2017 Hyundai Elantra transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11747095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

1. The engine architecture suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. Specifically, severe, systemic internal oil consumption/vaporization starved the hydraulic timing chain tensioner of critical hydrostatic pressure. This caused the tensioner to collapse, creating slack in the steel timing chain, which then "jumped time" (skipped a tooth on the camshaft sprockets), causing the engine to instantly seize and lose all motive power. The vehicle and engine are fully intact and available for inspection at Pohanka Hyundai of Fredericksburg. 2. The vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of motive power and engine seizure while being driven at night on an unlit, dark secondary roadway. The driver (my daughter) was left suddenly stranded without power in a highly vulnerable, pitch-black location with passing traffic, presenting an immediate collision hazard and a severe personal safety risk before emergency assistance could arrive. 3. Yes. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership (Pohanka Hyundai of Fredericksburg), where service technicians officially diagnosed that the engine had "jumped timing" and suffered a complete failure of the timing system, alongside a noted lack of engine oil volume due to vaporization. 4. The vehicle has been formally inspected and diagnosed by the authorized Hyundai dealership service department under Hyundai Motor America Corporate Case #[XXX]. No police or insurance inspections were required as no collision occurred. 5. No dash lights or warnings before failure. However, for a year prior, the engine exhibited severe internal oil vaporization, requiring constant top-offs between scheduled oil changes to maintain safe levels. There were zero external fluid leaks on the engine or ground; oil burned entirely internally. This chronic volumetric oil loss directly caused the sudden drop in pressure, hydraulic tensioner collapse, and catastrophic engine seizure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11741872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The ignition coil in my 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited has failed multiple times over the past several years. This recurring issue has caused the vehicle to malfunction unexpectedly, creating safety concerns due to reduced engine performance, misfiring, and the potential for sudden loss of power while driving, which puts both myself and others on the road at risk. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This issue has occurred multiple times with my vehicle. After researching online consumer reports and owner complaints, I found that ignition coil failures appear to be a common and recurring issue reported by other 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited owners. Based on these repeated failures and similar reports, this appears to be a known issue affecting this model. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? I have reported this issue to Hyundai multiple times. Rather than addressing the root cause or issuing a recall for this recurring defect, Hyundai has repeatedly provided credits to assist with repair costs when the ignition coil fails. Despite the repeated failures and safety concerns, the underlying issue has not been permanently resolved. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to failure, the vehicle would experience rough starts, engine misfires, and poor performance. After these symptoms began, the check engine light would eventually illuminate. Once the warning light appeared, the vehicle became increasingly unreliable and would stall or shut off unexpectedly. On one occasion, the vehicle shut off completely while I was driving.

NHTSA complaint #11739603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving, pressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. No warning lights came on until after I attempted to turn the vehicle back on then the check engine light and low oil light were illuminated. My vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and I was informed that the engine was blown and to tow my car to a Hyundai dealership as I was still under the 10 year/100k mile warranty. After getting my car to Hyundai, I was told I had to get a combustion cleaning for $800 whether the cleaning worked or not before any warranty work could be completed. The cleaning did not work and it was then found that a pin was sheared off inside the engine. My engine was then replaced under warranty but I still had to pay for the cleaning. A second mechanic looked over my paperwork after getting my car back 2 months later and noted that the engine failure could have been diagnosed without the cleaning as the cleaning would not have affected where the pin was sheared off. My 2017 Elantra had 90,315 at the time of this incident.

NHTSA complaint #11713030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Dual clutch transmission failed at 49,000 miles

NHTSA complaint #11692303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle has experienced ongoing powertrain and electrical malfunctions over several months. The most common symptoms include being stuck in 4th gear (limp mode), complete loss of RPM and speedometer readings, and illumination of the check engine and ESC lights. Most recently, while traveling at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of both acceleration and braking. The brake pedal became stiff and unresponsive, and the car had to coast to a stop without driver control. This posed a serious safety risk to myself and nearby traffic. These issues have persisted across multiple service visits to Ricart Hyundai in Groveport, Ohio. That dealership has replaced the crankshaft position sensor three times, the powertrain control module (PCM), and the battery, but the underlying problems remain unresolved. A technician at the dealership was able to reproduce the stalling event during a test drive. Despite that, the dealership has refused to proceed with further diagnostics unless I pay for an oil change, even though previous inspections by their own staff found no visible leaks and confirmed the oil level was sufficient at the time. They have also revoked complimentary access to a loaner vehicle despite the unresolved and unsafe condition of the car. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership, has occurred repeatedly, and continues to pose a safety concern. Warning lights and gauge failures typically appear when the issue occurs.

NHTSA complaint #11675401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11666555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 is: 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.

NHTSA complaint #11659613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The clutch/transmission clunks or jerks randomly when accelerator is pressed to gain speed, from stop or passing, in any drive mode. Believe this has been going on the past several years.

