What 49 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Gt

The vehicle is experiencing engine-related excessive oil consumption, which has led to failure of the catalytic converter and emissions system. The root issue appears to be an internal engine defect causing oil to burn during operation. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request, including the engine and catalytic converter components. The excessive oil consumption creates a risk of engine damage or sudden engine failure while driving, which could lead to loss of power in traffic. Additionally, a failing catalytic converter can cause reduced engine performance, stalling, or overheating, increasing the risk of unsafe driving conditions, especially on highways or in heavy traffic. Yes, the issue was previously reported to a dealership, including concerns about excessive oil consumption. The problem has continued and worsened over time, now resulting in a check engine light and catalytic converter-related fault codes, confirming the ongoing condition. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership service department in the past regarding oil consumption concerns. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Further inspection by the manufacturer or authorized dealership can be conducted upon request. Yes, symptoms began with excessive oil loss requiring frequent top-offs, followed by the appearance of a check engine light. The issue was first reported approximately one year ago and has progressively worsened, ultimately resulting in catalytic converter-related fault codes and continued oil consumption.

NHTSA ODI 11730804

Engine consumes large amount of oil requiring oil refill every week, without turning on check engine and/or engine oil light. Raising the chances to cause accidents due to engine failure while driving, and requiring mechanical intervention to rebuild the engine or a total engine swap. There are over 40 other complaints about this same issue, and it needs to be addressed.

NHTSA ODI 11711527

I've contacted Hyundai to try and do a recall repair on my Hyundai Elantra GT 2018 both through a local dealership (Planet Hyundai in Golden, CO) and Hyundai corporate. The engine is stalling and knocking very bad to the point where it's no longer drivable. It's burning oil non-stop and I am constantly adding oil to it. I'm getting pushback from Hyundai saying I never fixed the recall when I was actually not notified to begin with. I'm the 2nd owner of the car so if I was never notified, how can I be responsible for something I was never told about? Now they are saying this little sensor was supposed to help let you know there's a problem with the engine (sounds like a check engine light?). Hyundai has known about their engines being faulty for quite some time. I need this vehicle to get to and from my job as well as taking my grandson to multiple doctor's appointments each week because he has a disability (he's only [XXX] old). They need to take responsibility for this. Is there anything the NHTSA can do? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11711029

I purchased the car on April 7th, 2022 with roughly 115k miles on it and got a blinking CEL shortly after. The engine was listed as a recall and was swapped with 115,610 miles on it directly after the swap. During this, the Hyundai dealership representative called Hyundai's engineer department twice, trying to get this taken care of by Hyundai/paid for by them and they denied it twice, causing me to have to pay half of what the company I got the car from covered. I was told it was denied due to being the 2nd owner and for high mileage/being out of warranty because of this mileage. I submitted all repair invoices and proof of payment through the Hyundai Campaign Reimbursement Portal, got ignored for about 3 months, then when I followed up, I was denied for the same reason, approximately around September 30th, 2025. The settlement terms for these engines typically cover all subsequent owners and do not have a mileage cap for the lifetime warranty, yet I was still illegally denied. As seen, That you have already exhausted Hyundai’s internal rebuttal process without success. I would appreciate any and all help in receiving the money paid rightfully given to me due to Hyundai's non compliance on this matter, thank you very much.

NHTSA ODI 11710651

Car was being driven home when car started shaking heavily and check engine light started flashing. Car had been needing 1qt of oil every 600-800 miles, depending on drive (highway would go longer). Pulled off to the side and plugged in code reader - found that cylinder 3 misfired and catalyst system below threshold. Was able to get the car home. Towed it to Hyundai dealership the following week once they were available and they found a bad cylinder head and leaking cylinder. Assumption is the amount of oil it was using ended up backing up carbon buildup. Car has less than 100,000 miles on it and even with maintenance it needs a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11696512

Engine is burning excessive amounts of oil regularly.

