NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
382 reports81,274 miles · Mar 14, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A PUDDLE OF FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A PUDDLE OF FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V769000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), BUT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,274. *TT A REPAIR WAS MADE ON 4/16/2017 BY DEALERSHIP BOB HOWARD CAR DEALERSHIP IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA (405-634-8900). *TT
NHTSA ODI #11079191
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2018
Air BagsService BrakesSteering
HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIRBAGS MALFUNCTION DURING ACCIDENT AND OTHER VEHICLE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10694544
28,000 miles · Feb 27, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HESITATION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK FOUR OR MORE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE INADEQUATE FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE PRIMARIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HESITATION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK FOUR OR MORE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE INADEQUATE FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE PRIMARILY USED FOR NIGHT DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
NHTSA ODI #11075195
32,000 miles · Feb 27, 2018
Electrical System
CAR HAS PROBLEM STARTING WHEN USING ELECTRONIC IGNITION AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPS AFTER PUSHING KEY OPEN AND CLOSE IM NOT SURE BUT IT WILL EVENTULLY START. CAR WAS IN STATIONARY POSITION PARKING LOT AND HOME.
NHTSA ODI #11075191
10,000 miles · Feb 17, 2018
Exterior LightingVisibility/wiper
I CAN HARDLY SEE 6-8 METERS WHEN DRIVING ON DARK STREET, IF I TRAVEL MORE THAN THE SPEED OF 35 MPH , I CANNOT SEE THE DIVIDER UNITIL I COME CLOSE TO IT. COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI SEVERAL TIMES FOR FEW YEARS TO DIFFERENT DEALERS. NONE OF THEM HAD TAKEN ANY ACTION AND THEY SAY THE LIGHTS ARE ACCORDING TO SPECS. THE LIGHTS FALL CLOSE …
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I CAN HARDLY SEE 6-8 METERS WHEN DRIVING ON DARK STREET, IF I TRAVEL MORE THAN THE SPEED OF 35 MPH , I CANNOT SEE THE DIVIDER UNITIL I COME CLOSE TO IT. COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI SEVERAL TIMES FOR FEW YEARS TO DIFFERENT DEALERS. NONE OF THEM HAD TAKEN ANY ACTION AND THEY SAY THE LIGHTS ARE ACCORDING TO SPECS. THE LIGHTS FALL CLOSE AND SPREAD WIDE BUT THEY DO NOT FOCUS STRAIGHT AND FAR. THIS IS HAPPENING FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE CAR PURCHASED IN 2014. TILL NOW IT IS USED ONLY DURING DAY TIMES BUT RECENTLY I HAVE STARTED USING AT NIGHT TIMES AND FEELING MORE UNSECURE. MANY TIMES I HAD TO HAVE THE HIGH BEAM TO BE SAFE.
NHTSA ODI #11073416
37,215 miles · Feb 15, 2018
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND THE FRONT END WENT UNDERNEATH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT THE CONTACT STRUCK. THE POLICE, AMBULANCE, AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CONTACTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND THE FRONT END WENT UNDERNEATH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT THE CONTACT STRUCK. THE POLICE, AMBULANCE, AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CONTACTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE WITHIN THREE WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND SENT SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND THEY CLOSED THE CONTACT'S CASE; HOWEVER, THE CASE WAS OPENED AND CLOSED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. THE CASE WAS CURRENTLY OPEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,215. *TT *TR
NHTSA ODI #11073105
75,700 miles · Feb 2, 2018
Engine
AT 75,000 MILES, THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. I CONTACTED A HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE IS NO GOOD ANYMORE. THEY SAID IT HAS "INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE". I CHANGED THE OIL ON SCHEDULE. A WELL KEPT ENGINE SHOULDN'T DIE WITH THAT FEW MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11066675
50,000 miles · Jan 29, 2018
Air BagsEngineUnknown Or OtherCrash
I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE IS DELAYED KINDA, ALMOST LIKE ITS NOT GETTING ENOUGH AIR AT THE RIGHT TIME . MY CAR WILL HAVE A HARD TIME ACCELERATING AND IT WILL HIT HIGH RMPS THEN SHIFT. I HAVE TO JUST SLOW DOWN BEFORE THE SHIFT CAUSE SOMETIMES IT SCARES ME. I HEAR A TICKING SOUND SOMETIME BUT THAT COULD B…
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I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE IS DELAYED KINDA, ALMOST LIKE ITS NOT GETTING ENOUGH AIR AT THE RIGHT TIME . MY CAR WILL HAVE A HARD TIME ACCELERATING AND IT WILL HIT HIGH RMPS THEN SHIFT. I HAVE TO JUST SLOW DOWN BEFORE THE SHIFT CAUSE SOMETIMES IT SCARES ME. I HEAR A TICKING SOUND SOMETIME BUT THAT COULD BE MUSIC. MY BREAKS ARE REALLY TOUCHY AND SOMETIME SEEM TO HAVE NO TRACTION WHEN I NEED IT MOST. ALL THESE THINGS HAPPEN WHEN I AM DRIVING. WHEN I AM TRYING TO ACCELERATE OR BREAK I CAN FILL SOME KIND OF PULL FROM BEHIND THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11065575
3,000 miles · Jan 22, 2018
EngineTraction Control System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE ANTI-TRACTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND SOMETIMES TOOK AWHILE TO RESTART. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE ANTI-TRACTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND SOMETIMES TOOK AWHILE TO RESTART. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM MAINTAINING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FENTON HYUNDAI (16230 LYNDON B JOHNSON FWY, MESQUITE, TEXAS), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
NHTSA ODI #11064199
49,221 miles · Jan 11, 2018
Engine
ENGINE STARTED WITH "DRY (NO OIL)" SOUND, WHICH DISSIPATED WITHIN A FEW SECONDS. CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL, WAS OK. TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 12-14 MILES. AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 70-75 MPH, ENGINE LOST POWER. LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND ENGINE DIED, I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH PEDAL, COASTED, THEN LET OFF THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND ENGINE RESTARTED MAK…
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ENGINE STARTED WITH "DRY (NO OIL)" SOUND, WHICH DISSIPATED WITHIN A FEW SECONDS. CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL, WAS OK. TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 12-14 MILES. AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 70-75 MPH, ENGINE LOST POWER. LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND ENGINE DIED, I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH PEDAL, COASTED, THEN LET OFF THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND ENGINE RESTARTED MAKING A VERY LOUD SOUND. MADE IT TO THE HIGHWAY EXIT, ABOUT 1.5 MILES. AS VEHICLE SLOWED, IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE ENGINE HAD SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, SOUNDED LIKE BROKEN BOLTS ROLLING AROUND IN THE ENGINE. PARKED THE CAR. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED, THERE WAS A LARGE CHUNK OF METAL, ASSUMED AND LATER CONFIRMED TO BE PART OF AN INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENT, LAYING ON THE GROUND WHICH HAD CAME THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND MAKING A HOLE IN IT. REQUIRED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #11062125
Official recalls
2Sep 22, 2023
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.
Nov 30, 2017
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
2AQ23002 · 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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