NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
For a little over a year now, my back doors do not open on my Hyundai Elantra. The child lock is not on. Also in the past year, my passenger and driver door do not open. I have to go back and forth on the handle 20-30 times before my door opens. I have changed the battery in the key fob and I have tried unlocking my doors with the actual key with no success. Sometimes if they do not open I have to go through my sunroof. This is such a safety issue it’s insane. I’ve called Hyundai dealerships but they said they will need to keep it for 2 weeks. I do not have any other vehicle to just leave it there for that long. Please help.
When coming to a stop, turn or sometimes when driving throttle goes to zero, oil, engine, and battery light come on and gas peddle no longer works (car no longer accelerates) . Have to turn car all the way off and restart it and it runs fine (all lights turn off and car accelerates) until coming to a stop again (the same exact thing happens). Went to trade it in as soon as person test drove it he almost crashed because the engine stalled again. This has been happening for months but progressively worsened (happens very often now almost causing crashes)
I received a mailer and text with my VIN stating I had the 993 recall for my anti-theft software in March. I made an appointment beginning of April for May1st for the recall, after going to the dealership I was informed the recall did not exist and the mailer was wrong. After calling hyundai service I was informed that an appointment could be made to fix it and then after another call to Hyundai I was informed that the recall did not apply to my car, also during this call the lady told me that I can just buy a wheel lock to fix the issue.
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the ongoing recall issue with my 2017 Hyundai Elantra. I am extremely frustrated and disappointed with both Hyundai and the dealership’s handling of the recall and the associated repair costs. We received a recall notice for our vehicle last year, at which point we promptly took the car to the Hyundai dealership. Despite multiple attempts to address the issue, we have experienced significant delays, poor communication, and no clear resolution from the dealership or Hyundai. After several months of waiting, we were informed that the recall, which pertains to paint damage caused by a manufacturer’s defect, would cost $3,200 to repair. Furthermore, we were advised that we would be responsible for an out-of-pocket expense of $1,000. We find this situation both perplexing and unacceptable. As consumers, we should not be burdened with costs related to a defect that is clearly the responsibility of the manufacturer. We purchased the vehicle in good faith and expect the manufacturer to uphold its responsibility for repairs related to defects covered by recall notices, especially when the problem is identified after the warranty has expired. The fact that Hyundai is only offering to cover 60% of the repair cost is unreasonable and further exacerbates our frustration. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate this matter and hold Hyundai accountable for its failure to resolve the recall issue in a timely manner, as well as its refusal to fully cover the cost of repairs related to a defect for which we should not be responsible. Please consider this letter a formal complaint, and I kindly ask for your assistance in resolving this matter promptly. I both dealership and Hyundai corporate admitted they sent the letter after the warranty expired. We’ve been dealing with this issue for over a year. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
When slowing down to turn or stop the vehicle would stutter and stall. It would not give an active code when checked, only historical for cam position sensor error. Found that it was low on oil but no signs of a leak. After an oil change and replacing the sensor the stalling seemed to improve, but it is still losing oil quickly. Purchased the car a few months ago with about 70k miles on it. After reviewing the car it seems to be a common problem, and nothing is being done to address it. Hyundai will not warranty the car since we are not the original owners, despite being within their warranty period.
vehicle stolen.
I got this used car from Hyundai Courtesy in late 2020. My issue with this used car is that there is no TPMS reset button to get the tires back to have the same tire pressure. Even with battery mode reset done, the tires are always out of sync after a few days or hours. I do go to the dealership to get the tpms fixed but after a few days, it is back to out of sync. I am writing to the safety board to inform them and hopefully, Hyundai corporate can look into this electrical issue.
