382 of the 12,072 complaints filed about the Hyundai Elantra are about the fuel system — 3% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2008.
382
Complaints
3%
Share of all complaints
17
Crashes
8
Fires
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2022 Hyundai Elantra with only 72,000 miles my check engine light came on for the code p048900 for the Egr valve. It is no longer covered by any warranties but other year models have been recalled due to the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11754616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A significant engine failure occurred while driving, presenting as loud knocking from the engine. The issue developed without prior warning lights or messages. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership and the problem was confirmed as internal engine failure (piston slap/engine knock). The dealership recommended full engine replacement. The engine is available for inspection upon request. There was no evidence of sludge or lack of maintenance noted during inspection. The most recent oil change had been performed less than 1,000 miles prior to the failure, indicating the issue was not caused by lack of maintenance. This condition creates a safety concern due to the potential for sudden engine failure, loss of power, or engine seizure while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds. The issue has been confirmed by a dealership and has not been repaired due to cost.
NHTSA complaint #11729406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Within a matter of a few days my car has been stopping by itself. The car was smoking and stopping in the middle of the highway, my dealership is proving me with a new engine but is trying to have me come out of pocket for an fuel injector, please help !
NHTSA complaint #11729565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I see there was a P0420 error code related to catalytic converter oil consumption recall, but when I put in my VIN it said no recalls. This is for a 2020 Hyundai Elantra 2020. The problem comes and goes and was able to be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer Hyundai. The warning lamps, messages comes on frequently and was reportedly fixed charges $2000 for a sensor. I the code and it is all over the internet that it is a recall.but does not show up with VIN.i need assistance with getting this fixed at the dealer
NHTSA complaint #11727146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Elantra from a loaner vehicle program. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact started to choke. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact’s hands became very sticky. While continuing to drive, the contact developed a severe headache, and the contact’s hands started swelling, and there were yellow marks on the fingers, bumps on the forehead, and swollen lips. Due to the symptoms, the contact sought medical attention at an emergency room. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the health-related complications experienced. The contact believed that the vehicle might have been improperly provided with a failing chemical, Xenon gas, which caused the health issues. The contact stated that using the heater caused a chemical reaction, resulting in fumes that were inhaled. The failure mileage was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11726510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Cars engines stopped for no apparent reason pulled over and it started back up but it stopped two more times within a two block radius both times it restarted the date was2/17 26 on the next day it did the same thing but only once
NHTSA complaint #11719247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai N Line Mileage at Initial Incident: ~17,000 miles Components Involved: Engine and Engine Cooling; Exhaust System / Emissions; Air Bags (SRS) I am submitting this complaint to document unresolved emissions system and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safety concerns involving my 2022 Hyundai N Line, as well as the manufacturer’s refusal to ensure proper diagnosis and corrective action following a documented dealer service error and subsequent warranty repair. At approximately 17,000 miles, a Hyundai-authorized dealership failed to reinstall an engine oil seal during a routine oil change. This error caused rapid engine oil loss at highway speed, activation of the oil warning system, and oil discharge onto the roadway. The incident is documented in Hyundai service records and is not disputed. Sudden oil-loss events of this nature are known to cause latent or progressive damage to internal engine components and federally regulated emissions systems, even when immediate engine failure does not occur. Despite proper maintenance after this incident, the vehicle subsequently set DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold – Bank 1) at a mileage far below expected durability. Hyundai replaced the catalytic converter under warranty. I requested diagnostic data, inspection findings, and documentation supporting the repair, but the dealership refused to provide anything beyond a basic repair invoice. Immediately following this Hyundai-authorized warranty repair, the vehicle developed a new drivability defect, specifically hesitation during acceleration, which was not present prior to the catalytic converter replacement. This indicates a post-repair nonconformity and raises concern that emissions-related components may not have been fully repaired or that additional systems were affected during the warranty repair process. When I returned the vehicle for evaluation, the dealership stated that it would not diagnose the vehicle unless an acti
NHTSA complaint #11711686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received confirmation from my local Hyundai dealership that my 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT is consuming over 1.8 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. The mileage is currently 70k miles. This is not the result of lack of maintenance or neglect but because of Hyundais engine design. I was told by the local dealership that I would need a total engine re build. This was the only option to fix the issue 100%. I was told that if the issue is not fixed it will result in engine failure. Hyundai is not recalling their engines or acknowledging the inherent danger this will cause. I am at my engines will if I cannot afford this repair because Hyundai won’t honor the Powertrain warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11709984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving on the freeway at normal highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately lost power, and the vehicle shut down within seconds. There was no prior warning or opportunity to take corrective action. The vehicle became completely disabled and could not be driven. This occurred late at night with limited traffic, and I was LUCKY to be near a freeway exit. I was able to coast toward the exit, but the engine seized fully, resulting in total loss of propulsion and blocking the freeway exit ramp. Law enforcement had to assist due to the disabled vehicle creating a traffic obstruction and safety hazard. A tow truck was required to remove the vehicle because it could not be restarted or moved. Under normal traffic conditions, this sudden loss of engine power at freeway speed could have resulted in a SERIOUS, potentially FATAL COLLISION. The outcome depended on luck, timing, and location rather than any safety system functioning as intended. The engine was later diagnosed by an authorized Hyundai dealership as seized due to internal failure. Hyundai denied warranty coverage because a software safety campaign had not been completed prior to the failure, even though the failure occurred suddenly and without warning, leaving no opportunity to complete the campaign. However, at the time of the failure, the NHTSA recall lookup tool showed ZERO unrepaired recalls associated with this vehicle’s VIN. The campaign referenced by Hyundai is intended only to detect certain engine conditions and does not repair engine defects. In this case, the engine failed before any detection or warning could occur. The vehicle had just been refueled and was equipped with four brand-new tires, confirming it was being operated normally. This incident involved an unexpected and complete loss of engine power at freeway speed due to an apparent engine defect, presenting a SERIOUS SAFETY RISK to the driver and other motorists.
