IllustrationCar has failed to turn over/start on numerous occasions. It will take multiple times to turn over before it fires up. Car has also been very jerky in 1st gear aka going slow. Rough jerking spasms at 10mph or such. Car has also lost power numerous times while driving at high speeds.
2017 Hyundai Elantra
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Elantra years
Owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Elantra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
800–25K
7125–50K
5850–75K
3675–100K
31100–150K
4150K+
280 reports with mileage · 486 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 289 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 134 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
37 crash reports6 fire reports19 injury reports
Engine complaints
289 reportsThe contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the engine started misfiring. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that one of the cylinders had misfired and…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the engine started misfiring. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that one of the cylinders had misfired and the failure was associated with Technical Service Bulletin Number: 20-FL-001H. The ignition coil and spark plugs were replaced; however, the independent mechanic did not have the ECM software update that completed the repair per the Technical Service Bulletin Number: 20-FL-001H. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted for assistance but informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in a recall or in Technical Service Bulletin Number: 20-FL-001H. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
The car would die while going down the interstate. It would just shut off and you would have to try to safely get off of the road and shut it off and restart it. 60K? miles on the car. We took it to several places to have diagnostic test run and was told it was this sensor then another sensor. Nothing was fixing the problem. Th…
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The car would die while going down the interstate. It would just shut off and you would have to try to safely get off of the road and shut it off and restart it. 60K? miles on the car. We took it to several places to have diagnostic test run and was told it was this sensor then another sensor. Nothing was fixing the problem. Then was told it was the timing. Ended up 2 cam sprockets had to be replaced. Check engine light did come on. This could be a serious hazard if you were not able to get out of the way of other traffic.
My car started misfiring at about 23K miles. It would bog down on the highway and cars, numerous times, we forced to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting me. Over the course of the next 20K I had to change ignition coils 3 times. At just around 61K I went back to the Hyundai dealer (Nashua NH) and I was told that since I bought…
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My car started misfiring at about 23K miles. It would bog down on the highway and cars, numerous times, we forced to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting me. Over the course of the next 20K I had to change ignition coils 3 times. At just around 61K I went back to the Hyundai dealer (Nashua NH) and I was told that since I bought the car second hand that the 100K warranty was no longer in effect. I would be fully responsible for everything financially going forward. They said the camshaft position sensor was the problem. They said for $1700 they would take the top of my motor off and "see if we can find the problem". At that point I went to my own mechanic. He changed the camshaft position sensor (that didn't fix it),Crankshaft position sensor (that didn't fix it) and the Vvt Solenoid (that didn't fix it). At this point the check engine was saying that now it was the timing belt that was causing problems. So after spending $3K already it would cost another $2K to change the belt. Well that didn't fix anything either. So now, with almost 3 more years of payments to be made the car is undriveable. In 2 weeks I will be paying to $8K more to install a brand new motor in this car. It is the opinion of my mechanic and of the Nashua Hyundai dealer that the reason I need a new motor is because of all of the issues I have had since the day I purchased this car from Carvana. I had Hyundai America look into these issues and they said if I was the original owner they would have taken care of these issues but since I was the second owner it was only warranted for 60K and I was out of luck. Doing some online researcg there have been MANY issues with the motor of the 2017 Elantra. I have 3 years of payments left and when the new motor is in I will have invested about $11K to keep this on the road. I have documented information if you need it. Please look into these issues.
Engine locked up, no warning lights no indications. Have to purchase a new engine it happen on the highway and the car only had 69000 miles, almost cost me an accident
My 2017 Hyundai Elantra has only 61,000 miles on it. It has been maintained on time etc. It is seriously burning oil. Between oil changes it will burn no less than a quart. Most of the time much more. The check engine lights pop on and then the engine dies intermittently while driving numerous times a day. It has done this irreg…
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My 2017 Hyundai Elantra has only 61,000 miles on it. It has been maintained on time etc. It is seriously burning oil. Between oil changes it will burn no less than a quart. Most of the time much more. The check engine lights pop on and then the engine dies intermittently while driving numerous times a day. It has done this irregardless of what driving mode the vehicle is in. I have seen 100s of detailed accounts describing the same issue .
Was driving getting ready to turn in driveway an it dies an will not start it was about a week before it started an now it’s knocking or something never had any lights come on an never had any problems
I was driving normally as I always do when my engine seized and cut off out of nowhere in the middle of a busy intersection. After dealership inspection I was told the engine was faulty and needed a $10000 replacement
The engine is currently consuming oil at a rapid rate. Yes, it is available for inspection. The car has stalled out because the car is consuming oil thereby hurting the engine. The issue was confirmed by the dealer but they are refusing to help. Yes, the car has been inspected by Hyundai and also by an independent, licensed …
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The engine is currently consuming oil at a rapid rate. Yes, it is available for inspection. The car has stalled out because the car is consuming oil thereby hurting the engine. The issue was confirmed by the dealer but they are refusing to help. Yes, the car has been inspected by Hyundai and also by an independent, licensed mechanic. The warning lamps only just recently occured. Upon research, my independent, licensed mechanic confirmed this was a known issue. Hyundai declined to assist on multiple occasions.
Car stalled out. Parked it on should and 15-20 minutes later smoke started coming from the hood. Then fire from behind the engine.
Official recalls
417V213000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Mar 28, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.
17V063000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
Jan 26, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.
16V956000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Dec 30, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.
16V232000 · Air Bags:frontal
Apr 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
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
1DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.