NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
44 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 7, 2023
EngineService BrakesSteering
Had bought the vehicle at 72k miles, and drove fine for a few months before the engine started to sound like it was roaring (like the exhaust had came undone), shortly after vehicle started stalling and dieting turning left (have video evidence of this in parking lot) did not take vehicle in to be serviced as it seemed a lot of …
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Had bought the vehicle at 72k miles, and drove fine for a few months before the engine started to sound like it was roaring (like the exhaust had came undone), shortly after vehicle started stalling and dieting turning left (have video evidence of this in parking lot) did not take vehicle in to be serviced as it seemed a lot of the time to be a one off issue but now the vehicle has lost a lot of low speed acceleration, and had begun knocking at 80k miles where it was looked at by an independent mechanic which stated that the engine was severely low on oil. Have been driving since as it is the only way for me to get back and forth to work and the problems have been getting worse to the point the vehicle will refuse to start, or just act like it’s lost a gear and is stuck in neutral
NHTSA ODI #11500564
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2021
Service Brakes
The brake system continually fails intermintently and is placing the driver and all passengers at risk of injury and or even death. The brake pedal stiffens not allowing pressure to be applied to use brakes. The pedal has to be pressed in aggressivly 5-10 times before finally allowing brake assist to help brake the vehicle. Once…
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The brake system continually fails intermintently and is placing the driver and all passengers at risk of injury and or even death. The brake pedal stiffens not allowing pressure to be applied to use brakes. The pedal has to be pressed in aggressivly 5-10 times before finally allowing brake assist to help brake the vehicle. Once pedal begins to activate again it is followed with heavy grinding then finally almost resumes as normal with normal braking. The brake assist system has failed on almost 10 occasions on myself and has been taken in for repairs 4 times and fails to be repaired and appears to not ever be located. The recall regarding the brake booster was fixed, but yet brakes continued to fail after repair. The dealership has since taken it back in for repair and said they located leaking rear back brake pistons and repaired that. I was given car back and the next day experienced brake failure on 2 occasions on the freeway. I immediately gave the vehicle back to the dealer where it is today and they now believe it is the ABS system modular. The dealership continues to take it in but fails to locate the issue causing brake system failure. There have been no warning lamps or other issues that have relation to brake system failure. Since issue appeared first 2 months ago, I have replaced brake pads, brake fluid flush, brake booster recall, back brake pistons, and now ABS modular, and brakes continue to still fail.
NHTSA ODI #11431204
40,000 miles · Apr 1, 2021
EngineService BrakesStructure
BACK LEFT DOOR DOESN'T OPEN DANGEROUS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY AC COMPRESSOR MELTED REPLACED AND NOW IT'S MAKING NOISES STRUTS BOLTS CAME LOOSE BRAKES AND SHAKING WHOLE CAR
NHTSA ODI #11406002
59,311 miles · Feb 14, 2021
Exterior LightingService BrakesSuspension
I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT ARE LOOSE AND STRUTS/SHOCKS ARE CIRCLE ON THE INSPECTION FORM. I STILL HAVE MY WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11396186
18,646 miles · Feb 9, 2021
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER PALM SPRINGS HYUNDAI (3919 E PALM CANYON DR SUITE A, PALM SPRINGS,…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER PALM SPRINGS HYUNDAI (3919 E PALM CANYON DR SUITE A, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264, (760) 202-8888) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE BRAKE CIRCUIT ERROR SWITCH TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEEN REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,646.