NHTSA complaint #11707629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have a 2018 Hyundai Elantra with about 155k miles. It has been consuming oil excessively and has developed serious drivability issues. If I try to accelerate even slightly harder than normal—especially above 2,000 RPM—it makes a metallic, chain-type rattling noise, loses power, and produces heavy smoke from the exhaust. The smoke sometimes continues even after shutting the engine off and restarting. Because of this, I’ve been avoiding rapid acceleration and slowly working up to highway speeds. The car also periodically shakes at idle, idles higher than normal at times, and the RPMs will occasionally rise on their own. In the past it has stalled randomly, and sometimes it feels like the transmission is “stuck” and won’t shift properly. Despite all this, there are currently no check-engine codes. This is terrible and clearly there’s been lawsuits and other recalls regarding the same issue and same engine but nothing for mine? I am out of warranty and had no clue the amount of issues the car was going to have until last year and I’m screwed now, insurance doesn’t cover issues with the engine or transmission. Neither will Hyundai?! Last year Hyundai performed a CVVT repair that cost about $6,000, which temporarily improved things, but the symptoms returned shortly afterward. When I brought it back, they said they couldn’t recreate the issue. The car is now out of warranty. Separately, the car was stolen two months ago due to the immobilization fault and TIk TOKs videos and the police said it has been hundreds of these Elantras stolen and destroyd and the ignition and wiper control switch/harness were damaged, which still hasn’t been repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11707292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This has happened twice. I brought it to Hyundai in Syracuse and they said they could not find a problem. The problem: While driving the car loses power, when pressing the gas pedal the car stops propelling forward. Safety: The car randomly loses power while driving. This could happen when pulling out onto a highway or railroad tracks etc. Problem been reproduced: It has not been reproduced by a dealer. It's happened twice randomly in the 2 years I've had the car. I did bring it to Hyundai in Syracuse NY but they said they didn't find an issue. Inspection: Hyundai in Syracuse NY checked the car for an issue. No police or insurance. Warning/messages: There were no messages or warnings before it lost power.
NHTSA complaint #11705361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle Issue Description for NHTSA Complaint: Component/System Failure: The engine of my 2013 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [insert VIN]) completely failed at 51,000 miles. The alternator also failed and had to be replaced. There was a persistent smell of gasoline inside and outside the vehicle, creating a fire hazard. All components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine failure left the vehicle completely inoperable. The gas smell created a serious fire hazard and caused me to experience health issues, requiring an ER visit. The combination of engine malfunction, electrical issues, and fuel leaks posed a risk to my safety and the safety of others while driving. Confirmation by Dealer / Mechanic: Independent mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed the engine failure and alternator issues. Multiple mechanics advised not to drive the car due to the fire hazard. The original selling dealer (Larry H. Miller Toyota) inspected the car and acknowledged engine problems in writing on a business card. Inspection by Manufacturer / Others: Hyundai corporate has been notified, but they declined warranty coverage as the vehicle is a second-owner car and beyond the original warranty. The dealer has also been made aware of the engine failure. Warning Lamps / Symptoms: No warning lamps indicated imminent engine failure prior to the engine dying. The first symptoms were mechanical issues, gas smell, and eventual total engine failure. Alternator failure and repeated maintenance issues occurred within 8 months of purchase. Additional Notes: Vehicle purchased at 34,000 miles; engine failed at 51,000 miles. Independent repair receipts, ER paperwork, are available to support the case.
