Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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
What owners actually said
250 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2026
Engine
2019 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX]) suffered engine failure at 152,061 miles — abnormal knocking, loss of power, towed to Clay Cooley Hyundai of Sherman, TX. Diagnosed with crank/rod knock requiring long block replacement. This is the exact failure progression documented in NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203): defective pisto…
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2019 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX]) suffered engine failure at 152,061 miles — abnormal knocking, loss of power, towed to Clay Cooley Hyundai of Sherman, TX. Diagnosed with crank/rod knock requiring long block replacement. This is the exact failure progression documented in NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203): defective piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, connecting rod bearing failure, and engine block damage. Coverage was denied solely due to mileage — 2,061 miles beyond the 150,000-mile threshold. I am also reporting a critical discrepancy: a VIN search on NHTSA's website shows zero open or unrepaired recalls on this vehicle, despite the following facts: 1. This is a 2019 Elantra with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine — the exact population covered by 21V301. 2. The vehicle experienced the exact failure mode 21V301 was issued to address. 3. The dealership repair order references TSB 25-01-054H (tied directly to Recall 203) and performed an ECM software update under that bulletin during this visit. It is unclear whether this VIN was improperly excluded from the recall population, or whether the recall was marked remediated based solely on the software update — despite the engine already having suffered catastrophic internal damage. Either outcome warrants investigation. I am requesting NHTSA examine whether this VIN should have been included in 21V301, and whether Hyundai's practice of applying a software update to an already-failed engine and closing the recall is consistent with the intent of this safety recall. Repair estimate: $9,245.58. Vehicle is undrivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11746721
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2026
Engine
Timing gears/camshaft issues. dealer mechanic stated that the pin on camshaft broke and timing jumping. dealership stated this is a known issue with Elantra's but Hyundai has done nothing to address this issue. This repair costs over 4000 dollars for a known issue
NHTSA ODI #11739748
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2026
Engine
Engine failure. Car quit while driving down main highway. Taken to garage and they reported that many of the same engine for Hyundai have been recalled. When investigating, my car did the exact same thing being reported, but is not included in the recall. I have maintenance records for all oil changes as required as well. N…
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Engine failure. Car quit while driving down main highway. Taken to garage and they reported that many of the same engine for Hyundai have been recalled. When investigating, my car did the exact same thing being reported, but is not included in the recall. I have maintenance records for all oil changes as required as well. No lights came on to indicate failure.
NHTSA ODI #11738636
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2026
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
Where the Hyundai place tell that I don't need drive that because recall on the light shower! on my car and how electric part in the car. I still a note the balance 14,700. The paying balance need be 9,900. Because the wiring and light show balance I would owe. 6,000.
NHTSA ODI #11734543
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2026
Exterior Lighting
Highbeam shutters stop working. When engaged the solenoid engages, the shutter attempts to activate (wobbles) but never does. The indicator inside also lights up despite the shuttee never opening.
NHTSA ODI #11734441
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2026
Engine
The engine defected at 82000 i had it for a year can u guys please make it right as a valuable customer
NHTSA ODI #11732615
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2026
Exterior Lighting
During my state inspection it was noted that my high beams were not properly functioning. The garage tested my bulb and said it appeared to be a malfunction of the flap assembly in the headlamps. We checked online for information on how to proceed and noted a recall campaign T5G that was aimed at the exact problem we noted. I ca…
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During my state inspection it was noted that my high beams were not properly functioning. The garage tested my bulb and said it appeared to be a malfunction of the flap assembly in the headlamps. We checked online for information on how to proceed and noted a recall campaign T5G that was aimed at the exact problem we noted. I called our local Hyundai dealer (Woodall Hyundai; Danville,VA) to schedule for the recall. The scheduler stated that according to their records, they completed this recall in 2/2024. I do remember getting notified by them regarding a recall to which they had my car for a day to complete the necessary work. Myself and my original garage mechanic reviewed the recall directions that stated that this specific recall requires drilling into the headlamp to evaluate the high beam actuator lever. I informed the dealer that I did not see evidence of the completed work. They stated that they would have to have the car back for a diagnostic visit. I took my vehicle in; paid a $150 fee to be told that yes, my high beams are not working properly and would cost about $2000 to repair the headlamp assemblies. I escalated my concerns to corporate Hyundai who followed up with the dealer who insisted that I was responsible for the repair. I took my car to a different independent Hyundai dealer (Capital Hyundai in Greensboro, NC) who confirmed upon inspection that the recall Woodall Hyundai states they completed was never performed. They contacted corporate Hyundai to reopen my recall campaign and are repairing the assemblies. Woodall Hyundai fraudulently charged Hyundai for a repair kit they claim to have used for the T5G recall. They did not complete the job yet stated they did. They lied repeatedly to myself and corporate when investigating. This has delayed my state inspection. This has caused loss of use of my vehicle for the days it has been in these garages. This is also a safety hazard.
NHTSA ODI #11731365
Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2026
Engine
my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, no lights came one to indicate any issues, then it started driving properly. Then after about 4 min it just died, in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off ca…
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my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, no lights came one to indicate any issues, then it started driving properly. Then after about 4 min it just died, in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on and all the lights disappeared but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away and the check engine light is one. After taking to the dealer they stated that there was no oil in the engine. There are also no visible leaks to explain no oil. And 3 timing codes came up as a result of this. They conducted my routine oil change and still the codes came up and the car failed to start. In addition to all of this there is a knocking noise. I have an engine like those that have been recalled in the past but my particular VIN was not part of that recall. I have always done my oil changes at Hyundai dealer and on a regular schedule. This sounds to me like the same issue the other same types of engines had.
NHTSA ODI #11729082
Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2026
Engine
my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, then after aboit 4 min it just died, the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls ri…
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my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, then after aboit 4 min it just died, the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away.
NHTSA ODI #11728232
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2026
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
Both Front headlamp assemblies broken hi beam mechanism. My cars headlights burn out every couple months and the bright lights will not work. I took to a Hyundai dealership on 03/28/2026 who told me it would be $5,333.30 to fix. I have done nothing to cause this electrical problem on both headlamps and when searching the intern…
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Both Front headlamp assemblies broken hi beam mechanism. My cars headlights burn out every couple months and the bright lights will not work. I took to a Hyundai dealership on 03/28/2026 who told me it would be $5,333.30 to fix. I have done nothing to cause this electrical problem on both headlamps and when searching the internet; this issue seems to be a big problem on this vehicle year. This is obviously an issue in manufacturing of the vehicle and should have the issue be a recall to fix. It is so dangerous not knowing when my lights will stop working again after replacement and not having the use of bright lights at night.
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 ↗