NHTSA ODI #11395487
36,853 miles · Nov 4, 2020
Service Brakes
THIS IS MY THIRD HYUNDAI AND FOR SOME REASON MY FRONT BREAKS WERE COMPLETELY SHOT AND I HAD TO SPEND $567.65 TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. AFTER SEARCHING OTHER CARS THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY ESPECIALLY WITH ALMOST ALL HIGHWAY DRIVING. I HAD BEEN THINKING ABOUT ANOTHER HYUNDAI, BUT WITH THIS PROBLEM I AM THINKING MAYB…
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THIS IS MY THIRD HYUNDAI AND FOR SOME REASON MY FRONT BREAKS WERE COMPLETELY SHOT AND I HAD TO SPEND $567.65 TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. AFTER SEARCHING OTHER CARS THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY ESPECIALLY WITH ALMOST ALL HIGHWAY DRIVING. I HAD BEEN THINKING ABOUT ANOTHER HYUNDAI, BUT WITH THIS PROBLEM I AM THINKING MAYBE A DIFFERENT BRAND MAY BE BETTER. THIS PROBLEM HAD NOT OCCURED BEFORE.BREAKS WERE REPAIRED AT DEALER OTHERWISE I MIGHT JUST LOSE MY WARRENTY. I CAN TELL YOU I AM NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER OF HYUNDAI AT THIS POINT AT 36,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11373005
70,000 miles · Sep 17, 2020
Service Brakes
WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A SUDDEN BR.AKE, THE VEHICLE TOOK LONGER TO BRAKE THAN IT SHOULD HAVE. THE TIRES AND BRAKE PADS WERE IN GREAT CONDITION AND I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I HAD GOT THEM CHECKED OUT PRIOR TO MY ROAD TRIP WHICH IS WHEN THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE. OUT OF ALL THE CARS I HAVE DRIVEN, NONE OF THEM HAVE TOOK THAT LONG TO MAKE A …
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WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A SUDDEN BR.AKE, THE VEHICLE TOOK LONGER TO BRAKE THAN IT SHOULD HAVE. THE TIRES AND BRAKE PADS WERE IN GREAT CONDITION AND I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I HAD GOT THEM CHECKED OUT PRIOR TO MY ROAD TRIP WHICH IS WHEN THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE. OUT OF ALL THE CARS I HAVE DRIVEN, NONE OF THEM HAVE TOOK THAT LONG TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP. IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR IN THE INTERSECTION, I WOULD HAVE DEFINITLY HIT THEM WHICH IS VERY SCARY. AS A RESULT OF THIS I NOW KEEP A MUCH LONGER DISTANCE WHEN DRIVING BEHIND OTHERS AND I ALSO BRAKE AHEAD OF TIME SCARED THAT ONE DAY THE CAR MIGHT NOT STOP AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI #11355486
8,500 miles · Sep 14, 2020
Air BagsService BrakesCrash
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING ADJUSTED WHILE PARKING ALONG SIDE A CURB ON A HILL. THE DRIVER PULLED FORWARD, THEN ATTEMPTED TO STOP IN ORDER TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO GET CLOSER TO THE CURB, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS. THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL AND HIT THE BACK OF A PARKED SUV AND ENDED UP WEDGED UNDER THE BACK…
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THE VEHICLE WAS BEING ADJUSTED WHILE PARKING ALONG SIDE A CURB ON A HILL. THE DRIVER PULLED FORWARD, THEN ATTEMPTED TO STOP IN ORDER TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO GET CLOSER TO THE CURB, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS. THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL AND HIT THE BACK OF A PARKED SUV AND ENDED UP WEDGED UNDER THE BACK OF THE SUV. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SMASHED, BUT THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI #11354933
1 miles · Sep 3, 2020
Service Brakes
WHEN I BRAKE THE BRAKES DON'T RESPOND PROPERLY
NHTSA ODI #11352899
75,000 miles · Apr 30, 2020
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT WAS FIRM. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GENE MESSER HYUNDAI (4025 W LOOP 289, LUBBOCK, TX 79407) HOWEVER, THE MEC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT WAS FIRM. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GENE MESSER HYUNDAI (4025 W LOOP 289, LUBBOCK, TX 79407) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V063000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
NHTSA ODI #11322827
Official recalls
4Mar 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.
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.
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.
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.