I bought my 17 Hyundai Elantra back in august 22 and noticed sometime after buying it that it smelled like coolant burning when it ran. So I kept my eye out to see if there where any leaks no leaks. Sometime this year I took the car to central Hyundai to get it looked at cause of the burning coolant smell and because after it had been running if I opened the engine oil area on the top of the engine smoke would come out and the oil was pitch black no coolant was mixing with the oil though. The service area there told me that the car was fine and that it was just burning oil because it was an old car. I went out of state for a few days after that so I got a rental instead of taking my car thankfully cause I drove the car for 2 days when I got back and the engine went completely. I was driving down the road and I spun a bearing then blew a piston through the engine block oil leaked all under the car. I called the dealership that looked at it to complain and they completely switched up what happened the day I got my car looked at and said that hd told me it would be best for him to keep the car to look at longer which is not true. I called Hyundai manufacture customer support and they didn’t care because of the mileage I have 116000 about and bought the car with about 98000
Driver side strut popped through housing, and penetrated front hood. Confirmed by Hyundai dealer on 10 April 2023, and also confirmed by another mechanic - which will make the repair, on 10 April 2023. No warning lamps. Alerted by rattling/rubbing/popping noise that occurred soon after taking the car to a Hyundai dealer in Springfield, VA to resolve a safety recall anti-theft matter. Mileage is estimated between 60K and 66K (car is being fixed now). Not only will strut and related items require repair, but the front hood also now requires repair.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate when depressing the accelerator pedal and began to roll backward. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine oil was replaced. The independent mechanic diagnosed that an unknown valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,600.
Receiving intermittent warnings to check Automatic Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Automatic High Beam Light System. All three warnings occur together and happen intermittently while driving. Problem may or not begin when first start driving. The problem will also seem to rectify itself after a period of time then begin to cycle again several minutes or hours later. Will occur at any speed or while idling.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Kinergy GT H43, Tire Size: 225/45/R17, DOT Number: (Unavailable). The contact stated that while making a left turn, she heard a loud popping sound. The tire pressure warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that she maneuvered the vehicle to a service station. The contact then stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the front passenger’s side tire tread had detached. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tire needed to be replaced; however, the tire was replaced with the temporary spare tire until the tire became available. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact then stated that the same front passenger’s tire had recently been replaced in less than a year. In addition, the contact stated that on numerous occasions while attempting to unlock the doors using the key fob, the doors intermittently failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was not covered under the warranty. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 34,007.
Excessive Oil consumption. My engine has stalled multiple times WHILE DRIVING. The stall typically happens while turning in the middle of an intersection. I've had several near-misses and I'm terrified of being hit. I continue to have to fill my oil in-between oil changes. This problem continues to get worse.
•In early October 2022 when the car owner purchased the Hyundai 2017 Elantra it had 77,717 miles on it. The inspection of the car by the dealership’s service department prior to purchase did not indicate any concerns with the engine. No mention was made of the need for an extended warranty. •In February 2023, four months after purchase, the car was taken to a Hyundai Service Department of the same company for an 85,000-mile servicing at 84,107. Again, no concerns with the engine of the car were noted. •Fifteen days later the car’s engine died. The same Hyundai Service Department indicated that there was so much carbon buildup that the intake valves and pistons in cylinder 3 came into contact causing metal shavings to blow the engine. They said they had filed a PA with Hyundai Customer Service USA and had been told because the owner is a second owner Hyundai would not pay for the replacement of the engine under the 100,000 K warranty. A new engine had to be installed at the estimated cost of $6790. The Hyundai Service Department indicated this was a reduction in the cost of both the new engine and labor.
