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
What owners actually said
766 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2023
SteeringUnknown Or Other
When making a turn or just steering, the steering wheel, the wheel locks up and has difficulty turning or steering. A steering wheel with an exclamation mark shows on my dash, and I have to pull over and turn off the car in order for the car to resume driving normally. Also, the trunk automatic opening does not work. The trun…
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When making a turn or just steering, the steering wheel, the wheel locks up and has difficulty turning or steering. A steering wheel with an exclamation mark shows on my dash, and I have to pull over and turn off the car in order for the car to resume driving normally. Also, the trunk automatic opening does not work. The trunk is supposed to open when you approach it with your key, and it doesn’t work. That feature stopped working one year after I got the car.
NHTSA ODI #11537992
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2023
SteeringUnknown Or Other
CAR WAS STOLEN BY BREAKING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BACK WINDOW AND THEN STARTED THE CAR WITH A USB CABLE. I HAVE VIDEO SHOWING HOW THEY STARTED THE CAR AFTER IT WAS RECOVERED. I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND COMPANY WHERE I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM, ALL I KEPT GETTING IS THAT THE CAR IS OK AND THE DEALERSHIP SENT ME AWAY BAC…
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CAR WAS STOLEN BY BREAKING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BACK WINDOW AND THEN STARTED THE CAR WITH A USB CABLE. I HAVE VIDEO SHOWING HOW THEY STARTED THE CAR AFTER IT WAS RECOVERED. I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND COMPANY WHERE I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM, ALL I KEPT GETTING IS THAT THE CAR IS OK AND THE DEALERSHIP SENT ME AWAY BACK IN APRIL OF 2023, EVEN WHEN I HAVE A RECALL MAILED NOTIFICATION. I was told also that on this website there is no recall when they enter my VIN, but yet the car was stolen because of the poor immobilizer in these cars. Priceless and valuable items was stolen from my car belonging to my deceased mother(she passed in 2018), this is so upsetting.
NHTSA ODI #11537680
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2023
Unknown Or Other
Doors sometimes fail to open when car is electronically unlocked after being previously locked. This is apparently a well-known problem with Hyundai vehicles. From what I've read, the cable assembly responsible for locking and unlocking the doors is not well made and can either stretch or jump a cog, keeping the door from unlo…
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Doors sometimes fail to open when car is electronically unlocked after being previously locked. This is apparently a well-known problem with Hyundai vehicles. From what I've read, the cable assembly responsible for locking and unlocking the doors is not well made and can either stretch or jump a cog, keeping the door from unlocking. In my case, I believe the cable must've stretched. The car is available for inspection. I believe this failure is dangerous for several reasons. First, suddenly and unexpectedly not being able to enter your vehicle can happen at times when it is unsafe to remain outside--especially when a child might be locked inside, as might happen in a roadside emergency. Second, it encourages people not to lock their vehicles especially if they know there's a good chance they won't be able to get back inside once they've locked their car. Finally, it can cost over $1000 per door to have the problem fixed--if you can find a mechanic willing to do it.
NHTSA ODI #11537259
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other
While driving the vehicle it will start shaking. This has happened at different times and speeds so it I am unsure what the cause is. The check engine light will also come on. The shaking is very concerning and scary. The first time it happened I immediately pulled over and turned the car off. When I turned the car back on …
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While driving the vehicle it will start shaking. This has happened at different times and speeds so it I am unsure what the cause is. The check engine light will also come on. The shaking is very concerning and scary. The first time it happened I immediately pulled over and turned the car off. When I turned the car back on the problem was gone. When it happened again at a later date, I made an appointment to see a mechanic. The Hyundai dealership mechanic was not able to find the problem since the error code was not there when the card had been turned off and turned back on. They could not trigger the issue either. Even though they could not find the exact problem with the car they charged me over $700 to 'fix' what they *thought* was causing the problem. They said if the problem occurred again to return the car. The problem did occur again and this time I took a video of the check engine light. The check engine light and shaking stopped while driving and not me turning the car off this most recent time. I made an appointment to go back to the Hyundai dealership mechanic and they asked me "are you sure it's the check engine light that comes on." This was very frustrating, and I felt that they were gaslighting me as a female at their dealership since they could not find an issue with the car. I showed the video to the mechanic and he said, "oh yes that is the check engine light." Once again they could not figure out the issue or trigger the shaking. They said if it happens again to drive straight to the Hyundai dealership and sent me on my way.
NHTSA ODI #11536994
60,000 miles · Aug 4, 2023
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Electronic Power Steering Assist would randomly fail and the steering wheel would become difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was corrected. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic w…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Electronic Power Steering Assist would randomly fail and the steering wheel would become difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was corrected. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the Electronic Power Steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V213000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11536559
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2023
SteeringCrash
The steering wheel locked up on my daughter making her go straight while the road turned. She ended up in the grass on the right side of the road and ended up crashing into the guardrail from behind. The stability control light was on the entire time.
NHTSA ODI #11536371
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2023
Exterior LightingService BrakesSteering
I was driving on the highway, operating vehicle at posted speed limit, traveling about 70mph when vehicle experienced complete power loss for a short duration of time. All electrical off, loss of braking, loss of power steering. Power subsequently returned and vehicle resumed normal operation. This is not the first time this has…
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I was driving on the highway, operating vehicle at posted speed limit, traveling about 70mph when vehicle experienced complete power loss for a short duration of time. All electrical off, loss of braking, loss of power steering. Power subsequently returned and vehicle resumed normal operation. This is not the first time this has occurred, but this episode has me concerned since I was driving on the highway this time. I understand that Hyundai has other vehicles experiencing engine problems, not sure if my vehicle is may be experiencing a similar engine part failure.
NHTSA ODI #11535413
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2023
EnginePower Train
The engine is making weird noises and the vehicle is stalling and is not accelerating. If am trying to accelerate the crank shaft noise is coming from the engine. Koi
NHTSA ODI #11534438
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2023
Unknown Or Other
The door opening mechanism in both the drivers door and the right rear passenger door continually does not allow the door to open resulting in the driver and passenger becoming trapped in the vehicle, and often does not allow opening of the door to enter the vehicle. I and my passengers have been trapped within the vehicke seve…
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The door opening mechanism in both the drivers door and the right rear passenger door continually does not allow the door to open resulting in the driver and passenger becoming trapped in the vehicle, and often does not allow opening of the door to enter the vehicle. I and my passengers have been trapped within the vehicke several times where we unsuccessfully tried to use the cars unlock button, the key fob, the key, and even the manual lock levers in conjunction with either the inside or outside door levers. It is dangerous to be trapped inside a vehicle and so i believe this issue should be corrected by a manufacturers recall
NHTSA ODI #11534411
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2023
Unknown Or Other
Rear passenger door will not open inside or out. Driver door takes multiple times to open from the outside.very concerned that in an accident someone will not be able to exit.
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.
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.
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.
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
1
DP22003 · 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.