2019 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

ENGINE

On 6/12/26, the engine had a sudden, catastrophic failure that caused a life-threatening hazard on a 2-lane highway in a remote mountain grade with no shoulder. Prior to this incident, the forward collision system had falsely gone off several times in dark or rainy conditions when there was no actual hazard or oncoming traffic on the road, which is very distracting and dangerous. Hyundai is not abiding by the terms of the federal class action lawsuit settlement, refuses to replace the defective engine, and is generally a danger to the public. What is the NHTSA going to do the next time a Hyundai catches fire and causes a catastrophic disaster in Southern California? I was fortunate the engine didn't catch fire...it was lightning-hot when I opened the hood a full 30 minutes after the breakdown. This has a Nu series MPI engine...there are 5 known classes of Hyundai/Kia engines that fail without warning and the company is still getting away with endangering drivers, refusing to replace or reimburse. I have a 10k lien on this vehicle and my livelihood is at risk because of Hyundai's negligence and disregard for the law. My stalled vehicle could have caused a deadly accident when it failed had another driver failed to see it blocking the road. This is happening to millions of Hyundai owners and we're not getting the recourse we were promised. My VIN was excluded from recalls and class action, yet it has the same exact dangerous engine defect. Please investigate the Nu 2.0 MPI engine series if this hasn't already been established as an additional unsafe configuration. It would be in the interest of public safety if Hyundai went out of business; the company's manufacturing is a danger to society and Hyundai doesn't care as long as they continue to profit from consumer hardship and suffering.

NHTSA complaint #11758964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

About two months ago, I had to replace the camshaft on my vehicle. Then about 3 weeks ago while driving down the road I began to hear a grinding slap near the front right of the vehicle. Then the power died and the vehicle limped into a parking lot. After stopping for about 30 minutes, I was able to restart the vehicle and get it home. The same noise occurred the whole drive. I couldn't start it again, and had it towed to my mechanic. The mechanic's review showed that the engine had seized up despite only being down a quart of oil. The engine was getting plenty of oil to give him confidence that missing oil wasn't the cause of the problem. The vehicle has about 104000 miles on it. To date, Hyundai refuses to even acknowledge that it's their problem despite a similar recall (21V301000) already being announced for this Elantra model.

NHTSA complaint #11753489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine failed for my 2019 Hyundai Elantra. We bought it at Atlantic Hyundai dealership. They used a passing recall inspection to clear a defective engine, misdiagnosed the ensuing failure as an oil pan leak, and abandoned me with a vehicle that stalled dangerously in traffic. We brought car to Atlantic Hyundai told them that the car just stopped on the highway in the middle of driving. Our mechanic told me to tell Hyundai the car was rapidly consuming oil. Hyundai said oh no it’s just an oil pan snd we trusted them allowed them to fix it. Several weeks later the car completely stopped in middle of driving on exit ramp. Police came to make sure traffic was diverted so they could help me get car to side of road safely. It was towed back to my mechanic who said same exact thing car is dangerous bring it to Hyundai they need to fix this for you it’s the engine recall. We had it towed to dealership and after 2 weeks they said oh yeah you need new engine. We brought it to independent mechanic because Atlantic Hyundai knowingly sent me off in a dangerous vehicle the first time and no longer did I trust them with safety of myself and others on the road

NHTSA complaint #11752383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car was driving on the highway and out of nowhere the car just stopped in the middle of the highway. I brought it to my mechanic who said the car was rapidly consuming oil and my cars engine was seizing. and he safely brought me and the car to Atlantic Hyundai where I had bought the car to have them diagnose and fix the issue. After several days they diagnosed the issue as a simple oil pan issue and replaced the oil pan and sent me on my way. The same issue with the engine seizing up in the middle of driving on the highway endangering my life and others. I am still terrified thinking of this. We brought car back to Hyundai by tow truck because I was scared to drive it and after 2 weeks of waiting they then told me the car needed new engine however they never mentioned what I later discovered was a serious recall for this specific engine . Upon further research my car was listed under the recall however before I bought the car it says it passed the test to see if it needed engine replacement under recall 203 . They knowingly said my vehicle was safe they sold it to me knowing it was unsafe and then they put a bandaid ( oil pan) and sent me on my way knowing I was in danger. I am lucky to be alive because the car stalled out on a major highway .

NHTSA complaint #11751244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

At 86,000 miles After replacing the camshaft and timing chain with a mechanic friend, we turned the engine over and heard the beginning of an engine knock, he said this engine is notorious for knocking and failing before 100000. Kia recalled the exact same engine. However Hyundai did not. I feel this is very unsafe.

