Power Train Problems of Hyundai Elantra - part 2

While driving on the freeway at normal highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately lost power, and the vehicle shut down within seconds. There was no prior warning or opportunity to take corrective action. The vehicle became completely disabled and could not be driven. This occurred late at night with limited traffic, and I was lucky to be near a freeway exit. I was able to coast toward the exit, but the engine seized fully, resulting in total loss of propulsion and blocking the freeway exit ramp. Law enforcement had to assist due to the disabled vehicle creating a traffic obstruction and safety hazard. A tow truck was required to remove the vehicle because it could not be restarted or moved. Under normal traffic conditions, this sudden loss of engine power at freeway speed could have resulted in a serious, potentially fatal collision. The outcome depended on luck, timing, and location rather than any safety system functioning as intended. The engine was later diagnosed by an authorized Hyundai dealership as seized due to internal failure. Hyundai denied warranty coverage because a software safety campaign had not been completed prior to the failure, even though the failure occurred suddenly and without warning, leaving no opportunity to complete the campaign. However, at the time of the failure, the NHTSA recall lookup tool showed zero unrepaired recalls associated with this vehicle’s VIN. The campaign referenced by Hyundai is intended only to detect certain engine conditions and does not repair engine defects. In this case, the engine failed before any detection or warning could occur. The vehicle had just been refueled and was equipped with four brand-new tires, confirming it was being operated normally. This incident involved an unexpected and complete loss of engine power at freeway speed due to an apparent engine defect, presenting a serious safety risk to the driver and other motorists.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

I was driving and I felt my car sputter and lunge forward slightly. Then my car lost power and when I pressed down on the accelerator it would not give out any power. The battery light came on and the car would not start after pulling over.

See all problems of the 2007 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Check hybrid system alarmed in heavy traffic and derated my car and put me in a very dangerous situation.

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

On [xxx] and [xxx], while driving at approximately 50 mph, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The incident unfolded as follows: without warning, the car emitted an alarming sound from the cabin. Simultaneously, a message appeared on the dashboard stating "check hybrid system" and instructing me to "pull over safely. " this was the first and only warning; there were no prior indications or symptoms of any problem before this sudden failure. Immediately upon this warning, the vehicle experienced a total loss of power. The component that failed appears to be the hybrid system itself, leading to a complete electrical system shutdown. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. After safely pulling over and turning off the car, all electrical functions ceased. This included essential safety features such as hazard lights, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable and "electrically dead. " my safety and the safety of other motorists were severely put at risk due to the sudden and complete loss of propulsion and all electrical systems (including safety lights) while the vehicle was in motion. This left the vehicle vulnerable and invisible to other traffic, particularly concerning if this occurred on a highway or at night, as it creates a high risk for rear-end collisions or other accidents. I have personal video documentation of this incident, which clearly shows the dashboard warnings and the vehicle's subsequent electrical failure. I am prepared to share this video upon request. Following this alarming event, I took my vehicle to the wolfchase dealership in memphis on may 16 2025. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealership. Despite their inspection, the dealership claimed they could not find any issue, stating that "no system of record is recording such code in the vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

While operating my 2017 Hyundai Elantra under normal driving conditions at approximately 70,000 miles, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power and stalled completely while moving in active traffic without any prior warning. This severe stalling event occurred despite the vehicle being strictly and meticulously maintained according to all manufacturer guidelines and scheduled service intervals. Prior to the stall, the check engine light illuminated. A comprehensive diagnostic scan completed at an authorized Hyundai dealership confirmed active trouble codes p0014 (exhaust camshaft position timing over-advanced) and p0017 (crankshaft-camshaft position correlation error). The internal physical engine timing assembly and variable valve timing (vvt) components slipped out of synchronization, forcing an abrupt, automatic engine shutdown while navigating active roadways. This failure created an immediate, severe safety hazard and high collision risk due to the sudden loss of vehicle propulsion, power steering assist, and vacuum brake booster pressure, leaving me vulnerable in traffic. This structural timing deviation caused chronic engine misfires and forced raw, unburned fuel directly into the exhaust stream. This unburned fuel completely fouled and destroyed the primary oxygen (O2) sensor due to heavy carbon contamination and extreme thermal stress. The failed sensor and incorrect valve timing totally disrupted the electronic control unit's air-fuel management, inducing the unpredictable stalling hazard and causing an immediate, automatic state emissions/smog inspection failure. Repairing this underlying manufacturing and metallurgical defect at the official Hyundai dealership required an extensive mechanical teardown and replacement of the timing components, costing approximately $2,500 out of pocket. This exact failure pattern, cascading O2 sensor damage, and diagnostic trouble codes match hundreds of existing complaints with NHTSA.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

