Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Hyundai Elantra - part 1

I own a 2019 Hyundai Elantra value edition . 2. 0l 1999cc l4. A few weeks ago we started with really cold/snowy weather and as I’m driving I’ve noticed weird knocking sound that sounds like a Ford f250 starting up. Today while stopped in traffic with the vehicle idling, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra cut off into the battery mode as if I just have my car running off of my battery (roll windows up) and all of the lights on the dash board on. I put my car on the break to turn my car off and it went back into drive mode, it didn’t shut off. I tried accelerating my car went no where, within a few minutes it did it multiple times. I called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. I let Hyundai webb aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

2015 Hyundai Elantra is consuming oil. I have changed the oil on all of my vehicles ever since I have owned vehicles and this vehicle purchased used for my children and maintained by me is consuming oil requiring addition of +/- a quart of oil between trips from baltimore, MD to new haven, CT. Oil lamp on dashboard is lighting indicating low level of oil upon return to home just north of baltimore December 15, 2025 after a trip north to new haven CT November 29, 2025. Oil was topped off prior to trip back to school on November 28, 2025 and 16 days later after trip home on December 15, 2015, oil lamp on dash is lighting and oil level is low. There are no observations of oil leaking at home or in parking garage at new haven, CT.

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the car began stalling and started to become unresponsive while I was driving to work. While I was not 100% sure of what component was malfunctioning at the time, I suspected that it might be a timing chain problem because I had this same exact issue happen to to this car back in January 2025. I did not expect this issue to occur again because at the time of the previous problem, the dealership confirmed that issue was the timing chain and the vvt system, and replaced those components with new parts. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the car started stalling and sputtering, then became unresponsive while I was driving. If I were in a high-traffic area, I'm not confident that I would have been able to accelerate, stop, or safely pull over to the side of the road without putting myself and/or someone else in harms way. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, the car is currently at the dealership and they confirmed that the issue is the timing chain and the vvt system. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes, the car is currently at the dealership and they confirmed that the issue is the timing chain and the vvt system. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, there were absolutely no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

My engine started to make a horrible noise and the car won’t start anymore. Hyundai engines are known to burn oil and don’t light the low oil dash light until it is too late. Other Elantra trims have a recall for Hyundai to fix this yet mine does not.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

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).

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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 gas pedal, would not work as I was trying to accelerate when going from the ramp onto the freeway. The pedal had no pump in it, it just went all the way down as I was trying to press and the car started slowing down. I had to pull over on the side of the freeway and restart the car for the pedal to start working again. I came to the dealership the next day on 12/5/25, at around 5:45pm in which I was scheduled to come back at 8am on 12/6/25. My safety was at risk, because the car lost pedal power for me to pickup speed as I merged onto the freeway. I brought it in for inspection, at the dealership I purchased it from. There were not any signals or displays that came on during the incident.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Subject: abnormal engine failure – Hyundai case #[xxx] I am filing this complaint regarding my Hyundai vehicle, which suffered catastrophic engine failure at approximately 150,000 miles. While the vehicle is outside the standard warranty, this type of failure is not consistent with normal use or expected durability. Hyundai motor America has acknowledged receipt of my certified demand letter (case #[xxx]) but has refused to provide coverage, instead directing me to pay for towing and diagnostic costs. This position is unacceptable given Hyundai’s history of abnormal engine defects and related settlements. Key points: • the failure is abnormal and consistent with systemic defects Hyundai has faced in prior litigation, including the theta ii and lambda ii engine defect class actions, which resulted in recalls and settlements covering millions of vehicles. • Hyundai has previously extended goodwill repairs and recall coverage for similar failures, even outside warranty periods. • engine failure at this mileage presents a serious safety hazard, including risk of stalling, fire, or loss of power while driving. • Hyundai’s refusal to cover towing and diagnostic costs places an unfair burden on consumers and may violate consumer protection statutes. Requested action: I request that the agency investigate Hyundai’s handling of abnormal engine failures, ensure compliance with consumer protection and safety laws, and require Hyundai to provide coverage or reimbursement for towing, diagnostic, and repair costs in cases where engine failure is abnormal and unsafe. Supporting documentation: • certified demand letter sent to Hyundai motor America. • Hyundai’s written denial (case #[xxx], dated December 11, 2025). • vehicle mileage and details of engine failure. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

This has happened twice. I brought it to Hyundai in syracuse and they said they could not find a problem. The problem: while driving the car loses power, when pressing the gas pedal the car stops propelling forward. Safety: the car randomly loses power while driving. This could happen when pulling out onto a highway or railroad tracks etc. Problem been reproduced: it has not been reproduced by a dealer. It's happened twice randomly in the 2 years I've had the car. I did bring it to Hyundai in syracuse NY but they said they didn't find an issue. Inspection: Hyundai in syracuse NY checked the car for an issue. No police or insurance. Warning/messages: there were no messages or warnings before it lost power.