NHTSA complaint #11749856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving vehicle on a highway exit ramp, the engine suddenly failed. There were no warning lights, messages, noises, or other signs before it happened. The vehicle lost power and became undrivable, which was scary and dangerous because I was still on the road near highway traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership inspected it and said the engine had failed. I was given a repair estimate of about $9,100. I was also told the repair would not be covered under warranty and would not be covered under a recall. I believe this is a serious safety issue because the engine failed without warning while I was driving. If this had happened at a different time or location, it could have caused an accident or put other drivers at risk. The vehicle is currently undrivable, and the failed engine/component is available for inspection upon request

NHTSA complaint #11748649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11747729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2019 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX]) suffered engine failure at 152,061 miles — abnormal knocking, loss of power, towed to Clay Cooley Hyundai of Sherman, TX. Diagnosed with crank/rod knock requiring long block replacement. This is the exact failure progression documented in NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203): defective piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, connecting rod bearing failure, and engine block damage. Coverage was denied solely due to mileage — 2,061 miles beyond the 150,000-mile threshold. I am also reporting a critical discrepancy: a VIN search on NHTSA's website shows zero open or unrepaired recalls on this vehicle, despite the following facts: 1. This is a 2019 Elantra with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine — the exact population covered by 21V301. 2. The vehicle experienced the exact failure mode 21V301 was issued to address. 3. The dealership repair order references TSB 25-01-054H (tied directly to Recall 203) and performed an ECM software update under that bulletin during this visit. It is unclear whether this VIN was improperly excluded from the recall population, or whether the recall was marked remediated based solely on the software update — despite the engine already having suffered catastrophic internal damage. Either outcome warrants investigation. I am requesting NHTSA examine whether this VIN should have been included in 21V301, and whether Hyundai's practice of applying a software update to an already-failed engine and closing the recall is consistent with the intent of this safety recall. Repair estimate: $9,245.58. Vehicle is undrivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11746721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Timing gears/camshaft issues. dealer mechanic stated that the pin on camshaft broke and timing jumping. dealership stated this is a known issue with Elantra's but Hyundai has done nothing to address this issue. This repair costs over 4000 dollars for a known issue

NHTSA complaint #11739748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine failure. Car quit while driving down main highway. Taken to garage and they reported that many of the same engine for Hyundai have been recalled. When investigating, my car did the exact same thing being reported, but is not included in the recall. I have maintenance records for all oil changes as required as well. No lights came on to indicate failure.

NHTSA complaint #11738636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine defected at 82000 i had it for a year can u guys please make it right as a valuable customer

NHTSA complaint #11732615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, no lights came one to indicate any issues, then it started driving properly. Then after about 4 min it just died, in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on and all the lights disappeared but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away and the check engine light is one. After taking to the dealer they stated that there was no oil in the engine. There are also no visible leaks to explain no oil. And 3 timing codes came up as a result of this. They conducted my routine oil change and still the codes came up and the car failed to start. In addition to all of this there is a knocking noise. I have an engine like those that have been recalled in the past but my particular VIN was not part of that recall. I have always done my oil changes at Hyundai dealer and on a regular schedule. This sounds to me like the same issue the other same types of engines had.

NHTSA complaint #11729082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, then after aboit 4 min it just died, the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away.

NHTSA complaint #11728232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was getting off the highway in late January 2025- in my fairly used 2019 Hyundai Elantra Value edition, that had less than 70,000 miles on it- when a piston rod suddenly shot from my engine, causing a slight implosion. This set off the oil pan gasket & caused it to blow into hundreds of pieces, leaking my engine oil all over the highway. The vehicle has never been in an accident and has always been taken care of, so I was very disheartened when this incident occurred. Research showed me that I’m not the only one who’s experienced this destructive incident in this year & model of my vehicle. There was never a day that my engine light or oil light had come before prior to this incident, but as soon as the happened- nearly every light in the car came on. Since there was no crash or other vehicles involved, police didn’t file a report.

NHTSA complaint #11727472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Car shut off multiple times while driving including coming to complete stop on the freeway in traffic

NHTSA complaint #11725531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and oil needed to be added frequently between scheduled oil changes. No visible external leaks were found. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

NHTSA complaint #11725354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine failure. Less than 150,000 miles and engine has gone bad. Burning oil, and loud noise when car starts. Had multiple mechanics look at the car whom said the motor went bad. I’ve been consistent with oil changes, tune ups, etc. maintained the car well so I don’t know why or how this happened.

NHTSA complaint #11724407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My engine burns oil. I have to continue to check the oil in my vehicle. It is a known issue with all Hyundai cars

NHTSA complaint #11723335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2019 Hyundai Elantra with the 2.0L engine experienced sudden engine failure at 164.809 miles. The check enqine light came on and the vehicle immediately lost power and shut off. 0i was visible in the wheel well and the engine now has a tapping noise suggesting internal damage I understand that Hvundai recalled certain 2019 Elantra models due to improperly heat-treated piston oil rings that could cause engine damage. Because the symptoms of my failure match this defect, I am requesting Hyundai review this as a potential defect-related enaine failure and consider goodwill assistance or engine replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11722467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My car started stalling on speed bumps and turning. Then one day it stopped accelerating and died. There is No COMPRESSION. I am told I now probably need a new engine. I saw that other Elantras from 2019 were recalled for this issue and why wasn’t mine? I could have gotten hurt

NHTSA complaint #11719343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2019 Elantra has been experiencing oil loss. The last oil change on 14 Feb 2026 at 57400 miles. Checked the oil today 16 Feb 2026 after 266 miles and it was a quart low. It appears that oil consumption is a know issue with Hyundai year and model.