While driving on the freeway at 65mph, my car suddenly displayed a "check hybrid system , stop safely" warning. The vehicle rapidly decelerated to 20mph and would not respond to acceleration, despite pressing the pedal. This created a dangerous situation for my family, as we were forced to pull over abruptly on the side of the freeway. I had to reset the battery system before the car would restart. Alarmingly, this issue happened twice on same day on [xxx]. I have since contacted the dealership and informed about the problem. The dealership (larry miller Hyundai peoria - 85382) took my car to address the issue on Feb 28th Feb 2025 and performed a hcu software update and informed me that there was a recall and assured me that the problem shouldn't happen again. However on [xxx], the same problem resurfaced. While stopped at a signal, the car once again displayed "check hybrid system , stop safely" and became unresponsive to acceleration. I had to pull over and reset the battery system to get the car moving again. This recurring issue is not only frustrating but becoming increasingly dangerous. I now drive with constant anxiety, unsure when or where the car might suddenly stop again. This ongoing safety risk is unacceptable, especially a supposed fix was applied. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Excessive oil consumption, shudder in motor while driving . Check engine light cam on. Visibility in headlights very low and high beams only working sometimes.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Engine turns off unexpectedly when driving. All power steering and brakes stop working when engine itself off. Entire engine, drive train, and vehicle shakes while driving. Transmission is a replacement as first one failed after 90 days of purchase. Paid labor for replacement and waited over 6 weeks without a vehicle. Now replaced oem transmission slips out of gear. Making vehicle difficult to drive as the transmission and engine sputter and make ride jerky. Car has turned off on the freeway in traffic 3 times. Almost causing an accident each time. Car has been robbed at least 5 separate times. Stealing items within the vehicle. Car was locked and next day it is unlocked and my stuff all gone. I am scared to drive the vehicle. I believe it is a lemon.

While driving in a parking lot. The car wouldn't accelerate. Kept pressing on the gas pedal but the car wouldn't move. After about 5 seconds the car shut down. I had to place the car on p then press the start button, pressed the brake pedal and then the start button again and the car turned back on.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

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.

The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle jerked. The contact stated that during warm temperatures, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear and then remained in first gear. The contact stated that the rpm fluctuated, and the engine revved. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 241,000.

Bought a 2016 Elantra in 2020 with 44,000 miles on it and a clean repair/ maintenance history. Let me preface the rest of this by saying I am an ase certified mechanic of 15 years who has been in the industry even longer. The first major issues I incurred with the vehicle happened approximately one year after purchase. The lifters started tapping and not long afterwards (about a week) I had a total engine failure on my hands. I was almost killed by a passing semi truck that was merging on to the interstate but was luckily able to avoid it and get the car on the side of the interstate where I had it towed to ralph sellers Hyundai in baton rouge louisiana. Long story short , even though the second owner is entitled to a 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty, they made me pay for a new engine. Here we are only 19,000 miles later and the same issue is occurring; except this time due to the stress the failing engine is putting on the torque converter the transmission is now failing to do its job properly. I have been back to the dealership but they offered no help except lies (they told me my high pressure fuel pump was bad, this model doesn't even have one!!!!!) I fully intend to sue Hyundai of America unless some appeasement can be made. Do not ever buy a Hyundai, they are trash cars made to look nicer than they are. Additional details will reflect most recent incident with engine/transmission.

P0420 p0441 p0014 p1326 c1260 c1688 c2130 these are the codes that's affecting my car.

