What 274 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Formal Complaint: Engine Failure in 2018 Hyundai Elantra To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a severe and unresolved issue with my 2018 Hyundai Elantra, which has been problematic since the time of purchase and has now suffered a complete engine failure. Despite regular maintenance and responsible use, the vehicle has proven to be unreliable and unsafe. 1. Nature of the Problem The most recent and critical issue involves total engine failure. On May 12, 2025, I brought the vehicle to North Freeway Hyundai due to the car not starting. Their official diagnostic report revealed that the engine needs to be replaced. Additionally, the inspection showed issues with the transmission cooler coolant lines leaking, EFI system, camshaft exhaust, radiator hoses, and the battery. These problems affect essential systems that are critical to both the performance and safety of the vehicle. 2. History of the Problem From the beginning, the vehicle experienced a series of mechanical issues. These included engine stalling, warning indicator lights, rough idling, and decreased fuel efficiency. I consistently took the car in for service and maintenance, yet the problems worsened. In the days leading up to the failure, the vehicle had trouble starting, made abnormal noises, and eventually stopped working entirely. 3. Risk to Safety The failure of the vehicle to start without warning has placed me in unsafe and potentially dangerous situations, including being stranded in public places. The risk of the car stalling during operation could have endangered not only my safety but also the safety of other road users. This is a serious safety concern that should not be ignored. 4. Diagnosis Confirmation The diagnosis by North Freeway Hyundai confirmed that the engine failure is complete and that replacement is necessary. The service notes also included a recall campaign (24-01-009H-1) for anti-theft software and decals. These issues further demonstrate

NHTSA ODI 11666357

I am filing this Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) regarding critical safety defects in my 2018 Hyundai Elantra related to: - Recurrent ignition coil pack failures (3 replacements since 10/2018) - Engine stalling at low speeds (6 incidents since 10/2018) - Dealer refusal to apply TSB 20-01-008H ECM update despite matching symptoms Technical Background: Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 20-01-008H (February 2020) specifically addresses: - Misfire detection logic flaws in 2018-2019 Elantra 2.0L engines - Required ECM software update (ROM ID AD8SP2AS673D) - Updated ignition coils (P/N 27300-2E601) Safety Incidents: 2025: Stalling event at 25 mph approaching traffic light (no crash) 2021, 2023, 2024: Multiple misfire codes (P0300-P0304) with check engine light Dealer Interactions: - Round Rock Hyundai refused ECM update on 05/2025 claiming "VIN not in campaign" - Round Rock Hyundai refused coil replacements on 05/2025 claiming not under warranty - Service advisor acknowledged stalling/coil failure pattern matches TSB criteria Formal Requests: - Investigate Hyundai's VIN filtering for TSB 20-01-008H applicability Require Hyundai to: - Perform ECM software update per TSB specifications - Replace all coils with updated P/N 27300-2E601 - Reimburse previous coil replacement costs $1700 (6 coils over 7 years) - Open recall investigation for 2018 Elantra ignition systems Attachments available upon request. I authorize NHTSA to share my contact information with Hyundai Motor America. This defect creates unreasonable safety risks through sudden power loss and compromised vehicle control.

NHTSA ODI 11665576

While driving on the expressway, my vehicle suddenly stalled out. I was able to restart in but the car would not go over 25mph. I was able to pull off the next exit and call for a tow truck. My vehicle was brought to a local shop and they pulled the engine and find that it was shot. Due to Hyundai, they requested to do their own diagnostic and found the same issue. The vehicle ad less than 80,000 miles on it. I received an invoice for repairs required which was over $16,000 in repairs including replacing the engine. I pleaded that they cover the engine and this seems to be a recurring issue with this model. They refused. I am stuck with a vehicle I cannot a drive and is now sitting in my driveway with no option but to wait for a open recall.

NHTSA ODI 11665672

Check engine light came on , car was sluggish and stalled on highway , was able to glide over to the side . Would not start . This is the 4th time this happened to this vehicle , in the past I was able to put in neutral and restart . They fixed it 3 times but they are now Hyundai is now saying it needs a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11664163

Check engine light came on, took to mechanic. Diagnostics showed pistons performing at half of the required psi. Engine replacement required at a cost of nearly $9,000. The vehicle only has 74k miles.

