Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Hyundai Elantra - part 1

The car went into 'limp mode' after rpm fluxuation. It's in the shop. Blake, a service manager at temecula Hyundai, tells me it has "piston slap," which ai says is related to a piston ring recall for this car. Blake went on to say it has 2 power train issues (and needs a catalytic converter). Nhtsa shows no recall, but whether engine or transmission, my daughter was nearly rear-ended due to this mechanical failure occurring on a two-lane highway at 55 mph. Transmission (copied from facebook): "summarized by meta ai " "several 2020 Elantra owners describe shuddering, hesitation, and complete transmission failure at low mileage. Some report the car won’t accelerate from a stop or surges in rpm while cruising. Hyundai issued a recall for shifting issues that a software update can fix, but not all owners have been notified. " it seems to me that the incident could have been transmission and the the engine 'piston slap' is conincidentally simultaneously discovered by temecula Hyundai. Naturally, I conferred with ai as to the possibilities and found both transmission software recalls and a piston ring recall both a matter of record, but somehow not fully reported or complied with by Hyundai. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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It was no incident. Car died and mechanic says engine is locked. Got oils changed everytime in a timely manner and this is a fairly new car. Please help.

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Engine mounts have been replaced already twice and they keep going bad last time was over a year ago and now it's bad again making noises vibrate and this replacement was done by the dealership with parts from Hyundai apparently under warranty and now warranty is almost done worries me that in a year without warranty I have to replace them again something is really off with either the engine or the parts they are replacing.

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The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off with the contact seated inside the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact had previously been smoking a cigarette. The vehicle was idling high, and hesitating while accelerating with a weak battery. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the battery had melted. During a storm, there was a burst of wind followed by a cloud of smoke. The contact and a family member opened the hood and became aware that the engine compartment was on fire. The engine bay was engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished with rainwater, a shower towel, and a fire extinguisher with assistance from bystanders. The fire department inspected the vehicle and determined that there was no evidence of foul play and that the fire originated from the engine compartment. A good samaritan sustained burns while assisting. The contact and others reported inhaling toxic fumes or chemicals from the fire. The contact stated that the vehicle was a total loss, as there was no insurance coverage and the contact and her family were left without transportation and had to walk from the location of the fire. The contact referenced a thermal event involving the electrical system associated with NHTSA campaign number: 23v651000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The local dealer had previously been made aware of the issue, but the claim was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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2020 Hyundai Elantra, VIN [xxx], ~79,239 mi. On or about [xxx], while entering a parking lot at low speed on an incline, I pressed the accelerator but the car had severe power loss and then stalled. It would not move in reverse. All dashboard lights came on only after the stall. I restarted it; the lights cleared. It was towed to westlake Hyundai, 3610 thousand oaks blvd, thousand oaks, CA 91362; checked in Sep 29, 2026 8:59 am. Dealer found engine oil below the low mark, no external leaks, dtcs p0302/p0304 (misfires cyl 2 & 4), and all spark plugs worn/fouled. They replaced the plugs and started an oil consumption test per TSB 23-em-008h. Critical safety issue: the oil pressure warning light never illuminated before or during the stall, despite critically low oil. This removed my only warning to pull over safely. A sudden stall in traffic could cause a crash. The vehicle has the 2. 0l nu mpi engine covered by recall 21v301 for defective piston oil rings causing excessive oil consumption and engine failure. My VIN is not included, but it shows the same failure. Vehicle is available for inspection. No police/insurance inspection. Manufacturer not yet inspected. Concern: engine defect and oil pressure warning system failure. Attached: westlake Hyundai repair order/inspection. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving the engine light came off and car shut down instantly. I see there is issues with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra but I’m coming ot if picket. $7678. 50 I purchased the vehicle I. Zmay and purchased a standard warranty that covers $2500 per repair. I have a 30/3 tucson and love that vehicle! this one! not so much!!!! I owe $11,000 and need a $7600 engine.

Vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to vibration when braking caused by warped rotors, a vehicle that pulls to one side with an off-center steering wheel, abnormal tire wear including a bald tire with a sidewall bubble, and a transmission that has twice failed and recently felt like it was going to stall while accelerating. The wheel bearing/suspension noise was confirmed by an independent repair shop (firestone) using a listening device at highway speed; however, the dealership's own inspection gave a conflicting finding of no issue. The transmission issues have been reproduced by the dealership in the sense that two replacements were performed; however, the most recent stalling sensation has not yet been independently confirmed. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance. Warning lamps/symptoms included a horn malfunction (tied to Hyundai TSB 25-be-005h-2) and headlight issues that coincided with transmission slipping on more than one occasion. These symptoms first appeared at approximately 10,000 miles with a wheel alignment flag, and have recurred and worsened over time, including three wheel alignments, two sets of front tires, and two rotor replacements.

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The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to turn into the driveway, there was a burning odor and white-grayish smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The contact exited the vehicle, and smoke was still coming from the engine compartment. The failure mileage was 101,000.

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A month ago my car started making a knocking noise very loudly at start up, and once driving for about 5 to 8 minutes it kind of stops, my speed doesn't accelerate as normal and if I go over 67 mph feels like I'll lose control. I see Hyundai have a knock sensor recall and from the video on the website my car makes same sound but my 2023 Elantra isn't list on the recall list. I'm the first original owner of the vehicle only at 80,000 miles.

I am reporting that there is not a recall but a factor warranty from the manufacture. Stating that the o ring in the 2019 Hyundai Elantra was not properly tempered. Which will cause the car to stall, rod bearing to break, and cause the car to set on fire. My report is that my 2019 Hyundai Elantra with 139,000 miles has did exactly that. O ring was bad and the rod bearing broke. When calling Hyundai to report it they claim that my vehicle VIN number doesn't fall under that manufacture recall. Why doesn't it? this is exactly what happen to my car!!! can anyone please help me. Thanks.

2020 Hyundai [xxx], VIN: [xxx] incident description: on xxx I was pulling into a parking spot and had my foot firmly on the brake pedal. When I attempted to shift the vehicle into park the engine suddenly revved up excessively. The vehicle then accelerated forward on its own and crashed into a building. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I bought my 2017 Hyundai Elantra se earlier this year with about 119,000 miles. It had good maintenance records when I bought it, and it now has about 128,000 miles. Since buying it, I've had two oil changes done along with new spark plugs, coils, front brake pads, and tires. About two days before the engine failed, I noticed the car had suddenly burned through a significant amount of oil. There was no visible oil leak. The car stopped running, so I had it towed instead of continuing to drive it. Oil was added, and afterward it started and seemed to be running fine. The next day, I was driving approximately 70 mph on the interstate when the car suddenly lost acceleration and warning lights came on. There was smoke while I was driving, including smoke/fumes coming into the car. Afterward, there was oil everywhere. The car had to be towed again and is no longer drivable. What concerns me most is how quickly this happened. The car went from suddenly consuming oil with no visible leak to losing acceleration and experiencing a major engine failure while I was traveling 70 mph on the interstate. Losing power at that speed was dangerous, and the amount of oil and smoke also made me concerned about the possibility of a fire. Hyundai has told me the vehicle is no longer under warranty. I have not paid for an extensive engine teardown yet. My grandfather looked and he said it appears the engine threw a connecting rod through the side of the engine block. With the valve cover off, the engine looked brand new. I'm filing this complaint because an engine suddenly losing power at interstate speeds, along with oil and smoke, is a serious safety concern, especially with the potential for a fire. I hope NHTSA will compare this incident with other complaints involving engine failure and excessive oil consumption in 2017 Hyundai Elantras. Currently, it's available for inspection.

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Car sudden stopped then would not turn on currently being looked at but for suspected timing chain, vvt, and related parts others have reported these same issues and other model with same engines have been recalled.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted but unexpectedly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure caused by a misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,691.

