244 of the
12,072 complaints filed about the Hyundai Elantra
are about the driver-assist systems —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
244
Complaints
2%
Share of all complaints
17
Crashes
1
Fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year
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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving on [XXX] north near exit [XXX] in rain, at 70 mph Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance were on. The vehicle displayed a warning that the smart systems were disabled. The vehicle then began jerking and changing lanes and speed unexpectedly. The steering wheel pulled/jerked forcefully to the left and right and I had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. When I attempted to brake, the brake pedal became very hard and could not press down the vehicle did not slow normally. I was able to get the vehicle onto the shoulder and shut it off. After restarting the vehicle, the problem occurred again. The vehicle was towed to Wallace Hyundai dealership in Stewart Florida and is currently being diagnosed. The cause has not yet been determined. Scared me to death. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on [XXX] north near exit [XXX] in rain, at 70 mph Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance were on. The vehicle displayed a warning that the smart systems were disabled. The vehicle then began jerking and changing lanes and speed unexpectedly. The steering wheel pulled/jerked forcefully to the left and right and I had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. When I attempted to brake, the brake pedal became very hard and could not press down the vehicle did not slow normally. I was able to get the vehicle onto the shoulder and shut it off. After restarting the vehicle, the problem occurred again. The vehicle was towed to Wallace Hyundai dealership in Stewart Florida and is currently being diagnosed. The cause has not yet been determined. Scared me to death. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on [XXX] north near exit [XXX] in rain, at 70 mph Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance were on. The vehicle displayed a warning that the smart systems were disabled. The vehicle then began jerking and changing lanes and speed unexpectedly. The steering wheel pulled/jerked forcefully to the left and right and I had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. When I attempted to brake, the brake pedal became very hard and could not press down the vehicle did not slow normally. I was able to get the vehicle onto the shoulder and shut it off. After restarting the vehicle, the problem occurred again. The vehicle was towed to Wallace Hyundai dealership in Stewart Florida and is currently being diagnosed. The cause has not yet been determined. Scared me to death. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My ABS system started smoking while the vehicle was in the off position. Police and fire department showed up. Police report number is 2026151090. I was called outside from the establishment and the emergency services were waiting on me. Corporate is now trying to get me to pay the tow out of pocket. I called the NTSHA holiness but was unable to mention this issue about the towing. Also corporate has stated they will likely not service the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11754667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2020 Hyundai Elantra Limited that was purchased new in December of 2020, has 17,764 miles, and no damage. At the end of May/early June of 2026, the car gave warning messages for the following: check forward collision avoidance assist system, check lane keep assist system, and check high beam assist system. The car was inspected by the dealership, from which it was purchased, on June 29, 2026. The technician report says error codes C1604 and C1606 were found and that the car required replacement of the front camera system at the cost of $1991.49. Front camera failure negates the ability to use the advanced safety features of this car. These features are so important to alert and, more importantly, assist the driver avoid accidents and improve all motorists safety. I have read numerous complaints depicting the same problem with this front camera system. Hyundai issued TSB 20-BE-006H due to multiple problems just like the one that happened to me. I have corresponded with Hyundai about this situation and my concerns on why a car with this few miles and no damage had a failure of this magnitude. They are unwilling to assist due to the warranty expiring 6 months ago. For components this important to the safety of all drivers, I would like to see a recall established to hold Hyundai accountable for faulty components. Safety should not be limited by a warranty and last longer than 5 1/2 years. Than you for your consideration.
NHTSA complaint #11748184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2020 Hyundai Elantra Limited that was purchased new in December of 2020, has 17,764 miles, and no damage. At the end of May/early June of 2026, the car gave warning messages for the following: check forward collision avoidance assist system, check lane keep assist system, and check high beam assist system. The car was inspected by the dealership, from which it was purchased, on June 29, 2026. The technician report says error codes C1604 and C1606 were found and that the car required replacement of the front camera system at the cost of $1991.49. Front camera failure negates the ability to use the advanced safety features of this car. These features are so important to alert and, more importantly, assist the driver avoid accidents and improve all motorists safety. I have read numerous complaints depicting the same problem with this front camera system. Hyundai issued TSB 20-BE-006H due to multiple problems just like the one that happened to me. I have corresponded with Hyundai about this situation and my concerns on why a car with this few miles and no damage had a failure of this magnitude. They are unwilling to assist due to the warranty expiring 6 months ago. For components this important to the safety of all drivers, I would like to see a recall established to hold Hyundai accountable for faulty components. Safety should not be limited by a warranty and last longer than 5 1/2 years. Than you for your consideration.
