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2019 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 57 of 250 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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 132 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports

Engine complaints

132 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2025
Engine

The engine in my 2019 Hyundai Elantra failed at approximately 66,000 miles. The vehicle began to idle roughly, lose power, and eventually stalled and would not restart. It was first inspected by an independent mechanic, who suggested a possible electrical issue. I then took it to a Hyundai dealership, where they later confirmed …

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The engine in my 2019 Hyundai Elantra failed at approximately 66,000 miles. The vehicle began to idle roughly, lose power, and eventually stalled and would not restart. It was first inspected by an independent mechanic, who suggested a possible electrical issue. I then took it to a Hyundai dealership, where they later confirmed the engine was blown due to internal failure. I had a new warranty after refinancing, which required the car to be driven a minimum number of miles before coverage could be used. The engine failed when I was only a few miles short of that requirement. The warranty representative from the refinancing company confirmed in a voicemail that while they could cover work already completed (fuel pump), they could not cover the engine. The Hyundai technician also recommended returning the vehicle to the dealership for a new engine. The dealership had previously noted the vehicle was only a few miles outside warranty coverage and even suggested they could “drive the car a few miles” to make it appear within warranty , they said after they put the part in , it drove 3 miles and the engine gave out . They charged approximately $2,000 for a repair that failed, and the vehicle was never drivable again. Because the vehicle did not operate and I could not continue payments, it was repossessed. The loan balance I now owe is a direct result of the premature engine failure and unsuccessful repair. I later learned that 2019 Elantras with 2.0L Nu MPI engines have recalls and complaints regarding improperly heat-treated piston rings causing engine damage. My VIN did not initially show under recall, but this failure matches known defect patterns. There were no warning lights prior to failure; the engine failed suddenly. I believe this vehicle should qualify for recall or warranty coverage.

NHTSA ODI #11698702

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2025
Engine

Yes, it put people at risk by breaking the engine and throwing oil on the highway. The engine simply opened a hole in the block. There was no light and yes the car is currently in inspection at Hyundai focus on these cars because Hyundai complicates a lot to try to get out of warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11693984

Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2025
Engine

In or about December/2022, I had made numerous attempts to fix my vehicle's engine. It kept stalling on the roadway and finally Hyundai agreed the motor was the problem and they ended up installing a new motor. The vehicle was then out not warranty and they said they were not responsible for the vehicle any longer. The vehicle's…

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In or about December/2022, I had made numerous attempts to fix my vehicle's engine. It kept stalling on the roadway and finally Hyundai agreed the motor was the problem and they ended up installing a new motor. The vehicle was then out not warranty and they said they were not responsible for the vehicle any longer. The vehicle's check engine light kept coming on and off at times. I did minor work to the vehicle and kept up with maintenance. Now my vehicle's motor is blown again without notice. It stalls on the highway and leaves me stranded. I believe that this type of vehicles were flawed from the beginning. I really convinced these vehicles should be recalled and taken off the highways since, in my opinion, they are not safe to be on the road.

NHTSA ODI #11686309

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2025
Engine

The Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software malfunctioned by failing to detect abnormal vibrations or knocking sounds. As a result, there was significant internal engine damage that caused the vehicle to seize unexpectedly in the middle of traffic on 4/10/25. The car started and abnormal noises were noted from the engine t…

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The Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software malfunctioned by failing to detect abnormal vibrations or knocking sounds. As a result, there was significant internal engine damage that caused the vehicle to seize unexpectedly in the middle of traffic on 4/10/25. The car started and abnormal noises were noted from the engine though not significant. week later, car stalled several times on interstate. Prior to the failure, the vehicle exhibited a progressive knocking noise in the engine. After seizing, the vehicle would struggle to start, idle briefly, then stall. It also randomly shut off while driving, creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle was taken to Precision Tune Auto Care, where technicians confirmed problems with the crankshaft, excessive oil consumption/leakage, and metal shavings in the oil, which they attributed to rod bearing and crankshaft wear consistent with Hyundai Campaign 203 (improperly heat-treated piston rings). Despite the KSDS being installed during the initial recall remedy, the system did not activate prior to engine failure. Additionally, no engine or oil warning lamps were illuminated. An oil change was performed at the time, but the vehicle had already burned through excessive amounts of oil since the prior change. Precision Tune Auto Care advised me to take the vehicle to Allen Turner Hyundai. At the dealership, staff confirmed issues with the engine but refused to acknowledge Recall Campaign 203, even when presented with documentation. They also failed to address the malfunctioning KSDS system or the lack of functioning engine/oil warning lamps. They were asked to perform inspection relating to piston ring and rod bearing, though refused. This situation raises major safety concerns, as my engine seized in the middle of traffic without warning. Other owners with a malfunctioning KSDS system could face the same risks, leading to sudden engine failure, potential engine fires, or serious traffic accidents.