Drove my 2015 Hyundai Elantra on the coldest day of the year to an appointment. Car was fully warmed up. Pulled into a gas station to park and was going less than 3 mph, making a left hand turn into the space. Elantra suddenly accelerated hard and the car hit a cement pole, causing extensive front end damage. If car had full insurance coverage, it would have been a write off. Hood crumpled, radiator damaged, front grill broken, bent the engine bar in half. Significant damage but the air bag did not deploy. Had to have it towed home 35 miles. Damage was in the middle of the front of the car, so I was already in the parking space. No warning lights of any sort before this happened. Very dangerous and I would never buy another Hyundai. I bought this car brand new in 2015 and have had recalls taken care of (anti theft software one). Over the course of owning this car, other odd things have occurred as well, such as white smoke coming out of the engine upon acceleration, accelerated wear on the tires due to the back end, and engine will suddenly stop for no reason while driving (this happened twice) inferior product!.

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Had to do 3 oil changes in a month had to change ignition coil that had been changed a month ago spark plugs were completely covered in oil was driving and it literally just stopped every time the oil would be checked it wouldn't be any on the dipstick.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Vehicle was recently purchased and brought in to service recall 22-01-030h (tcu update and ivt replacement) fred bean Hyundai of langhorne (1106 e Lincoln highway, langhorne, PA, 19047) did the software update, but refuses to honor the ivt replacement as part of the recall, despite the transmission not working and needing to be towed to the dealership. They are attempting to charge me a minimum $5000 to replace the transmission, despite the replacement being covered under this recall campaign. Please contact me and advise if I should pay them and am then entitled to a reimbursement or if I should even have to pay them in the first place. They currently have my vehicle and I can't even drive it off-lot due to failed transmission.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Timing chain looseness, sudden loss of engine power/motive power. Vehicle was sold, unknown if available for inspection. Engine failure on and in the middle of the interstate/highway, and this caused a major crash risk, and safety hazard. This make and model of vehicle has multiple reports of similar incidents. The repairs would’ve cost over 3 times the value of the car. As stated by the vehicle manufacturer, the entire engine would need to be replaced, with a factory built engine in order to comply with NHTSA and safety regulations. I’m no longer in possession of the vehicle. It was sold. While the vehicle was operating, and drivable there would be a chime and a flashing check engine light/indicator on occasion. Although no codes were present at maintenance center, therefore unable to identify the exact cause.

The engine blew once at 38,000 miles and now the new engine blew at 85,000 miles (47,000 on this engine). The car was driving fine, 5 minutes into driving I heard a slight knocking noise, 10 minutes after that I was stranded on the side of the road.

I bought my Hyundai Elantra 2018 in 2022. It started knocking by 2023 and I was told by the dealership it was plastic hitting the tire. I brought it back & had it scanned prior because the knocking never stopped. And another dealership confirmed it was the sealed transmission. There is no dipstick to check the fluid & it says in the book the fluid is good for the life of the transmission. The dealership I initially bought it from acted like it was my fault so my car sat may until August 2024. Finally, after I found out the unlimited warranty I paid for was never submitted in 2022 it was approved. They then replaced it with a refurbished transmission which I didn't know until I got my car back. I had mentioned an oil leak & lots of play in the engine that November after replacing it. They said there was no leak or play in the engine. Now in January I had died at the four way & almost coasted into the parking lot nearest to me. Mid me picking my daughter up from school. Due to the leak.

My car has been stalling and shaking for months on acceleration. This has put me in unsafe situations where vehicles are going very fast on the highway and I am going 20 miles under the speed limit, or I am accelerating to merge and my car fails to accelerate, or I'm on the regular road and my car slows to a crawl while people are coming in fast behind me. The error code cylinder 3 misfire. Took it to the dealer, they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it because the light was not on, they updated the software, as soon as I drove home the problem came back. They still charged me $200 for service, even thought the vehicle is under powertrain warranty which covers the cylinder block head and all internal parts. Online research shows this is a common problem in 2017 Hyundai Elantras. Many tried replacing coils and spark plugs only for the problem to return again a few months later. One successful fix found the computer needed to be replaced with a new one.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rpm elevated to a high level while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted while depressing the accelerator pedal without a warning light being illuminated. The contact used a code reader to diagnose the vehicle; however, no fault codes were found. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Transmission failed while driving & now doesn’t drive.