2019 Hyundai Elantra with 2. 0l nu mpi engine suffered catastrophic engine failure at approximately 118,530 miles. Vehicle is currently at the [xxx] Hyundai dealership. Vehicle appears to fall within the exact parameters of Hyundai recall 203/NHTSA 21v-301. Have spoken to the dealership as well as Hyundai corporate and they have refused to either honor their own recall campaign or do a goodwill service to replace the engine, citing my VIN does not fall under their recall campaign, however they have yet to provide any reason, and according to their own campaign 203 recall information my vehicle meets the exact criteria. I am concerned the recall population may exclude vehicles suffering the same engine defect, and their clearly is a clerical error or something on their behalf, and they appear to not be interested in remedying it, which could and has in my case resulted in potential danger. My car died in the middle of [xxx], and had I been in heavy traffic and could not have coasted it down a hill to a parking lot almost certainly would have resulted in a collision. I was fortunate enough to at the time be in light traffic. Upon restarting car motor made a horrendous knocking noise, which is symptomatic of exactly what recall campaign 203 warned of with the defective engines they installed in my series of vehicles. Hyundai denied goodwill solely based on time in service and mileage rather than identifying a different failure mechanism, and as of the time of writing this has not provided an explanation of why according to them my VIN doesn't fall in their campaign, when clearly it should as it is the correct year, correct factory stock engine, correct place if manufacture, and the very same symptoms they published in their campaign. They have told me I need new engine, as was obvious by the fact it's disabled and sounds as if a rod has thrown. I have brought this to their attention every day for going on 2-3 weeks. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

After the car was started, I drove 3 houses over when there was a loud knocking sound and the car just shut off. When trying to restart it wouldn't and the check engine, battery, and oil lights came on. After pushing it out of the road we checked the oil and it was empty. The oil has just been changed less than 2 months ago. Now the engine is seized.

2023 Hyundai Elantra sel. Car has been slow to start this week. When I depress the brake pedal and push to start, it will start then shut off in the middle of starting then I have to try again or it will sputter then fully start but every safety alert and electrical alarm will go off in my car and nothing clears it until I drive for about 5 minutes then they all clear. I went to autozone and they said my battery was normal health. When this slow start happens I also notice that my vehicle doesn’t accelerate as well and it feels like it’s trying too hard to the point it will jerk forward even when I’m only lightly pressing the accelerator. I noticed this, 2 winters ago (2024) as well and I thought it was due to the very cold weather we had. Brought it to my sister’s fiancée and he couldn’t find any dtc’s but agreed something felt off. The problem stopped and now it’s the middle of summer 2 years later and doing the same thing, to the point where I’m trying to merge onto I-95 and my car isn’t accelerating fast enough and I almost got rear ended!! it only happens at speeds under 50 and is extremely unsafe to have a vehicle where you don’t know if it will just turn off while you’re driving, stop accelerating or decide to not start that morning!!!.

On xxx, my 2010 Hyundai Elantra touring experienced a severe fire in the engine compartment. I observed burning material/flames dripping from underneath the engine compartment before the fire spread upward. The fire caused extensive damage to the engine compartment and the vehicle is no longer drivable. After the incident, I checked the vehicle's VIN ([xxx]) on Hyundai's recall website and found that Hyundai safety recall campaign 188 / NHTSA recall 20v061000 is listed as incomplete. The recall concerns the abs module electrical circuit and a potential engine-compartment fire risk. I am reporting this incident to NHTSA because an actual engine-compartment fire occurred while this safety recall remained incomplete. The vehicle has been preserved and is available for inspection. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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Car wouldn't start. Makes clicking sound. Mechanic diagnosed it and said timing chain is broken, valves are bent and pistons broken.

At 105,000 mi. My car stalled out and the engine stopped. It needs a new cam shaft, timing chain set, cam phaser and timing cover. We also had to replace the variable valve timing solenoids as the metal melted.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 35-40 mph on a bridge, the engine made a loud banging and knocking sound, and the vehicle stalled. The driver shifted into neutral, coasted down the bridge with the engine off, and pulled over to the side of the road. The driver noticed an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the contact's husband performed an oil change and discovered a hole in the side of the engine block. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine); however, the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,286. The VIN was unavailable.

