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
100,000 miles · Jul 18, 2019
Visibility/wiper
OVER THE COURSE OF MY OWNERSHIP MY SUN VISORS BOTH DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER HAVE LOOSENED AND NOW HAVE COME LOOSE FROM THE HOUSING, CAUSING THEM TO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THEY NOW WILL NOT STAY UP COMPLETELY AND WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP THEY POP DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY HAMPERING YOUR VISION CAUSING A HUGE HAZARD. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I D…
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OVER THE COURSE OF MY OWNERSHIP MY SUN VISORS BOTH DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER HAVE LOOSENED AND NOW HAVE COME LOOSE FROM THE HOUSING, CAUSING THEM TO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THEY NOW WILL NOT STAY UP COMPLETELY AND WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP THEY POP DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY HAMPERING YOUR VISION CAUSING A HUGE HAZARD. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE AND HAVE TO REMOVE THEM AND TRY TO FIND REPLACEMENTS TO KEEP FROM DIEING ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11233166
100,000 miles · Jul 18, 2019
Exterior Lighting
RECENTLY MY VEHICLE STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES NOW AND NO ROOT CAUSE CAN BE FOUND, THIS OCCURS WITH NO WARNING AND WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED. THERE ARE ALSO NO LIGHTS OR MESSAGES DISPLAYING. VERY SCRAY ON A DARK RURAL ROAD WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI #11233103
4 miles · Jul 18, 2019
Exterior Lighting
MY CAR WAS PARKED AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS TURNED ON. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT WHERE I LIVE THAT THE FIRE ALARM WENT OFF IN THE APARTMENT BUILDING AND I JUST HAPPENED TO BE STANDING OUTSIDE AND MY CAR'S EXTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED ON BY THEMSELVES. I HAD MY KEY AND I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE CAR REMOTELY…
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MY CAR WAS PARKED AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS TURNED ON. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT WHERE I LIVE THAT THE FIRE ALARM WENT OFF IN THE APARTMENT BUILDING AND I JUST HAPPENED TO BE STANDING OUTSIDE AND MY CAR'S EXTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED ON BY THEMSELVES. I HAD MY KEY AND I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE CAR REMOTELY, BUT THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. I HAD TO GO TO MY CAR, TURN IT ON, AND THEN SHUT IT OFF. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY ABOUT THE SAME TIME AROUND 11 P.M. I DID THE SAME THING. TURNED THE CAR ON AND OFF AND THEN SHUT IT OFF AND USED THE KEY REMOTE TO LOCK IT. WHAT IS WORSE, WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT, I HAD MY RIGHT BLINKER ON TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, AND I NOTICED THE HEAD LAMPS COMPLETELY WENT DARK WHEN I TURNED AND I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING, THE HEAD LIGHTS CAME BACK ON BY THEMSELVES. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN. PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11232976
84,000 miles · Jul 13, 2019
Engine
THERE IS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THERE IS LOSS OF POWER . ENGINE DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY. CORRECTLY. THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT FIND A FAULT CODE SO CAN NOT FIX IT. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER FULL WARRANTY WITH PREMIUM EXTENDED WARRANTY
NHTSA ODI #11231605
51,780 miles · Jun 27, 2019
Engine
MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES THE CAR STARTS TO ACT LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THERE IS LIKE NO POWER TO THE CAR A YEAR AGO I WAS DRIVING UP A OVERPASS AND MY CAR STALLED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I SERIOUSLY COULD OF GOT KILLED I WANT ANSWERS TO WHY THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CAR STARTS TO …
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MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES THE CAR STARTS TO ACT LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THERE IS LIKE NO POWER TO THE CAR A YEAR AGO I WAS DRIVING UP A OVERPASS AND MY CAR STALLED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I SERIOUSLY COULD OF GOT KILLED I WANT ANSWERS TO WHY THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CAR STARTS TO BREAK DOWN APPARENTLY I FEEL IT'S THE ENGINE OR THE POWER SYSTEM IS FAILING .