NHTSA ODI 11655354

While diving the vehicle started to sputter and the ignition turned off. I was able to start it but the vehicle was making loud clunking sounds and max speed of 10mph. I pulled off on the side of the road and called for a tow to a reputable repair clinic. I told them what happened and they stayed they would be required to remove the engine to determine the issue. $$$ I paid the funds and they informed me the engine was shot. The vehicle has just over 80,000 miles. I contacted Hyundai directly and was told the manufacturer 100,000 mile powertrain warranty was invalid due to me not being the I original owner. I convinced them to take a look and make their determination. After paying out of pocket again for towing and the $175 I initial service fee Hyundai again told me the engine was shot and their was other issues alongside the engine that would need to be fixed. They gave me a quote of over $16,000+ on a vehicle that was less than 6 years old and under 85000 miles. NONE of which they stated was covered under their powertrain warranty. The vehicle is blue booked at about $5,000 and I spent less the what would be required to repair the vehicle. Hyundai has been zero help, they have not supported their product even after I was told by a reputable resalesman that there is a silent recall on this engine for this issue. Im left without a car, still being required to pay the car payment to the loan company and keep full coverage on a car that hasn't driven since early May 2024 and the insurance company isn't helping because the vehicle wasn't in a accident and is an electrical/manufacturing issue, regardless that I have loan lease payoff. I honestly need some advice. Not to mention I am a disabled veteran, Hyundai will not pull any strings. It's sad because I know this is no fault of my own and had taken care of all the vehicles needs when required (oil, tires, spark plugs, alignments ect.. what should I do??

NHTSA ODI 11646133

Engine shuts off suddenly in the middle of road; several times on the way back home while my wife was driving with no warnings. Very unsafe if another car is behind. She cranked over and it went, but it happend again in an intersection after a stop sign, fortunately no cars were coming. No shows WARNING LAMPS, check engine light on or diagnostic trouble codes, but engine next day started making noises like knocking or ticking. Car is only 140k miles. Symptoms appeared 2 days ago 2/23/25

NHTSA ODI 11644929

I bought my Hyundai Elantra 2018 in 2022. It started knocking by 2023 and i was told by the dealership it was plastic hitting the tire. I brought it back & had it scanned prior because the knocking never stopped. And another dealership confirmed it was the sealed transmission. There is no dipstick to check the fluid & it says in the book the fluid is good for the life of the transmission. The dealership i initially bought it from acted like it was my fault so my car sat May until August 2024. Finally, after i found out the unlimited warranty i paid for was never submitted in 2022 it was approved. They then replaced it with a refurbished transmission which i didn't know until i got my car back. I had mentioned an oil leak & lots of play in the engine that November after replacing it. They said there was no leak or play in the engine. Now in January I had died at the four way & almost coasted into the parking lot nearest to me. Mid me picking my daughter up from school. Due to the leak.

NHTSA ODI 11643865

Had to do 3 oil changes in a month had to change ignition coil that had been changed a month ago spark plugs were completely covered in oil was driving and it literally just stopped every time the oil would be checked it wouldn't be any on the dipstick.

NHTSA ODI 11644028

My 2018 Hyundai Elantra had an oil pressure light on and the timing chain was slapping the side of the engine. I changed the timing chain, oil pump, oil sending unit, and oil filter. When I dropped the oil pan, there was paint chips in the pan. Who paints the inside of an oil pan? I removed the oil pick up tube and discovered the inlet screen was covered with these paint chips. I cleaned the inlet and reinstalled the tube and oil pan. I no longer have the low-pressure issue. This is causing engines to have major issues and / or making them seize up. Now, I believe there are a lot of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the junk yards today because of this very issue. Majority of people will not take their engine apart to find out why it stopped working. They ether stop paying on them or junk them. As you can see in the attached photos, you will notice the pain in the pan, inside the oil pick-up tube, how much of the screen was exposed. This is a major fault of the manufacturer and Hyundai and Kia should be held responsible for the repair.

NHTSA ODI 11641667

My car lost power on a busy highway which almost caused a tractor trailer to rear end me. I had the car towed and the mechanic said the engine is bad because of issues with this engine losing oil quickly and there is no recall on it but on other years. Now I have no car but still owe money on it and can’t get to work. Luckily i wasn’t hit by the tractor trailer but this should be a recall and i should be able to get it fixed without being out thousands of dollars.

NHTSA ODI 11627384

Engine seized up at 142K miles. Had regular oil changes and maintenance. Connecting rod crank shaft end / bearing blew apart and seized engine.

