Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
630–25K
3225–50K
3850–75K
3275–100K
39100–150K
9150K+
213 reports with mileage · 169 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 163 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
35 crash reports15 fire reports22 injury reports
What owners actually said
382 reports
110,300 miles · Sep 5, 2020
Engine
I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW. THE ENGINE HAS STALLED WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR. THIS STARTED THE FIRST YEAR OR SO THAT I HAD IT. HYUNDAI HAS CHECKED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. ONCE I WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET. I HAVE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE OVER …
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I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW. THE ENGINE HAS STALLED WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR. THIS STARTED THE FIRST YEAR OR SO THAT I HAD IT. HYUNDAI HAS CHECKED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. ONCE I WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET. I HAVE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE OVER THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THERE ARE NOW JUST OVER 110,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I RECENTLY WAS DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME. THE CAR MADE A SCREECHING SOUND, ALMOST STALLED, AND THEN THERE WAS AN ENGINE TICKING NOISE. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC THAT I TRUST. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED NEW ENGINE BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE THERE WAS LOOSE METAL IN THE ENGINE. I HAVE ALSO READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IN HYUNDAI 2.0L ENGINES. THIS CAR HAS MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES ON IT. IT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS ALWAYS HAD THE OIL CHANGED BEFORE THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED MILEAGE. I THINK THIS ENGINE SHOULD STILL BE COVERED AS IF IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT NOT ENOUGH OF THE ELANTRA GT (I THINK MOST PEOPLE BUY THE COUPE WHICH HAS A DIFFERENT ENGINE) HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CREATE A RECALL. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT MANY OF THE ONES THAT HAVE BEEN PURCHASED HAVE BEEN TRADED IN. OVER THE PAST 3 TO 4 YEARS, I HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS LETTERS AND CARDS FROM HYUNDAI. THEY SPECIFICALLY SAID THAT THEY NEEDED ME TO TRADE IN MY ELANTRA GT AND THEY WOULD OFFER ME TOP DOLLAR ON A TRADE IN OR TRADE UP. I NOW THINK THEY WANTED MY CAR BACK BECAUSE THEY KNEW THIS ENGINE HAD PROBLEMS AND HOPED THEY COULD JUST SELL ME A DIFFERENT CAR. I JUST PAID THIS CAR OFF AND INTENDED TO DRIVE IT SEVERAL MORE YEARS. THIS IS A FAULTY ENGINE. NO CAR THAT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED SHOULD HAVE THIS HAPPEN. I STILL HAVE A JEEP I BOUGHT IN 1994 WITH OVER 200K MILES AND IT RUNS GREAT! THIS ENGINE SHOULD BE RECALLED OR AT LEAST INVESTIGATED
NHTSA ODI #11353365
98,000 miles · Aug 17, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other
MY CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD AND IT EATS OIL . MY DAUGHTER IN BETWEENNOIL CHANGES HAD TO PUT 2 QUARTS IN THE CAR. WE USE SYNTHETIC OIL . THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SOME TIME NOW TILL I TOLD MY FAMILY AND THEY MENTIONED HYUNDAI HAD A RECALL. I DONT SEE ONE FOR MY CAR BUT THERE OBVIOUSLY IS AN ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11349806
92,000 miles · Aug 12, 2020
SteeringWheels
MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL VIRTUALLY LOCK, ONLY ALLOWING ME TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL 2 INCHES, WITH INCREASING DIFFICULTY AFTER THAT RANGE IN EITHER DIRECTION. MAKING SHARPER TURNS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT HAVING TO HARSHLY TUG THE WHEEL ONLY EFFECTIVELY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL ANOTHER 1-2INCHES WITH EA…
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MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL VIRTUALLY LOCK, ONLY ALLOWING ME TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL 2 INCHES, WITH INCREASING DIFFICULTY AFTER THAT RANGE IN EITHER DIRECTION. MAKING SHARPER TURNS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT HAVING TO HARSHLY TUG THE WHEEL ONLY EFFECTIVELY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL ANOTHER 1-2INCHES WITH EACH TUG. THIS GOES AWAY WHEN TURNING OFF AND ON THE VEHICLE, AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT BOTH COME ON AS SOON AS IT HAPPENS SEEMINGLY OUT OF NOWHERE.
WHEN BEING DRIVEN AND SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT, CAR DECELERATES AND STALLS, GOES TO 0 MPH. BRAKE LIGHTS MALFUNCTION. LEFT SIGNAL LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS.