NHTSA complaint #11641553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11634159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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

NHTSA complaint #11623607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Our Hyundai Elantra Se 2017, engine blown. Started with knocking sound and when we stopped on the side of the highway it powered down. We have been told that unfortunately so many of hyundai's vehicle engines have been super problematic within the last decade. We were stranded on vacation. Had to pay for towing twice and a rental car to get back to North Carolina because we had to get back to work. We also have had to pay to diagnose the vehicle twice. We had the issue diagnosed with an independent service center Tuffys Auto in St. Johns Florida and now it currently is at Hyundai in St. Augustine. We have been without our vehicle for over a month and with the trending problems with these engines we shouldnt have to come out of pocket to fix it. Hyundai corporate has not been helpful at all even though we have had a case manager for over a month and they havent given us any info.

NHTSA complaint #11606471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I'm having issues with my car and I don't feel safe riding in it. While driving it start to coast. If I make a turn it shuts down. I am having some of the same issues some elantra having but because the VIN# doesn't show a recall I'm penalize for having this car.

NHTSA complaint #11597568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

For the past two weeks, the car has intermittently stalled out and the engine, oil, and battery lights come on. The dashboard electronics and radio stay on. When this happens, I have to put the car in park and turn it off, then turn it back on. It has restarted immediately each time and drives normally. It has stalled out multiple times in a day, but not everyday. I took it to my mechanic twice to pull an error code from the warning lights, but he could not. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk when it stalled out while I was deaccelerating on an exit ramp that merges with three other lanes. I could have been hit from behind by others exiting the interstate highway or hit on either side of my car from drivers switching lanes at that junction. It stalled out the same day in the middle of a roundabout, where drivers yield and merge at 30 mph. I've noticed that when it stalls out, I'm usually braking or the vehicle is turning. The car is currently at the mechanic, who has not yet been able to reproduce the stalling and warning lights, but he did pull a diagnostic trouble code: P010600; Description: Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance. He's not sure if it's a faulty sensor or if something is causing the trouble code since the warning lights weren't on with the code. The car has not yet been inspected by the dealership or others.

NHTSA complaint #11569165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11564654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My vehicle keeps shutting down while I’m driving. It happened 5 times in the past week and twice today. It happens when I’m driving slow to make a turn or after the car has been stopped for a while (i.g. stop light and drive through window). Three out of five times were in areas where I could safely restart my car. The other two were in the middle of a busy expressway while making a turn and passing through a busy intersection. I was almost hit from behind. The car that swerved to avoid hitting me was also nearly hit by a vehicle in the other lane. I’ve done research and several other people had this issue but there’s no recall on my car. I don’t know if it’s a battery issue or electrical wiring, etc., but it is terrifying. Each time it happens my vehicle makes a strange rattling nose and I can’t quite tell where it’s coming from. The car also shakes for a while afterwards.

NHTSA complaint #11562857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

when driving (typically at a low speed) the engine will shut off with no warning.

NHTSA complaint #11548141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The engine is making weird noises and the vehicle is stalling and is not accelerating. If am trying to accelerate the crank shaft noise is coming from the engine. Koi

NHTSA complaint #11534438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Car would just stall out while driving! Would have to put car in park and then try to turn back on. Also burning through oil very fast. Had to replace the timing belt just for 20K miles later having the same issue!

NHTSA complaint #11532771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Have had the vehicle throw a code for a misfire 4 times in the 30,000 miles I have driven it. The times I have taken it to Hyundai dealerships in Northglenn and Boulder, Colorado they tried an update and just swap ignition coils to different cylinders. Example misfire is cylinder 3. They swap number 3 and 4 ignition coils to see if they can recreate the problem I the new cylinder. There is already a TCS 20-FL-001h. I recommend a full recall of these defective ignition coils be put out as the problems are still occurring. The problem is reoccurring and the time it takes to get into the shop is 3 weeks out at this time. By the time I get it in the code usually resolves and I have to wait until I get violent shakes and poor acceleration to indicate it is back. Had an accident in January if 2023 and it seemed the brakes were t working as they should. Twice after that the brakes felt as if they weren’t stopping as well as they should. I took the vehicle in and had the rear drum brakes adjusted and that seemed to fix the problem.

NHTSA complaint #11523136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11504308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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

NHTSA complaint #11490368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am the owner of a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. I bought the car for my daughter for transportation to and from school and work. As her boyfriend was driving on a 3-lane highway in heavy traffic, the car would no longer accelerate, and the steering wheel locked. The engine just stopped and seized up. The car lost all power and steering capability. He rolled the car into the left-hand turn lane. A police officer pulled up about 30 seconds later, said that he was obstructing traffic, and to move the car out of the turn lane. Her boyfriend had to push the car across the median, and 3 lanes of traffic, to get to the opposite side of the highway's shoulder, by himself. When he nearly had the car off of the road, on the opposite side of the highway, a pedestrian approached and helped him finish pushing it out of the road. This could have caused a major car accident, or someone could've been killed or injured while pushing the car. I have moved one hour away from my daughter, so I cannot provide her with a ride to and from school and work. She and I are stuck paying $301.18/mo on a car that is inoperable; it's just sitting and rotting at her apartment complex. We are also stuck paying $135.87/mo for her car insurance on a car that is inoperable. Also, this model year, 2017, has a problem with peeling paint too. The car has missing paint patches all over. Previously, at just 51,000 miles, the car had stalling problems. The car would just shut off while driving. It was repaired at Hyundai. When we got it back, it was still doing the same thing, and had to go back in again for service at Hyundai. I filed a formal complaint with Hyundai Consumer Affairs. Hyundai should have already issued recalls for these problems that many people are experiencing. I've been doing research and have found that this year and model Hyundai is very problematic. They are refusing to take responsibility by not issuing recalls on these recurrent problems that they're aware of.

