What 258 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Hyundai Elantra Hev

Purchased car used with 60k mileage. Within 3 months notice car making a metal scrubbing noise and excessive shaking in in mornings when first started and cold but if car was warm no scrubbing sound and minor shaking. Took it to hyundai dealer to have checked was told they didnt hear the scrubbing and vibrating, I assumed they checked while car was warm. Continue to have same problem for about 2 years as well as car acceleration rapidly declining and skipping on acceleration.Suspected piston slap after reading description of many others having same problem as issue identical to mine, I recieved notification in mail however it stated I must be located in cold weather state and although my state does have cold winters, it wasnt included on the list so assumed I couldnt take part in the investigation or extended warranty. Now car is having a lot more acceleration decline and yesterday, was traveling about 60mph on interstate and without warning, car just cut off and steering wheel became stiff, I through gear into neutral and turn ignition and car cranked right back up and continued driving for another 20 min, then car rested for about an hour. Then I was returning home and was going about 35 to 40 mph and it done the exact same thing again, engine cut off without warning steering wheel went stiff and I had to put in neutral and car crunk right back up. I'm almost 100% certain my engine is one of the defective engines and I'm going to auto store to have codes read now but I dont know how to have hyundai fix my defective engine and I fear I could end up injured because of it

NHTSA ODI 11516874

Unwanted sudden engine speeding up,No warning or messages.

NHTSA ODI 11516207

Transmission completely went out at 86k miles with no warning. No lights on the dash, no slow build of issues. Has always had regular maintenance since I bought the car at the dealership. Second owner, and car is paid off. Drove it one day with absolutely no issues, and the very next day, all gears were slipping and was not safely drivable. Was stopped at a stop light turning into work and when I put my foot on the accelerator, it went nowhere and I was stuck at intersection. Got it towed that day to a local repair shop since I was told my warranty for power train was expired, and have been waiting on a new transmission for 2 months now. The repair shop still doesn’t know when they’ll get it in, and will cost $4k to install. Mine is one of many they’ve said have come through with the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11513340

Defective paint chipping and/or pealing off in large chunks with wind when driving can cause to hit another vehicles windshield especially, the drivers behind that can cause temporary obstruction to the road.

NHTSA ODI 11512599

On February 17, 2023, my vehicle was broken into and damaged because thieves tried to highjack the car using a now common method of the end of a USB cable in the ignition. The passenger rear window, the steering column, and the key ignition were all damaged, and I had my vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealership. Nearly all 2011-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles are made easy to operate without a key, to steal, and to vandalize. This security vulnerability has resulted in Kia and Hyundai owners paying for repairs (even with insurance, owners need to pay the deductible) and higher insurance premiums. Hyundai and Kia did not disclose this defect, which is a material fact, and a fact that a reasonable person would rely on when purchasing a vehicle, consequently making these vehicles easy to steal, unsafe, and worth less than they should be. The service writer at the dealership informed me that it could take 30-45 days to get the parts since this type of vandalism has increased significantly over the last six months. It has become well-known that these thefts are due to security flaws (re: failure to implement standard security measures and install anti-theft devices) in Kia and Hyundai vehicles, leaving them notably susceptible to theft. Kia and Hyundai owners, including myself, are left with limited time use of rental cars during repairs, oftentimes because of the delay in the delivery of parts. This situation also leaves Kia and Hyundai owners with higher insurance rates (or being simply denied of obtaining insurance) because of these vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11510696

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, she heard a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the noise was intermittent at first but had become almost constant and would occur at various speeds. The contact stated that she recently saw white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the engine was revving high when started in the morning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509481

The steering makes a knocking noise when I turn the steering wheel. The dealer states I need to replace the rack and pinion assembly. I have read of other driver's complaints regarding steering issues. I am also aware of a previous recall for the same issue with earlier Elantras.

NHTSA ODI 11508062

The engine failed under with under 100,000 miles on the car. It dies going under 20 miles per hour. This is a safety issue because it will die anywhere and can cause wrecks due to sudden failure. The vehicle was inspected Stivers Hyundai, and they could not determine what caused the failure. The problem was confirmed with the same dealer. There were no warning lamps or signs prior to the failure. Beneath, I am reporting the issue on the date it first occurred, though it has occurred multiple times since.

NHTSA ODI 11507598

The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking and stalling. The air bag, check engine, and various other unknown warning lights were illuminated, and messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failures could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and that while her daughter was exiting the highway, the vehicle stalled, and she had to turn off and restart the vehicle to continue driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure persisted and was recurring more frequently. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,500.

NHTSA ODI 11507666

My vehicle is just over 80k miles and has received regular maintenance services. Inspection available upon request. My engine would rattle during idle, stopped at a light, and sounded as if the RPM were increasing. I would have to turn my car off then back on for it to stop. No engine or warning lights. As this became more frequent, I also noticed a very intense shaking coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle while driving on the highway. The shaking was most intense as the car accelerated from 2k-3k RPM. It felt like I could have lost control. On 11/29/22, my car was towed to a repair shop because the engine would stall when I started my car. After examination they recommended I take it to a Hyundai dealer, determined the engine may need replaced and informed me of other recalls from similar models. When the vehicle was brought to the Hyundai dealer, they stated they could not replicate the issue - the engine would start without stalling - but they also speculated my problem was from a loose cable, and attempted to send my car home with me the same day. It is important to note that the battery cable was examined and was connected prior to bringing it in to the dealer. My car is not under recall so my request was taken lightly, they stated I had no engine issues. I pressed for them to address the rattling of my vehicle, for which they then told me I had a leak in my front left axle. Axle was repaired and car brought home. My car drove for about 212 miles before it started stalling again with multiple attempts to start it. When I was able to successfully turn the engine over, I drove it back to the Hyundai dealer on 1/02/23. They found no codes but determined the crank sensor needed replaced. After replacement, they informed me my vehicle still “acted up” once, so they have held onto the vehicle for the past month, letting it sit and occasionally test driving it. Still no answer to this irregular issue.

