Owners have filed 36 complaints
about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 53
Against the median year of the Hyundai Elantra GT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2017 compares with every other Hyundai Elantra GT
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
225.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
337.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
337.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2017 Hyundai Elantra Gt 5 HB FWD
10.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2019peak 3Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2023125404,543 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: Hyundai is conducting a special service campaign that provides anti-corrosion treatment to certain underbody components. Over time, components under the vehicle, including brake lines could corrode. If this happens, a brake line could fail and leak. A brake fluid leak can result in reduced braking. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause an extended stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the underbody, including the brake lines. The dealer will apply an anti-corrosion treatment to certain parts, and replace the brake lines if necessary.
Recall 2022244178,064 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine. For the Sonata model, only the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this campaign. This is an expansion of R0180 (Transport Canada #2021-575). Any vehicle that received a software update under campaign R0180 does not require this update. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Hyundai recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Hyundai advises you to immediately visit a Hyundai dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall 2021575152,924 units in Canada
Engine
This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2022-244. Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine. For the Sonata model, only the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this campaign. All vehicles previously included in TC # 2021-034 are now part of this new campaign. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Hyundai recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Hyundai advises you to immediately visit a Hyundai dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sharon, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
2017 Hyundai Elantra GT suffered leakage from the hydraulic brake lines located under the driver's seat which can cause sudden and total braking failure. The leakage was caused by severe rust and corrosion trapped by the underbody panels. The fuel line was also severely corroded, with imminent failure. While Transport Canada issued an official safety recall for this exact engineering defect on the same generation of Elantra GT under Transport Canada (Campaign 2023125), Hyundai Motor America has failed to extend this protection to U.S. consumers, leaving vehicles on U.S. roads with active, life-threatening brake and fuel line failures.
NHTSA complaint #11756080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sharon, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2017 Hyundai Elantra GT suffered leakage from the hydraulic brake lines located under the driver's seat which can cause sudden and total braking failure. The leakage was caused by severe rust and corrosion trapped by the underbody panels. The fuel line was also severely corroded, with imminent failure. While Transport Canada issued an official safety recall for this exact engineering defect on the same generation of Elantra GT under Transport Canada (Campaign 2023125), Hyundai Motor America has failed to extend this protection to U.S. consumers, leaving vehicles on U.S. roads with active, life-threatening brake and fuel line failures.
NHTSA complaint #11756080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morgantown, KY
ENGINE
The Engine stalled completely at highway speeds. It was then towed to the dealership and was diagnosed with engine rod bearing failure. Hyundai is denying the warranty extension for this engine failure based on an incomplete 'Service Campaign 966' that does not appear on the NHTSA public recall database, leaving consumers unnotified of safety-critical software updates."
NHTSA complaint #11755675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
POWER TRAIN
I bought a vehicle used and it malfunctions in six days. It is a safety hazard to me the driver and other drivers on the roads. The vehicle is weighing heavy on the passenger side the car is not parallel. Also the vehicle stalls while driving. The pedal stops giving power to the car. I attempted to fix the car and the problems still persist. The mechanics said the car need shocks, struts, and wheel alignment.
NHTSA complaint #11751348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
STEERING
I bought a vehicle used and it malfunctions in six days. It is a safety hazard to me the driver and other drivers on the roads. The vehicle is weighing heavy on the passenger side the car is not parallel. Also the vehicle stalls while driving. The pedal stops giving power to the car. I attempted to fix the car and the problems still persist. The mechanics said the car need shocks, struts, and wheel alignment.
NHTSA complaint #11751348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
SUSPENSION
I bought a vehicle used and it malfunctions in six days. It is a safety hazard to me the driver and other drivers on the roads. The vehicle is weighing heavy on the passenger side the car is not parallel. Also the vehicle stalls while driving. The pedal stops giving power to the car. I attempted to fix the car and the problems still persist. The mechanics said the car need shocks, struts, and wheel alignment.
NHTSA complaint #11751348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
ENGINE
My vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership In November 2025 to complete safety recall campaign KSDS (Campaign 966). Soon after picking up the vehicle after the dealer flashed the ECU, the vehicle went into a permanent, dangerous "limp mode" that severely limits the engine's RPMs, making it impossible to accelerate to highway speeds. The vehicle's computer displays zero OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (no P1326 or standard fault codes). The dealership is refusing to address this issue, falsely claiming a plugged catalytic converter, despite the vehicle having passed a strict California Smog Check with perfect emissions and zero catalyst codes, just a few weeks before the update was performed, and ran perfectly normal. This recall software update has rendered my vehicle extremely unsafe to drive on public roads, and the manufacturer's authorized repair facility is refusing to remedy the electronic damage caused by the recall installation. I am trapped driving a disabled vehicle in a permanent, dangerous software loop.