It all started in 2020. I took my car to Don Wood Hyundai Athens OH for a ticking noise at 60K miles rite after the same dealership performed an oil change. After several weeks of no answers about my car I was told it needed an engine, no one ever gave me a reason as to why. I was also told I would not have any type of extended warranty. 2023 I was driving the car on the highway when it all of a sudden loss power and sputtered and almost stalled. I took the car to Don Wood Hyundai for service when I asked what was wrong with my car I was told it needed a software update and the issue was resolved. While the car was being serviced I found a Hyundai NHSTA service memo about issues with the ignition coils. When I picked up the car I specifically asked if the coils had been checked and if they are the correct ones. No one in this Hyundai Dealer ship could tell me, they completely failed to do a visual inspection. So I take my car back and decide to investigate. I contacted Hyundai about the issue they were no help. I then decided might as well just replace the coils and spark plugs myself since I am at 87K miles. I found a badly corroded spark plug and damaged coil on the car. Hyundai claims their coils and plugs are good for up to 80 - 100K miles. According to the dealership when the engine was replaced all of these components would have been replaced also. So my "new" engine and components have started to fail at 20K miles. Had I not done the service myself the car for sure would have died on the road and created a dangerous situation. I believe Hyundai has a lot of issues with their newer cars that need to be resolved and they are not doing quality work to ensure documented issues are not resolved.
Was driving one night and out of nowhere the car started to change gears hard no warning lights came on then the car just cut off so started it back it cut off and I started it back again drove home fine next time I went to get in it the check engine light came on now the car won't even start and I have taken it to 2 shops and they said that they are having a hard time pin pointing what it could be but told me it sounded like the engine recall
So my car has big patches of bare metal were the paint has peeled completely up bubbled up. Also my engine just started a knocking noise with no warning symbols or anything now I'm going to have to replace the motor. My car doesn't specifically have any recalls but I beg to differ that damn near every one of these cars that they have made has the same problems regardless of the vin
The engine failed catastrophically. Yes, available for inspection. Driving down the highway, and engine seized up in traffic. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. No, the car has not had an inspection done by the manufacturer as of yet. No warning.
Paint is peeling on hood and roof. Hyundai has recalled some vehicles with white paint but there are other colors affected. My car color is symphony silver.
I’ve been having problems with my timing chain and power train for over a year. Got the timing chain fixed and now all i’m seeing is new problems with bad ignition coils and spark plugs and transmission problems. I’ve only had this car for 4 years and keep the maintenance up to date.
Right out of warranty sudden engine heat fluctuations, hot air stopped blowing and cold air is inconsistent. I changed relays and fuses to be safe . Very unhappy about dangerous unreliable products the engine warranty should be extended to this vehicle I have a heart condition. It seems they are trying to avoid addressing major engine reliability issues
Roadside assistance locke d keys inside car
2017 Hyundai Elantra limited. Vehicle makes grinding noise when steering wheel is turned in either direction. Dealer said it needs new steering column. I am surprised that a vehicle driven 36000, miles would have a warn steering column. It never been a in a collision or driven roughly. I have never had a steering column go bad in a car.
In my 2017 white Elantra, the paint in the hood and top started peeling off. I have seen multiple elantras especially white color having this issue. It seems like a manufacturing defect and Hyundai should address this issue through a recall.
The vehicle has stalled at low speeds multiple times. No check engine light comes on, so my mechanic can’t diagnose anything. He suspects it’s the issue that many other model years have been recalled for, but the 2017 Elantras are not included in the recall. Most recently the car stalled as I came to a stop at a red light.
This is the second time my check engine light has come on while driving and car vibrating and shaking in the middle of heavy traffic and also idling at stop lights/signs. Why does this keep happening? The codes were registered P0301/P0302. How dangerous is this especially with small children in the car. Totally unsafe.... The car was first towed to the dealership last year at the same time for the same reason. The first coil pack was replaced and off they sent me. Exactly one year later there goes number 2 coil pack. Not under warranty. How long do I have to hold my breath driving before 3 and 4 go out? Especially if I am out of state and driving 70 mph on the highway.
My 2017 Hyundai Elantra that I got in 2020, has been shaking at Idle for 3 years now off and on. I even got it serviced at Hyundai in Tyler Tx under warranty. I was told it’s the coil packs. I was driving to work yesterday and the Engine light was flashing at me, and my car was shaking and knocking extremely bad. I had to turn around and miss work due to this issue. Although, when I go to nearest dealership there are no OBD 2 codes that populate, or ANY codes for that matter, but I’m still seeing the engine light flashing, and I’m still experiencing daily shaking and knocking of my car at low speeds, and even on the highway. I’m scared to drive it since nobody can find codes as to why this is happening.