NHTSA complaint #11702831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal whistling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was fractured and had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11701681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Initial Fault Code: P0303 Replaced all 4 spark plugs and all 4 ignition coils. The check engine light extinguished momentarily but returned, logging P0303 and a new P0301 Replaced all 4 fuel injectors. CEL extinguished momentarily and then returned, logging P0303. Replaced the entire engine electrical harness. Concurrently, all related electrical components and connectors were meticulously cleaned with professional contact cleaner. CEL extinguished for significantly longer period of time, and then returned, re-logging P0303 and P0301. Thid suggested the ECU was "handshaking" with new components but re-logging the fault upon detecting the persistent core issue. A full compression test was performed. All cylinders reported results within specification. Using a borescope I inspected cylinder walls in piston tops. There was significant carbon residue buildup but nothing out of the ordinary for similar GDI engines. I still performed a PEA GDI specific chemical cleaning. It was a a little smoother afterwards, but the misfire persisted and CEL remained on. I also removed, cleaned, and tested common sensor faults, with no result. Also p0128 code and no start / electrical drain, and engine light started flashing numerous occasions had to stop the vehicle. I tried swapping the coils, but all that proved was that the coil was good, I did a power and ground test, it passed the connector had 12 plus volt power and a perfect resistance to static ground. The signal wire from the coil connector had perfect continuity to the ECU but had OL to chassis ground showing there was no short. A test light was used to see if anything was coming from the signal wire to the ignition coil and that test failed, there was no signal pulse. The diagnostic process has definitively proven a component-level failure inside the engine control unit. See attached file for more detailed information.
NHTSA complaint #11699689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
In early May 2023 I was driving my 2018 Elantra vehicle on the expressway. I had hot an area where there was traffic and had to slow down and move along with the speeds everyone else was going. When I slowed down my engine quit. Everything turned off and the car was stalled. I was able to turn the car back on and start the engine but there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine and when applying my foot on the gas it wasn't going anywhere. It stalled in traffic again. I put it in park, and restarted it and got enough gas for it to move and get off the main road. I called a tow company and had a certified mechanic take apart the engine $600 and Inform me the engine was shot. The car had maybe 80,000 miles on it. I had no idea what to do. The car sat at the repair shop for several weeks while I figured out what to do. I had it towed to a Hyundai dealership and had them look at it. They told me that there was no recall and that since I wasn't the original owner their powertrain warrenty was not valid. They did their diagnosis, another $300 just for them to tell me the same thing the other mechanics told me, the engine was shot and needed to be replaced. They put together a list of items that needed to be replaced and repaired and it came out to over $17,000 and Hyundai would do nothing for me. A vehicle with less than 80,000 that's engine fails is a recall in my book. It's now been over 2 years and I continue to pay for a car I cannot drive, and Hyundai still doesn't accept responsibility. This is a faulty car and would never recommend to anyone. Look at all the complaints regarding the engine and powertrain, obviously this is an issue. Hyundai needs to acknowledge this and replace these failing engines. Maybe by the time I'm done paying this car off they will take responsibility and the NHTSA will fully support the individuals that are owed a vehicle or engine replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11696959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My fuel pump comes up and my check engine light saying that it needs to be replaced when I fill up my car it automatically resets my mileage for AAA and trippy and it will tell me that I have no gas even though I just filled up or it will say I’m full when I know I’m empty so it’s not reliable. It comes and goes. And then for an electrical issue my Car will randomly stop working and then like come back up and it was underneath the positive plug. there is a clip that someone had to extend because it was too short and causing electrical surges so it’s still a problem if I go over a bump it gets loose so that clip under the positive terminal I believe is loose and makes my car shut off in the middle of driving at once and then it came right back on
NHTSA complaint #11694187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
the car keeps lagging on acceleration i had the throttle body checked and cleaned and they said it was fine i have been doing all maintenance required by manufacturer, but sometimes is lacking on the power loses acceleration, i see these model has a recall but when i entered my vin number doesn't show up so i am concerned why is not covered as it could lead to my car been stalled in the middle of the highway, dealer wants 300 dollars just to take it in and usually they can't reproduce the issue , what should i do in this case, i dont want to wait until i have an accident for this to be checked thank you
NHTSA complaint #11690174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a recurring issue with my 2023 Hyundai Elantra where the low oil pressure warning light illuminates consistently during strong acceleration. This is accompanied by a distinct smoky odor from the vehicle. Based on my research into recall 23V-859, which addresses fire risks from a faulty electronic controller for the oil pump in the Idle Stop & Go system, I believe my vehicle is experiencing a related or identical failure. The symptoms strongly suggest that the defective oil pump controller is malfunctioning under load, potentially leading to dangerous overheating and a short circuit.
NHTSA complaint #11689420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When driving at low speeds(20mph and under) vehicle stalls. It appears to happen at random. It makes driving pretty dangerous for other vehicles that would not be able to tell the vehicle has stalled and hit me at low speeds. All electrics stay on, there is no check engine light. The problem first appeared after ignition lock was broken, even before replaced it started stalls at low speeds, seems to possibly happen more after engine is warmed up.
NHTSA complaint #11681639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.