What 258 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Hyundai Elantra Hev

The engine failed on a 2015 Hyundai Elantra with approximately 71,000 miles. The vehicle has an open, unresolved safety recall (Recall 251, NHTSA #23V651000) for an ABS module brake fluid leak that Hyundai has acknowledged but has not provided a remedy for. The vehicle is currently at an independent repair facility and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle repeatedly shut off without warning while in motion and restarted mid-drive, causing sudden loss of power steering and power brakes while driving. This occurred on multiple occasions and was documented by an independent service center in February 2026. This presents a serious risk of accident, injury, or death to the driver and others on the road. The check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle experienced recurring brake issues requiring multiple repairs over several years, including brake replacement before 2026 and rear rotor, brake pad, and brake line repairs in February 2026. These brake symptoms are consistent with the known ABS module defect covered under open Recall 251. The engine shutoff symptom was first documented in February 2026 and continued until engine failure in May 2026.

NHTSA ODI 11739608

I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a vehicle purchased on March 5, 2026. Within days of purchase, the vehicle exhibited multiple safety-related issues despite reportedly passing a Virginia safety inspection on February 27, 2026. The safety concerns identified include: - Driver-side headlight partially inoperable, which resulted in a traffic stop on March 15, 2026 - Front hood not properly secured/latching, creating a risk of opening while driving - No engine oil present upon inspection shortly after purchase - Coolant reservoir completely empty - Check engine light illuminated shortly after purchase Diagnostic testing following the check engine light revealed code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold). A mechanic advised that this condition is not a new issue and would have developed over time, indicating that it likely existed prior to the sale of the vehicle. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had an outstanding manufacturer safety recall identified as NHTSA Recall No. 23V651000 (Recall #251), dated April 3, 2024. This recall had not been completed prior to sale and was only addressed on March 24, 2026, after I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership. Additionally, the vehicle was subject to a manufacturer campaign identified as Campaign #P33, dated December 15, 2025. This further indicates that the vehicle required manufacturer-related service that had not been fully addressed prior to sale. An independent inspection conducted on March 16, 2026 confirmed conditions inconsistent with a vehicle that had recently passed a safety inspection. These issues raise serious concerns about the safety, inspection integrity, and roadworthiness of the vehicle at the time it was sold. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed for potential safety-related concerns and any related violations. I am available to provide supporting documentation, including inspection reports, diagnostic results, service records, and photographic evidence.

NHTSA ODI 11731101

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power several times, with the check engine warning light and low oil warning lights blinking. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted. There was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11730460

Engine failure consistent with known Hyundai engine defect. Blue smoke, oil consumption, engine knock Mechanic autoscanned codes were P0300, PO301, PO302 Lost half quart of oil in 800 miles Fire risk acknowledged in recall documentation - undriveable car at Hyundai dealer in Salem NH, renting a car now as without any transportation Manufacturer denied repair based solely on VIN despite identical failure

NHTSA ODI 11716178

2015 Hyundai Elantra is consuming oil. I have changed the oil on all of my vehicles ever since I have owned vehicles and this vehicle purchased used for my children and maintained by me is consuming oil requiring addition of +/- a quart of oil between trips from Baltimore, MD to New Haven, CT. Oil lamp on dashboard is lighting indicating low level of oil upon return to home just north of Baltimore December 15, 2025 after a trip north to New Haven CT November 29, 2025. Oil was topped off prior to trip back to school on November 28, 2025 and 16 days later after trip home on December 15, 2015, oil lamp on dash is lighting and oil level is low. There are no observations of oil leaking at home or in parking garage at New Haven, CT

NHTSA ODI 11705215

My 2015 Hyundai Elantra fits the 'window' of Elantras where the engine transmission slips gears without notice. Hyundai dealers have been replacing transmissions at no cost, if the car is still under 100,000 miles, as part of a class action settlement. As the second owner, I have no warranty rights to get Hyundai to fix my car at no cost. This is despite the Hyundai dealer just today (Aug 20, 2025) here in Las Vegas was ready to replace my transmission at no cost until they found out I am the second owner. The car is still unsafe. The need is still relevant. The dealer was willing at first. Now I am faced with an unsafe vehicle forced to possibly pass in excess of $4,000 to fix an issue that has been know and litigated.

NHTSA ODI 11681902

Vehicle routinely (3,000-5,000 miles, depending on oil used) maintained by qualified mechanics. Around 129,000 miles the engine began to knock / rattle. Mechanic was unable to determine the cause, but the rattle was only present between 0-40mph and would settle at higher speeds. Mechanic also noted the absence of sludge. Around 133,000 miles the vehicle stalled. The vehicle would start, but would stall again. Mechanic diagnosed timing chain failure and that the vehicle is burning oil. Vehicle has never indicated low oil, but it is now manually checked and burning about a quart of oil per 1,000 miles. Replaced timing chain and vehicle has continued to operate. Around 134,500 miles some power loss during low-speed acceleration and a slight engine rumble at lower speed. Mechanic diagnosed a wrist pin failure on cylinder 2. Vehicle may be inspected upon request. Vehicle stalls create some safety concerns, but have only occurred at low speeds. Vehicle timing chain was diagnosed by two different mechanics. When the vehicle was brought to a Hyundai dealership for a trunk latch recall in May of 2024 at 125,000 miles, no issues were noted. Vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance represenstatives since May of 2024, with no reported issues. No check engine notifications or warnings appeared until the vehicle stalled. Prior to slightly decreased acceleration, the only notable indicator of an issue is the persistent engine rattle (knock, piston slap). The engine rattle began in February of 2025.

