78 of the
161 complaints filed about the Hyundai Elantra GT
are about the engine —
48% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
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.
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.
The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The engine burns approximately one quart of oil per week during normal driving conditions. There are no visible oil leaks, and no warning lights, check engine light, or other dashboard messages have appeared. The oil level drops rapidly between oil changes and requires frequent topping off to prevent the engine from running low on oil. This condition creates a safety risk because the engine could suffer sudden damage, loss of power, or engine failure while driving if the oil level becomes too low. The problem has been ongoing and is reproducible. The oil consumption appears similar to issues reported in recalls and investigations involving Hyundai engines; however, when the VIN was checked, it was reported as not included in any recall. No external oil leaks have been identified. The component available for inspection is the engine and related lubrication system. Prior to discovering the excessive oil consumption, there were no warning lamps, messages, unusual noises, or other symptoms. The issue was first noticed when the oil level was found to be significantly low despite regular maintenance and no evidence of leaks. The cause is believed to be internal engine oil consumption. UNKNOWN whether the manufacturer has inspected the vehicle. Additional inspection and investigation are requested due to the similarity of this condition to known Hyundai engine oil consumption complaints.
NHTSA complaint #11741976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The vehicle is experiencing engine-related excessive oil consumption, which has led to failure of the catalytic converter and emissions system. The root issue appears to be an internal engine defect causing oil to burn during operation. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request, including the engine and catalytic converter components. The excessive oil consumption creates a risk of engine damage or sudden engine failure while driving, which could lead to loss of power in traffic. Additionally, a failing catalytic converter can cause reduced engine performance, stalling, or overheating, increasing the risk of unsafe driving conditions, especially on highways or in heavy traffic. Yes, the issue was previously reported to a dealership, including concerns about excessive oil consumption. The problem has continued and worsened over time, now resulting in a check engine light and catalytic converter-related fault codes, confirming the ongoing condition. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership service department in the past regarding oil consumption concerns. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Further inspection by the manufacturer or authorized dealership can be conducted upon request. Yes, symptoms began with excessive oil loss requiring frequent top-offs, followed by the appearance of a check engine light. The issue was first reported approximately one year ago and has progressively worsened, ultimately resulting in catalytic converter-related fault codes and continued oil consumption.
NHTSA complaint #11730804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Engine consumes large amount of oil requiring oil refill every week, without turning on check engine and/or engine oil light. Raising the chances to cause accidents due to engine failure while driving, and requiring mechanical intervention to rebuild the engine or a total engine swap. There are over 40 other complaints about this same issue, and it needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11711527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I've contacted Hyundai to try and do a recall repair on my Hyundai Elantra GT 2018 both through a local dealership (Planet Hyundai in Golden, CO) and Hyundai corporate. The engine is stalling and knocking very bad to the point where it's no longer drivable. It's burning oil non-stop and I am constantly adding oil to it. I'm getting pushback from Hyundai saying I never fixed the recall when I was actually not notified to begin with. I'm the 2nd owner of the car so if I was never notified, how can I be responsible for something I was never told about? Now they are saying this little sensor was supposed to help let you know there's a problem with the engine (sounds like a check engine light?). Hyundai has known about their engines being faulty for quite some time. I need this vehicle to get to and from my job as well as taking my grandson to multiple doctor's appointments each week because he has a disability (he's only [XXX] old). They need to take responsibility for this. Is there anything the NHTSA can do? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased the car on April 7th, 2022 with roughly 115k miles on it and got a blinking CEL shortly after. The engine was listed as a recall and was swapped with 115,610 miles on it directly after the swap. During this, the Hyundai dealership representative called Hyundai's engineer department twice, trying to get this taken care of by Hyundai/paid for by them and they denied it twice, causing me to have to pay half of what the company I got the car from covered. I was told it was denied due to being the 2nd owner and for high mileage/being out of warranty because of this mileage. I submitted all repair invoices and proof of payment through the Hyundai Campaign Reimbursement Portal, got ignored for about 3 months, then when I followed up, I was denied for the same reason, approximately around September 30th, 2025. The settlement terms for these engines typically cover all subsequent owners and do not have a mileage cap for the lifetime warranty, yet I was still illegally denied. As seen, That you have already exhausted Hyundai’s internal rebuttal process without success. I would appreciate any and all help in receiving the money paid rightfully given to me due to Hyundai's non compliance on this matter, thank you very much.