NHTSA ODI 11624546

Engine is knocking cannot find a solution for this problem car stalls wen coming to a stop the car completely powers off , noticing a weird smell now ,

NHTSA ODI 11622343

Driving on the freeway around 55 MPH the engine would stall. Scared the heck out of me this started around 130000 miles on the car. Fixed a sensor still didn’t fixed the issue did an oil change that seemed to fixed the stalling. Low oil light never came on. So for years after that when the car stalled I did and oil. change. Finally at 183000 the engine gave out. Did my research found out Hyundai knew there was a problem with the engines. On 2019 and 2020 Elantra engines have been recall. 2018 not enough complaints on th engine. There was a knock sensor recall on the car. I never got a recall notice. Sent an email to Hyundai saw that the email was received but no one has responded this was a month ago. Taking my Hyundai to the dealership to see if they’ll do anything for me. My miles are all highway miles. Engine should have lasted longer. Very disappointed that Hyundai has known that the 2.0 liter engines since 2015 has had issue over 500000 cars are effected with this issue but Hyundai doesn’t want to fix the issue. It’ll all about the money for the company producing defected cars even Kia have the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11618352

The engine experienced rod bearing failure while driving the vehicle. The vehicle died on the road in a high traffic area, which put me and others at risk as they tried to maneuver around the car and as I tried to get the car off the road. The car had just had the oil changed, and had consistent/regular maintenance. No warning lamps lit up on the dashboard at all until the engine died, at which point the oil indicator lit up. The vehicle has been taken to Hyundai and confirmed to have rod bearing failure, a known issue with engines in Hyundais and Kias.

NHTSA ODI 11613029

Hyundai engine from 2017 and up are not good engines my experience on my 2018 Hyundai engine is the same as what I see 90 percent of Hyundai owners are having regardless of the year there all the same engines it’s burning oil it’s making ticking noise with regular maintenance no neglecting y’all have to understand there are so many ways and possibilities of engine premature failure then it is Maintaining the engine during buliding these engines you have metal particles over tighten the heads the blocks not seating the piston rings properly dirt that can clog up the oil galleys to luberciate the moving parts poor design there’s so many ways to say it’s not a manufacturer defect and they tell us change the oil ok how come I’m having more issues and hearing issues from a engine then the transmission you do more maintenance on a engine then a transmission these transmission are not the problem you are hearing engine problems even when people do maintenance so sounds to me the manufacturer should recall 2018 models as well it’s beyond me for you to skip a year and say that model isn’t having issues it’s definitely happening in 2018 models as well the transmission is fine I never heard or experience and transmission failure in these cars when there are a lot of people complaining about a similar issue in the same model car at that point it has to be a issue manufacturer aspect we’re told as consumers and vehicle owners change your oil that’s it there’s no way I should be dealing with major issues on a simple solution you don’t hear Toyotas breaking down Hondas breaking down with regular maintenance oil changes you hear Hyundais engine all across the board and it is a safety issue going on with these cars not just 2017 2018 engine it’s ticking because lack of lubercation the manufacturer could have left metal particles in the engine could have warped heads over tighten bolts dirt that was already in those engines a bunch of causes poor design I really hope they replace it

NHTSA ODI 11604651

This has happened a couple of times where in the middle of driving, my car automatically shuts off, I can not turn my steering wheel I can not push the brakes, everything stops working. I have to wait till my car comes to a complete stop on its own, put the car in park, turn off the ignition, turn my keys and start my car again. Then it sometimes acts like there is no power to accelerate when I'm at a full stop. RPMs go crazy, but acceleration doesn't occur. No warnings have ever come up. I received an notice about a recall, but it's for 2019 Elantra and up. Mine is a 2018, but the issues for that recall is the same thing that is happening with my car. This is DANGEROUS and can lead to serious repercussions or even death. Something needs to be done to fix this. I don't not have thousands of dollars to pay for an issue with the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI 11604764

About 4 weeks ago (mid-May) I was driving in stop and go traffic on a major highway. My car is a 2018 Hyundai Elantra, manual transmission. After about 30 minutes of this, the car started to just cut out, the engine cut out when I was changing gears. It did this about 6 times on my drive home. I noticed that when the rev meter got below 1, the engine would just stall out, so I tried to give it gas to keep the revs up. In addition, the engine was making a knocking sound. I took it to my mechanic's the next day and when he heard the sound, he said it needs a new engine. He has had a few customer's with similar issues with their Hyundais. He told me to tow it to the dealer and they would help me get the engine replaced. That same day, I had it towed to a dealer nearby. They charged me $195 for a diagnostic and said it needed new spark plugs and replaced cylinder 1 coil, which they did. ($900) I picked it up, but I could tell it still wasn't right. The mechanic assured me he fixed it. However, they also told me the "check engine" light was on (it wasn't). When I was driving it, it started to stall again when I was changing gears. I brought it back to the dealer, he told me his mechanic had trouble getting it into reverse, there was a problem with the clutch. He would need to "tear down the transmission" for $2,000 and even then, he wouldn't know what the problem was. This just didn't feel right--I got the impression they didn't know what they were doing and that this mechanic couldn't even drive stick. I took it back to my own mechanic who couldn't find the problem. He told me to drive it around and when it makes the sound/cuts off, to bring it back. I drove it home--today--and the knocking sound started after 15 minutes. I recorded it and texted it to my mechanic. He called me and said "it's the engine. the dealership mis-diagnosed your problem and overcharged you." I called a different dealer, got an appointment for next week and must play the $200 diagnostic .