NHTSA complaint #11486074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

UNKNOWN. Battery died out on my twice, every two years. Motor needed to be replaced after 5 years.

NHTSA complaint #11483262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My car stalled twice while driving on my way to work and had a weird knocking sound. I brought this to my local mechanic and they believed it was Rod Knock cause by premature rod bearing failure. They said this is a common issue with Hyundai 2.0L 4 cylinder engines and told me to reach out to a Hyundai dealership. The first dealer I called said if it was the rod bearing it would be covered under an extended warranty. That dealership couldn’t get me in for 3-4 weeks so I called the dealership I purchased the car new at. They said the same thing that it was a common issue with the 2.0 4 cylinder engines and said they could get me in in less than a week. I paid to have my car towed to them on Friday and they called me this morning confirming that it is a worn rod bearing and informed me I would need a new engine. They said that my specific VIN is not covered by their extended warranty covering this specific issue. It is my understanding that specific models using the same engine are covered but for some reason mine is not. I just spent over $2000 on the engine with issues that they said they wouldn’t cover and now they want me to pay them over $7000 to replace the engine on an issue they are aware of in this 2.0l engine they manufactured. Please help me to rectify this issue with my car. I cannot afford $7000+ for a new engine and I certainly cannot afford a new car. This car is less than 6 years old and I would have expected power train to last significantly longer.

NHTSA complaint #11480602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Started having intermittent misfires on various cylinders, specifically cylinder 3. (Code P0303) This would mainly cause the engine to stall, or idle. No accidents or injuries to report, but having a car stall out at 80 MPH on the freeway is certainly scary as hell. Just frustration and possible damage to other parts of the engine (spark plugs and some wiring). Took vehicle into local auto shop where they reproduced the problem, but informed me of TSB 20-FL-001H, which can only be fixed by a Hyundai dealership due to the ECM reprogramming and the proprietary nature of the tool to perform that. As such I have taken the vehicle to a Hyundai Dealership where, again, they were able to find and diagnose the problem, as well as determine the spark plugs were likely fouled by the known-faulty ignition coil packs. This is the third time in 75,000 miles I've replaced them.

NHTSA complaint #11478410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Bad Ignition Colis Poor Fuel Economy: if you notice that your car is getting less mileage from a full tank than normal, this could mean that you have a bad ignition coil. This takes place because, when your, spark plugs aren’t getting a certain power, the system will try to compensate by taking more fuel. Hard Starts And Stalling: the ignition needs to spark at just the right time for the engine to start and a vehicle to run. If an ignition coil is malfunctioning and not delivering the required voltage to the spark plugs, you will find it hard to start the engine. Misfiring Engine: A malfunctioning ignition coil will cause your vehicle to misfire when you accelerate. In some other cases, a misfire could cause your vehicle to shut down while you are driving

NHTSA complaint #11477586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

This is just to inform the issue that I faced with my car, Hyundai Elantra 2017. The incident happened twice. I was driving once on an interstate, luckily was driving very slow (due to traffic), when I accelerated a from a halt position the car started to jerk and the engine light came up and the car stopped. I then took the car on the shoulder and turned on the car after 5minutes, luckily the light went away and was able to drive back home slowly and safely without any problem then. Thought it's just a one off situation. This again happened when I was driving in the city; Stopped at a signal and was starting from stop position on a signal when the engine light shows up again and car started to jerk again, with that on I slowly drove 1 mile back to home. The next working day I took it to the dealership to get the car checked. The service center said that they will have to replace 4 spark plugs, 4 Coils, and the driver belt. I got that replaced and got the car back finally after 2 weeks. It was disappointing to hear that warranty didn't cover anything. My car is 5.5 years old and 61,000 miles only and the dealership and Hyundai USA declined the request to cover any of the charges saying it's out of warranty. (i.e. just 1000 miles outside the limit of 60K and 6 months outside the window of 5years). Today I just wanted to share the experience that I had and that just at 61000 miles, it gave what seemed to be a big problem with the powertrain and at that time felt unsafe to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11473728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

1) The transmission has a delay in shifting, and I smell burning under the hood. I took it back to the dealer where I bought it. I was told nothing was wrong with it. The problem has been coming back. The dealership was Dennis Hyuandai on Morse Rd in Cols. Oh. 43219 2) I am afraid I may have this problem on the highway some day, as it has become more frequent. 3) Dealer claims nothing wrong with the transmission. 4) No I didn't know I had this opption. 5) No none. It has been and on and off problem for nearly 2yrs

NHTSA complaint #11455644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.