NHTSA complaint #11742601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marana, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am writing to formally log a critical safety and product reliability complaint regarding my Hyundai Elantra GT. The vehicle has suffered catastrophic engine failure characterized by severe rod knock. This failure occurred without any prior warning from the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic systems, exposing an engineering and sensor flaw that creates an immediate safety hazard.The vehicle was operating normally when it suddenly developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound from the engine block, indicative of failed connecting rod bearings. Upon immediate inspection, the issue was linked to critical oil starvation or pressure drops.Crucially, the vehicle’s warning systems failed entirely to alert me to an issue:No Low Oil Pressure Warning: The dashboard oil pressure light never illuminated to warn of low pressure or critical oil level depletion.No Check Engine Light (CEL): The engine sensors failed to detect underlying mechanical distress, oil degradation, or early-stage misfires before the catastrophic failure occurred.Complete System Silence: The vehicle gave absolutely no visual or audible alerts on the instrument cluster, depriving me of the chance to pull over safely and shut off the engine to prevent total destruction.This sensor failure is an unacceptable safety risk. Total engine seizure at highway speeds can cause a sudden loss of motive power, power steering, and braking assist, endangering my life and the lives of others on the road. The failure of Hyundai’s diagnostic sensors to communicate active oil or mechanical breakdown directly directly caused this total engine loss.I request that Hyundai review this case immediately, investigate the failure of the warning systems, and provide financial remediation for the required engine replacement.I look forward to your prompt response regarding the next steps for a corporate review.
NHTSA complaint #11737885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marana, AZ
ENGINE
I am writing to formally log a critical safety and product reliability complaint regarding my Hyundai Elantra GT. The vehicle has suffered catastrophic engine failure characterized by severe rod knock. This failure occurred without any prior warning from the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic systems, exposing an engineering and sensor flaw that creates an immediate safety hazard.The vehicle was operating normally when it suddenly developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound from the engine block, indicative of failed connecting rod bearings. Upon immediate inspection, the issue was linked to critical oil starvation or pressure drops.Crucially, the vehicle’s warning systems failed entirely to alert me to an issue:No Low Oil Pressure Warning: The dashboard oil pressure light never illuminated to warn of low pressure or critical oil level depletion.No Check Engine Light (CEL): The engine sensors failed to detect underlying mechanical distress, oil degradation, or early-stage misfires before the catastrophic failure occurred.Complete System Silence: The vehicle gave absolutely no visual or audible alerts on the instrument cluster, depriving me of the chance to pull over safely and shut off the engine to prevent total destruction.This sensor failure is an unacceptable safety risk. Total engine seizure at highway speeds can cause a sudden loss of motive power, power steering, and braking assist, endangering my life and the lives of others on the road. The failure of Hyundai’s diagnostic sensors to communicate active oil or mechanical breakdown directly directly caused this total engine loss.I request that Hyundai review this case immediately, investigate the failure of the warning systems, and provide financial remediation for the required engine replacement.I look forward to your prompt response regarding the next steps for a corporate review.
NHTSA complaint #11737885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marana, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing to formally log a critical safety and product reliability complaint regarding my Hyundai Elantra GT. The vehicle has suffered catastrophic engine failure characterized by severe rod knock. This failure occurred without any prior warning from the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic systems, exposing an engineering and sensor flaw that creates an immediate safety hazard.The vehicle was operating normally when it suddenly developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound from the engine block, indicative of failed connecting rod bearings. Upon immediate inspection, the issue was linked to critical oil starvation or pressure drops.Crucially, the vehicle’s warning systems failed entirely to alert me to an issue:No Low Oil Pressure Warning: The dashboard oil pressure light never illuminated to warn of low pressure or critical oil level depletion.No Check Engine Light (CEL): The engine sensors failed to detect underlying mechanical distress, oil degradation, or early-stage misfires before the catastrophic failure occurred.Complete System Silence: The vehicle gave absolutely no visual or audible alerts on the instrument cluster, depriving me of the chance to pull over safely and shut off the engine to prevent total destruction.This sensor failure is an unacceptable safety risk. Total engine seizure at highway speeds can cause a sudden loss of motive power, power steering, and braking assist, endangering my life and the lives of others on the road. The failure of Hyundai’s diagnostic sensors to communicate active oil or mechanical breakdown directly directly caused this total engine loss.I request that Hyundai review this case immediately, investigate the failure of the warning systems, and provide financial remediation for the required engine replacement.I look forward to your prompt response regarding the next steps for a corporate review.