NHTSA complaint #11718343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine burning oil

NHTSA complaint #11716922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact's mother owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his mother was driving approximately 20 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road to safety. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with piston damages and a punctured hole in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11712363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving back into town on the interstate, my oil plug fell out of my car. It was not known at the time the oil plug was what fell out. I remember hearing a clunk underneath my car. About 5-10 minutes after I heard the noise, my oil light flashed, and I could feel my car unable to accelerate further. I pulled over to the side of the road and my engine stalled. I had it towed to a body shop. The next morning, they called and said the oil plug was missing and there was no damage to my undercarriage. My engine was ruined and I was quoted $9,400 for the repair, which is probably more than the value of my car, effectively totaling it. My last oil change was November 12th, 2025 where my odometer was at 82,633. This occurred after 3,393 miles and about 2 months from this most recent oil change. I had not seen oil leaking from my vehicle well before this happened, and I had no indicator lights on or flashing well before this incident. My engine has not previously been checked for HYUNDAI TSB 21-EM-003H, HYUNDAI TSB 21-EM-004H, or KIA TSB 222.

NHTSA complaint #11710630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I own a 2019 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition . 2.0L 1999CC L4. A few weeks ago we started with really cold/snowy weather and as I’m driving I’ve noticed weird knocking sound that sounds like a Ford F250 starting up. Today while stopped in traffic with the vehicle idling, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra cut off into the battery mode as if I just have my car running off of my battery (ex: roll windows up) and all of the lights on the dash board on. I put my car on the break to turn my car off and it went back into drive mode, it didn’t shut off. I tried accelerating my car went no where, within a few minutes it did it multiple times. I called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. I let Hyundai Webb aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

NHTSA complaint #11706302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was frequently checking the engine oil level after noticing that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil between oil changes. The contact was frequently topping off the engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact then stated that the oil warning light started flashing on the instrument panel, and the contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11704487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2019 Hyundai Elantra sel had catastrophic engine failure at 95k. I was riding at 40mph on the highway when the engine failed. It had zero warnings lights whatsoever before it happened. I was barely even able to make it off the road. I had it towed to the dealer. They said it was a rod bearing. My catalytic converter also failed. They said I was burning oil which again had no idea I was since I didn’t smell it nor did I have an engine light. However the dealer said my vin wasn’t part of the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11704298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic with the vehicle idling, the vehicle vibrated, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that for the rest of the drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. While the contact was entering a driveway, the vehicle stalled. The contact waited for several minutes before being able to restart the vehicle. The contact then drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine was making an abnormal rattling sound and the piston oil ring had failed. The vehicle was not repaired; however, an oil change was performed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA complaint #11700907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine in my 2019 Hyundai Elantra failed at approximately 66,000 miles. The vehicle began to idle roughly, lose power, and eventually stalled and would not restart. It was first inspected by an independent mechanic, who suggested a possible electrical issue. I then took it to a Hyundai dealership, where they later confirmed the engine was blown due to internal failure. I had a new warranty after refinancing, which required the car to be driven a minimum number of miles before coverage could be used. The engine failed when I was only a few miles short of that requirement. The warranty representative from the refinancing company confirmed in a voicemail that while they could cover work already completed (fuel pump), they could not cover the engine. The Hyundai technician also recommended returning the vehicle to the dealership for a new engine. The dealership had previously noted the vehicle was only a few miles outside warranty coverage and even suggested they could “drive the car a few miles” to make it appear within warranty , they said after they put the part in , it drove 3 miles and the engine gave out . They charged approximately $2,000 for a repair that failed, and the vehicle was never drivable again. Because the vehicle did not operate and I could not continue payments, it was repossessed. The loan balance I now owe is a direct result of the premature engine failure and unsuccessful repair. I later learned that 2019 Elantras with 2.0L Nu MPI engines have recalls and complaints regarding improperly heat-treated piston rings causing engine damage. My VIN did not initially show under recall, but this failure matches known defect patterns. There were no warning lights prior to failure; the engine failed suddenly. I believe this vehicle should qualify for recall or warranty coverage.

NHTSA complaint #11698702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Yes, it put people at risk by breaking the engine and throwing oil on the highway. The engine simply opened a hole in the block. There was no light and yes the car is currently in inspection at Hyundai focus on these cars because Hyundai complicates a lot to try to get out of warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11693984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.