NHTSA complaint #11748184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Federal Safety Recall Fraud and Vehicle Endangerment Report Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Elantra Blue Hybrid | Involved Dealerships: Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale & Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria This complaint documents severe federal safety recall fraud and mechanical endangerment by authorized manufacturer franchise dealerships. In April 2025, Earnhardt Hyundai took physical possession of my vehicle for a federally mandated Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HCU) braking/cruise control safety recall. Staff verbally verified the recall was complete, but the physical invoice and subsequent written email admission from Service Drive Manager [XXX] confirmed the safety repair was completely omitted with "no excuse."To resolve this braking risk, on April 22, 2026, I brought the vehicle to Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria to have the uncompleted HCU safety recall corrected. Subsequently, on June 17, 2026, I returned to the Peoria facility for a warranty deck lid repair and a scheduled oil change.Upon releasing the vehicle on June 17, the Peoria service department actively jeopardized my hybrid engine integrity by installing an incorrect, out-of-spec oil fluid weight (5W30) and releasing the vehicle with a completely loose, unsealed engine oil cap. This gross negligence forced me into a dangerous 140-mile high-altitude mountain highway transit ([XXX] to Flagstaff) with a compromised engine bay, creating an immediate engine fire hazard and risk of sudden highway power failure. The loose cap and incorrect fluid were independently verified and caught on video by Milestone Auto Repair in Flagstaff.The manufacturer's franchise network is falsifying federally mandated safety recall records and releasing vehicles in life-threatening, non-compliant conditions. I'm requesting an immediate NHTSA investigation on both dealerships. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Federal Safety Recall Fraud and Vehicle Endangerment Report Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Elantra Blue Hybrid | Involved Dealerships: Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale & Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria This complaint documents severe federal safety recall fraud and mechanical endangerment by authorized manufacturer franchise dealerships. In April 2025, Earnhardt Hyundai took physical possession of my vehicle for a federally mandated Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HCU) braking/cruise control safety recall. Staff verbally verified the recall was complete, but the physical invoice and subsequent written email admission from Service Drive Manager [XXX] confirmed the safety repair was completely omitted with "no excuse."To resolve this braking risk, on April 22, 2026, I brought the vehicle to Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria to have the uncompleted HCU safety recall corrected. Subsequently, on June 17, 2026, I returned to the Peoria facility for a warranty deck lid repair and a scheduled oil change.Upon releasing the vehicle on June 17, the Peoria service department actively jeopardized my hybrid engine integrity by installing an incorrect, out-of-spec oil fluid weight (5W30) and releasing the vehicle with a completely loose, unsealed engine oil cap. This gross negligence forced me into a dangerous 140-mile high-altitude mountain highway transit ([XXX] to Flagstaff) with a compromised engine bay, creating an immediate engine fire hazard and risk of sudden highway power failure. The loose cap and incorrect fluid were independently verified and caught on video by Milestone Auto Repair in Flagstaff.The manufacturer's franchise network is falsifying federally mandated safety recall records and releasing vehicles in life-threatening, non-compliant conditions. I'm requesting an immediate NHTSA investigation on both dealerships. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Backup camera shows only black screen with dark gray guidelines with display moving across the screen then resetting to start moving again. No availability visible for backing up.
NHTSA complaint #11741204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Backup camera shows only black screen with dark gray guidelines with display moving across the screen then resetting to start moving again. No availability visible for backing up.
NHTSA complaint #11741204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Around 9 p.m., I was driving home on the XXX highway at about 60 mph. The road was clear, with no obstacles ahead, and it was lightly drizzling in the [XXX] area. Suddenly, the car's emergency braking system activated, then returned to normal. Although it startled me, thankfully there were no cars behind me to avoid a collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11740572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system, crash sensors, or airbag control module may have malfunctioned or failed to operate properly. Photos documenting the damage are available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident for potential safety defects involving: * Airbag non-deployment * Crash sensor failure * SRS system malfunction * Airbag control module defects I am also requesting review of whether similar complaints or investigations exist involving this Hyundai model or related vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11740444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The stated that the backup camera was inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V879000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no recall. But no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 19,100.
