2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

2 recalls, 159 complaints - 29 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

Defect Description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.

Consequence

An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer ... Read more

52,109 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra N and 2022-2023 Elantra vehicles. The emblem on the cover of the driver's front air bag may not have been welded properly, which can result in the emblem detaching upon deployment.

Consequence

A detached air bag cover emblem may strike a vehicle occupant, which can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 234.

247 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Complaint Statistics

159 total complaints 13 crashes 9 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	16
ENGINE	14
POWER TRAIN	11
STEERING	10
SERVICE BRAKES	9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	8
AIR BAGS	8
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	7
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL	7

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

Voice activated calling no longer works without Hyundai's Bluelink subscription. Each time I say a command to "Call John Doe," the response is always, "Sorry, I don't understand. Please upgrade to Bluelink cloud assisted voice calling." This is a basic safety feature that should not be behind a payw... Read more

Incident date: May 7, 2026

The paint is peeling off of my hood and on the sides of my car I have noticed other Hyundais with the same problem I tried to go through warranty and Hyundai wouldn't help me I've noticed in the past that they have had recalls on their vehicles for paint and I believe that this needs to be a recall ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL. Car has been slow to start this week. When I depress the brake pedal and push to start, it will start then shut off in the middle of starting then I have to try again or it will sputter then fully start but every safety alert and electrical alarm will go off in my car and n... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights flashed on and off on the instrument panel, and the brakes independently activated due to slippery weather conditions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagno... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

The engine mounts on this vehicle failed. Dealership and many others online have stated that this seems to be a reoccurring issue with the 2021-2023 generation of Hyundai elantras. The vibrations of these failed motor mounts become so severe that they can dislodge the brakes making it very unsafe t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

The vehicle is a 2023 Hyundai Elantra N Line purchased from CarMax in February 2026 with approximately 40,000 miles. It currently has approximately 49,000 miles. The vehicle intermittently cuts off, hesitates to accelerate, and jerks/shudders during acceleration. The specific failed component or sys... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH with the AC unit engaged, the driver’s side window shattered. The contact stated that the window was not impacted to cause the window to shatter. The contact stated that the failure had occurred approxi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

The high-voltage battery system (this is a plug-in hybrid) began intermittently displaying a "battery not properly charging" warning approximately 6 months ago; the issue would resolve after plugging in and charging. On July 14, 2026, while driving, the vehicle displayed a "critical battery failure ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

On my 2007 Honda Civic SI sedan, the clutch pedal assembly bracket that mounts it to the firewall broke. This effectively disables the vehicle Wherever You Are. You are unable to shift into any gear to safely get off the road or anything of the sort. The clutch pedal assembly bracket cracked on the ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The failure was a recurring failure. The first failure was serviced by the dealer under NHTSA Camp... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while she has a passenger with her, she stated her passenger air bag light goes on and off but most of the times states the airbag is off although someone is on the seat, as well as waring on the instrumental panel, that states service a... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2024

Engine light came on. Fan ran high. Had it towed to the dealership. Has 39,000 miles on it. Needs a new upper radiator hose due to a defective hose. Apparently, after reading online, GM is aware of this issue. Now we have to pay the diagnostic fee and $850 for a new hose and a flush, as well as the ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2024

I had my ABS module (6829538AC) go out which makes my truck pretty much not drive able. The part is on nation wide back order with no ETA. Stellantis Is leave all customers all customers in limbo on what to do with their vehicles.

Incident date: May 15, 2026

There is a recall on the Range Rover that does not have a remedy. This is a vehicle that generates income off renting out which can not be done until recall is resolved.

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

My trucks transmission is not shifting right. One time I pulled out and I wouldn’t shift almost causing me to get rear ended. Another time it just randomly went down like 5 cars cause me to almost get rear ended on the freeway.

Incident date: Apr 23, 2026

The tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue is 11733456 I am writing to update and escalate my previously filed safety complaint regarding my vehicle. I recently received my car back from the dealership after they informed me that all issues had been repaired and that the vehicle was saf... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2026

Incident date: Mar 1, 2024

Subject: Safety Concern – Unintended Emergency Braking My vehicle is experiencing a serious safety issue involving unintended emergency braking. While driving on the freeway, the vehicle has unexpectedly applied emergency braking on its own when other vehicles pass at higher speeds. This has occ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2024

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

Title - Sudden Loss of Steering Control While Driving – 2018 Audi Q5 (Aug 2024) While driving my 2018 Audi Q5 at normal road speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. A dashboard alert stating “Power Steering Malfunction” appeared simultaneously with... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages "Check ABS" and "ABS not Engagin... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