The cars breaks are difficult to stop, it does not slow down. The steering wheel is very stiff to turn. And my car was stolen due to Hyundai not equiping it with an immobilizer. It was recovered smashed in the front, no airbags were deploited. I have photos for proof.
For over a year, the front driver's side door handle has not worked properly. I would have to yank the door repeatedly, even while unlocked, to open it. Eventually this led to the plastic fracturing, and then breaking off completely when an auto tech tried to open it. Now, despite absolutely nothing having damaged them in the meantime, the front passenger side door handle has to be pulled on as many as 20+ times to open from the outside, and the back driver's side is not opening from the outside at all. The only functioning door is the passenger's side rear door. I have read multiple reports of other drivers whose doors are not opening from the outside OR the inside. This could not only make it so I am entirely unable to drive the car due to a complete inability to get inside (unless maybe I'm able to crawl through the trunk?), but also a serious safety hazard endangering anyone who might be stuck inside the car. Even if I replace the actuators I can't know that it won't just happen again. Along with that, the car has had a consistent problem with overheating despite several attempts by auto techs to fix the problem. Even at the "qualified" Hyundai dealership, the techs could never figure out the problem. I paid to have an independent mechanic replace the thermostat, in the hopes that it would repair the problem. It seemed to work until 2 weeks ago when I stopped the car, and after roughly 2 minutes idling it was overheating and I had to turn around. The approximate date I'm adding is just the date the auto tech ripped off the door handle, because these have been persistent and ongoing issues.
Loss of power steering assist that occurs at lower speeds that would require higher steering effort and which may increase the risk of a fatal/deadly crash.
Paint peeling on hood
The passenger side door will not open from the outside also the passenger airbag light comes on and off by itself also the steering wheel is jerky and movement
My car was making a clicking noise and I got it towed to the dealership where I brought it from and I was told by the dealership that my bearings on my engine failed the bearing test and I would need to purchase a new engine. I received regular maintenance on this vehicle to ensure that it last a very long time as I’ve only had it for 6 years and needing a new motor already. I’ve also had to change the hose twice and I have several paint chips.
Door exterior handle will not open after the car is locked and then unlocked. It takes multiple pulls after unlocking door and door will not open until 4-5 pulls are taken to get door open.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? "Paint flaking/chipping" How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? "No safety concern or issue" Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? "Not currently" Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? "Insurance representatives" Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? "No. Failure was noticed after traveling through foggy weather after reaching destination"
On December 11, I was driving on I-4 and I was going approximately 75 miles per hour and it was my first trip going more than 15 miles outside on my home. My oil light flickered and turned on and as soon as I moved over to the left lane to the right, my car stalled out and I had to pull over to the shoulder. Once brought to Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa, they told me my oil plug was not installed.
The problem has been persistent since 70,000 miles. The drivers side passenger door is unable to be opened from the inside and outside, most of the time. The car is available for inspection. Malfunctioning doors is absolutely a safety issue. If the car is involved in an accident the fastest way to get people out is by unlocking the doors and opening them. That cannot be done here thus it requires first responders to used spreaders and cutters to open a door that should be functional. The car is going to the dealership in a few days.
I was driving on the highway in busy NYC doing 50mph in the middle lane and my car shut off. My dashboard Did Not display any warning signals (check engine, check oil, anything) prior to this incident at all. My safety and others were put at risk. This is a known issue with Hyundai vehicles. I researched their were prior recalls for engine issues however elantras were not included in the recall. That needs to change. My car has an appointment for service however something needs to be done NOW about this issue. Things could’ve definitely went different. The maintenance on my vehicle is up to date. My vehicle is serviced at Hyundais service center. I’m extremely frustrated no warning lamps were ever displayed across my screen.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was making abnormal sounds while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where unknown engine parts and a computer part were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle was jerking. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated; however, the contact stated that an oil change had recently been performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 202,000.
