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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.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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 · Mar 28, 2023
EngineUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

Originally I had gottem my oil changed at the Hyundai dealership 2 months before . The car was turning off on me while driving making slow turns or slowing down to 5mph or less. Then my car broke down on me and wouldnt turn on. Mechanic was saying there was no oil in and it created a sludge in the engine basically ruining the ca…

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Originally I had gottem my oil changed at the Hyundai dealership 2 months before . The car was turning off on me while driving making slow turns or slowing down to 5mph or less. Then my car broke down on me and wouldnt turn on. Mechanic was saying there was no oil in and it created a sludge in the engine basically ruining the car. My check oil light never came on, and the oil was just recently changed so this shouldve been apart of the recall where similar issues happened.

NHTSA ODI #11514262

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2023
TiresUnknown Or OtherWheels

I got this used car from Hyundai Courtesy in late 2020. My issue with this used car is that there is no TPMS reset button to get the tires back to have the same tire pressure. Even with battery mode reset done, the tires are always out of sync after a few days or hours. I do go to the dealership to get the tpms fixed but after …

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I got this used car from Hyundai Courtesy in late 2020. My issue with this used car is that there is no TPMS reset button to get the tires back to have the same tire pressure. Even with battery mode reset done, the tires are always out of sync after a few days or hours. I do go to the dealership to get the tpms fixed but after a few days, it is back to out of sync. I am writing to the safety board to inform them and hopefully, Hyundai corporate can look into this electrical issue.

NHTSA ODI #11514230

83,600 miles · Mar 27, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate when depressing the accelerator pedal and began to roll backward. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine oil was…

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate when depressing the accelerator pedal and began to roll backward. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine oil was replaced. The independent mechanic diagnosed that an unknown valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,600.

NHTSA ODI #11513925

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2023
Engine

•In early October 2022 when the car owner purchased the Hyundai 2017 Elantra it had 77,717 miles on it. The inspection of the car by the dealership’s service department prior to purchase did not indicate any concerns with the engine. No mention was made of the need for an extended warranty. •In February 2023, four months after…

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•In early October 2022 when the car owner purchased the Hyundai 2017 Elantra it had 77,717 miles on it. The inspection of the car by the dealership’s service department prior to purchase did not indicate any concerns with the engine. No mention was made of the need for an extended warranty. •In February 2023, four months after purchase, the car was taken to a Hyundai Service Department of the same company for an 85,000-mile servicing at 84,107. Again, no concerns with the engine of the car were noted. •Fifteen days later the car’s engine died. The same Hyundai Service Department indicated that there was so much carbon buildup that the intake valves and pistons in cylinder 3 came into contact causing metal shavings to blow the engine. They said they had filed a PA with Hyundai Customer Service USA and had been told because the owner is a second owner Hyundai would not pay for the replacement of the engine under the 100,000 K warranty. A new engine had to be installed at the estimated cost of $6790. The Hyundai Service Department indicated this was a reduction in the cost of both the new engine and labor.

NHTSA ODI #11513860

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2023
Structure

In my 2017 white Elantra, the paint in the hood and top started peeling off. I have seen multiple elantras especially white color having this issue. It seems like a manufacturing defect and Hyundai should address this issue through a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11513755

Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2023
Engine

The engine failed catastrophically. Yes, available for inspection. Driving down the highway, and engine seized up in traffic. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. No, the car has not had an inspection done by the manufacturer as of yet. No warning.

NHTSA ODI #11513456

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2023
Engine

It all started in 2020. I took my car to Don Wood Hyundai Athens OH for a ticking noise at 60K miles rite after the same dealership performed an oil change. After several weeks of no answers about my car I was told it needed an engine, no one ever gave me a reason as to why. I was also told I would not have any type of extende…

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It all started in 2020. I took my car to Don Wood Hyundai Athens OH for a ticking noise at 60K miles rite after the same dealership performed an oil change. After several weeks of no answers about my car I was told it needed an engine, no one ever gave me a reason as to why. I was also told I would not have any type of extended warranty. 2023 I was driving the car on the highway when it all of a sudden loss power and sputtered and almost stalled. I took the car to Don Wood Hyundai for service when I asked what was wrong with my car I was told it needed a software update and the issue was resolved. While the car was being serviced I found a Hyundai NHSTA service memo about issues with the ignition coils. When I picked up the car I specifically asked if the coils had been checked and if they are the correct ones. No one in this Hyundai Dealer ship could tell me, they completely failed to do a visual inspection. So I take my car back and decide to investigate. I contacted Hyundai about the issue they were no help. I then decided might as well just replace the coils and spark plugs myself since I am at 87K miles. I found a badly corroded spark plug and damaged coil on the car. Hyundai claims their coils and plugs are good for up to 80 - 100K miles. According to the dealership when the engine was replaced all of these components would have been replaced also. So my "new" engine and components have started to fail at 20K miles. Had I not done the service myself the car for sure would have died on the road and created a dangerous situation. I believe Hyundai has a lot of issues with their newer cars that need to be resolved and they are not doing quality work to ensure documented issues are not resolved.

NHTSA ODI #11510290

Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2023
Steering

2017 Hyundai Elantra limited. Vehicle makes grinding noise when steering wheel is turned in either direction. Dealer said it needs new steering column. I am surprised that a vehicle driven 36000, miles would have a warn steering column. It never been a in a collision or driven roughly. I have never had a steering column go bad i…

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2017 Hyundai Elantra limited. Vehicle makes grinding noise when steering wheel is turned in either direction. Dealer said it needs new steering column. I am surprised that a vehicle driven 36000, miles would have a warn steering column. It never been a in a collision or driven roughly. I have never had a steering column go bad in a car.

NHTSA ODI #11510141

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2023
Structure

I am filing a complaint regarding my white 2017 Elantra because Hyundia refuses to address the peeling paint issue on the hood. The paint is literally falling off. I tried to have it fixed under the original warranty - Plano Hyundia Huffines said it was not covered - This was not true, and it could have been fixed. I know this b…

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I am filing a complaint regarding my white 2017 Elantra because Hyundia refuses to address the peeling paint issue on the hood. The paint is literally falling off. I tried to have it fixed under the original warranty - Plano Hyundia Huffines said it was not covered - This was not true, and it could have been fixed. I know this because I received an extended warranty notice (TXXW) specifically addressing the paint issue. I took the car to the dealer, and they again stated it's not covered - too much time had passed....I just received the notice 2 weeks prior to the appointment on 2/25/23 at 10:30 am CST. I am looking to simply have my hood painted / repaired and i cannot get anyone to be accountable to the poor quality of this car's paint.

NHTSA ODI #11509280

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2023
Structure

Door exterior handle will not open after the car is locked and then unlocked. It takes multiple pulls after unlocking door and door will not open until 4-5 pulls are taken to get door open.

NHTSA ODI #11508220

Official recalls

4

17V213000 · 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

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.

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