Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Hyundai Elantra - part 1

Vehicle was parked and turned off in a residential driveway when a fire spontaneously ignited in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights, unusual sounds, or symptoms prior to the incident. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire using dry chemical suppressant and water. The vehicle was a total loss. The fire appears to have originated in the front engine compartment area. The vehicle was not involved in a collision. The vehicle has a 1. 8l nu dohc engine and 4-wheel abs system. This vehicle falls under known NHTSA recalls and class action litigation related to spontaneous engine fires in Hyundai Elantra vehicles, including issues related to defective abs/hecu modules and engine defects associated with the nu engine series.

See all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Unknown.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that around 4:00 o'clock in the morning, she was awoken by the sound of her dogs barking; she then discovered that her vehicle had caught fire and had burned to the ground. The fire spread, which caught fire to a nearby mobile home and a 4-wheeler. The authorities were called to the scene, and the fire department managed to extinguish all three fires. No injuries were reported, and a police report was not filed. A neighbor's ring doorbell camera captured the footage of the fire, which showed that the fire had started from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was a total loss and remained in the contact's possession. The failure mileage was unknown.

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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.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a complete engine failure on my Hyundai vehicle. My vehicle experienced sudden engine failure and is now completely inoperable. There were no prior warning lights that indicated an imminent failure (include warning details if you had them). The vehicle shut down and cannot be restarted or driven. There are no open recalls associated with my VIN; however, I am reporting this because the failure appears to be sudden and severe, and I am concerned it may indicate a potential manufacturing defect or broader engine issue. The vehicle is still under financial obligation, and the engine failure has rendered it unusable. I am requesting that this incident be documented for safety tracking and investigation purposes.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Car is burning oil. Replaced timing chain and it continues to burn oil.

Unknown car is knocking and consuming oil quickly. Oil changes done as appropriate. Timing belt/chain changed almost 2 years ago. Garage now says we have an oil consumption issue and need a new engine! we are out of warranty and power train.

The check engine light came on at 101000 miles. I took it to the shop and the mechanic said there was no oil on the dipstick and he put in oil and said we need a new engine because it is knocking. We have noticed the vehicle has a rough idle now.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not formally diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a crack in the engine, causing a leak. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,825.

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The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power several times, with the check engine warning light and low oil warning lights blinking. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted. There was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

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My mother's vehicle caught fire while in park and it’s listed under a fire-risk recall. Another car got damage with the fire. I want to open a claim.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

The contact’s son owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the rear of the vehicle caught fire. The contact’s son pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, and the fire extinguished on its own. No fire or police report was filed. The contact was informed by local police that a trail of oil had leaked from the contact’s son’s vehicle while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and refused to replace the engine under an unknown related engine recall. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

My vehicle has a piston slap ticking issue and Hyundai will not help me fix this because it’s a common issue by Hyundai.

Within a matter of a few days my car has been stopping by itself. The car was smoking and stopping in the middle of the highway, my dealership is proving me with a new engine but is trying to have me come out of pocket for an fuel injector, please help !.

My engine failed due to a known piston problem code p1327. The recall 203 was performed 7/1/22 which put in a sensor so the dealership said that Hyundai said they do not have to fix it because it is out of warranty at 141,000 miles and was manufactured in south korea so they say it doesn't qualify for the extended warranty recall 203 dealer best practice date: October 12, 2021 subject: hma recall 203 – nu 2. 0l atkinson engine inspection and replacement - (TSB #21-01-054h-1) - remedy available v3 updates to this document date • TSB# 21-01-054h-1 – the TSB supersedes TSB # 21-01-054h to revise the parts and warranty information sections, specifically related to add engine and service kit part numbers and op codes for engine replacement. 10/12/21. My car is available for inspection. The sensor light came on on the highway when the engine was already out of oil which caused the failure. The car could have caught fire or stalled on the highway which is the safety issue. The vehicle was inspected by tires plus and got the p1327 code and also the wallace Hyundai dealer in ft. Pierce, FL which got same code.

