Home · 2019 Hyundai Elantra N · Complaints

What 242 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra N

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (242)Crash / fire / injury (15)Engine (124)Lights (65)Electrical system (37)Transmission & drivetrain (11)Steering (9)Brakes (6)Driver assistance (6)Seat belts (6)Engine & cooling (4)Fuel system (4)

Newest first · 242 complaints · page 1 of 10

Jul 6, 2026Engine

While driving vehicle on a highway exit ramp, the engine suddenly failed. There were no warning lights, messages, noises, or other signs before it happened. The vehicle lost power and became undrivable, which was scary and dangerous because I was still on the road near highway traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership inspected it and said the engine had failed. I was given a repair estimate of about $9,100. I was also told the repair would not be covered under warranty and would not be covered under a recall. I believe this is a serious safety issue because the engine failed without warning while I was driving. If this had happened at a different time or location, it could have caused an accident or put other drivers at risk. The vehicle is currently undrivable, and the failed engine/component is available for inspection upon request

NHTSA ODI 11748649

Jul 1, 2026Engine & cooling

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11747729

Jun 26, 2026Engine

2019 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX]) suffered engine failure at 152,061 miles — abnormal knocking, loss of power, towed to Clay Cooley Hyundai of Sherman, TX. Diagnosed with crank/rod knock requiring long block replacement. This is the exact failure progression documented in NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203): defective piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, connecting rod bearing failure, and engine block damage. Coverage was denied solely due to mileage — 2,061 miles beyond the 150,000-mile threshold. I am also reporting a critical discrepancy: a VIN search on NHTSA's website shows zero open or unrepaired recalls on this vehicle, despite the following facts: 1. This is a 2019 Elantra with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine — the exact population covered by 21V301. 2. The vehicle experienced the exact failure mode 21V301 was issued to address. 3. The dealership repair order references TSB 25-01-054H (tied directly to Recall 203) and performed an ECM software update under that bulletin during this visit. It is unclear whether this VIN was improperly excluded from the recall population, or whether the recall was marked remediated based solely on the software update — despite the engine already having suffered catastrophic internal damage. Either outcome warrants investigation. I am requesting NHTSA examine whether this VIN should have been included in 21V301, and whether Hyundai's practice of applying a software update to an already-failed engine and closing the recall is consistent with the intent of this safety recall. Repair estimate: $9,245.58. Vehicle is undrivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11746721

May 23, 2026Engine

Timing gears/camshaft issues. dealer mechanic stated that the pin on camshaft broke and timing jumping. dealership stated this is a known issue with Elantra's but Hyundai has done nothing to address this issue. This repair costs over 4000 dollars for a known issue

NHTSA ODI 11739748

May 18, 2026Engine

Engine failure. Car quit while driving down main highway. Taken to garage and they reported that many of the same engine for Hyundai have been recalled. When investigating, my car did the exact same thing being reported, but is not included in the recall. I have maintenance records for all oil changes as required as well. No lights came on to indicate failure.

NHTSA ODI 11738636

Apr 29, 2026Electrical systemLights

Where the Hyundai place tell that I don't need drive that because recall on the light shower! on my car and how electric part in the car. I still a note the balance 14,700. The paying balance need be 9,900. Because the wiring and light show balance I would owe. 6,000.

NHTSA ODI 11734543

Apr 28, 2026Lights

Highbeam shutters stop working. When engaged the solenoid engages, the shutter attempts to activate (wobbles) but never does. The indicator inside also lights up despite the shuttee never opening.

NHTSA ODI 11734441

Apr 21, 2026Engine

The engine defected at 82000 i had it for a year can u guys please make it right as a valuable customer

NHTSA ODI 11732615

Apr 15, 2026Lights

During my state inspection it was noted that my high beams were not properly functioning. The garage tested my bulb and said it appeared to be a malfunction of the flap assembly in the headlamps. We checked online for information on how to proceed and noted a recall campaign T5G that was aimed at the exact problem we noted. I called our local Hyundai dealer (Woodall Hyundai; Danville,VA) to schedule for the recall. The scheduler stated that according to their records, they completed this recall in 2/2024. I do remember getting notified by them regarding a recall to which they had my car for a day to complete the necessary work. Myself and my original garage mechanic reviewed the recall directions that stated that this specific recall requires drilling into the headlamp to evaluate the high beam actuator lever. I informed the dealer that I did not see evidence of the completed work. They stated that they would have to have the car back for a diagnostic visit. I took my vehicle in; paid a $150 fee to be told that yes, my high beams are not working properly and would cost about $2000 to repair the headlamp assemblies. I escalated my concerns to corporate Hyundai who followed up with the dealer who insisted that I was responsible for the repair. I took my car to a different independent Hyundai dealer (Capital Hyundai in Greensboro, NC) who confirmed upon inspection that the recall Woodall Hyundai states they completed was never performed. They contacted corporate Hyundai to reopen my recall campaign and are repairing the assemblies. Woodall Hyundai fraudulently charged Hyundai for a repair kit they claim to have used for the T5G recall. They did not complete the job yet stated they did. They lied repeatedly to myself and corporate when investigating. This has delayed my state inspection. This has caused loss of use of my vehicle for the days it has been in these garages. This is also a safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11731365

Apr 3, 2026Engine

my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, no lights came one to indicate any issues, then it started driving properly. Then after about 4 min it just died, in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on and all the lights disappeared but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away and the check engine light is one. After taking to the dealer they stated that there was no oil in the engine. There are also no visible leaks to explain no oil. And 3 timing codes came up as a result of this. They conducted my routine oil change and still the codes came up and the car failed to start. In addition to all of this there is a knocking noise. I have an engine like those that have been recalled in the past but my particular VIN was not part of that recall. I have always done my oil changes at Hyundai dealer and on a regular schedule. This sounds to me like the same issue the other same types of engines had.