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I have a 2018 Hyundai Elantra with about 155k miles. It has been consuming oil excessively and has developed serious drivability issues. If I try to accelerate even slightly harder than normal—especially above 2,000 rpm—it makes a metallic, chain-type rattling noise, loses power, and produces heavy smoke from the exhaust. The smoke sometimes continues even after shutting the engine off and restarting. Because of this, I’ve been avoiding rapid acceleration and slowly working up to highway speeds. The car also periodically shakes at idle, idles higher than normal at times, and the rpms will occasionally rise on their own. In the past it has stalled randomly, and sometimes it feels like the transmission is “stuck” and won’t shift properly. Despite all this, there are currently no check-engine codes. This is terrible and clearly there’s been lawsuits and other recalls regarding the same issue and same engine but nothing for mine? I am out of warranty and had no clue the amount of issues the car was going to have until last year and I’m screwed now, insurance doesn’t cover issues with the engine or transmission. Neither will Hyundai?! last year Hyundai performed a cvvt repair that cost about $6,000, which temporarily improved things, but the symptoms returned shortly afterward. When I brought it back, they said they couldn’t recreate the issue. The car is now out of warranty. Separately, the car was stolen two months ago due to the immobilization fault and tik toks videos and the police said it has been hundreds of these Elantras stolen and destroyd and the ignition and wiper control switch/harness were damaged, which still hasn’t been repaired.

The car was being driven nomore than 1hr. It began to smoke under the hood. The abs emergency brake light, check engine then the eps lights were on. The vehicle was pulled over and stopped. Fire was then observed falling from under the car. The hood was then popped to see the engine mainly on the driver side was totally catching fire. Then it spread. The engine needle never showed over heated. The car took no more than 6 minutes to catch fire from the time it started smoking. It was very scary.

See all problems of the 2008 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic with the vehicle idling, the vehicle vibrated, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that for the rest of the drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. While the contact was entering a driveway, the vehicle stalled. The contact waited for several minutes before being able to restart the vehicle. The contact then drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine was making an abnormal rattling sound and the piston oil ring had failed. The vehicle was not repaired; however, an oil change was performed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Engine is burning too hot its burning though oil. Oil change sept 3rd 2025 and by Nov 7 2025 car had no oil. This is an oil burn off issue with the sport engine in this model Elantra. I cannot get an oil change every month. That is ridiculous. This time it caused my car to have flashing engine light due to insanely low oil after just two months. I only drive 60 miles a day. Shop told me in april15 20205 I had an oil leak and they fixed it, resealed again in July cuz the oil was still going low. Now they told me Nov 11th they did a test and the engine is running too hot and is burning off the oil.

See all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

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.

We went to a dealership to get it inspected due to a knocking noise in the engine. They used a tool and said it was most likely cylinder 3 piston slap. There was an issue with this according to Hyundai in the past. This puts my wife at risk because if it ends up blowing up, it could send shrapnel through the motor or cause her to wreck her vehicle if it happens while driving. This was diagnosed by a local dealership. No engine light is on at the time. This started a few weeks ago. The car is around 132,000 miles. Thank you!.

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My 2019 Hyundai Elantra sel had catastrophic engine failure at 95k. I was riding at 40mph on the highway when the engine failed. It had zero warnings lights whatsoever before it happened. I was barely even able to make it off the road. I had it towed to the dealer. They said it was a rod bearing. My catalytic converter also failed. They said I was burning oil which again had no idea I was since I didn’t smell it nor did I have an engine light. However the dealer said my VIN wasn’t part of the recall.

The vehicle caught fire while it was in motion; there were loud bangs and a lot of noise, and smoke started coming out of the front, and the engine and the undercarriage caught fire. I managed to turn it off, but when they were towing it, the mechanics did the diagnostic and found wires were faulty and damaged the engine.

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.

Cruise control on 55mph, car has slowed down going straight no uphill or downhill and accelerator did not work nothing blocking the accelerator. Had to pull over to a shoulder to shut engine off and on to drive. Tapping cruise control up to speed up in regulated area such as from 55 to a 65mph zone. . Cruise control speed lowered. Attempting to speed up with accelerator still only slowing down. 3 times this year I had to change spark plugs within a 6 month period error code p0302. Replaced battery alongside. Continues p0302 code. Replaced all coils and spark plugs still p0302. Climbing uphill vehicle sometimes looses power that happened twice in 2025 and twice in 2022. 3 times in 2024. That I must turn on hazards and floor the accelerator to gain speed on up hills in neighborhoods going 25 mph. I have dropped to 10 mph. I get oil change regularly. Always when due. Every few months I make sure to get a full car inspection to make sure everything is in proper working order.

We were heading back to ohio at mile marker 8 75n kentucky when we heard a boom. Then we saw smoke as my husband was pulling over. We jump out to get our child out of the car seat and at the same time a pickup truck pulls up with two guys. They yell that our cars on fire and began putting the fire out with a fire extinguisher. We had an oil change before we left ohio by valvoline. This area of the hwy isn't really patrolled and only has a volunteer fire department. A constable just happened to pass by us on the way to indiana.

My engine has a piston slap. I have the 1. 8l 4cy nu engine. It causes the car to stall unexpectedly creating a potential for serious accidents.