NHTSA ODI #11343946
60,000 miles · Jul 23, 2020
EngineCrashFireInjury
I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT MY WORK AND ALMOST AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED, CAUSING MY CAR TO JUMP THE CURB AND HIT A LIGHT POLE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE THE WHOLE TIME AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP. IT HAPPENED SO FAST. ONE MINUTE I WAS PARKING AND THE NEXT SECOND I HIT THE POLE.…
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I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT MY WORK AND ALMOST AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED, CAUSING MY CAR TO JUMP THE CURB AND HIT A LIGHT POLE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE THE WHOLE TIME AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP. IT HAPPENED SO FAST. ONE MINUTE I WAS PARKING AND THE NEXT SECOND I HIT THE POLE. I SUSTAIN SEVERAL INJURIES AND AM WAITING TO HEAR ABOUT MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11341156
80,000 miles · Jul 13, 2020
Air Bags
FRONT AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING BAD. AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. DEALER STATES NOT PART OF WARRANTY. OTHER HYUNDAIS WITH SAME PROBLEM HAVE WARRANTIES THAT HAVE BEEN EXTENDED. THIS NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED ALSO
NHTSA ODI #11339029
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2020
Engine
RANDOMLY DOES NOT START/TURNOVER. SOMETIMES TAKE UP TO 4 TRIES TO GET CAR STARTED. LOUD RATTLE/METAL SOUND WHEN STARTING CAR. DIFFICULTY SPEEDING UP, ESPECIALLY WHEN ENTERING OR SWITCHING LANES ON HIGHWAY/EXPRESSWAY. BURNING OIL RAPIDLY WHILE IN MOTION. CAR BURNS THROUGH OIL BUT THE CHECK OIL LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN IN M…
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RANDOMLY DOES NOT START/TURNOVER. SOMETIMES TAKE UP TO 4 TRIES TO GET CAR STARTED. LOUD RATTLE/METAL SOUND WHEN STARTING CAR. DIFFICULTY SPEEDING UP, ESPECIALLY WHEN ENTERING OR SWITCHING LANES ON HIGHWAY/EXPRESSWAY. BURNING OIL RAPIDLY WHILE IN MOTION. CAR BURNS THROUGH OIL BUT THE CHECK OIL LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RANDOMLY GOES ON AND OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11337195
42,000 miles · Jul 1, 2020
Air BagsSeat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY ON HER VEHICLE HAD EXPIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
NHTSA ODI #11331974
60,000 miles · Jun 25, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion System
ENGINE HAS ROUGH IDLE SINCE I GOT IT I BELIEVE IT HAS KNOCK ENGINE ISSUES AND SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL LIST I HAVE REPLACED ENGINE COILS INJECTION SYSTEM CLEANING THE RPM AT IDLE IS SO ROUGH MY TRANSMIT FLUID WHEN I HAD MY METER PLUGGED IN IS SO HOT I'M AFRAID OF A FIRE. BUT HYUNDAI I'VE HAD SUCH BAD EXPERIENCE I'M AFRAID OF THE …
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ENGINE HAS ROUGH IDLE SINCE I GOT IT I BELIEVE IT HAS KNOCK ENGINE ISSUES AND SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL LIST I HAVE REPLACED ENGINE COILS INJECTION SYSTEM CLEANING THE RPM AT IDLE IS SO ROUGH MY TRANSMIT FLUID WHEN I HAD MY METER PLUGGED IN IS SO HOT I'M AFRAID OF A FIRE. BUT HYUNDAI I'VE HAD SUCH BAD EXPERIENCE I'M AFRAID OF THE RUN AROUND I JUST WANT IT REPLACES FIXES IT IS FAULTY ENGINE NOW IT SURGES. I DON'T WANT TO DIE FOR THIS MYSTERY HYUNDAI ENGINE ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11330912
121,000 miles · May 18, 2020
EngineFire
I DROVE TO WORK (45 MILES) PARKED AND WENT INTO MY OFFICE. I CAME OUT APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER TO GET MY BRIEFCASE AND MY CAR WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE IGNITED. THE CAR WAS PARKED , LOCKED AND A FIRE STARTED ON THE ENGINE.I HAVE MULTIPLE WITNESS AND THE COLUMBIA FIRE DEPT. *TR
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
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