1) Keyless entry/auto lock/unlock has been an issue since we leased the car, and it remains. CarPlay maps on the dashboard are not in sync with reality (even on the short ride home) often displaying the steering wheel icon and/or “0 m” directions that make no sense with the reality of where I wa... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

The Power Steering and Stabilitrak went out on my vehicle. Within a 2 week period the service lights started coming on and then it finally went out. I could not steer the vehicle due to it being so hard to turn. Brought vehicle to dealer and they had the same issue with it. They had to replace t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

My Wife went out to the truck 2025 Ford Maverick XLT FX4 OFF ROAD PACKAGE TOWING PACKAGE LUXURY PACKAGE to back out of our drive way as She ALWAYS Does and instead of reverse she ended up in the garage door. it went forward I have a picture to show it was in reverse tried to engage emergency brake... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 10, 2025

-I had just exited from the highway and was driving into my town. While doing so, I had both hands on the steering wheel and suddenly the car started beeping and flashing warnings/ alerts indicating that my hands were not on the steering wheel, which they were. Within seconds the car began to deacce... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2026

This vehicle has had multiple incidents of surging of the propulsion system both on battery power and when powered by the internal combustion engine, causing loss of propulsion and sudden acceleration almost causing collisions multiple times. We have paid for over $4,000 in repairs that are not cove... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

Its been few months its giving me air bag issue sign in my car.

Incident date: Dec 19, 2025

Vehicle won’t start brake hold system problem, vehicle stability assist system problem, hill start assist problem, electric power steering problem collision mitigation system problem all appear on the dash but vehicle won’t start. Battery is not the issue, tested the battery it’s at 12.5V. Har... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

Several times when I have honked my horn on my 2025 Camry SE cruise control has engaged. That is a dangerous situation if I'm trying to avoid a slow vehicle or accident and the vehicle goes into cruise control mode. Not sure what Toyota can do about this as the cruise control buttons are on the righ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while attempting to park and making a turn, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated and collided with a 3 1/2 cement block wall. The contact sustained hand and chest bruises as a result of the incident; however, no medical attention was provi... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

Air bags did not deploy during crash. It is available for inspection upon request My face smashed into the steering wheel resulting in black eyes, swollen nose, cuts on my face and a concussion. Yes, the airbags clearly did not deploy during crash No No

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 2, 2025

I bought my 2021 Ford Bronco at Morrie's Grand Ledge Ford. I live 10 minutes away from Morrie Ford Okemos. I received a recall notice from Ford Motor Company in August of this year regarding a recall of my specific vehicle. The issue is: "there is a possibility that a fuel injector may crack, which ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 11, 2025

My car has 74,000 actual miles and the transmission is acting up kicking out of gear and loosing coummcation with the tcm and a sensor comes on about bad clutch pack

Incident date: Nov 13, 2025

Making a right turn from a stop. I pressed the accelerator and the vehicle barely moved. Cars were coming in my direction and I had to move. I let off the accelerator quickly pressed the accelerator again. The vehicle did start moving at normal rate. This first attempt was very concerning and a... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2025

The cars Headlight DRL burnt out and no way to replace them or turn of warning off without paying dealership $2K to replace whole light housing. See Reddit Post: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Nov 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on three occasions and depressing the brake pedal, the Forward Collision Avoidance system malfunctioned. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the Forward Collision Avoidance syst... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2025

While in reverse, my backup camera does not engage, instead it will display a blue scree or altered fuzzy incomplete image of what's behind me. While parking, parking collision warning will go off displaying a warning and sound with multiple beeps while my automatic emergency braking system will eng... Read more

Incident date: Oct 29, 2025

On November 4, 2025, I believe my New Tesla (only 2 month old) had just updated to a new software version. That morning, when I tried to start the car to drive to Walgreens Pharmacy, the vehicle did not start — the screen was locked. I pressed the brake pedal several times, but there was no respon... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Oct 29, 2025

I am submitting this complaint to raise a serious safety concern regarding the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV. This vehicle is sold and delivered without a spare tire and without run-flat tires. This design choice is dangerous and creates a foreseeable risk of severe harm to motorists. Recently, my wife... Read more

Incident date: Oct 29, 2025

Crash

Incident date: Oct 2, 2025

*my vehicle was running from tampa florida to atlanta georgia and The oil drain plug was ejected and my vehicle lost compression and locked the steering wheel . *I had to maneuver off the highway to try not to cause damage to myself, my passenger and other vehicles. * Yes, my vehicle was towed to... Read more