NHTSA ODI 11686907

In mid-2024, the vehicle experienced a flashing check engine light. I brought it to Murfreesboro Hyundai (TN), where they confirmed the oil was low and started an oil consumption test. A bearing clearance test (BCT) was also performed and passed. After back-and-forth over several weeks, I was told the oil consumption was within spec, but the dealership stated Hyundai would cover all necessary repairs, including a combustion chamber cleaning, under warranty. I was told this work was completed and the vehicle was returned to me. In July 2025, the exact same flashing CEL returned. I brought the car back to the same dealership, where they again found the oil was 2.5 quarts low. However, this time they claimed no previous combustion cleaning or repairs had been done, and that I would now need to pay over $1,100 out of pocket for the same cleaning that was supposedly already performed — and which they had told me would be covered under warranty. This indicates that the dealership misrepresented completed service work, failed to address a recurring defect, and is now trying to shift the financial burden to me. Hyundai’s claim that oil consumption is not “high enough” to warrant coverage is concerning, especially when the condition continues to damage the engine and cause driveability issues. This appears to be part of a broader known defect affecting Hyundai 2.0L engines. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s handling of oil consumption, engine misfire, and warranty practices related to the 2018 Elantra GT and similar models.

NHTSA ODI 11677085

It uses a lot of oil with no visible leak or reason. I put new oil in all the time. All the time! For two years since buying it used. Warning light does not come on till it's out. Car is hot, of course, and stops running in the middle of the road. I see there is a recall on some elantras for oil piston seals but not this car. Seems it should be.

NHTSA ODI 11670888

when moving during heavy traffic the car, when braking, will suddenly stop or stop heavily at slow speeds. this causes passengers to be jolted as well as following cars. possible rear end collision is the effect as well. passenger safety of accident is a concern. no warning or indication has been shown at dash.

NHTSA ODI 11647580

when i was in the rear seat and closed left side door, i found myself stuck. the window would not go down from switch as well so i could not use outside handle for exit. after climbing to other side of backseat with my physical impairment (difficult in tight space backseat) i exited and checked outer handle the door opened. i then checked child saftey lock switch and it was not in child safety position. i checked the window power switch at driver door main control and window went down but not back up.

NHTSA ODI 11647588

On 6/27/24 while starting my car in the morning an ABS failure light came on, various other system failure lights came on and have stayed on since that day including Cruise Control and Auto Hold. My car only had 33,250 miles on it! I purchased for an OBDII Reader hoping the failure was just a Wheel Speed Sensor. Unfortunately, the error code registered in the ECU was C240201 “Motor Failure” I brought in my car to a very reputable Auto repair shop, and for a $139 diagnosis fee, they confirmed that the ABS Motor / Pump had failed. The owner of the Repair Shop HAD NEVER seen a car of this age and such low milage have this failure previously. The estimate for repairs was over $2,000 as Hyundai is asking for $1300 + tax for just the part. I have read from on-line forums other Elantra GT 2018-2020 owners having the same failure and thought it should be reported.

NHTSA ODI 11647151

The engine burns oil quickly which could lead to the engine blowing. I have to get more oil changes than average to the engine burning oil.

NHTSA ODI 11632165

Parked car on street (facing slightly uphill) on Saturday morning, neutral weather conditions. Upon starting car several hours later, yellow warning lights were displayed for Collision Avoidance, ABS, and Stability Control. Yellow Auto Hold light was illuminated and could not be shut off. Message panel indicated that AEB system needed to be checked. Carefully operated car to attend scheduled event, seemed to operate normally on surface roads. Unable to obtain service on weekend. Ran car through car wash, made ~150 mile return trip home, found that cruise control not operational due to problem(s) with required systems. Did not attempt to disable adaptive cruise function and operate basic cruise control. OBD codes obtained upon return home were: C136 081 (History - ESP Irreversible error) C174 181 (History - ESC Vehicle safety management (VSM) unavailable (Check ESC)) C120 881 (History - Left rear vehicle speed sensor (VSS) invalid/ no signal) C120 702 (Active - Left rear vehicle speed sensor (VSS) range/ performance/ intermittent) C120 802 (History - Left rear vehicle speed sensor (VSS) invalid/ no signal) I cleared the codes, put vehicle in gear to move forward and back in driveway without immediate recurrence. Adding information here in case this happens again or affects other drivers, vehicles. No history of prior mechanical problems, no accidents. Speeds were variable, from 25 mph on surface roads to 70 mph on trip home.

