What 731 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Gt

I am writing to formally log a critical safety and product reliability complaint regarding my Hyundai Elantra GT. The vehicle has suffered catastrophic engine failure characterized by severe rod knock. This failure occurred without any prior warning from the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic systems, exposing an engineering and sensor flaw that creates an immediate safety hazard.The vehicle was operating normally when it suddenly developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound from the engine block, indicative of failed connecting rod bearings. Upon immediate inspection, the issue was linked to critical oil starvation or pressure drops.Crucially, the vehicle’s warning systems failed entirely to alert me to an issue:No Low Oil Pressure Warning: The dashboard oil pressure light never illuminated to warn of low pressure or critical oil level depletion.No Check Engine Light (CEL): The engine sensors failed to detect underlying mechanical distress, oil degradation, or early-stage misfires before the catastrophic failure occurred.Complete System Silence: The vehicle gave absolutely no visual or audible alerts on the instrument cluster, depriving me of the chance to pull over safely and shut off the engine to prevent total destruction.This sensor failure is an unacceptable safety risk. Total engine seizure at highway speeds can cause a sudden loss of motive power, power steering, and braking assist, endangering my life and the lives of others on the road. The failure of Hyundai’s diagnostic sensors to communicate active oil or mechanical breakdown directly directly caused this total engine loss.I request that Hyundai review this case immediately, investigate the failure of the warning systems, and provide financial remediation for the required engine replacement.I look forward to your prompt response regarding the next steps for a corporate review.

NHTSA ODI 11737885

The vehicle has experienced ongoing powertrain and electrical malfunctions over several months. The most common symptoms include being stuck in 4th gear (limp mode), complete loss of RPM and speedometer readings, and illumination of the check engine and ESC lights. Most recently, while traveling at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of both acceleration and braking. The brake pedal became stiff and unresponsive, and the car had to coast to a stop without driver control. This posed a serious safety risk to myself and nearby traffic. These issues have persisted across multiple service visits to Ricart Hyundai in Groveport, Ohio. That dealership has replaced the crankshaft position sensor three times, the powertrain control module (PCM), and the battery, but the underlying problems remain unresolved. A technician at the dealership was able to reproduce the stalling event during a test drive. Despite that, the dealership has refused to proceed with further diagnostics unless I pay for an oil change, even though previous inspections by their own staff found no visible leaks and confirmed the oil level was sufficient at the time. They have also revoked complimentary access to a loaner vehicle despite the unresolved and unsafe condition of the car. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership, has occurred repeatedly, and continues to pose a safety concern. Warning lights and gauge failures typically appear when the issue occurs.

NHTSA ODI 11675401

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, the contact was informed that there was a mileage discrepancy. Additionally, the contact was informed that the check engine warning light had been tampered with and tape had been applied over the check engine warning light prior to the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, it was reported that the mileage was 85,000, and upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic shop, it was discovered that the mileage on the Carfax report was 215,000 on September 2024.

NHTSA ODI 11674367

My auto has a problem with the brake light on the drivers side not working at some times. The issue seems to happen almost every 6 months or so. The first time it stopped working, I took my auto to the dealership where i purchased it from costing me about $65.00, the second time 6 months later the brake light went out again. The bulb was replaced by the dealership at no charge, I was told that the bulb was put in wrong. The brake light is now out again. I noticed that it may come on but when I press the brake pedal and release the emergency brake, it goes out and stays out until I shut the auto off for a long period of time. Often it will be on when I'm driving and then it goes out.

NHTSA ODI 11669194

My vehicle was towed to manly Hyundai in Santa Rosa Ca June 18,2025. The vehicle when driving steered all over the lane then locked up on me almost causing a crash. The dealership says it’s the electrical column assembly. My vehicle is a 2017 Hyundai Elantra but don’t see any recall on it and I am being charged $3400.00. The red steering wheel light went on . I’m looking for a recall on this vehicle seems many others have had the same issue. I do not have any receipts yet since it was towed and parts are being ordered and work will start this week. As soon as I have paperwork I can forward it to you. Thanks for your help in advance. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11668461

Constant misfire issue causes vehicle fo completely bog down while driving..

NHTSA ODI 11659617

Hi the smart junction box on this vehicle is acting up. When riding in free way all doors locked open automatically and then the headlights just went off, and all the 4 blinkers stopped working creating hazard to all people in the freeway including mine . Mechanic has quoted me 2k to fix the issue and replace the Smart junction box . Please provide me fairness in this matter

NHTSA ODI 11643589

Power windows stop working, car cuts off, heated seats stop working intermittently

NHTSA ODI 11630239

Check engine light on Transmission sensor is wack Car slugs and knocks. This car also has the white paint defect! This is my first and last Hyundai, go to accelerate onto interstate but can barely get the car to go past 30mph

NHTSA ODI 11617379

My steering wheel locks up on me and the my check engine light flashes on as it does. I also have a steering wheel light with an explanation point beside it flashes when and before my steering wheel locks up! I can be sitting at a red light and my steering wheel locks up on me. My traction control light is also on and will not turn off. It turned on when my steering wheel locked up and my steering wheel icon came on.

