NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
766 reports46,800 miles · Dec 24, 2018
Unknown Or Other
I'VE HAD MY REAR RIGHT DOOR ON CHILD LOCK FOR A WHILE NOW, I USE THAT DOOR EVERY DAY, BUT THE DOOR IS NOT OPENING ALL OF A SUDDEN, I TRIED PULLING THE HANDLE FROM OUTSIDE AND GIVING A GENTLE PUSH FROM INSIDE AT THE SAME TIME AND NOTHING. I'VE TRIED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE DOOR NUMEROUS TIMES AND STILL NOTHING. THE WINDOW AND T…
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I'VE HAD MY REAR RIGHT DOOR ON CHILD LOCK FOR A WHILE NOW, I USE THAT DOOR EVERY DAY, BUT THE DOOR IS NOT OPENING ALL OF A SUDDEN, I TRIED PULLING THE HANDLE FROM OUTSIDE AND GIVING A GENTLE PUSH FROM INSIDE AT THE SAME TIME AND NOTHING. I'VE TRIED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE DOOR NUMEROUS TIMES AND STILL NOTHING. THE WINDOW AND THE LOCK WORK, SO I'M GUESSING IT'S SOMETHING WITH THE CHILD LOCK THAT IT'S STUCK OR SOMETHING.
NHTSA ODI #11163302
30,000 miles · Dec 22, 2018
SuspensionUnknown Or Other
AT SPEEDS UNDER 40-45MPH, WHEN TURNING ONLY RIGHT, OVER BUMPY AND UNEVEN ROADS (RAILROAD TRACKS, MANHOLE COVERS, HUMPS IN THE ROAD, SEAMS IN CONCRETE), THERE IS A CLUNKING/CLICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR WITH AN ACCOMPANYING FEELING IN STEERING/PEDALS. SUSPENSION DURING THESE SITUATIONS FEELS VERY LOOSE/UNSTEADY. FEELS…
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AT SPEEDS UNDER 40-45MPH, WHEN TURNING ONLY RIGHT, OVER BUMPY AND UNEVEN ROADS (RAILROAD TRACKS, MANHOLE COVERS, HUMPS IN THE ROAD, SEAMS IN CONCRETE), THERE IS A CLUNKING/CLICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR WITH AN ACCOMPANYING FEELING IN STEERING/PEDALS. SUSPENSION DURING THESE SITUATIONS FEELS VERY LOOSE/UNSTEADY. FEELS LIKE CONTROL COULD BE LOST IF CAR IS NOT HANDLING PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI #11163131
32,000 miles · Dec 22, 2018
Seats
POWER DRIVERS SEAT MOVES UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN MAKING TURNS AT INTERSECTIONS OR SHARP CORNERING. FEELS LIKE AN ISSUE WITH POWER SEAT MECHANISM/LOOSE FASTENERS. VERY UNEASY FEELING WHEN CORNERING WHICH I FEEL COULD CATCH A DRIVER OFF GUARD AND LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI #11163130
22,080 miles · Dec 5, 2018
Air BagsCrashInjury
I WAS DRIVING AND WAS T-BONED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED LATE, HITTING ME IN THE HEAD AND TRAPPING ME AGAINST THE WINDOW. I HAVE A RESULTANT SHOULDER INJURY THAT MAY NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH APPROPRIATE DEPLOYMENT.
NHTSA ODI #11156392
11,000 miles · Nov 7, 2018
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
I LEASED MY 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BRAND NEW. THE THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER 3 DAYS AND THE CAR HAD HEAT FOR THE NEXT 3K MILES. SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS HAD POOR HEAT AND EVENTUALLY JUST STOPPED PRODUCING ANY HEAT. A HYUNDAI REP WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND UPDATED THE COMPUTER IN MY CAR. HYUNDAI HAS SAID MY CAR …
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I LEASED MY 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BRAND NEW. THE THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER 3 DAYS AND THE CAR HAD HEAT FOR THE NEXT 3K MILES. SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS HAD POOR HEAT AND EVENTUALLY JUST STOPPED PRODUCING ANY HEAT. A HYUNDAI REP WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND UPDATED THE COMPUTER IN MY CAR. HYUNDAI HAS SAID MY CAR HEAT HAS BEEN TESTED AND IS NOW OPERATIONAL. HOWEVER, MY CAR STILL HAS NO HEAT TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAR TAKES A HALF HOUR OF IDLING TO WARM UP THE ENGINE HALFWAY AND EVEN THEN THE CAR DOESN'T HAVE ANY HEAT TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. I LIVE IN NEW ENGLAND WHERE IT'S VERY COLD IN THE WINTER AND CAN'T GET ENOUGH HEAT IN MY CAR TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD TO SEE TO DRIVE MY CAR. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING MORE ABOUT THE HEATING ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH IT'S UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY SAY IT IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA ODI #11149838
34,000 miles · Oct 31, 2018
Engine
34000 MILES, EQUIPPED WITH SMART KEY. KEY WAS FUNCTIONING, ALLOWING ENTRANCE AND UNLOCK/LOCK/ALARM FUNCTIONALITY, BUT CAR WOULD NOT START. USED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO HAVE TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY STARTER. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND HAD PREVIOUSLY SHOWN SOME HESITATION WITH EARLIER …
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34000 MILES, EQUIPPED WITH SMART KEY. KEY WAS FUNCTIONING, ALLOWING ENTRANCE AND UNLOCK/LOCK/ALARM FUNCTIONALITY, BUT CAR WOULD NOT START. USED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO HAVE TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY STARTER. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND HAD PREVIOUSLY SHOWN SOME HESITATION WITH EARLIER ATTEMPTS TO START.
