What 378 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Gt

While driving at approximately 70MPH on the highway, my 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited suddenly locked up with no warning lights, no noise and no prior symptoms. The engine completely seized, causing immediate loss of power. I was barely able to coast off the highway exit to a final stop on the feeder shoulder, in a desolate area. The vehicle has always been properly maintained and is in excellent condition. Upon research, I learned that Hyundai has known of internal engine defects caused by metallic debris left from manufacturing since 2010, which can cause bearing failure and engine seizure. My Tucson's failure matches the same pattern described in Hyundai's Theta II engine recall and warranty extension campaigns. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous situation at highway speed and possibility of injury while being stranded on an open road. Many owners, myself included, were never properly notified of the risks. I am filing this report because this incident represents a serious safety defect and potential recurrence among similar vehicles that may not yet be covered by recall. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this issue and ensure Hyundai expands its recall and warranty coverage to include affected 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited vehicles exhibiting this defect that was well-known to the Hyundai Corporation. Date of Incident: October 23,2025 in Houston Texas. Vehicle towed to Hyundai dealer which diagnosed Engine Seized and currently awaiting Warranty Extension Approval (TXXC/TXXI)

NHTSA ODI 11697541

I started to see the oil light on the dashboard and i heard a hard sound from the engine so that i changed the oil then after a couple days i saw the light again on with a little bit high temperature, so stooped by a gas station and i added some more oil after i shut the car off and waited to cool the engine down and i started the car, the oil light was gone and the engine sound was smoother then i started to get the same issue every couple days and i used to fix it the same way and I've had the same experience with my previous car which was the same brand but different year band model which i found a recall on the engine after it blown and the agency or the manufacturer changed the engine for free for that car and the current car has the same issues and it's included in the year range for that recall which from 2012 to 2019, that scares me because i drive everyday for rideshare and that can be dangerous for me and my clients who ride with me, also some of them stopped calling me for rides once they knew about that issue. And today i noticed the car beep which i used to hear when i lock the car with the remote has stopped too.

NHTSA ODI 11672635

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the engine revved abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while stopped at a stopped sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle jerked forward before accelerating. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 94,512.

NHTSA ODI 11664789

A significant class action settlement, known as the Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement, was established to address allegations of engine defects in various Hyundai models. This settlement includes vehicles equipped with the Nu 2.0-liter GDI engine, such as the 2014–2020 Elantra GT. The lawsuit claimed that these engines could suffer from issues like engine seizure, stalling, and potential engine fires. My vehicles engine is the engine listed above and has been experiencing those exact problems. My engine has been stalling and making a knocking noise. A professional mechanic evaluated my vehicle and diagnosed it with first stage engine failure. Engine failure of any kind while driving is extremely dangerous and could lead to sudden stopping on a highway, collision, and result in the loss of life of both the driver and other drivers sharing the road. In addition to the Engine II settlement, there was a separate class action settlement related to the Theta II engines, which are also found in some Hyundai vehicles. This settlement addressed allegations of engine defects that could lead to engine failure. Hyundai Motors is refusing to honor their warranty coverage for my vehicle. They claim their refusal is due to my vehicle having a rebuilt title, however, nowhere on their website or per any other guidelines do they explicitly deny coverage for rebuilt title vehicles. They clearly state that only salvage titles and 'total loss' vehicles will not receive any warranty assistance, which my vehicle was never considered a total loss. Additionally, when speaking to a Bob Howard Hyundai representative, they informed me that they have previously honored warranties for people in my exact situation. The engine in my 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT is the original engine with a matching VIN number and the engine failure is strictly due to the malfunction of said part produced by Hyundai Motors. I have maintained and preformed regular maintenance on this vehicle with receipts.