I purchased a 2023 Hyundai Elantra hybrid 2023 on December 15, 2023, and since early ownership I have experienced persistent jerking/clunking while slowing to a stop, harsh downshifts, hesitation during braking, and rough transitions between electric and engine power. The issue was first documented around 5,744 miles and continued through approximately six to eight repair/work orders, where dealerships repeatedly described the condition as normal hybrid/dct behavior while performing software resets, adaptive relearns, and diagnostic checks. After continued complaints, Hyundai techline became involved and the dealership concluded the vehicle “jerks pretty bad,” leading to a full transmission replacement under warranty. Despite the transmission replacement, the issue persisted and the dealership later confirmed slight clunking during downshifts and discovered a torn engine mount, which was also replaced. The dealership additionally noted that the issue did not occur while driving another Elantra hybrid or the loaner vehicle, suggesting the condition was specific to my vehicle. I also opened a case with Hyundai motor America consumer affairs regarding the recurring defect and repeated failed repair attempts, but the issue continues despite major drivetrain repairs. Hyundai motors America consumer affairs has not been able to help me with this either. They also didn't provide me with the federal agency number when I requested them in order to reach out and seek help from the agencies. Hyundai didn't help me in any way. There were no warnings. They have been able to reproduce the issue but do not want to resolve the issue. I strongly believe no vehicle is designed in a way that it jerks and downshifts in a harsh manner causing distress to the driver/owner.

My 2017 Elantra with 107,000 miles (it has a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty) on it has just experienced the same issue as all of the other Hyundais that have been recalled. I was driving on xmas evening 2024 and started hearing my engine making noises I had not heard before when excellerating but then they would go away. On my way home the check engine light went on for a couple of minutes but then went off and I was able to get home although the car did not seem to be riding well. The next day, the check engine light went on again and so I brought it in to my mechanic. He said that there were metal fragments/shavings in my oil that were clogging my engine, etc. He said that I need a new engine and said he had several other Elantras with the same issue and that I should take it to a Hyundai dealer because of all of their recalls/class action lawsuits which extend warrantees, etc. For the same exact issue. I was able to drive the car there but it was not a safe drive. Their assessment was basically that I need most of my powertrain replaced to the tune of $4100. 00 but once they get in there, it might be more extensive and end up having to be replaced. However, they did not say anything about the metal fragments and when I brought it up to them, they acted like they didn't see them. However, my mechanic (with no skin in the game) said they were all over the place in my car's oil. So, I am a little wary that they decided to skate that issue, since it is the basis for all of their class actions, etc. I'm kind of stuck, Hyundai has my car and it really isn't drivable. I've checked many Elantra forums and have seen that this is happening to many other 2017 hyundi Elantra se even though they have not yet been added to the recalls/class actions, etc. I really think that the Hyundai engine issue is more widespread than just the cars on the current list and I hope that this is looked into as it is extremely dangerous and comes on very quickly without warning.

I had just drove back home from work and I was driving to pick up my child from his basketball game. I was able to pull out of my driveway and get through two stop signs before I came to a third and needed to make a left hand turn. I stopped and let the cars from the highway pass until it was my turn to go. I was proceeding through the sign and started to turn and in the middle of the turn my vehicle cuts off acceleration and stops moving in the middle of the street and turn. No lights. No warning. Just loses power. I pressed the gas and my rpm’s just reved extremely high. I couldn’t move out of the middle of the street. I pressed the gas again and the car started moving approximately 5-10 mph. Luckily the car driving by didn’t hit me as I was sitting in the middle of the road. I finally got to the side of the road and put the vehicle into park for a couple minutes and tried to take off again. I couldn’t go faster than 5mph at this time. I had to drive back home and by the time I got back I had lost reverse capabilities. Dealer said no recalls and mechanics said not much they can do because there isn’t a code or light on for them to check. I just have a new car that doesn’t drive or go into reverse. I’m going to the original dealer to see if they can help now. I believe this is possibly the transmission but I am not sure.