NHTSA ODI 11595397

May 24 2024, while driving on Interstate95 at approx 70mph, I experienced catastrophic engine failure, with metal shards and screws shooting out, oil spewing, and smoke billowing everywhere. Loss of control of vehicle and nearly hit by passersby while trying to guide vehicle to swale. There were absolutely no warning lights or signals, and vehicle had just been serviced at Hyundai dealership at 77k miles (odometer reading 81k at time of incident). Independent mechanic diagnosed engine failure, hole in block, and provided attached photos. Vehicle was towed to Wallace Hyundai, in Ft Pierce, where it awaits dealer mechanical inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11591175

I was driving about 45 mph when the car just turned off the first time. I was able to put it in neutral and start it back up to get to the side of the road and it died on me again. I was about 30 feet from my destination at this point so I got it where I was going and turned it off. When I turned it back on it was making a terrible knocking/grinding noise. It didn’t have a drop of oil in it (about a thousand miles after my last oil change mind you) so I put oil in it and started it again and the sound quit. I went to drive it and it died before I could accelerate to a decent speed, got it cranked and rolling again and it slowly got up to 40 mph, but the second I started to slow down again it would die. So I had it towed to my mechanic who at first thought it was because the timing chain had a lot of slack in it, assuming it jumped time so he changed that, but it was still dying. He ended up finding the cause to be the exhaust cam sprocket? I’ve never heard of this before but I do know that ever since I bought the car 3 years ago it never felt like it would get up and go whenever I hit the gas. Since I picked it up from being fixed, this thing zoom zooms everywhere now! But it is still using an ungodly amount of oil between oil changes.

NHTSA ODI 11585555

I am losing engine oil all the time to the point the car engine shut off My engine start losing oil after 2000 miles 1000 miles before oil change [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11585600

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud popping sound. Two other drivers alerted the contact that flames were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact checked the rearview mirror and noticed smoke coming from the vehicle's rear end. The steering wheel then seized, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was received. The flames extinguished themselves. There were no police or fire department reports filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a seized crankshaft and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 224,809.

NHTSA ODI 11582547

AT LESS THAN 62,000 MILES THE ENGINE NO LONGER HAS PRESSURE AND THE CAR IS INOPERABLE. VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING 1 WEEK PRIOR TO CAR BECOMING INOPERABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11581804

ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 45 MPH TRIED TO SPEED UP AND SWITCH LANES AS I PRESSED THE GAS YOU CAN HEAR THE ACCERATION BUT THE CAR DIDNT INCREASE IN SPEED THE WHOLE DASHBOARD WENT BLANK (BLACK). CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE. ITS VERY DANGEROUS THAT THE CAR FALFUCTIONS IN CRITICAL CONDITIONS LIKE BEING ON THE FREEWAY. YES I HAVE TOOKEN IT TO HYUNDAI AND THEY NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ALSO AT TIMES THE CAR WONT EVEN TURN ON. NO TYPE OF WARING LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD.

NHTSA ODI 11580771

Having issues in several instances the past few months , where my car abruptly stalled in highway traffic, again less than a month later while at a stop light, traffic built up, I became nervous an scared, finally after turning my car off an on several times I was able to get my car to stop stalling an drive away. Third instance has been the ammount of oil consumption my car is needing, I’ve noticed an increase use of oil for my car I use as a daily driver just commuting to a from work, an a clicking/knocking sound, other instances was my car accelerated at high rates of speed on the freeway on its own. Only after smash the break button was I able to disengage the throttle. An now just recently my car is using up more an more oil an has developed a hard knock in the engine. Similar to other models that have been recalled for the same reason. Reading online has made it clear thousands an thousands of other people are having issues just like mine around the same mileage as me an other models that have had the problems

NHTSA ODI 11578005