The car only has 76000 miles on it. There are no check engine lights and the oil has always been perfect and changed on time. There is a known issue apparently with piston slap that will lead to engine failure. Hyundai refuses to replace the engine, knowing the issue. Driving it puts my safety and others at risk. The Hyundai dealership in merriam KS has confirmed the issue.

My car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, no lights came one to indicate any issues, then it started driving properly. Then after about 4 min it just died, in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. The check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on and all the lights disappeared but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away and the check engine light is one. After taking to the dealer they stated that there was no oil in the engine. There are also no visible leaks to explain no oil. And 3 timing codes came up as a result of this. They conducted my routine oil change and still the codes came up and the car failed to start. In addition to all of this there is a knocking noise. I have an engine like those that have been recalled in the past but my particular VIN was not part of that recall. I have always done my oil changes at Hyundai dealer and on a regular schedule. This sounds to me like the same issue the other same types of engines had.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

My car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, then after aboit 4 min it just died, the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away.

Said it needed a map sensor. I replaced it and it started acting g crazy. Dying at stop lights making weird noises. I finally threw cod p0011 so I bought the oil control valve before it arrived NY car died. It skipped 5 or 6 teeth. 3,900 left to pay on it. Im a single mom and need my car to provide [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

We purchased the car 4 or 5 months for my son who works for his god mom as her assistant at a nonprofit. The car ran great until without no warning lights from instrument panel just left him sit in the middle of a busy road. The mechanic found a camshaft pin stuck in the camshaft & the timing jump 2 teeth. Repairs= oxygen sensor, timing component & exhaust camshaft total $3,557. Some 2018 are being recalled for the same issue but not his VIN.

The 2. 0l nu gdi engine in this vehicle is experiencing terminal internal failure. Following a p1326 ksds warning event, a borescope inspection at an authorized dealership documented severe cylinder wall scoring in all four cylinders. Despite this documented internal block destruction, the manufacturer has denied the mandated settlement warranty repair based on a software-based proxy test (bct). The vehicle was returned in an unsafe condition and is currently stalling and vibrating violently while in traffic, posing an immediate risk of loss of power and traffic collision. The manufacturer is ignoring the documented physical failure of a core engine component.

I am writing to formally report a safety concern regarding my 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle has experienced a failure of the heater hose/pipe, which appears to be made of plastic and connected to a metal component. This failure has resulted in a coolant leak, creating a serious risk of engine overheating. This issue is not only inconvenient but also dangerous. A sudden loss of coolant while driving can cause the engine to overheat without warning, potentially leading to engine failure, loss of vehicle control, or leaving the driver stranded in unsafe conditions. This is especially concerning while driving on busy roads or highways. Based on my experience and discussions with repair professionals, this appears to be a known issue with this model, as the part is not widely available outside of Hyundai/kia and may indicate a design flaw. A critical cooling system component should not fail prematurely under normal driving conditions. Given the safety risks associated with this defect, I believe this issue warrants further investigation and consideration for a recall or extended warranty coverage. Consumers should not be responsible for costly repairs caused by a potentially defective design. I respectfully request that Hyundai review this issue and provide assistance with the repair, as well as take appropriate action to ensure the safety and reliability of affected vehicles. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Car shut off multiple times while driving including coming to complete stop on the freeway in traffic.

I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a vehicle purchased on March 5, 2026. Within days of purchase, the vehicle exhibited multiple safety-related issues despite reportedly passing a virginia safety inspection on February 27, 2026. The safety concerns identified include: - driver-side headlight partially inoperable, which resulted in a traffic stop on March 15, 2026 - front hood not properly secured/latching, creating a risk of opening while driving - no engine oil present upon inspection shortly after purchase - coolant reservoir completely empty - check engine light illuminated shortly after purchase diagnostic testing following the check engine light revealed code p0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold). A mechanic advised that this condition is not a new issue and would have developed over time, indicating that it likely existed prior to the sale of the vehicle. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had an outstanding manufacturer safety recall identified as NHTSA recall no. 23v651000 (recall #251), dated April 3, 2024. This recall had not been completed prior to sale and was only addressed on March 24, 2026, after I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership. Additionally, the vehicle was subject to a manufacturer campaign identified as campaign #p33, dated December 15, 2025. This further indicates that the vehicle required manufacturer-related service that had not been fully addressed prior to sale. An independent inspection conducted on March 16, 2026 confirmed conditions inconsistent with a vehicle that had recently passed a safety inspection. These issues raise serious concerns about the safety, inspection integrity, and roadworthiness of the vehicle at the time it was sold. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed for potential safety-related concerns and any related violations. I am available to provide supporting documentation, including inspection reports, diagnostic results, service records, and photographic evidence.