NHTSA complaint #11710651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car was being driven home when car started shaking heavily and check engine light started flashing. Car had been needing 1qt of oil every 600-800 miles, depending on drive (highway would go longer). Pulled off to the side and plugged in code reader - found that cylinder 3 misfired and catalyst system below threshold. Was able to get the car home. Towed it to Hyundai dealership the following week once they were available and they found a bad cylinder head and leaking cylinder. Assumption is the amount of oil it was using ended up backing up carbon buildup. Car has less than 100,000 miles on it and even with maintenance it needs a new engine.
NHTSA complaint #11696512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bought the car used last year. The check engine light recently came on and started blinking. And stalled. The car was low in oil but there were no leaks. The engine was knocking. Had a diagnostic done and they said the engine had a death code and needed to be replaced. There is a campaign with Hyundai (#203) that we found online related to faulty piston oil rings and out symptoms matched near perfectly although our car is not associated with any claims
NHTSA complaint #11690355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In mid-2024, the vehicle experienced a flashing check engine light. I brought it to Murfreesboro Hyundai (TN), where they confirmed the oil was low and started an oil consumption test. A bearing clearance test (BCT) was also performed and passed. After back-and-forth over several weeks, I was told the oil consumption was within spec, but the dealership stated Hyundai would cover all necessary repairs, including a combustion chamber cleaning, under warranty. I was told this work was completed and the vehicle was returned to me. In July 2025, the exact same flashing CEL returned. I brought the car back to the same dealership, where they again found the oil was 2.5 quarts low. However, this time they claimed no previous combustion cleaning or repairs had been done, and that I would now need to pay over $1,100 out of pocket for the same cleaning that was supposedly already performed — and which they had told me would be covered under warranty. This indicates that the dealership misrepresented completed service work, failed to address a recurring defect, and is now trying to shift the financial burden to me. Hyundai’s claim that oil consumption is not “high enough” to warrant coverage is concerning, especially when the condition continues to damage the engine and cause driveability issues. This appears to be part of a broader known defect affecting Hyundai 2.0L engines. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s handling of oil consumption, engine misfire, and warranty practices related to the 2018 Elantra GT and similar models.
NHTSA complaint #11677085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
It uses a lot of oil with no visible leak or reason. I put new oil in all the time. All the time! For two years since buying it used. Warning light does not come on till it's out. Car is hot, of course, and stops running in the middle of the road. I see there is a recall on some elantras for oil piston seals but not this car. Seems it should be.
NHTSA complaint #11670888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Y check engine light started flashing and I have a code reader and it come up p1326 wh I ch is knock sensor lost power and I checked into that and it said a lot of engines were affected by that and they had to replace thousands of engines for this and my vehicle was in the affected ones b6t I put the Vin in and it has no recalls can't even drive now
NHTSA complaint #11670426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There are several things that go wrong with this car. One is the headlights. I’ve had to change them several times over the span of a year. It also burns an insane amount of oil. I have to change it every 2k-3k miles and even at that point it’s almost out, even with an extender put in it. I’ve been told by numerous mechanics that I should just get rid of the car and they only run into this issue with Hyundais, especially the Elantras. My car had begun to act weird the day I got my oil changed this last time. They looked at it and there was hardly any in there even though I was still under the 3k miles. I’ll have to get my oil changed at least once a month at this rate which will require so much money just to do.
NHTSA complaint #11641997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The RPM decreased significantly, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 22-01-023H-2; however, the repair was not covered under the program. The failure mileage was 138,500.
NHTSA complaint #11633448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH in stop-and-go traffic, the engine light illuminated. While driving, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at 35-45 MPH three days later, the engine light illuminated again, and the vehicle started to decelerate. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer, who performed a combustion test. The dealer requested permission for a mechanic to take the vehicle to the residence for a road test. The contact declined the request. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact requested a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11627291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.