NHTSA ODI 11674097

Hello my vehicle developed a knock and it has become so much worse, I will not drive it. Hyundai has played games with me. My vehicle has been at Jenkins Subaru three times at Hyundai request. This third time my vehicle had to be towed to Jenkins Subaru. Now Hyundai tells me they will not repair my vehicle even though they have been aware with this lifter knock piston slap issue for quite some time now. I need help. I am [XXX] [XXX] and rely on this vehicle to get me to doctors appointments and general errands. I really don't know what to do. I am afraid to drive the vehicle because of fire issues and possibly staling out on the interstate and me getting hit by another vehicle. Please help. My vehicle now sits at Jenkins Subaru in Clarksburg wv and I have no way to bring it back to Fairmont wv. A 20 to 25 minutes trip could be deadly to to bring it home. Hyundai could have cared less that I had to had the vehicle towed to Jenkins Subaru, there reasoning is it has 104,000 miles on it. I told Hyundai they must make throw away vehicles then. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11657995

Abs and traction control lights on as well as e brake light this is all after I had recall work that was supposed to fix this problem but only made it worse I am dealing with Hyundai but I don’t see a solution for this problem my car is inoperable and very unsafe it is my main source of transportation to and from my place of work and without this vehicle I am at a great loss I have lost brakes completely at times and am mentally and physically unable to drive this car it’s that bad financially strapped from sinking money into this problem only to find there’s a recall but the recall work didn’t fix the problem and Hyundai knows it won’t fix the problem

NHTSA ODI 11655404

Check engine light came on, the code says misfire on random cylinders, drives very rough. Took to mechanic and said timing chain is loose, which causes the “skipping” or misfire, and could snap at any moment (which is unsafe and could cause a wreck). Mechanic has 3 other Hyundai Elantra's with same problem. Around 2 grand fix.

NHTSA ODI 11649865

While operating my 2015 Hyundai ELANTRA, the engine cuts out.. it just stalls out of nowhere without any signs or warnings its about to happen. As well as approximately 50% of the time the engine stalls the power steering also stops working. At this point I have to coast to the side of the road, put it in park, turn the key to the off position and then restart the car when this happens which is quite often. The worst its ever been was 8 times in a 25 minute/28 mile drive. This doesn’t only happen at fast or slow speeds. It’s completely random whether I’m going 15 mph in a school zone 25 to 40 mph through towns or 65 to 70 mph on highways. This is already extremely dangerous to happen. Going 15 to 40 mph but when you’re driving on a highway at 65 or 70 mph and the engine and power steering just stop and cut out, this is severely dangerous. I’ve been in contact with the Hyundai headquarters multiple times and they are not doing a single thing about it so my car has just been sitting for about 5 months now. Please help me hold Hyundai financially responsible for safety recall repairs. This manufacturer safety issue is unacceptable and my car has been very well maintained and has very low miles under 70k miles on a 2015

NHTSA ODI 11645556

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine had misfired; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 73,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11617425

Due to CDK Global cyberattack, I cannot complete my safety recall of my Hyundai Elantra 2015 (ABS Fuse that can cause engine to explode, according to Hyundai safety recall report). Hyundai does not allow dealerships to keep safety recall parts on hand (or a very small amount). I have to walk into the dealership to order the part. I cannot call to order the part. I have to constantly drive to place of work, home, sit in traffic, with a defective fuse that HyundaiUSA refuses to keep safety recall parts on hand. Please create a NATIONAL policy against manufacturers to have a minimum units (1000 units of fuses, parts, etc) as the safety recall occurs. Because dealerships cannot order parts due to this cyberattack. My mental anguish of driving a vehicle that cannot have a safety recall repaired due to parts not being able to order (especially if they can keep large amounts of units on hand at dealers), is through the roof! I cannot take time off, I have to drive to not be evicted, anything repossessed, etc. and where I live has limited transportation options, (and told to use ride share like Lyft or Uber). Insurance companies is unhelpful. If manufacturers say they cannot keep parts on hand, then how do they ship the parts so quickly, under normal operations? 3rd party mechanic shops cannot order these parts as the manufacturer has to complete the recall repair.

NHTSA ODI 11597515

I just had to pay $1200 for an alternator that was installed into my car defected from the beginning by Hyundai.