NHTSA ODI 11660767

The engine in my car (Hyundai Elantra gt 2014) basically did everything I read about all the other Hyundai engines doing that are under engine recalls. Years ago it started having misfires, had the catalytic converter or parts of it replaced, sensors, over consuming oil, loud noises when it's lower on oil and eventually it just recently died. Unfortunately it's only 11,000 miles over the extended warranty period to get it replaced. The bad engine stuff basically broke the current catalytic converter and the dealership wants over 10,000 dollars to fix it and replace the engine... not including tax. The worse part is sometime like a year ago I went to a dealership because I had an apt for an oil change. The day before my check engine light turned on. So at the apt while checking in my car I mentioned to the guy taking photos of my car that the check engine light was on and please check it out. I waited two hours for them to give me my keys back and say I didn't make the appointment for the check engine light so they couldn't see what was wrong with it that day. And that had never happened before. At the time I had only been to dealerships to fix my car and The dealerships always agreed to check out the engine light when it was on except for this one time. Felt like I was getting pushed out the door. So I've spent the last year going to other mechanics attempting to fix the check engine light and it always just came back on when I got my car back. Tune ups, spark plugs, cylinder misfires. Elantra GT's are not represented in any of the recall articles I read about online so I felt the need to share my story because I think my car had the same engine as some of the other cars. RIP Elantra GT

NHTSA ODI 11637325

Engine failure related to piston slapping in upper motor. 3 months out of warranty and 115,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11635836

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The RPM decreased significantly, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 22-01-023H-2; however, the repair was not covered under the program. The failure mileage was 138,500.

NHTSA ODI 11633448

Ticking or knocking in the engine, as many other have described. Engine does not accelerator properly due to this issue, causing safety issues with accelerating to merge or enter traffic. Known defect that should be covered by Hyundai as regular scheduled maintenance has been completed.

NHTSA ODI 11607194

The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Elantra.  The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the parking lot, the vehicle caught on fire.  The contact stated that the vehicle had not been driven in four days. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire.  The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard.  The contact stated that the vehicle was condemned total lost by the insurance company.  The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. 

NHTSA ODI 11604221

When I accelerate the gears grind and the car does not want to go any faster than 25 miles an hour.

NHTSA ODI 11596015

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the engine was clogged with engine oil. The contact was informed that the clogged oil needed to be removed from the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced for Manufacturer Service Campaign: 966. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the oil canister had fractured, and oil had leaked all over the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised that the repair for Manufacturer Service Campaign: 966 was not completed on the vehicle. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not eligible to be covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 117,500.

NHTSA ODI 11594169

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not perform the recall repair unless the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was covered under factory warranty. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11592355

The car has little ticks..buzzy sounds,rough idle,decease power,loss in the fuel economy, had regular tune up, but the car stillnot right and could possibly be the computer

NHTSA ODI 11584047

roughly 5 months ago i started to hear a ticking/knocking sound. since then it has gotten louder and the car is having issues accelerating. Hyundai refuses to fix it even thought they’ve had a class action for this exact issue.

NHTSA ODI 11580739

Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I'm writing out of deep concern and frustration regarding the unrepaired safety recall on my 2014 Hyundai Elantra. Recall #23V651000 warns of an alarming risk of engine compartment fires, yet there's still no fix available from Hyundai. This isn't just a theoretical risk for me. I have no choice but to park my car in a public garage, making the fire hazard much worse. Hyundai's advice to park outside is impossible to follow, leaving me feeling trapped and unsafe. I find it difficult to understand why Hyundai can source parts for new vehicles, yet struggles to prioritize a fix for a potentially life-threatening safety issue affecting existing cars. I urge the NHTSA to take the following actions: * Investigate why this fix is taking so long. People's safety is on the line. * Push Hyundai to find a solution immediately. Each day of delay is unacceptable. * Keep me and other affected owners informed. The lack of updates is adding to the stress. This isn't just about my car. An engine fire in a garage could be devastating. Please act quickly.

NHTSA ODI 11580568

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 40 MPH  the brakes became hard and the steering wheel was inoperable. The vehicle caught fire. The ABS warning light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The driver was able to extinguish the fire. The driver continued to drive the vehicle. There was no police report filed. The air bags did not deploy. The ABS and battery unit were disconnected by the driver. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577552

I believe there was an electrical issue. While driving the car started smoking and my daughter pulled over and the there was fire coming from the engine and after that it just engulfed in flames. Fire was also coming from underneath when 1st started.

