What 242 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Hyundai Elantra N

Headlight housing mechanism for high beam and low beam lights do not allow headlights to stay on high beam. Will not pass Massachusetts motor vehicle safety inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11674035

Car began to make clicking noise which turned into a louder “dying” sound. Car completely stopped, and had to get towed. I was told the engine failed due to parts from the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11673536

Have a 2019 Hyuandi Elantra. Purchased in 2020 now only 6 years old the white paint on roof of car and around rear window the paint is chipping off. I have a softball size area in roof is all chipping off. I take very good care of my car and can’t believe the paint is all coming off! I’ve noticed a lot of other Hyuandi’s on the road are also peeling and chipping off the white paint on their cars also. Reported it to hyuandi dealership several times but, have gotten no response.

NHTSA ODI 11671397

Large amount of oil consumption. Told by dealership that engine replacement is needed.

NHTSA ODI 11665965

My late mother’s 2019 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX] ) was brought to Johnson Hyundai of Apex on 4/14/2025 for a known paint defect recall affecting the roof and roof rails. I was handling this vehicle as part of her estate. While the car was in the custody of their body shop, Piperformance, the windshield was cracked and replaced without my knowledge or consent. I was not informed of the damage beforehand, was never asked to authorize the repair, and was not provided an estimate or invoice in any official format. When I requested documentation, the service advisor (Josh) only sent a photo of an invoice on a laptop screen. I later received an undated, unsigned letter from the body shop admitting that they had broken the windshield and kept the old one. Important inspection and registration stickers were removed during the process and not returned for weeks. Hyundai corporate acknowledged internal failures, including missing documentation, conflicting stories, and lack of accountability. However, they refused to accept responsibility or confirm what safety inspections, if any, were done after the unauthorized windshield replacement. I am concerned the windshield replacement may not meet OEM specifications and may compromise the vehicle’s crash safety or ADAS systems (lane keeping, forward collision alert, etc.). No documentation was provided to show the glass used was certified or that proper recalibrations were performed. I no longer trust the safety of this vehicle and plan to remove it from use. The emotional toll of dealing with this after my mother’s passing makes the experience even more distressing. Her car was defaced and mishandled in my effort to preserve it, and I now feel responsible for navigating safety concerns caused by others’ negligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11664050

Excessive oil consumption, shudder in motor while driving . Check engine light cam on. Visibility in headlights very low and high beams only working sometimes.

NHTSA ODI 11660084

Vehicle: 2019 Hyundai Elantra VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure:163,799 Issue: Complete premature engine failure due to a piston rod fracture through the engine block Hyundai’s Response: Dealership (Murdock Hyundai Lindon, 530 Lindon Park Drive, Lindon, Utah 84042) reviewed vehicle maintenance history, noted a single vehicle owner, and regular maintenance history, conducted a review of valvetrain assembly (clean), and diagnosed this engine failure matching previous Elantra catastrophic engine failure cases. Two independent Murdock Hyundai dealership service agents and an independent mechanic reviewed the preliminary findings and believed that my engine failure matched other similar Hyundai recalled engine failures. However, Hyundai Motor America declined to have the dealership perform the necessary tests (i.e. bearing clearing test/cylinder bore test) that would have verified the failure. The dealership also noted previous goodwill assistance for past customers, in similar situations, due to the known manufacturing and safety-related issue. However, in my situation, Hyundai Motor America denied goodwill assistance. This exclusion appears arbitrary and unfair, as the failure in my vehicle aligns with the documented recall defect covered in the Hyundai issued Recall # 21V301000 for 2019 Hyundai Elantras). Furthermore, Hyundai has extended warranties and provided goodwill repairs to other customers with similar failures and similar mileage, yet they refused to provide assistance in my case, citing “time in service and/or mileage of the vehicle.” However, this is not a typical wear-and-tear failure caused by mileage. Additionally, if all Hyundai Elantra consumers were made aware of potential engine issues (at the time of purchase and/or through other means), consumers could address the concern within warranty mileage. I was not afforded the opportunity to address the unknown potential engine issues prior to the engine failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11659741

Vehicle Issue Report Vehicle Information: •Make: Hyundai •Model: Elantra •Year: 2019 •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: [Insert Current Mileage] •Engine Type: 2.0L Nu MPI ⸻ Summary of the Issue: The vehicle has experienced a complete engine failure due to a malfunction in cylinder 3. The issue began with noticeable performance problems including rough idling, knocking sounds, and a check engine light. After diagnostic evaluation, it was confirmed that the engine has failed, and a replacement is necessary. ⸻ Cause of Failure: The root cause of the failure has been traced to cylinder 3 misfiring and loss of compression, which led to severe engine damage. Based on known technical service bulletins and recalls issued by Hyundai, this failure aligns with existing recall campaigns related to improperly heat-treated piston oil rings in the Nu MPI engine. These rings can cause oil consumption, scoring of cylinder walls, and eventual engine failure. ⸻ Recall and Warranty Consideration: Given that Hyundai has issued multiple recalls and extended warranties for this exact problem in 2019–2020 Elantra models, we are requesting that this vehicle be covered under Hyundai’s engine replacement recall or extended Powertrain Warranty (up to 150,000 miles / 15years) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11657675

