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2015 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Hyundai Elantra do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

127 reports with mileage · 134 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 91 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports8 fire reports16 injury reports

Engine complaints

91 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2023
Engine

Multiple times now, the vehicle has stalled while I am driving and turned off. Both my battery and alternator are still good, however this continues to happen. This happens at any speed, but most commonly at low speeds, while slowing down. This typically starts with the engine chugging or the car begins lurching instead of movin…

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Multiple times now, the vehicle has stalled while I am driving and turned off. Both my battery and alternator are still good, however this continues to happen. This happens at any speed, but most commonly at low speeds, while slowing down. This typically starts with the engine chugging or the car begins lurching instead of moving fluidly. As this is happening the light cluster will also flash and then go off or will illuminate the oil pressure warning light. I have had the oil level checked and can confirm this is also not an issue. The only way to get the car back on is to put the vehicle in park, and turn it over until it starts. It will normally start on the first try but at times it has taken several attempts. Additionally the car now produces a strong exhaust smell anytime I am driving it even though it has not done so before and there are no issues with my exhaust system currently. The vehicle currently has around 180,000 miles but from what I have read on this site there are many individuals experiencing this same issue with varying mileage. This is obviously a major concern as I have kept the vehicle maintained normally and this seems to have come out of nowhere and this is a significant safety hazard both for myself and others. As many have stated already in their complaints their vehicle has also experienced this exact issue while driving putting themselves and others in danger. The only fix I have seen on the site here is to replace the engine which is absurd given that this seems to be a manufacturer issue and not on the vehicle owner from what I can tell based on the number of related complaints that are the exact same issue.

NHTSA ODI #11503475

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

At any given time without warning the car dies. There is a red light that is sometimes visible on the dash but flashes too quickly and tell which light it may be (due to location of light owner’s manual showing possible oil light/battery). The car has had regular scheduled maintenance. This happens when driving in everyday traff…

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At any given time without warning the car dies. There is a red light that is sometimes visible on the dash but flashes too quickly and tell which light it may be (due to location of light owner’s manual showing possible oil light/battery). The car has had regular scheduled maintenance. This happens when driving in everyday traffic and sometimes when going from stopped to accelerating. This happens when going in reverse or ahead. I have almost been in several different accidents due to it dying in the middle of intersections. Code reader has not been able to locate the problem because there’s no indication of a problem on the check engine light. This is a very serious problem that needs to be taken seriously before it gets someone badly injured or killed.

NHTSA ODI #11500974

Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

Unknown cause vehicle stalls and stutters randomly and skips while driving. Stalls when at a stop randomly and when car is restarted tachometer does not register that car has been restarted.

NHTSA ODI #11499640

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2022
Engine

When driving the car shuts off. The dash lights come on oil battery check engine. Once I stop and put the car in park and restart it it will start right back up. I will die anytime and anywhere. I've been on the highway and it just stops. It does it multiple times before I get to were I need to go. I was almost hit by a semi in …

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When driving the car shuts off. The dash lights come on oil battery check engine. Once I stop and put the car in park and restart it it will start right back up. I will die anytime and anywhere. I've been on the highway and it just stops. It does it multiple times before I get to were I need to go. I was almost hit by a semi in traffic doing 40 because it died in the lane

NHTSA ODI #11498061

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2022
Engine

The low-pressure oil light flickers at idle and then stalls the engine. This often happens at intersections while waiting for traffic to clear and then the car shuts off. The oil pressure has been tested and is at proper pressure. Additionally, the oil sending switch has been replaced. At this time the vin shows the engine is…

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The low-pressure oil light flickers at idle and then stalls the engine. This often happens at intersections while waiting for traffic to clear and then the car shuts off. The oil pressure has been tested and is at proper pressure. Additionally, the oil sending switch has been replaced. At this time the vin shows the engine is not eligible for manufacturer recall. It is my understanding that the engine shut off is by design as to preserve the engine from seizure. However, the root of the issue needs to be addressed as it is a major safety concern if the engine stops during idle in a busy intersection.

NHTSA ODI #11491097

102,000 miles · Sep 20, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that he was able to navigate the vehicle off the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed…

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The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that he was able to navigate the vehicle off the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not covered under recall or warranty. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter only operated in second gear (D2) and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the shifter locked Mr. Transmission where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI #11485519

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2022
Engine

The car engine started just cutting off while driving. There is no warning except for the engine, oil and battery light comes on. The dash lights and radio remain on with no engine. I have to brake and put the car in park to start the engine back up. It may do this several times before I get to my destination. I've had it looked…

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The car engine started just cutting off while driving. There is no warning except for the engine, oil and battery light comes on. The dash lights and radio remain on with no engine. I have to brake and put the car in park to start the engine back up. It may do this several times before I get to my destination. I've had it looked at and diagnosed at 3 places and none can find what is wrong. The 3 lights only come on when engine stops. The car has about 53,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11469821

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2022
Engine

Car stutteres than stalls especially near time of oil change , oil light flashes when going moderate to low speeds and than it stutters and the engine cuts and the engine light , oil light and battery light come on if engine not started right away the power brakes and steering also die making it a dangerous situation especially …

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Car stutteres than stalls especially near time of oil change , oil light flashes when going moderate to low speeds and than it stutters and the engine cuts and the engine light , oil light and battery light come on if engine not started right away the power brakes and steering also die making it a dangerous situation especially on a highway happened many times between 2020-2022 but it has been getting worse happening 4 times just today 4/21/2022 Engine type NU 1.8L Car make and model:2015 Hyundai Elantra Limited

NHTSA ODI #11461672

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2022
Engine

Car shuts down while driving. Usually as I slow down to turn, stop or change lanes. Very scarey.

NHTSA ODI #11451277

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2022
Engine

Hyndai performed a service campaign to enhance their vehicle software to better detect abnormal engine noise. Since the campaign, this vehicle has had 3 instances in 8 weeks where the P1326 Knock Signal error code was detected. Per Hyundai's Service Campaign bulletin, this code indicates engine bearing failure. When the code …

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Hyndai performed a service campaign to enhance their vehicle software to better detect abnormal engine noise. Since the campaign, this vehicle has had 3 instances in 8 weeks where the P1326 Knock Signal error code was detected. Per Hyundai's Service Campaign bulletin, this code indicates engine bearing failure. When the code is detected, the check engine light flashes and the engine is limited at 2000 rpm. This has occured while driving at highway speed in heavy traffic, and there is a significant safety risk due to the vehicle's sudden and unexpected deceleration which creates a high chance of being hit from behind. Hyundai has repeatedly treated this error code as sensor and electrical problem replacing electical components, clearing the code, and allowing the vehicle to be returned to service as if normal. However, per their service campaign, the failure is due to faulty engine bearings. This action of not correcting the mechanical problem has created multiple chances of potential collision and injury.

NHTSA ODI #11447736

Official recalls

3

26V307000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 14, 2026

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 300. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.

24V146000 · Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch

Feb 23, 2024

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 256.

23V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 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.

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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