While driving on an interstate on March 12, 2026, the engine stopped working requiring that the car be pulled over to the side of the road. There were no indications of issues as oil had been regularly changed, and the battery and tires were replaced in fall of 2025. The check engine and oil lights all flashed at the time of the incident, not before. Fortunately, we were able to pull over to the side of the highway, and a tow truck brought the car to a service center. The initial diagnosis was that the seal on the crankcase failed. The service center, and now the Hyundai dealer, do not know the cause of this catastrophic damage that may result in the need for a full engine replacement.

Noticed symptoms about a week before I had it towed to a garage for what I thought was a timing chain tensioner, tech scoped it and found out it was much worse.

I see there was a p0420 error code related to catalytic converter oil consumption recall, but when I put in my VIN it said no recalls. This is for a 2020 Hyundai Elantra 2020. The problem comes and goes and was able to be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer Hyundai. The warning lamps, messages comes on frequently and was reportedly fixed charges $2000 for a sensor. I the code and it is all over the internet that it is a recall. But does not show up with VIN. I need assistance with getting this fixed at the dealer.

My 2019 Hyundai Elantra with the 2. 0l engine experienced sudden engine failure at 164. 809 miles. The check enqine light came on and the vehicle immediately lost power and shut off. 0i was visible in the wheel well and the engine now has a tapping noise suggesting internal damage I understand that hvundai recalled certain 2019 Elantra models due to improperly heat-treated piston oil rings that could cause engine damage. Because the symptoms of my failure match this defect, I am requesting Hyundai review this as a potential defect-related enaine failure and consider goodwill assistance or engine replacement.

A significant engine failure occurred while driving, presenting as loud knocking from the engine. The issue developed without prior warning lights or messages. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership and the problem was confirmed as internal engine failure (piston slap/engine knock). The dealership recommended full engine replacement. The engine is available for inspection upon request. There was no evidence of sludge or lack of maintenance noted during inspection. The most recent oil change had been performed less than 1,000 miles prior to the failure, indicating the issue was not caused by lack of maintenance. This condition creates a safety concern due to the potential for sudden engine failure, loss of power, or engine seizure while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds. The issue has been confirmed by a dealership and has not been repaired due to cost.

The engine defected at 82000 I had it for a year can u guys please make it right as a valuable customer.

Engine began sputtering really bad and the check engine light came on. I brought the vehicle to the dealership that I purchased it from and they recommended a fuel system flush and change the spark plugs. I had them change the spark plugs and the check engine was cleared but still sputtered a bit. So I brought it to my mechanic who does most of my work and his diagnosis was that oil was blowing by and to not drive it and have towed to Hyundai cause they've been seeing all kinds of engine problems on Hyundai's and that they since the warranty was 100k miles and I had just reached 104k miles that they may fix it. It is currently at Hyundai dealership being diagnosed. *I was driving on the interstate when engine began shaking in the middle of rush hour traffic making it difficult to pull over to see if I could see anything. *independent mechanic replicated and said to not drive the vehicle. *Hyundai is currently inspecting the vehicle now. *check engine light came on after the violent sputtering of the engine.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

2019 Elantra has been experiencing oil loss. The last oil change on 14 Feb 2026 at 57400 miles. Checked the oil today 16 Feb 2026 after 266 miles and it was a quart low. It appears that oil consumption is a know issue with Hyundai year and model.

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a full stop, the brake pedal was released, and the vehicle surged forward before the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine). While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact then towed the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston oil rings failure, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had refused to honor the recall repair. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Car check engine light illuminated and car began shaking and stalled at 79284 miles. Local mechanic said engine was dry and would need full replacement, no dashboard lights indicating oil level or engine issues prior to this point.