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

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

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

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

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

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

Engine seized and turned off unexpectedly and would not restart for hours. When it did start up a few seconds later it turned off again without driving this time. The battery, gas and oil were fine. It is now very very noisy and undrivable. There was a light ticking prior, but nothing concerning or I haven't heard most cars do. Yes, available for inspection. I was very lucky I had hardly pulled out of my parking spot. If this had happened while driving in the street or freeway I could have caused an accident. It hasn't seized again, but I am not driving except to the dealer who said the engine needs to replaced and is not honoring the warranty. There was a recall on this model that stated what is doing now was the reason for the recall. They replaced some cable, but it did nothing for the issue. No warnings prior besides the light ticking which is a normal characteristic of Hyundais, and I experienced this first hand with my last Hyundai Elantra model, but it did not ever have issues.

NHTSA ODI 11467208

Oil drips on driveway. Warning sensors for blind spots disfunctional.

NHTSA ODI 11462438

The connecting rod bearing in cylinder 1 is bad and I noticed online alot of other models were listed with the same problem but not my model. My engine block needs to be replaced. Car has not been inspected by hyundai but just a licensed local mechanic because the dealerships said it would be months before they can look at it.

NHTSA ODI 11457081

So took my car for a recall at Hyundai which it was related to a camp 966 engine monitoring. The car has been turning off multiple times so took it to them and they told me it needs a new engine at only 60,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11446240

At 77,000 miles, with immaculate care taken of the engine with regular maintenance (and only 2 weeks since the previous oil change), the engine failed at the end of an 11.5 hour road trip and left me stranded on the side of a busy highway. This vehicle has the Hyundai Nu 2.0 GDi engine, which has been recalled in other vehicles for this same issue (and sometimes resulting fires), but not THIS vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11445935

On December2, 2021 I was driving on the freeway when my engine made a high pitched sound followed by a banging sound inside the engine. There were no warning messages or symptoms prior to the incident. I immediately pulled off the freeway as much as I could. Then the engine just quit running. It was terrifying as I was in morning rush hour traffic and couldn't pull all the way off the road. I called a tow company, then my local Hyundai repair shop. I was told by them that they wouldn't be able to look at it for 6 weeks! I ended up having it towed to a local auto repair shop in my neighborhood and was told that there was a complete engine failure. As the car was 3,000 miles over warranty the Hyundai dealer would look at it but it would take at least 2 months. I still owe money on the car and need a car for work so decided to have it repaired. The cost of that repair was 8,578.00, in addition I had rental cars for a month.

NHTSA ODI 11445110

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 40 mph a loud ticking noise was suddenly present coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11443321

Driving down the freeway when my engine starting making strange noise before a boom occurred from the front of the car and completely shut off. No warning lights either

NHTSA ODI 11442802