NHTSA complaint #11737885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
ENGINE
After a Hyundai dealership installed the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update to prevent engine bearing failure and potential fires in certain Theta II, Nu, and Gamma engines, my Elantra GT is stuck in limp mode and will no longer accelerate. Since it takes my car a very long time to reach safe driving speeds, I took the car back to the dealership and they conveniently blamed the catalytic converter. I went for a ride with a California BAR associate, and he agreed that the update was causing my engine to go into limp mode, and it wasn't a symptom of a plugged CAT, but he was unable or unwilling to help me. Hyundai acknowledged that the engine does qualify for the Theta II extended warranty but will not explore that possibility until I have them replace the cat for $3,300, which we both know isn't going to solve anything. I have contacted Hyundai Corporate Customer Relations, and even the BBB, who refuses to qualify my car for their Engine Replacement class action lawsuit because the engine hasn't seized up yet, which will never happen since the update is preventing it. Even lemon law lawyers refuse to assist me because the car is too old. Since this is the only car I have, I am a nervous reck whenever I have to use it. If I press the accelerator pedal just a bit too much, the engine cuts out.
NHTSA complaint #11729107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RI
POWER TRAIN
Was driving the car on a two lane road and engine shut off. Had to coast to side of road. Had car towed to deal and they say it is a bottom end knock and engine has to be replaced. It has 54,000 miles and has been serviced regularly by Hyundai dealers. Dealer can not specify what is wrong with engine other than bottom end knock and won’t drop the pan or do an oil analysis to find out more details.
NHTSA complaint #11658501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,600 milesRedondo Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to gain forward momentum, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact observed that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact stated that the vehicle was operating in "LIMP Mode" and was able to exit the highway. The contact stopped and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC Code: P1326; and determined that the PCM needed to be flashed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the contact had experienced a similar failure a year and a half prior. The contact stated that another dealer had performed a similar repair of flashing the PCM. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,600.
NHTSA complaint #11613120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,600 milesRedondo Beach, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to gain forward momentum, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact observed that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact stated that the vehicle was operating in "LIMP Mode" and was able to exit the highway. The contact stopped and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC Code: P1326; and determined that the PCM needed to be flashed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the contact had experienced a similar failure a year and a half prior. The contact stated that another dealer had performed a similar repair of flashing the PCM. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,600.
NHTSA complaint #11613120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Knock Sensor and decreased internal battery No harm to me or others Yes No No, 12-23-2023 date of incident.
NHTSA complaint #11563027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OH
ENGINE
Knock Sensor and decreased internal battery No harm to me or others Yes No No, 12-23-2023 date of incident.
NHTSA complaint #11563027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmonds, WA
POWER TRAIN
my vehicle with apparently refurbished engine was purchased certified used through carvana in 2019 & was one of the recalled vehicles from 2017 (which I was NOT informed of at them of purchase)and is exhibiting the same signs as those in the recall, loss of power at acceleration, vibrating, etc & my local dealership, Doug's Hyundai of Edmonds is refusing to service my vehicle. I don't feel safe driving further to another dealership
NHTSA complaint #11554259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmonds, WA
SUSPENSION
my vehicle with apparently refurbished engine was purchased certified used through carvana in 2019 & was one of the recalled vehicles from 2017 (which I was NOT informed of at them of purchase)and is exhibiting the same signs as those in the recall, loss of power at acceleration, vibrating, etc & my local dealership, Doug's Hyundai of Edmonds is refusing to service my vehicle. I don't feel safe driving further to another dealership
NHTSA complaint #11554259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmonds, WA
ENGINE
my vehicle with apparently refurbished engine was purchased certified used through carvana in 2019 & was one of the recalled vehicles from 2017 (which I was NOT informed of at them of purchase)and is exhibiting the same signs as those in the recall, loss of power at acceleration, vibrating, etc & my local dealership, Doug's Hyundai of Edmonds is refusing to service my vehicle. I don't feel safe driving further to another dealership