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The coolant system is failing after it was fully replaced in November of 2024 and I got the car of may 2025 with only two previous owners. Coolant system failing after me only have the car for 6 months when the car sat for 5 months.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

The vehicle is burning the engine oil. I get regular oil changes on time. I was told by the service center I had low oil at an oil change. It was changed and then again it a few months later I burned through the oil again. I checked it and there was very little oil. There is no leak. It is just burning it.

Yes, it put people at risk by breaking the engine and throwing oil on the highway. The engine simply opened a hole in the block. There was no light and yes the car is currently in inspection at Hyundai focus on these cars because Hyundai complicates a lot to try to get out of warranty.

I was on a delivery yesterday when this first occurred. I put my car into reverse and proceded to back up when my engine cut off suddenly and a loud warning came on , on my dash by the steering wheel it said . . . Engine off, shift to neutral and restart. That is what I did and it restarted and I continued on with my deliveries. Then the exact same thing happened again today so I called the dealership and they said there is a recall with the isg system that could be the issue but no resolution yet so there's nothing they can do. In the meantime time I can't use my vehicle for work as im a full time food delivery driver and I have to back up into roadways multiple times a day going in and out of driveways and I can't risk my safety or other drivers safety as my car may turn off in the roadway.

Excessive oil consumption. Engine completely dry after 3500 miles in between oil change with no check oil warning light.

Oil leaking from pistons in engine just like the recalled engines.

2020 Elantra built in alabama with 2. 0l engine has p0016 code and severe oil sludge at 73k miles - identical to recall 21v301 symptoms but excluded because manufactured in alabama not korea. This appears to be the same defect affecting a different production batch.

Vehicle routinely sputters and stalls at slow speeds. This happens once or twice during most times I use the car. This has happened in intersections and on highways at stop and go traffic. The car is not safe to drive. I haves brought the vehicle into the dealer at least three times for this and they have replaced a different valve (don't know what it was) on two of the occasions but the problem continues. I have an upcoming appointment with my authorized Hyundai dealer (the vehicle is still under warranty) and hope I have better luck next time. But a vehicle that stalls on every trip is not safety.

Engine blew up on the highway almost causing an accident. The car has had problems with rapid oil consumption since 20000 miles on the car. Always checked oil everyday and added oil when needed and regular oil changes every 3000 miles car was very well taken care of. No oil light or check engine light came on when the engine blew up.

I am writing to formally file a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Hyundai Elantra. I recently learned that Hyundai issued a recall related to a defect that poses a risk of engine fires in certain vehicles. However, my vehicle, which has exhibited the same dangerous symptoms, was not included in this recall campaign. Specifically, my vehicle has experienced a critical error relating to a defect included in NHTSA recall #21v-301, which I understand is directly related to the safety defect identified in Hyundai’s recall. Despite this, I have not received a recall notice, and Hyundai has declined to provide repair coverage under the recall. This raises serious concerns for my safety, the safety of my passengers, and the public. A defect that can cause an engine fire should not be limited to specific VIN ranges if the underlying issue is present in additional vehicles like mine. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and ensure Hyundai expands the recall to include affected vehicles such as mine. If Hyundai continues to exclude vehicles with the same defect, I believe this could warrant further legal and consumer protection actions, including potential class action litigation. Please find my vehicle information below: 2020 Hyundai Elantra VIN: 5npd74lf1lh538038 mileage: 51,000 thank you for your time and attention to this urgent safety concern. I look forward to your response and am willing to provide additional documentation, repair invoices, or photographs as needed. Sincerely, alexis beliveau.

In or about December/2022, I had made numerous attempts to fix my vehicle's engine. It kept stalling on the roadway and finally Hyundai agreed the motor was the problem and they ended up installing a new motor. The vehicle was then out not warranty and they said they were not responsible for the vehicle any longer. The vehicle's check engine light kept coming on and off at times. I did minor work to the vehicle and kept up with maintenance. Now my vehicle's motor is blown again without notice. It stalls on the highway and leaves me stranded. I believe that this type of vehicles were flawed from the beginning. I really convinced these vehicles should be recalled and taken off the highways since, in my opinion, they are not safe to be on the road.

The component that failed was the pistons in my engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra se which I see is on recall. I understand that my VIN may have been missed or looked over during the recalling systems decision making. I was on my way to work when my engine just shut off in the middle of traffic! since that happened my anxiety levels has been extremely high! I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed that it was my pistons and to keep checking the recall website because they have seen something like this before. Before the engine cut off there was abosulutly no warning! date of incident [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2015 Hyundai Elantra fits the 'window' of Elantras where the engine transmission slips gears without notice. Hyundai dealers have been replacing transmissions at no cost, if the car is still under 100,000 miles, as part of a class action settlement. As the second owner, I have no warranty rights to get Hyundai to fix my car at no cost. This is despite the Hyundai dealer just today (Aug 20, 2025) here in las vegas was ready to replace my transmission at no cost until they found out I am the second owner. The car is still unsafe. The need is still relevant. The dealer was willing at first. Now I am faced with an unsafe vehicle forced to possibly pass in excess of $4,000 to fix an issue that has been know and litigated.