On 03/22/2025, I took my car into Riverside Hyundai because of engine shuttering. Riverside Hyundai discovered foreign fragments in my cylinder from the piston and stated they had never seen this issue before. Their diagnosis was engine replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $7,500 for the engine and $3,168 for labor for a total amount of $10,668. Searching for answers, I quickly came across the Hyundai Elantra Piston Defect Class Action Lawsuit (Brown v. Hyundai Motor America), which pertains to an engine piston defect not properly heat treated affecting the same year and make of my 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The class action lawsuit related to a defect found in certain Elantras equipped with Nu 1.8L engines. Although this defect is specifically tied to issues within the pistons, which are a critical component of the engine responsible for generating the force necessary to power the vehicle. The defect can ultimately result in “total and irreparable engine failure.” This failure leads to a loss of engine power, power steering, and brake assistance, all of which pose significant safety risks. While this class action suit has settled, and is an important step in addressing the engine defect that has already impacted many vehicle owners, I believe that the scope of the class action lawsuit was not broad enough, as it failed to include all vehicles that could potentially be affected by the same or similar defects, specifically Hyundai Elantras with different engine types, like the one in my 2019 Hyundai Elantra. Although my Elantra is equipped with a different engine, I believe that the defect that was present in the class action suit, is the same defect that caused this damage to my engine. I also came across images of the defect online which seem identical to damage caused to my engine. Please see attached files for your review. Riverside Hyundai has denied my request for a good faith replacement engine and are still waiting on a reply from Hyundai.

NHTSA ODI 11655695

The driver and passenger headlight has been replaced and the bulbs but the headlights keep going out was told it is an electrical problem and contact manufacturer. Also emergency braking did not work in recent accident nor did forward collision warning.

NHTSA ODI 11654195

My car started hesitating when shifting gears in smart and normal mode smelled like something was burning. Car only drives in sport mode, shifts hard, engine lags, and the check engine light has not come on. This is the second incident with this car. The first time I lost all power to the car and the entire electrical system shut down, when it was towed to the dealership they said nothing was wrong with it. I keep up on all the maintenance.

NHTSA ODI 11651061

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that the high-beam headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights failed to function properly. The contact stated that the bulbs for the high-beam headlights were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11650117

The suspension on this vehicle is out of control. The vehicle jumps, and It moves from one side to another over any road bump. The car only has 60,000 miles and it shouldn't be doing that, it's unsafe and it can cause an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11649931

No warning light for oil consumption and it depletes rapidly. Also, High beam lights stopped working and you have to hold the signal in place and the high beam still doesn't turn on. Ive had so many issues with this car since purchasing it, it ridiculous and saddening how there hasn't been any recalls and the issue before this one was dangerous and life threatening. Also, since it's purchase it consumes oil at a rapid rate that has been documented and each time I've visited the repair shop they informed 'there's no oil' in the vehicle and no oil light or anything comes on to warn me. I find out about it because of an entirely different issue needing to be fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11645903

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rubbing sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the internal trunk release lever was inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk required to be slammed manually to close securely. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggish. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The Hyundai dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to a used car dealer, Sandy Sansing Automotive (6200 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505), where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer determined that the catalytic converter and unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ODI 11643504

My engine is burning oil at a rapid rate. I have always maintained the vehicle's engine on-time or early and now I am needing to top-off oil many times between frequent oil changes. I am now having to add a quart a week and am changing the oil every two thousand miles to ensure it is clean. This is not regular or okay and two mechanics/service technicians said that many Hyundais that come in are doing the same thing.

NHTSA ODI 11641235

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The vehicle lost power in the middle of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The low oil pressure and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had thrown a piston rod. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11640740

I purchased this car in 2019 and 2-3 days later I started to experience the engine stalling, I contacted the dealer, and they checked it out by test driving it and said there was nothing wrong with it, it has still been happening, now more frequently > i have to constantly change the oil before the due time to see if it helps but it is becoming a bit dangerous for me and my family when it stalls as I'm trying to accelerate. I would like some assistance from Hyundai

NHTSA ODI 11640152

A hole in the engine block developed and oil leaked out of the engine and became a fire hazard and caused catastrophic engine failure.

NHTSA ODI 11636264

Motor is knocking due to recalls. Was not able to make recall appointment because car car isn’t reliable at this point

NHTSA ODI 11634646

Engine failure believed to be related to NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V-301. Vehicle had no warning lights on message. Vehicle turned off while driving and steering wheel became stuck and vehicle jerked off road, I turned vehicle back on and it sounded like a truck and would not move again.

NHTSA ODI 11634022

Car keeps turning off every time I start it and won’t stay on

NHTSA ODI 11633463

Car got broken into, back window smashed. Ignition ripped out, someone tried stealing it, even though I got the recall fixed. try to steal vehicle with USB cord.

NHTSA ODI 11632136

Problemas con el motor, específicamente la lubricación. El vehículo fue reparado y aún continuó con los problemas de lubricación, incluyendo los llamados " sprocket" que se dañaron. He leído que Hyundai a retirado muchos vehículos por este mismo problema.

NHTSA ODI 11631345

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with piston oil rings and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. In addition, the contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11626659