NHTSA complaint #11554259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Katy, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power while accelerating. Additionally, while driving at approximately 65–70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal and decelerated to 45 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Brookshire Hyundai & Ioniq, 34656 Katy Fwy, Brookshire, TX 77423, where it was diagnosed that a point and plug, an oil change, and an oil consumption test were performed. The dealer recommended a catalytic converter replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact there was no warranty on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11552193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Katy, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power while accelerating. Additionally, while driving at approximately 65–70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal and decelerated to 45 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Brookshire Hyundai & Ioniq, 34656 Katy Fwy, Brookshire, TX 77423, where it was diagnosed that a point and plug, an oil change, and an oil consumption test were performed. The dealer recommended a catalytic converter replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact there was no warranty on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11552193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little Rock, AR
ENGINE
I bought a 2017 Hyundia Elantra GT on 2/14/22 for my 16 year old daughter cash $8000. The car ran good for about a month but I could smell fumes so I took the car to the dealership on 3/11/22. I had to replaced the catalytic converter with the Hyundia dealership, which cost me $2600. On 4/8/22, my 16 year old daughter was driving to work and she advised me that it was really hard to stop on the brakes. I asked her did the brake light or service light come on. She was like no, so I drove the care to see what she was talking about and it was really hard to stop on brakes. I was having to use all my weight just to stop on brakes. I was so terrified because she could have had an accident. we thought we had all the problems behind us after getting the brake booster replaced ($500). I recently found out that there was also a recall on the brake booster (recall#17V0630000). Little did we know the worst was yet to come. On 7/26/22 my daughter was on her way to work up a hill on the freeway and the car completely stopped after making a thumping/tapping noise. No check engine warning. Leaving her in a dangerous situation to be hit by oncoming traffic. Being that the car could not be moved we had to have the car towed to the closet service center. Once they conducted their diagnostic they found that the Engine needed to be replaced showing code P0326, P0014, P052A, P0506, P0300, P0301, P0303. I was told that 2014-2017 Hyundia Elantra GT 2.0 engines had a campaign and they extended the warranty to 15years 150,000 miles. I contacted Hyundia and they advised me that I needed to take the car to the dealership in order for them to run test to determine if the engine can be replaced under the campaigns extended warranty. The car made it to the dealership yesterday 8/1/22 and I was told because they are backed up with other customers with similar issues it was going to be at least 3 months before the car would be ready, IF they get the okay from Hyundia on my case. Case#20112426
NHTSA complaint #11477089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little Rock, AR
SERVICE BRAKES
I bought a 2017 Hyundia Elantra GT on 2/14/22 for my 16 year old daughter cash $8000. The car ran good for about a month but I could smell fumes so I took the car to the dealership on 3/11/22. I had to replaced the catalytic converter with the Hyundia dealership, which cost me $2600. On 4/8/22, my 16 year old daughter was driving to work and she advised me that it was really hard to stop on the brakes. I asked her did the brake light or service light come on. She was like no, so I drove the care to see what she was talking about and it was really hard to stop on brakes. I was having to use all my weight just to stop on brakes. I was so terrified because she could have had an accident. we thought we had all the problems behind us after getting the brake booster replaced ($500). I recently found out that there was also a recall on the brake booster (recall#17V0630000). Little did we know the worst was yet to come. On 7/26/22 my daughter was on her way to work up a hill on the freeway and the car completely stopped after making a thumping/tapping noise. No check engine warning. Leaving her in a dangerous situation to be hit by oncoming traffic. Being that the car could not be moved we had to have the car towed to the closet service center. Once they conducted their diagnostic they found that the Engine needed to be replaced showing code P0326, P0014, P052A, P0506, P0300, P0301, P0303. I was told that 2014-2017 Hyundia Elantra GT 2.0 engines had a campaign and they extended the warranty to 15years 150,000 miles. I contacted Hyundia and they advised me that I needed to take the car to the dealership in order for them to run test to determine if the engine can be replaced under the campaigns extended warranty. The car made it to the dealership yesterday 8/1/22 and I was told because they are backed up with other customers with similar issues it was going to be at least 3 months before the car would be ready, IF they get the okay from Hyundia on my case. Case#20112426
NHTSA complaint #11477089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston Salem, NC
ENGINE
Bought my vehicle used a few months ago. Engine started knocking. Hyundai dealership told me I had a engine recall but would not fix the problem due to sludge buildup causing the engine to knock. Sludge buildup is due to manufacturing problems but Hyundai is refusing to fix.
NHTSA complaint #11448590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesSelden, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while her husband was driving 50 MPH, he lifted his foot off the accelerator pedal and started to hear an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive to his employer's parking lot. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11443863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.