NHTSA ODI 11607125

When driving the car home from the store. The car started to vibrate, and no lights came on then then I got to a stop light and the car didn't want to go when i was pushing the gas pedal tried it a few times the check engine light came on and was flashing then the car went, and the engine light went off. Got back home and an hour later went to the car and the check engine light was on and it was vibrating and making a slight ticking noise. I am not sure what is going on with it. I change the sparkplugs a few months ago and get oil changes regularly never let things go past the needed time.

NHTSA ODI 11605204

The engine is consuming excessive oil. The car has about 72k miles on it and I’ve owned it for almost 4 years. I called corporate Hyundai to tell them what’s going on after having multiple recalls fixed at the dealership, I was allowed to drive off the lot with no oil in my vehicle. Upon getting an appointment for the engine issue via corporate Hyundai, I was told to they would have to keep my car but have no loaner vehicles for me because they’re all out of commission for engine issues. I shortly received a call from them saying the engine isn’t covered under warranty and that they have to do a $942 cleaning and then if that doesn’t work, I need a new engine and Hyundai will do nothing to help me with this because I am not the first owner. I bought the car from a Hyundai dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11574238

My vehicle has 55,000 miles, and the engine completely stalled while I was driving to the dealership to get it looked at. I had my oil change done 01/04/2024, and barely drove it since I dropped it off 01/11/2024. After weeks of waiting on any update, I was finally contacted that today, 01/26/2024, my car had no oil and this is why my engine failed. I have video evidence of the oil change, and the dealership is trying to place blame on the mechanic that has done the oil change. Upon further research, I am made aware of the class action lawsuit in CA, alleged that excess oil consumption is to blame for faulty engines.

NHTSA ODI 11568126

The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated on one occasion, while driving the transmission locked up at two stop lights while in neutral (N) and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. Additionally, the contact stated that while powered off, and being towed in Neutral (N) by a motor home, a passing driver notified him of a fire in the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road where fire was observed emanating from the engine compartment. The flames spread to the rear of the motor home and the contact attempted to disengage the hitch. The contact sustained a hand injury but did not receive medical attention. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a lot where it was deemed totaled. The contact stated that the insurance company ruled the origin of the fire as the drive train of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA ODI 11565057

Engine, power train, malfunction changing my speed control. No warning lights, first ticking noise from engine then knocking loud noise from engine. Noticed ticking about 4 days ago at first, today on freeway going 60-70 mph just changed to loud knocking, immediately engine warning starts to flash on dash board then speed just drops from 60-70 mph to 35 mph almost got hit by trucker and another car . Under 90 day warranty still from dealership (27 days since purchased) no license plate yet but insured and registered. Read many complaints of the same problems from numerous of people having the exact same problem. Very dangerous when vehicle stops accelerating on a steep pass on hwy with heavy traffic, this was almost an accident report to dispatch but luckily I reacted fast enough to swerve to the side before hitting the vehicle behind me and missing 18 wheeler trying to get to the right shoulder because theirs no space on left just concrete dividers! To close for comfort I can imagine what really can happen to someone that can't react as quickly as I did. Feeling like a victim their is no way they were not aware of this problem that has happened to many others when it is coming from a Chrysler dealership after reading so many complaints and reviews. I wish I would of known before hand ️ I would of not even bothered but now this is what I'm dealing with instead of feeling safe and comfortable being in a reliable, gas efficient vehicle that I just purchased for $30,000 and my jeep as a down payment not happy with dealership nor product. Who do I look to, when insurance or dealership can't protect me from situations like this it's not fair to someone that's struggling day by day paycheck to paycheck and this happens and now on waiting list until December so dealership is able to take a look at it. This should be most definitely brought to attention!!!

