicle was safe they sold it to me knowing it was unsafe and then they put a bandaid ( oil pan) and sent me on my way knowing I was in danger. I am lucky to be alive because the car stalled out on a major highway .

70 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2023

Car kept stalling. Then wouldn’t start. Mechanic found a ton of sludge in the engine. Engine is bad now. I kept up on routine maintenance. Lots of engines are being recalled except for my specific one with the same engine problems.



Elantra Service Bulletins
Elantra Safety Recalls
Elantra Defect Investigations