NHTSA ODI #11223058
30,000 miles · Jun 20, 2019
EngineService Brakes
SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR FROM 2017 TO NOW, THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE. THE CAR WILL SHAKE AND THEN SLOW FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL POP ON. THE BREAKS ARE SOMETIMES VERY HARD. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO PUSH HARDER ON THEM, BUT THEN THEY MAKE A WEIRD NOISE. IT IS QUITE SCARY.
NHTSA ODI #11221410
66,000 miles · Jun 13, 2019
Structure
BACK DOOR ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT OPEN. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF CAR IN AN EMERGENCY. I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN. I THINK HYUNDAI SHOULD HAVE TO COVER THE COST OF GETTING THIS FIXED EVEN IF IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY FOR MILEAGE.
NHTSA ODI #11219915
91,770 miles · Jun 5, 2019
Latches/locks/linkagesSeat BeltsStructure
DRIVER DOOR WHEN IT IS UNLOCKING WE CANNOT OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT OPEN AT ALL. IT HASN'T OPENED IN A FEW MONTHS. I DON'T USE THE BACK OF THE CAR BEING AS IT'S JUST ME AND MY HUSBAND. TODAY WE TOOK MY IN-LAWS TO THE STORE AND MY FATHER IN LAW COULDN'T BUCKLE BECAUSE THE THING THAT HOLDS THE SEA…
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DRIVER DOOR WHEN IT IS UNLOCKING WE CANNOT OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT OPEN AT ALL. IT HASN'T OPENED IN A FEW MONTHS. I DON'T USE THE BACK OF THE CAR BEING AS IT'S JUST ME AND MY HUSBAND. TODAY WE TOOK MY IN-LAWS TO THE STORE AND MY FATHER IN LAW COULDN'T BUCKLE BECAUSE THE THING THAT HOLDS THE SEAT BELT WAS LOCKED DOWNWARD AND WOULD NOT LATCH.
NHTSA ODI #11218184
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2019
Structure
MY 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IS HAVING SOME TYPE OF MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN THE PAINT JOB. IT STARTED OUT AS ONE SPOT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ON THE HOOD OF THE CAR WHERE THE PAINT LIFTED JUST FROM WIND RESISTANT AND HARD RAIN. THE PAINT BEGAN TO CHIP AROUND THE AREA AND PUCKLE UP. A COUPLE DAYS LATER ON PASSENGER SIDE ANOTHER AREA POPPED …
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MY 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IS HAVING SOME TYPE OF MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN THE PAINT JOB. IT STARTED OUT AS ONE SPOT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ON THE HOOD OF THE CAR WHERE THE PAINT LIFTED JUST FROM WIND RESISTANT AND HARD RAIN. THE PAINT BEGAN TO CHIP AROUND THE AREA AND PUCKLE UP. A COUPLE DAYS LATER ON PASSENGER SIDE ANOTHER AREA POPPED UP WITH THE SAME THING HAPPENING. ABOUT A WEEK LATER TWO DIFFERENT AREAS WERE SPOTTED ON THE ROOF ON THE CAR. THE CLEAR COAT AND PAINT HAS COMPLETELY LIFTED AND IT'S DOWN TO THE FRAME OF THE CAR. OVER THE WEEKS OF STILL HAVING TO DRIVE THE CAR AND HAVING INCLEMENT WEATHER THESE AREAS HAVE GROWN BIGGER. I'M AFRAID IF NOT FIXED SOON THE AREAS WILL BEGAN TO RUST AS WELL AS WILL THIS ALSO HAPPEN ON OTHER AREAS OF THE CAR. DEFINITELY NOT GOOD FOR A BRAND NEW CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11207994
20,500 miles · May 14, 2019
Electrical System
ON AUG 26, 2018 THE CAR STARTED MISSING WHILE DRIVING. IGNITION COIL WAS FOUND TO BE FAULTY AND REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THIS WAS THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVING AN IGNITION COIL WITH THIS VEHICLE.
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.
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