521 of the 1,434 complaints about the Hyundai Elantra (36.3%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.6× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
521Complaints · Engine
36.3%Share of complaints
1.63×vs. all vehicles
122Last 12 months
4.4%Share involving a crash or fire
2Related recalls
Analysis
122 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 98 in the 12 months before — up 24%.
25 of these reports (4.4%) describe a crash or fire, with 8 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 24V308000 (2024-05-01, model year 2024).
2020 HYUNDAI [XXX], VIN: [XXX] Incident Description: On XXX I was pulling into a parking spot and had my foot firmly on the brake pedal. When I attempted to shift the vehicle into Park the engine suddenly revved up excessively.
Engine · 2026-09-09 · ODI 11763045 · Crash
I bought the car about 2 days ago and while driving the car caught fire and I had to call my local fire department. I never hit anyone or did anything it just caught fire randomly.
Engine · 2026-09-05 · ODI 11762360 · Fire
Vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to vibration when braking caused by warped rotors, a vehicle that pulls to one side with an off-center steering wheel, abnormal…
Engine · 2026-10-10 · ODI 11770279
2020 Hyundai Elantra, VIN [XXX], ~79,239 mi. On or about [XXX], while entering a parking lot at low speed on an incline, I pressed the accelerator but the car had severe power loss and then stalled. It would not move in reverse.
Engine · 2026-10-07 · ODI 11769728
My 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (2.0L Nu GDI engine) has completely shut off while driving on three separate occasions: approximately June 2, 2026 (first occurrence), June 23, 2026, and September 14, 2026.
Engine · 2026-10-01 · ODI 11768301
While driving the engine light came off and car shut down instantly. I see there is issues with the 2018 Hyundai Elantra but I’m coming ot if picket. $7678.50 I purchased the vehicle I. ZMay and purchased a standard warranty that covers $2500 per repair.
Engine · 2026-10-01 · ODI 11768382
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) Campaign 24V308000 · 2024-05-01 · Model years: 2024
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
ENGINE Campaign 21V301000 · 2021-04-28 · Model years: 2019, 2020
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealDesign choices linked to oil consumption in recent engines, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models currently have the highest engine share in their complaints.