NHTSA ODI 11612895

When car is unlocked the drivers door will not open until you pull 3 times. Now the passenger door will not open at all from the outside. You have to open door inside car and push door open.

NHTSA ODI 11606256

The car doors on my Hyundai Elantra often have jammed frequently jammed the front door was repaired when A few weeks later the back driver side door also jammed and could not be opened from the outside Unless you pushed in and pulled out. Then it finally jammed altogether and would not open . If there were an incident and someone needed to get into the car to get my child out they would be unable to.

NHTSA ODI 11603020

Without any warning lamps coming on, the vehicle car stalled while driving on the highway. It randomly stalls constantly when turning corners, especially on left turns (odd?). The scariest thing that happened was it got stuck on the speed limit of 55-60 miles per hour and I couldn't brake or accelerate. This put my kids, other drivers, and my life at risk. On Father’s Day, while my husband was out with the kids the vehicle tried to accelerate on its own when he was at a stop. It happened multiple times as he tried to make it home. Then when he was in stop and go traffic, it got difficult for him to brake. The brakes started failing. What more can I say?

NHTSA ODI 11595819

Since January 2024 I have had issues with my car starting due to low oil. I just had an oil change so I knew something was wrong. The repair shop stated there were no leaks and put more oil in and said that sometimes the car will not start if there is not enough oil. February 2024 and the car wont start again. Filled it with oil and took it to the shop again. They stated that the engine is eating the oil and to take it to the dealer for a test. Since then the car has turned off multiple time both while idling and while on the freeway. When you hit the gas it will not accelerate either. In the past I was able to turn the car off and back on again and it would work just fine but now it seems more frequent. Also, while driving when experiencing these issues I have had the stereo screen shut off and restarted by itself. At times the slippery when wet alert will also show on the dashboard which has been a sign for me that they car is going to act up so I turn it off right away and back on then it runs.

NHTSA ODI 11587491

Rear Passenger door does not open.

NHTSA ODI 11587097

For a little over a year now, my back doors do not open on my Hyundai Elantra. The child lock is not on. Also in the past year, my passenger and driver door do not open. I have to go back and forth on the handle 20-30 times before my door opens. I have changed the battery in the key fob and I have tried unlocking my doors with the actual key with no success. Sometimes if they do not open I have to go through my sunroof. This is such a safety issue it’s insane. I’ve called Hyundai dealerships but they said they will need to keep it for 2 weeks. I do not have any other vehicle to just leave it there for that long. Please help.

NHTSA ODI 11586946

the door handle doesn’t open from the outside, causing you to open from the inside

NHTSA ODI 11585591

My two back doors will not open they just opening

NHTSA ODI 11582588

The car randomly dies on de-acceleration. It gives no warning and I have seen online this is a known issue with this year/model. I have 55,000 miles on it, it's been regularly serviced. When I got to slow down then start to accelerate it shuts off. I've nearly been hit multiple times going to merge from a stop. It's very dangerous. I've replaced all 4 spark plugs, all 4 ignition coils, air filter, cabin filter, oil filter, PCV valve and I've only owned it 6 months. No engine light comes on and no reader is picking up any codes. I'm at a loss as to what causes this.

NHTSA ODI 11580818

Car will lose power and quit suddenly on the highway with no warning lights. It has happened twice in the last month on a trip both times. Light’s low beam randomly won’t turn on either but high beams work. Had it into the Hyundai dealership and another mechanic shop but cannot find the problem.

NHTSA ODI 11580534

My car has been dying while on the road when I'm slowing down. I have spent $2,700 to get this issue fixed, and after replacing everything the computer said was wrong, the auto shop has determined that the issue is, in fact, the computer itself. There is nothing left to fix, but the car still will completely shut down while driving. Not safe at all, especially since I live in a high traffic area. There are no warning signs before the car shuts down, but lights do show up on the dash when it has shut down. The check engine light, oil light, and battery light come on.

NHTSA ODI 11580011

When driving about a month ago my car all the sudden started making a clinking noise not so much knocking in the engine or near the engine. And then it died all the sudden at a red light out of no where. Well I put the car into park and started my car again when I accelerate the rpm takes a lot longer to catch up to the speed I'm trying to go, so it takes longer to accelerate which is dangerous because cars usually accelerate alot faster than that and I almost got rear ended twice because of it. I parked it for a few days but moved recently so I had to move the car it started and everything but the knocking, or clinking was still there. The following day I went to start my car and know it won't even start and the anti theft light comes on, on my dash board. So now my car is stuck at a motel because of it. I think it may be the crank shaft position sensor. Yes my vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No my vehicle has not gotten in any accidents. It has not been inspected by a manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI 11576513

My back door on the driver side does not open at all from inside or out but the window still works, and the passenger side front door only opens from the inside

NHTSA ODI 11564131

Knock Sensor and decreased internal battery No harm to me or others Yes No No, 12-23-2023 date of incident.

NHTSA ODI 11563027

The doors will randomly stop working intermittently causing passengers to be stuck in the vehicle and in the event of an emergency making it difficult to safely exit the vehicle. The vehicle while In motion the engine would not function probably and would be flashing different engine light but never a code and the engine would stop

NHTSA ODI 11555501