NHTSA complaint #11734908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue is 11733456 I am writing to update and escalate my previously filed safety complaint regarding my vehicle. I recently received my car back from the dealership after they informed me that all issues had been repaired and that the vehicle was safe to drive. However, after getting the vehicle back, it is not the same, and it is not safe to operate. The vehicle pulls strongly to the left while driving, which creates a serious risk of losing control, especially at normal road speeds. In addition, multiple safety and driver‑assistance functions are not working as intended. Despite these issues, the dealership insists that everything is “within specifications” and refused to take further corrective action. Because of these unresolved defects, I am afraid to drive this vehicle. I have already experienced a traumatic incident related to this car, and returning it in this condition has caused significant fear and emotional distress. I cannot go through another dangerous situation. I believe this vehicle poses a genuine safety risk to me and to others on the road. I am requesting that NHTSA review my complaint again, including this new information, as the problem persists after inspection and attempted repair. A vehicle that pulls to one side and has non‑functioning safety systems should not be considered safe for normal use. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I am available to provide any additional details, documentation, or records you may require.
NHTSA complaint #11734991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue is 11733456 I am writing to update and escalate my previously filed safety complaint regarding my vehicle. I recently received my car back from the dealership after they informed me that all issues had been repaired and that the vehicle was safe to drive. However, after getting the vehicle back, it is not the same, and it is not safe to operate. The vehicle pulls strongly to the left while driving, which creates a serious risk of losing control, especially at normal road speeds. In addition, multiple safety and driver‑assistance functions are not working as intended. Despite these issues, the dealership insists that everything is “within specifications” and refused to take further corrective action. Because of these unresolved defects, I am afraid to drive this vehicle. I have already experienced a traumatic incident related to this car, and returning it in this condition has caused significant fear and emotional distress. I cannot go through another dangerous situation. I believe this vehicle poses a genuine safety risk to me and to others on the road. I am requesting that NHTSA review my complaint again, including this new information, as the problem persists after inspection and attempted repair. A vehicle that pulls to one side and has non‑functioning safety systems should not be considered safe for normal use. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I am available to provide any additional details, documentation, or records you may require.
NHTSA complaint #11734991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject: Safety Concern – Unintended Emergency Braking My vehicle is experiencing a serious safety issue involving unintended emergency braking. While driving on the freeway, the vehicle has unexpectedly applied emergency braking on its own when other vehicles pass at higher speeds. This has occurred multiple times and has nearly caused accidents. This issue occurs consistently during my trips between [XXX] and [XXX] on Highway XXX, typically happening once or twice per trip. I make this drive approximately 4–6 times per year. The problem remains unresolved and continues to occur as of today, April 29, 2026, posing an ongoing safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall repair for my vehicle that is not being handled in a timely or reasonable manner by an authorized dealership Delray Hyundai 655 NE Sixth Ave, Delray Beach. Vehicle Information: 2021 Hyundai Elantra SE VIN: [XXX] Recall Information: NHTSA Recall #24V879000 Recall #271 – Backup Camera Inspection/Replacement This recall involves a failure of the backup camera system, which directly impacts visibility while reversing and poses a safety risk. The manufacturer has indicated that a remedy is available; however, the dealership I contacted is refusing to perform recall repairs on weekends and is only offering an appointment more than a month out (scheduled for May 4th). Given that this is a safety-related recall affecting rear visibility, this delay is unreasonable and places me at continued risk while operating the vehicle. I rely on my vehicle daily and should not be required to wait an extended period for a safety recall repair that is already available. Additionally, limiting recall repairs to weekday-only appointments creates an unnecessary barrier for consumers who work standard business hours. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed, and that appropriate action be taken to ensure dealerships are providing timely access to safety recall repairs, especially when the defect impacts vehicle safety. Thank You INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11731788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.