NHTSA ODI 11576600

So theirs issues with window ,shaking while in red light, tick sound, was a banging under the hood sound like metal, also an electric sound not sure how to describe it

NHTSA ODI 11576252

My car is only at 46000 miles.SinceI'm purchase from dealer it has given me the same issues of RPMs shooting up &speedometer going out of control the car wont go past 20mph & jerks back & forth, tyrning off while driving & has had a b"bad" drive since purchase. I dont know the issue and its never been fixed by dealer even though i took it in a few times for these issues. it now foing it again. my life is in danger with this care since purchase & hyundai shouldve replaced my car or engine but they do not care. this car is a lemon. and now the car can go on fire parked or driving? what can be done..on the nextvpart of complaint im putting down ladt week sice this is the newest incident of the desc.

NHTSA ODI 11568443

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Additionally, the contact had taken the vehicle in for routine service and was advised not to drive the vehicle by the independent mechanic who advised that the engine was showing signs of a potential engine failure. The contact stated that the independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11567015

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the alternator was prematurely replaced due to an electrical overcharge. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle responded with delay. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the ABS system. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for vehicle rental assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 316,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11564690

When I had near 50,000 miles on my car, my car emitted lots of smoke (like severe burning) from the back when I drove on highway. I had to immediately take the car to Hyundai service. They said nothing is wrong with engine. Years later, I started hearing knocking noise from the front and got engine light on twice in the past. The last time was 3 days ago when I drove to the local airport to pick up my son. Someone inspected my car yesterday because Hyundai had no availability until the next month. He advised me to take the car to Hyundai as soon as possible. I took it to Hyundai service and they said nothing is wrong just like the last time years ago. He told me oil was leaking inappropriately and damaged the motor inside. He informed me this is normal with Hyundai vehicles as they used GDI engine. Today Hyundai service charted me the inspection and said nothing is wrong with the engine. I told them I brought the car because knocking noise and engine light. I shouldn't pay even though they found nothing is wrong with the engine. I feel.very unsafe with driving this car. The guy who inspected the car said the motor is damaged due to the engine defect and excessively burn oil. They attempted to charge me for what Hyundai is responsible of ensuring the safety affected by manufacturing issues. Thank you!

NHTSA ODI 11563318

The piston rings do not seal leading to increased oil consumption and very low oil. My safety was put at risk because when I pulled out into traffic that was going at a high speed I could not accelerate. There was no warning or indication that this was going on prior to this incident. Yes this has been confirmed by a Hyundai dealership and the component was inspected. There was no warning sign before this incident.

NHTSA ODI 11561580

The engine started making a clicking sound, and was running rough. Then shook violently and turned off while I was on the freeway, Then getting very hot. It is defective and the dealer took it in under the t6g campaign but it was denied due to the salvage title for unrelated issues. Now it smokes if I drive it for an hour or two and takes a while to stop smoking afterwards. This car only has 120000 miles. They said it's a goodwill campaign but not a recall so they don't have to honor it. Now it runs for a few minutes but then smokes from the engine so I shut it off.

NHTSA ODI 11559503

Hyundai has had numerous engine failures and fires, due to piston slap. Multiple lawsuits and recalls in other countries. Hyundai has a T6G service campaign to replace these engines and they even extended it to unlimited mileage for the first owner. The problem is that they will not honor this unless you are the first owner and you did all of your oil changes at the dealership. They have an 85% rejection rate for claims that have the eligible flaw... That is ridiculous. Why are they able to refuse to fix 85% of these engines that blow up and catch fire prematurely due to a known issue? Please recall these engines. Multiple times my engine has stopped leaving me with no power steering or brakes, one of which almost ended in a collusion on the highway. It took a lot of strength to push the break in to stop the car. The scariest moment of my life. And I knows these are an issue and the dealership even said he sees a bunch of them come in all the time with this issue, and yet until it is an actual recall and I will do nothing about it. Please please for the love of God issue a recall on these, thank you so much NHTSA for keeping automotive industry in check and making sure that our cars are safe and reliable.

NHTSA ODI 11559513