The transmission is slipping to the point that I have almost gotten in several accidents due to impatient drives and the car not engaging in gear like it should. Vehicle also has several electrical faults reverse braking system engages at random with nothing in its way,the key not in vehicle warning will sound randomly while key is in vehicle,horn stopped working out of nowhere,while washing vehicle with keys in pocket vehicles key warning system will sound about every 30-60 seconds only when washing vehicle,random front collision warning system with nothing in front of vehicle,seat height adjustment randomly stops working but the rest of the electric seat adjustment works then seat will start working again at random. When taken to dealership for diagnoses the dealer refused to diagnose electrical issues unless I paid out of pocket even though vehicle is under full warranty and all systems listed are warrantied.

Was driving my car noticed that it was running a little rough and took it in for an oil change thinking maybe it was being a little weird because of that. I religious have my oil changed routinely. The gentleman changing my oil told me there was oil in the engine. Went to Hyundai and they did a diagnostics and told me that something had come off in the engine and clocked the oil gallery not allowing oil to flow through engine and power train. Was told it would be a $9000 engine replacement. I only have 93000 thousand miles on it still owe 3000 on it. Hyundai knows that their engines have been having issues. Salesman at Hyundai was trying to force me to buy a new car because of this issue. He was only going to give me 2500 on my car but told me if it had been in perfect condition then he would've 6000. This is not something I did to my engine it was something that came off in the engine and blocked the flow of oil.

The air bag light came on and it is staying on.

See all problems of the 2005 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

I own a 2016 Elantra with around 140,000 miles and the car just stopped going forward the car only goes in reverse, no warning light came on, no other issues or warnings that there was something wrong with the car.

The car failed to go into the park. The vehicle was in park and continued to roll, and we placed the emergency brake on. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership replaced it with a new shift cable clip, and now the car operates. We noticed the vehicle had a previous recall that was repaired in 2019. The shift clip repair is for the same clip that failed, resulting in being unable to shift in gear. When asked why we were charged for a recall repair that didn't last, we were told we could only fix a repair once and that we needed to pay. The concern is if this vehicle was parked on an incline I could roll forward running into something and someone. From the record there was roughly 40k miles between recall repair and the failure of the clip that was supposed to fix this problem.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

The transmission continues to stall. Very dangerous…. As I was pulling into a gas station and the car stalled. When placed into gear the vehicle would not drive forward and began to roll backwards. The vehicle is available for inspection. Due to the sudden stall a serious accident could have occurred. I took the vehicle to a mechanic and he confirmed that all fluid levels were good but the vehicle is in need of a completely new transmission. The current transmission can’t be repaired. The vehicle showed no warning signs or lights prior to incident. Can’t drive the vehicle as it is not safe. The vehicle is parked in a garage to avoid accident. The vehicle was driven low mileage over the last year.

My Hyundai Elantra 2022 hybrid abruptly told me to pull over after driving on the highway for 30 minutes. The hybrid warning system light came up on dash and told me to pull over. After pulling over the car lost power and had to be jumped with the 12v battery reset button. Car is able to be driven again but will continue to have the same problem every 30 minutes unless the air conditioner and apple airplay or radio is off. I sent the car to Hyundai dealership 7200 w sahara Ave, las vegas, nv 89117 since [xxx] and the service technician did not contact me back for one week until I went in [xxx] to inquire. They said there is a voltage shortage somewhere but can not pinpoint yet and are working on it. I was given number to Hyundai customer service and a case manager is trying to contact the dealership to inquire the warranty before providing rental car. The dealership is not picking up so this write will go in [xxx] to try to connect case manager and get rental loaner car situated. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Unintended acceleration is happening. After about 15-30 minutes of driving, accelerating from a stopped position becomes very difficult in the sense that the vehicle does not accelerate when gas pedal is pressed. This can be extremely dangerous as you do not know when the vehicle will no longer accelerate and could get hit when crossing an intersection or turning onto any road at all. Esc warning light came on today and vehicle will no longer start but goes into auxiliary mode. This is not the first time, second, third, nor even 5th time a report on this vehicle has been made and with each report more issues are arising with seemingly no fix in sight.

Engine is knocking cannot find a solution for this problem car stalls wen coming to a stop the car completely powers off , noticing a weird smell now ,.

Ticking or knocking in the engine, as many other have described. Engine does not accelerator properly due to this issue, causing safety issues with accelerating to merge or enter traffic. Known defect that should be covered by Hyundai as regular scheduled maintenance has been completed.

See all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.