This is the second time I'm requesting to have someone look into this matter. Hyundai had a class action lawsuit regarding engine recalls of many of their different types of vehicles and the elantra was not one of them. Well, my 2017 elsntra is sitting in the shop with the exact diagnosed problem with the car stalling, engine knocking and a rod causing the engine to need replacement with no warning lights appearing on my dashboard. I understand that I am out of the warranty period but this is obviously hyundai who has not properly set the warning lights to illuminate and my car was in the day before for a emissions test in which it passed with no problem. I have looked at several complaints about the 2017 elantra engines are needing to be replaced but consumers are mad because we weren't put into this recall. I think this needs to be looked into and someone should be looking to see why this car was not part of the recall as there is so many complaints about the 2017 elantra.
The paint on the hood and fenders are peeling off. If it’s washed off with a hose, the paint comes off
Apparently, hyundai recalled several of their different types of cars for engine knocking and didn't include the 2017 elantra. My car is now sitting at a shop with the exact symptoms that caused the recall. As I was making a left turn, I slowed down and the car stalled and I can hear knocking coming from car at that time. The next morning I heard knocking when I started it and took it right to shop for a diagnostic. There was never any warning lights illuminated while driving my car to indicate any problems, I just heard knocking. You can verify with the mechanic exactly what I said when I took it in and yes its out of warranty but this is do to their error. I have read so many of the same complaints now listed that this is happening to so many 2017 elantras, and it should be investigated further. Under the national highway patrol heading, I found several of the same complaints and I have sent an email to hyundai informing them of the samething I have mentioned to you. I know this was the result of class action lawsuit and I am going to notify the law group that handled the case next to see what needs to be addressed because if this is happening to all the years and makes and models from hyundai, then all our cars should be recalled because the complaints are there on the websites with people having to pay out of pocket for their mishap and its not because of poor maintenance, it's because they manufactured the engine wrong and with no warning lights would make them totally responsible. That's what warning lights do and if they don't illuminate, how can I know where the problem is unless it breaks down and I have to pay for diagnostic. I was asked by mechanic if any warning lights were illuminated and I told him no and this was verified by him after they turned the car on.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently on several occasions. The check engine warning light, the battery warning light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the engine made abnormal sounds. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving below 50 MPH. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The car keeps shaking when idle and has stalled out a few times. I was told it's oil consumption related and to just get oil changes more often. I have had the car stall out on the interstate ramp, on a mountain road, etc. I see other complaints have been written and have not been addressed.
I hit a bus and totaled my car and none of my airbags deployed which seems suspicious.
Doors will not open
Coil packs, spark plugs, misfires
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly over a concrete bar and drove up a hill. The contact depressed the brake pedal but to no avail. The contact steered the vehicle to the right direction to avoid entering a pool. She then crashed into multiple objects including trees, concrete parking bars, and multiple vehicles before coming to a stop. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance and was treated for injuries to her neck and back. A police report was filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was destroyed. Parking barriers and trees were damaged as a result of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
I can’t pinpoint the issue as it cannot be checked due to check engine light not staying on. I have narrowed it mostly down to being the Ingnition coil packs as I have a cylinder 3 misfire listed. My car started having this issue in 2021. I would eat my lunch in my car and noticed a drop in rpm’s while idle along with vibration of the vehicle. It has progressed to vibrating while driving on the road and not being able to accelerate in a timely manner. I know 2 other people that have the same year of car and they are experiencing these same issues. You can find, on the internet, countless complaints related to the ignition coils failing in these vehicles. A recall needs to be created for the safety of the drivers and passengers in these vehicles. It is irresponsible for a company to use faulty components and proves that the safety of their consumers is not in their best interest. I will continue to report the issue until something is done about it.
Engine has about 84,000 miles on it and car recently through a code reading E78 and E79. Further research on the codes other Kia and Hyundai owners reported car threw same codes before the engine blew or threw the engine rod. I will have car checked out at dealership as it’s still under warranty