NHTSA ODI 11505297

Multiple times now, the vehicle has stalled while I am driving and turned off. Both my battery and alternator are still good, however this continues to happen. This happens at any speed, but most commonly at low speeds, while slowing down. This typically starts with the engine chugging or the car begins lurching instead of moving fluidly. As this is happening the light cluster will also flash and then go off or will illuminate the oil pressure warning light. I have had the oil level checked and can confirm this is also not an issue. The only way to get the car back on is to put the vehicle in park, and turn it over until it starts. It will normally start on the first try but at times it has taken several attempts. Additionally the car now produces a strong exhaust smell anytime I am driving it even though it has not done so before and there are no issues with my exhaust system currently. The vehicle currently has around 180,000 miles but from what I have read on this site there are many individuals experiencing this same issue with varying mileage. This is obviously a major concern as I have kept the vehicle maintained normally and this seems to have come out of nowhere and this is a significant safety hazard both for myself and others. As many have stated already in their complaints their vehicle has also experienced this exact issue while driving putting themselves and others in danger. The only fix I have seen on the site here is to replace the engine which is absurd given that this seems to be a manufacturer issue and not on the vehicle owner from what I can tell based on the number of related complaints that are the exact same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11503475

My 2015 Hyundai Elantra steering binds at highways speeds after having driven 20 minutes or so. I am able to overcome this by using extra effort to move the steering wheel; but it come back again. It does not happen at lower speeds. I consider this dangerous as I don't know if this binding (or sticking) problem will get worse. This has been going on since October of 2022. The binding occurs while driving straight at highway speeds.

NHTSA ODI 11501975

Cars with Pearl White paint have large pieces of paint flaking off of both the hood and trunk, this is a common issue found with others.

NHTSA ODI 11501510

At any given time without warning the car dies. There is a red light that is sometimes visible on the dash but flashes too quickly and tell which light it may be (due to location of light owner’s manual showing possible oil light/battery). The car has had regular scheduled maintenance. This happens when driving in everyday traffic and sometimes when going from stopped to accelerating. This happens when going in reverse or ahead. I have almost been in several different accidents due to it dying in the middle of intersections. Code reader has not been able to locate the problem because there’s no indication of a problem on the check engine light. This is a very serious problem that needs to be taken seriously before it gets someone badly injured or killed.

NHTSA ODI 11500974

The transmission has a TSB and I took it to the dealership and the service tech told me there are over 20 customers that have the same issue with the transmission jerking very hard and accelerating while taking off from 1st in automatic transmission also the car would just shut off while driving and you have to pull over and it starts up and was advised don’t get a used transmission because all of them are having the same issues also they have over 20 transmissions on back order I took the car to the Hyundai Elantra dealership on Blackstone ave here in Fresno ca

NHTSA ODI 11500237

Unknown cause vehicle stalls and stutters randomly and skips while driving. Stalls when at a stop randomly and when car is restarted tachometer does not register that car has been restarted.

NHTSA ODI 11499640

When driving the car shuts off. The dash lights come on oil battery check engine. Once I stop and put the car in park and restart it it will start right back up. I will die anytime and anywhere. I've been on the highway and it just stops. It does it multiple times before I get to were I need to go. I was almost hit by a semi in traffic doing 40 because it died in the lane

NHTSA ODI 11498061

The headlights randomly turn off or switch between high and low beams. This is dangerous especially at night because high beams can impair another driver's vision or having the lights turn off completely makes me unseen on the road. My car is available for inspection upon request. When I have gone online, I have seen other Hyundai customers have experienced the same thing.

NHTSA ODI 11496397

The low-pressure oil light flickers at idle and then stalls the engine. This often happens at intersections while waiting for traffic to clear and then the car shuts off. The oil pressure has been tested and is at proper pressure. Additionally, the oil sending switch has been replaced. At this time the vin shows the engine is not eligible for manufacturer recall. It is my understanding that the engine shut off is by design as to preserve the engine from seizure. However, the root of the issue needs to be addressed as it is a major safety concern if the engine stops during idle in a busy intersection.

NHTSA ODI 11491097

Power steering locks up while driving at high speed, could not turn wheel. Took a picture once slowed down to 20mph. Turned car off and on and was able to continue driving. Attempted to make a 3 pt turn to park, steering locked up again.

NHTSA ODI 11487174

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that he was able to navigate the vehicle off the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not covered under recall or warranty. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter only operated in second gear (D2) and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the shifter locked Mr. Transmission where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11485519

I rear ended another vehicle going 60, I slowed down as much as possible however the seat belt did not lock, the airbags did not go off & the vehicle skid. The vehicle was taken to a lot by my insurance for evaluation.

NHTSA ODI 11484221

The tire exploded while in the trunk of the car on 7/27/22 around 6:45PM. The tire says it was made in France. The US pat appears to be 3838726. Also has a RH 476 or maybe it is RH 475. Tire size: T 125/80 R 16. Also says 97M. It is a tubeless tire.

NHTSA ODI 11476964

The Hyundai Electra 2011-2013 were recalled for air bag issues with #13V115000. I have a 2015 Hyundai Electra and the air bag light came on. Hyundai said the problem was the same issue as the older cars but the recall did not cover the 2015s. Please expand review to expand the recall. Thanks, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11473220

Brake lights stay on constantly - even when vehicle is off. If driver is unaware of their brake lights being stuck in an on position can cause an accident very easily.

NHTSA ODI 11470944