NHTSA ODI 11729082

Mar 31, 2026Engine

my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, then after aboit 4 min it just died, the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away.

NHTSA ODI 11728232

Mar 28, 2026Electrical systemLights

Both Front headlamp assemblies broken hi beam mechanism. My cars headlights burn out every couple months and the bright lights will not work. I took to a Hyundai dealership on 03/28/2026 who told me it would be $5,333.30 to fix. I have done nothing to cause this electrical problem on both headlamps and when searching the internet; this issue seems to be a big problem on this vehicle year. This is obviously an issue in manufacturing of the vehicle and should have the issue be a recall to fix. It is so dangerous not knowing when my lights will stop working again after replacement and not having the use of bright lights at night.

NHTSA ODI 11727708

Mar 27, 2026Engine

I was getting off the highway in late January 2025- in my fairly used 2019 Hyundai Elantra Value edition, that had less than 70,000 miles on it- when a piston rod suddenly shot from my engine, causing a slight implosion. This set off the oil pan gasket & caused it to blow into hundreds of pieces, leaking my engine oil all over the highway. The vehicle has never been in an accident and has always been taken care of, so I was very disheartened when this incident occurred. Research showed me that I’m not the only one who’s experienced this destructive incident in this year & model of my vehicle. There was never a day that my engine light or oil light had come before prior to this incident, but as soon as the happened- nearly every light in the car came on. Since there was no crash or other vehicles involved, police didn’t file a report.

NHTSA ODI 11727472

Mar 19, 2026Engine

Car shut off multiple times while driving including coming to complete stop on the freeway in traffic

NHTSA ODI 11725531

Mar 18, 2026Engine

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and oil needed to be added frequently between scheduled oil changes. No visible external leaks were found. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

NHTSA ODI 11725354

Mar 15, 2026Engine

Engine failure. Less than 150,000 miles and engine has gone bad. Burning oil, and loud noise when car starts. Had multiple mechanics look at the car whom said the motor went bad. I’ve been consistent with oil changes, tune ups, etc. maintained the car well so I don’t know why or how this happened.

NHTSA ODI 11724407

Mar 11, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart and was driven to the auto body repair shop, where it was recently repaired due to front bumper damage sustained in an accident. The auto body repair shop then towed the vehicle to the dealer, where DTC: P0017 and P0014 were retrieved. The dealer informed the contact that a visual inspection was needed to confirm whether the failure was related to the Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 116,421.

NHTSA ODI 11723605

Mar 10, 2026Engine

My engine burns oil. I have to continue to check the oil in my vehicle. It is a known issue with all Hyundai cars

NHTSA ODI 11723335

Mar 6, 2026Engine

My 2019 Hyundai Elantra with the 2.0L engine experienced sudden engine failure at 164.809 miles. The check enqine light came on and the vehicle immediately lost power and shut off. 0i was visible in the wheel well and the engine now has a tapping noise suggesting internal damage I understand that Hvundai recalled certain 2019 Elantra models due to improperly heat-treated piston oil rings that could cause engine damage. Because the symptoms of my failure match this defect, I am requesting Hyundai review this as a potential defect-related enaine failure and consider goodwill assistance or engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11722467

Mar 3, 2026

“I am reporting the paint failure on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra as a safety-related concern. The widespread peeling has exposed bare metal, creating a risk of corrosion that can weaken body panels and potentially affect structural safety. This also reduces the vehicle’s protective coating, which is designed to prevent environmental damage. I am requesting Hyundai review this as a potential defect rather than normal wear.”

NHTSA ODI 11721665

Mar 2, 2026Lights

The high beams don’t work only the low beams work. And the low beams are very dim. The high beam light blue indicator comes on, but the high beams do not turn on. It’s very difficult to see at night.

NHTSA ODI 11721607

Feb 20, 2026Engine

My car started stalling on speed bumps and turning. Then one day it stopped accelerating and died. There is No COMPRESSION. I am told I now probably need a new engine. I saw that other Elantras from 2019 were recalled for this issue and why wasn’t mine? I could have gotten hurt

NHTSA ODI 11719343

Feb 16, 2026Engine

2019 Elantra has been experiencing oil loss. The last oil change on 14 Feb 2026 at 57400 miles. Checked the oil today 16 Feb 2026 after 266 miles and it was a quart low. It appears that oil consumption is a know issue with Hyundai year and model.

NHTSA ODI 11718343

Feb 10, 2026Engine

Engine burning oil

NHTSA ODI 11716922

Jan 27, 2026Lights

The brights are not working properly, the light indicates they are on but there is no change in the light it projects.

NHTSA ODI 11713517

Older →

Working with the data? Download all 242 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2019 Hyundai Elantra N verdict →