NHTSA ODI 11556898

I have noticed over the last year or so that the engine was burning oil. This was indicated by Express Oil Change multiple times during oil changes, including today. The oil level today didn't even register on the dipstick, so it seems this is getting worse. I can get oil change records on request from the above company.

NHTSA ODI 11527719

My 2018 ELANTRAGT was stolen due to Hundaes ineptitude and refusal to put in proper safety features. My car has been recovered but Hyundai does not have enough parts to supply this current crisis so my car will be in the shop for a minimum six weeks prior to being sent back to Hyundai dealership for the software upgrade that they are using as a fix. I don’t think this is enough on behalf of Hyundai. My car has lost resale value between 20 and 40%. I believe Hyundai needs to make proper compensation to me as a consumer. Additionally, my car was stolen in Oakland California at night and I. Stranded due to excessive call volume and had to go to downtown Oakland to one police plaza at night as a 60 year old widow with bad feet. I would like to see some support coming from your department as Hundaes position seems to be to make this a consumer issue that we are all financially responsible for.

NHTSA ODI 11522121

Engine rod bearing failure cause engine broke if You have any information please give me and hyundai have a recall for knock sensor they cause a premature engine failure cause Fire in most of the case

NHTSA ODI 11500801

The collision warning system has failed 4 or 5 times since I bought the car new in March of 2019. When the system stops working, the warning "Check BSD" appears on the driver's display. A couple of times the system started working without service. Other times service was required. The last time Hyundai service said the system went out of calibration. No explanation of how that would occur. They re-calibrated the system. Of course, once the system stops working, I have to remember that I won't get a warning when changing lanes or parking, so I must be sure to use extra careful. (I always look when I change lanes, but the warning system gives me extra confidence. I am sure many other people just rely on the system.)

NHTSA ODI 11497859

We were driving the car and all of a sudden it would only go 30 mph and starting making a noise, pulled over and car would not go anymore. I took to a shop authorized from my carmax care program and it was diagnosed as rod bearings broken in the engine. This is a know issue with this model and Hyundia extended the warranty due to know issue. We were then advised to take to a dealer since a warranty issue, when it got there and they looked at it and the repair shop called them to tell them they broke it down to failure the dealer is now trying to charge me 8 hrs labor to look at. This is not a my issue , its a manufacture issue so I should not have to pay all this money to have same diagnostic I reported to Hyuandi headquarters and also reported the shop. Someone needs to fix this issue my case # with Hyundai is 20400619

NHTSA ODI 11487951

My vehicle is a 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT sport. The side walls on the Hankook Ventis S1 Noble 2 tires are cracking. The tires lose air constantly and cannot be driven on for a fear of a blowout. There has been a recall for this same make and model of tire just not this size for the same problem. This tire needs to be recalled before someone is hurt from a collision.

NHTSA ODI 11476453

On July 11, 2022 I was driving home when the MIL warning started flashing on my dashboard, and then my car began to stall. I was able to drive the car home and then have it towed to a local shop, who said that my oil was nearly gone and refilled it. The shop recommended that I take my car to the Hyundai dealership to have it checked out as it should have had at least 200 more miles before it needed an oil change. This is supported by my Hyundai dealership's sticker stating that my next oil change was due August 15 or at 52350 miles. As of today, July 23, my car has 52,209 miles on it. On Monday, July 18 I dropped off my car at the Killeen Servicemax center and asked them to run a diagnostic check and they couldn't find anything wrong with the car. My service advisor never spoke to me in person about my concerns and wouldn't answer my calls or text messages. My concern is that my car is burning far more oil than it should, and makes me want to check the oil level every month. I did recently renew my safety sticker for my registration and the car passed. I did research online and saw that there are pending lawsuits in California for 2018 hyundais' excessive oil consumption. I don't feel safe driving my car anymore. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11475479