NHTSA ODI #11144499
39,000 miles · Oct 30, 2018
Electrical System
PASSENGER WINDOW IF ROLLED DOWN IT WILL NOT GO UP RIGHT AWAY, AND PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. HAVE TO OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE OF THE HANDLE.
NHTSA ODI #11143976
21,650 miles · Oct 26, 2018
Wheels
DROVE CAR LESS THAN 20 MILES ROUND TRIP ON CITY STREETS, FOR A MORNING APPOINTMENT. WAS PARKED ABOUT 40 MINUTES DURING THE APPOINTMENT. RETURNED HOME AND PARKED, NO PROBLEM, NO TIRE PRESSURE PROBLEM INDICATED BY SENSORS. DEPARTED ON SECOND TRIP OF THE DAY LESS THAN 6 MILES FROM HOME FOR ANOTHER APPOINTMENT, PARKED FOR ABOUT …
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DROVE CAR LESS THAN 20 MILES ROUND TRIP ON CITY STREETS, FOR A MORNING APPOINTMENT. WAS PARKED ABOUT 40 MINUTES DURING THE APPOINTMENT. RETURNED HOME AND PARKED, NO PROBLEM, NO TIRE PRESSURE PROBLEM INDICATED BY SENSORS. DEPARTED ON SECOND TRIP OF THE DAY LESS THAN 6 MILES FROM HOME FOR ANOTHER APPOINTMENT, PARKED FOR ABOUT 50 MINUTES. TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT IN PARKING LOT AFTERWARDS. TOW OPERATOR PLACED MY SPARE TIRE ON, WE VISUALLY INSPECTED THE FALT TIRE AND THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO TIRE OR RIM. I DROVE VEHICLE TO NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER 3.5 MILES AWAY. DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED TIRE AND RIM WITH ME AGAIN, SAME CONCLUSION NO VISIBLE AND NO APPARENT DAMAGE. SERVICE DEPARTMENT DUNK TESTED THE TIRE, NO LEAK DETECTED. TIRE WAS RE-INFLATED AND PLACED BACK ON THE CAR. DROVE 2 MILES TO HOME AND PARKED. LESS THAN 2 HOUR LATER TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT AGAIN. TIRE IS ON DRIVER (LEFT) SIDE REAR. VALVE STEM IS SNUG, NO APPARENT PROBLEM EXCEPT THAT TIRE NO LONGER REMAIN INFLATED. TIRE AND WHEEL RIM ARE DEALER/MANUFACTURER ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. TIRE IS BRANDED AS NEXEN NPRIZ AH8, SIZE IS 205/55R16 91H
NHTSA ODI #11142778
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2018
Power TrainCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD TO SWERVE TO MISS ANOTHER VEHICLE; HOWEVER, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB, FLIPPED OVER, AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD TO SWERVE TO MISS ANOTHER VEHICLE; HOWEVER, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB, FLIPPED OVER, AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V471000 (POWER TRAIN). ONLY THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11140602
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2018
Unknown Or Other
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA FROM NON-HYUNDAI DEALER. AT THE TIME OF THE SALE, A SINGLE KEY WAS PROVIDED VERSUS A KEY FOB. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A SHORT TIME, THE ALARM WENT OFF ON THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS UNKNOWN TO ME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN ALARM. IT HAPPENED AGAIN WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN I L…
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I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA FROM NON-HYUNDAI DEALER. AT THE TIME OF THE SALE, A SINGLE KEY WAS PROVIDED VERSUS A KEY FOB. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A SHORT TIME, THE ALARM WENT OFF ON THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS UNKNOWN TO ME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN ALARM. IT HAPPENED AGAIN WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN I LOOKED INTO THE ISSUE ONLY TO LEARN THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD NEW WITH A FOB KEY. I WENT TO A HYUNDAI DEALER AND PURCHASED A FOB AND HAD IT PROGRAMMED FOR $185.00. MONEY I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO SPEND. ALSO, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE THAT THE USED CAR DEALER DID NOT UPDATE TO THE VEHICLE. IS IT LEGAL TO SELL A USED CAR WITHOUT FOB KEY AND NOT INCORPORATE ALL RECALLS?
NHTSA ODI #11140547
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.
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