NHTSA ODI #11685047

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2025
EngineInjury

The component that failed was the pistons in my engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Se which I see is on recall. I understand that my VIN may have been missed or looked over during the recalling systems decision making. I was on my way to work when my engine just shut off in the middle of traffic! Since that happened my anxiety le…

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The component that failed was the pistons in my engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Se which I see is on recall. I understand that my VIN may have been missed or looked over during the recalling systems decision making. I was on my way to work when my engine just shut off in the middle of traffic! Since that happened my anxiety levels has been extremely high! I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed that it was my pistons and to keep checking the recall website because they have seen something like this before. Before the engine cut off there was abosulutly no warning! Date of incident [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11683822

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2025
Engine

Engine light is on. Noticed engine shaking and burning of engine oil. Checked by Hyundai dealership who states engine EXHAUST CVVT AND CAMSHAFT needs to be replaced which is the engine timing chains. The engine is burning oil quickly which could indicate damaged piston rings as well. It is an extreme safety risk as the engine sm…

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Engine light is on. Noticed engine shaking and burning of engine oil. Checked by Hyundai dealership who states engine EXHAUST CVVT AND CAMSHAFT needs to be replaced which is the engine timing chains. The engine is burning oil quickly which could indicate damaged piston rings as well. It is an extreme safety risk as the engine smokes and can cause a fire! Car has been regularly maintained with oil changes being done twice a year at Cocoa Hyundai

NHTSA ODI #11683789

130,000 miles · Aug 28, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. While the contact’s daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and neede…

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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. While the contact’s daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #11683575

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2025
Engine

My vehicle is a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. It has the Hyundai Nu 2.0L engine, which has been the subject of recalls for engine failure, stalling, and sudden loss of power. The check engine light came on but not before the majority of the dangerous driving conditions surfaced, meaning I had almost no warning before the issue put my li…

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My vehicle is a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. It has the Hyundai Nu 2.0L engine, which has been the subject of recalls for engine failure, stalling, and sudden loss of power. The check engine light came on but not before the majority of the dangerous driving conditions surfaced, meaning I had almost no warning before the issue put my life in danger. My vehicle was not included in the recall even though other models with the same engine had been. I experienced unpredictable stalling, hesitation, and engine failure while driving. On several occasions, the car stalled unexpectedly in traffic, creating a serious safety risk; I nearly was rear-ended multiple times. The vehicle became increasingly unreliable, prompting me to take it to the dealership. The dealership confirmed that the engine failure was consistent with the known Nu 2.0L engine defect. There was metal debris in the oil even though I have kept up with maintaince and oil changes at the regular intervals suggested by Hyundai guidelines. Hyundai covered approximately 90% of the engine replacement under a “good faith” adjustment. Documentation of engine inspection and repair available upon request

NHTSA ODI #11681891

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2025
Engine

The car turn off in the middle of the road and it ain’t wanna turn back on and I had cars behind me and almost hit the back of my car my emergency light were on too and I was in the city I had to get it towed

NHTSA ODI #11680795

Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2025
Engine

I purchased my 2019 Hyundai Elantra from a third-party dealer (Mike Carlson Motor Company in Haltom City, TX) on [XXX]. I have kept the oil changed on a regular basis since I purchased it. At the time I bought the vehicle, I purchased an extended service warranty that was through Assurant/First Extended Service Corporation. […

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I purchased my 2019 Hyundai Elantra from a third-party dealer (Mike Carlson Motor Company in Haltom City, TX) on [XXX]. I have kept the oil changed on a regular basis since I purchased it. At the time I bought the vehicle, I purchased an extended service warranty that was through Assurant/First Extended Service Corporation. [XXX], while out of state (over 640 miles away from where I purchased the vehicle) my vehicle started making a rattling sound from the engine. The mileage on my vehicle was 85,320. I called the warranty company and opened a claim. I was told since I was not in the DFW area and more than 40 miles from the selling dealer or any sister properties, I could take it to any shop that will accept warranty work. July 18, 2025, the vehicle was finally picked up by a towing company and taken to the mechanic. An estimate was created on 07/23/25, stating test system oil is full, has code p0304 (which I looked up and is a misfire in cylinder 4), engine knocking from rod and/or piston, will need engine. Claim was sent to warranty company 07/31/25 and was finally denied today 08/08/25. First, they said lack of maintenance however, they had copies of all receipts. Then they said denied because covered under Hyundai powertrain warranty. However, after speaking with Hyundai Customer Care, it wasn't sold PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED. Had to send proof to warranty company showing no factory warranty (sent signed SelectCertified Form signed date of purchase). Now it was denied again stating OPEN RECALL on vehicle would have to contact Hyundai. The nearest Hyundai dealership is over 1 hour or more away. I'm hoping tomorrow when I reach out to Hyundai they can shed some light on the situation. I've been stranded in Illinois (I live in Texas) since 07/16/25 and have made no head way to get the vehicle back on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11679476

Official recalls

1

21V301000 · Engine

Apr 28, 2021

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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