Horn not functioning. Engine mount needs replacement.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

The engine mounts on this vehicle failed. Dealership and many others online have stated that this seems to be a reoccurring issue with the 2021-2023 generation of Hyundai Elantras. The vibrations of these failed motor mounts become so severe that they can dislodge the brakes making it very unsafe to drive. Hyundai should be doing a recall for this to avoid safety issues for their customers.

"I was not notified of campaign 974 and later experienced engine problems/failure. I am requesting review of whether the campaign was completed and whether the failure is related to the condition the campaign was intended to detect. My engine failed while pulling up to a house, stopping, then preparing to move again the car stalled, car stalled, car would not start for several times tried, then started was able to drive for about 10 miles then stalled again and would not start, car has been intermittently working, car has recent and regular oil changes on time with correct oil and still failed now there is metal in the oil per the mechanics there is knocking sort of like ticking sounds - the car left me stranded due to the engine intermittently working and not working to start the car - the car will attempt to start then turn right off immediately after starting the car and sometimes not turn over the car also had been jumping when in stopped positions as soon as attempt to give gas ever so slightly.

Since having our car, the check engine light came on several times with us being told we will need an engine replacement. Recently, our car stalled out several times while driving on different occasions leading us to look up the recalls.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty because the mileage was 3,000 miles over the mileage limitation. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test with the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

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On July 13, 2026, my engine light came on and I don't understand why. My oil change was update and not sure what else can be wrong. So, I went to autozone so that can do a diagnostic and they gave me a printout of the problem. Took the vehicle to the shop gave him the printout from autozone so that he will know what the problem is. Brought the part and that didn't take the engine light off and I paid $300 for nothing because I am still experiencing the issue. I took it back to the shop and the guy said that I need to replace my engine. I have had the car for about three years and not understanding why the engine needs to be replaced already. Then the passenger seat belt light keeps going off when there's no one sitting in the seat. I think there's a problem with the engine and my seatbelt light, but there's a recall on the vehicle. I replaced the air filter like it was suggest to me the car dealer where I purchase the car from. So, I did that and the car is running a little loud at times.

Component: engine (oil intrusion cylinders 1, 2, and 4). Vehicle currently at stevens creek Hyundai, available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: large volume of smoke while driving, reduced visibility, and risk of further engine damage while unresolved. Reproduced/confirmed: yes. Independent mechanic (liberti's automotive, 7/13/26) documented oil entering cylinders 1, 2, and 4. Dealership's own inspection gave inconsistent findings after one week delay saying they do not have the tool to look at the engine, a week later first stating cylinders 1-3 "looked okay" with cylinder 4 unable to be checked due to a broken connector, later stating the engine looked "clean," then offering two conflicting theories: a possible fuel injector issue or an oil consumption issue requiring a 1,000-mile test, despite earlier being told the test wouldn't be needed since oil was already documented. Inspected by manufacturer: yes, by authorized Hyundai dealer (stevens creek Hyundai). Not inspected by police or insurance. Warning lamps: none reported prior to the smoking incident. No written diagnostic report has been provided. Repair estimates: $6,000-$10,000 for the engine by depending on mechanic, $2,000 for the fuel injector by dealer— far exceeding the vehicle's value ($2,900 carfax, $500 as-is per dealership). Concerned this vehicle, despite completing the engine monitoring recall, still developed oil intrusion consistent with known Hyundai engine defects. Vehicle sat at dealership for over a week without a clear diagnosis or determination, remaining in an unresolved safety state longer than necessary.

At 86,000 miles after replacing the camshaft and timing chain with a mechanic friend, we turned the engine over and heard the beginning of an engine knock, he said this engine is notorious for knocking and failing before 100000. Kia recalled the exact same engine. However Hyundai did not. I feel this is very unsafe.

About two months ago, I had to replace the camshaft on my vehicle. Then about 3 weeks ago while driving down the road I began to hear a grinding slap near the front right of the vehicle. Then the power died and the vehicle limped into a parking lot. After stopping for about 30 minutes, I was able to restart the vehicle and get it home. The same noise occurred the whole drive. I couldn't start it again, and had it towed to my mechanic. The mechanic's review showed that the engine had seized up despite only being down a quart of oil. The engine was getting plenty of oil to give him confidence that missing oil wasn't the cause of the problem. The vehicle has about 104000 miles on it. To date, Hyundai refuses to even acknowledge that it's their problem despite a similar recall (21v301000) already being announced for this Elantra model.