NHTSA ODI 11596071

Within three months of purchasing this vehicle, I started having engine light and oil consumption issues. Within the 4 years of owning, they've replaced the catalytic converter twice, many valves, and others. I had to purchase and add multiple quarts of oil to just maintain oil levels. I've had multiple occasions where my vehicle slowed to only up to 55 miles an hour while on the interstate. The vehicle had issues accelerating where an accident almost occurred because pulling into a shopping plaza, the vehicle couldn't drive up a minor hill and almost remained in the intersection. I've had multiple times where I was stuck on the side of the road in different environments, a few of which I was genuinely worried for my safety. This last incident I did not feel safe to drive where I needed to go so I got off the interstate to travel down a local road where the vehicle stalled in the middle of a 5 lane (one direction) busy road. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and warranty representatives. The engine and oil lights were the main issues, every time a light came on I reached out to the dealership to get it looked at. I received notice of many engines being recalled and repaired in 2022 yet Hyundai has only put bandaids on my engine.

NHTSA ODI 11593493

I had a complete engine failure. The car had a loud knock sound and the engine shut off leaving the car inoperable.

NHTSA ODI 11591580

Reporting my previous VIN in case it helps the new vehicle owner since I am sure they are facing similar defects that I am with my "brand new 2016 Hyundai Elantra". I previously owned a brand new 2015 Hyundai Elantra and had to file a claim after flooding occurred in Kyle, Texas. The 2015 Elantra title was transferred to USAA after filing a claim for TOTAL LOSS due to engine flooding on [XXX]. Odometer reading on date of total loss is 7,673 miles. Vehicle appears to be sold again with same odometer reading January 2016. Both of my Hyundai Elantra's were purchased at Ron Carter Hyundai Dealership in Texas (Dealer number P113588). This dealership is now called Big Star Hyundai after DCG Acquisitions represented the sale in 2021 - just in time to deny and delay warranty covered defects to consumers who thought they purchased a brand new car. Hope this helps the current vehicle owner in case they are also over spending on dealership recommended "repairs" for their LEMON. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11583354

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The contact stated that an unknown warning light illuminated with a message not to drive the vehicle until the vehicle was serviced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11578250

Was driving 2/6/24 and oil light came on. Engine smelled bad then entire car stopped working, e.g. brake pedal locked and the dashboard lit up. Ran over a median to manually stop the car. Had car towed to Hyundai dealership, who stated that an oil change from Firestone in 12/2023 was the culprit. Upon inspection the oil filter had a bulging gasket which was presumed to allow the car to slowly leak oil, leading to impending catastrophic engine failure. I appealed to Firestone and they completed an inspection and provided a report that showed the Hyundai engine itself was faulty and warped the oil filter based on detailed caliper measurements. In light of the Hyundai/Kia engine troubles, I wanted to submit a report in case my year and make and model make a recall list for engine issues.

NHTSA ODI 11575976

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearing failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but denied the engine replacement due to the vehicle having a Salvaged Title. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11566029

This is a complaint for recall remedy. This recall has no remedy and they ask I park my car outside of my garage in the dead of winter. I live 4 hours from the nearest in-state dealer that could potentially provide a loaner vehicle. I’m not comfortable driving a car that I have been told can catch fire while parked OR driving on a 4 hour drive. I’ve called Hyundai multiple times with no reprieve.

NHTSA ODI 11564231

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11558709

The car was working fine. Then one day it wouldn’t turn on while we were out. The engine wouldn’t start and it smelt burnt and there was smoke. We had to jumpstart the car and it showed some codes. They were B1319 and B1111. We took it to an electrician and it showed there was was a fuse that’s being overpowered. The car had been working again, but I did get a smell of something burnt a few times from inside the car. A few weeks passed by and three days ago the car again wouldn’t turn on. Just yesterday I found out about the recall from September on the Hyundai Elantra 2015. Not sure if it has something to do with that, but I still haven’t received a recall although that’s the car model I have.

NHTSA ODI 11557127

My car's engine had damaged engine seals and was leaking oil. Also, when I accelerate it seems to be very forceful and the gears don't change well, they seem to be stuck. I had to take the front axle in for repair since something seemed to break. Also in the second or third year I had to take it under warranty since I had problems with the brakes and the sensor was damaged. The button to raise and lower the window does not work. El motor de mi auto se le dañaron los sellos del motor y estuvo liquidando aceite. Además, cuando acelero parece hacer mucha fuerza y no cambia los cambios bien parece estar estancados. El tren delantero lo tuve que llevar a reparar ya que perece se le rompió algo. También al segundo o tercer año tuve que llevarlo a la garantía ya que tuve problemas con los frenos y se daño el sensor. El botón de subir y bajar la ventana no sirve.

NHTSA ODI 11555197

When I come to a stop the car randomly shuts off and the engine lights come on. I have to put it in neutral and restart the car. This is happening all the time and scares me. I'm afraid that one day I will have to stop on the interstate and my car dies when traffic resumes putting me in danger.

NHTSA ODI 11551685