The oil light & check engine started flashing. Took it to the auto shop. The mechanic stated that the oil level is very low and the engine has a bad lower-end knock. Removed the oil filter and found metal debris in the oil. No oil leaks were found under the vehicle at all. Oil is being burned out through the exhaust. The vehicle needs an the ngine replacement.

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On xxx the vehicle stalled on a busy road, with no warning/ messages appearing until the car died. It was left at dakota k auto repair in buffalo grove, IL the same day. They replicated the stalling issue four times, but were unable to diagnose the issue. The vehicle was then brought to Hyundai auto nation o'hare in des plaines, IL on xxx. The vehicle stalled twice while they drove it. On xxx their diagnosis stated the timing chain system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to arlington performance center in arlington heights, IL and on xxx they added there was also engine failure which needed replacement. The vehicle was purchased from patrick Hyundai in [xxx] on xxx and has 101,876 miles on it. It is available for inspection. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Back in early July, I noticed a ticking sound coming from my engine so when I took it in to a Hyundai dealership, they told me the only way I could pursue any help further was by completing a oil consumption test, which I complied and paid for out-of-pocket very soon after within 48 hours my check engine light came on and was flashing. After pulling the code at an autozone which I have documentation of it was a p 1327 which signals that the car had entered limp mode. I very quickly reached out to Hyundai themselves and after going back-and-forth on paperwork, they assured me that since I had no coverage on the vehicle due to its mileageand that it was not produced in the same factory as the other recall vehicles with that same problem that they could not pay or help me with any of the services I would need done to my engine. They told me the only chance I had was by completing the oil consumption test, which would then put me and my safety at risk by driving a car with a faulty engine while it was also in limp mode. I’ve only had the car for about a year and a half when it threw the first sign at me and I’m now struggling to figure out how to afford a completely new engine all on my own with no financial assistance all because my car was not made in the same factory as all the other ones that have had the same issue. I have not been able to drive the vehicle in the last two months and it just put me into financial deficit, trying to figure out reliable transportation to get to my current employer. It also states that the previous owner must have had an engine inspection/replacement but was not specified of which specific action was taken on the official Hyundai website.

The vehicle entered limp mode. The Hyundai dealer diagnosed a camshaft problem, said the repair would be covered, ordered the part, and began the work. After the engine was opened, the dealer noted sludge/varnish and denied coverage, claiming lack of maintenance. This VIN is included in safety recall 21v301 for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings on the 2. 0l nu mpi engine. Hyundai told NHTSA that chipped rings can scuff the cylinder bore, cause accelerated oil consumption, knocking, oil-pressure warning, connecting-rod bearing seizure, stall, and in limited cases fire. The published remedy is inspection of the cylinder bore and piston skirt, engine replacement if damage is found, and pnss software, at no charge. Hyundai national consumer affairs case #xxx. I sent a written demand that they complete campaign 203 and not convert an open safety recall into a customer-pay job. On xxx, case manager mohammad issued a letter denying only “limited warranty” coverage for lack of owner’s manual maintenance. That letter does not state whether the campaign 203 bore/skirt inspection was done, does not state whether pnss was installed, and does not decide the incomplete recall. Oil and filter were changed on a regular schedule by the owner’s family using the specified oil. A signed affidavit was provided. Hyundai’s warranty does not require dealer-only oil changes. The symptom of the recalled oil-consumption defect (varnish/sludge) is being used to refuse the recall remedy. The vehicle remains unrepaired. I have not authorized customer-pay work or disposal of parts. What I want NHTSA to do record this as an incomplete recall remedy. Require Hyundai motor America to complete campaign 203 on VIN [xxx]: perform the official bore and piston-skirt inspection, replace the engine if abnormalities exist, install pnss, and cover related camshaft/engine damage found when the engine was opened, at no charge. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine) as a potential cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle shook violently with an abnormal electrical wire burning odor. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine starter failure. The engine starter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 102,474.