Incident date: Sep 3, 2025

My sun roof exploded

Incident date: Sep 3, 2025

rattle or knocking sound from the engine, particularly on startup with only 30,000 miles on it started happening around 20,000 miles now I have my truck jerking when I hit the gas before it is apparently saying this is not on recall even though it should be because this is not my fault and clearly t... Read more

Incident date: Sep 3, 2025

When in reverse, the reverse camera disappears if the driver turns the air conditioner on. I was in reverse, pushed the air conditioner button, the camera disappeared and I hit a car behind me. There were also no warning sensors when I got close to the car. It seems to be a safety issue for the reve... Read more

Crash

Showing 50 of 159 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

2023 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover Risk	10.1%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard & Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S1) (Front-Wheel Drive)	30.0	40.0	34.0	Regular	$1,800
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S1) (Front-Wheel Drive)	33.0	42.0	37.0	Regular	$1,650
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S7) (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	36.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000

CO2 Emissions: 263.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

29 manufacturer communications from 20 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	6
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	5
170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	3
100000 POWER TRAIN	3
190000 TIRES	2
353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE	2
130000 VISIBILITY	2
010000 STEERING	1

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin contains the software update procedure for the Engine Control Unit (ECU) on certain 2021-2023MY Elantra (CN7) and 2022-2023MY Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6 liter T-GDI Gamma 2 engine, that may exhibit a warning lamp

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming

130000 VISIBILITY

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

Some vehicles equipped with the AVN 5th Gen Wide system may exhibit a condition where the radio app crashes frequently when entering radio mode and/or a message that reads a??Uneven Road Ahead, Drive carefullya?? on the cluster along with a

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some vehicles equipped with the AVN 5th Gen Wide system may exhibit a condition where the radio app crashes frequently when entering radio mode and/or displays a message that reads a??Uneven Road Ahead, Drive carefullya?? on the cluster alo

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin is issued to provide the extended battery diagnosis procedure using GDS-M. This battery diagnosis function displays the various battery-related faults such as: a?? Internal short circuit a?? Battery deterioration a?? Malfun

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Certain 2023MY Kona (OS) and Elantra (CN7) vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu Atkinson engine may experience a warning lamp illumination for a diagnostic trouble code P250C that is related to the oil level sensor circuit. Follow the service

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for certain vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmissions (8WDCT) that improves the touch point learning variation. Certain 8W

100000 POWER TRAIN

Certain vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) may experience a check engine light or malfunction indicator light due to Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) listed below. This bulletin provides information on replacin

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information bulletin provides information on how to update the Apple Carplay software from Hyundaia??s Navigation Updates page. The current version of Google Maps has 10 times the data transmission compared to the previous vers

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can becom

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Certain 2022-23MY Elantra (CN7/CN7a), 2022-23MY Elantra N (CN7 N), and 2023MY Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles normally equipped with two (2) complete Smart Key FOBs were delivered with only one (1) complete Smart Key FOB and one additiona

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Certain Elantra, Elantra Hybrid, & Elantra N vehicles normally equipped with two (2) complete Smart Key FOBs were delivered with only one (1) complete Smart Key FOB and one additional mechanical key. This bulletin outlines the procedure to

130000 VISIBILITY

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.

190000 TIRES

Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale

100000 POWER TRAIN

If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a a??Check Enginea?? light on and one or more of the DTC listed on Page 2, follow the repair procedure and perform the diagnosis. If necessary, replace the High Flow electric oil pump (HF

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Certain 22-23MY Elantra (CN7/CN7a), Elantra N (CN7 N), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles normally equipped with two (2) Smart Key FOBs will receive only one (1) Smart Key FOB and one additional mechanical key, per vehicle, until further

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Certain Elantra (CN7/CN7a), Elantra N (CN7 N), and Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV) vehicles normally equipped with two (2) Smart Key FOBs will receive only one (1) Smart Key FOB and one additional mechanical key, per vehicle, until further notic

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

010000 STEERING

N Vehicles are designed to maximize dynamic steering performance. In normal Ackerman steering geometry, the inner front tire turns more than the outer tire to help cornering in low-speed situations, i.e., parking lot maneuvering or sharp U-

200000 WHEELS

190000 TIRES

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2017

Loss of Motive Power

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia Americ... a, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Engine Fires

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. ... During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines. The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS. It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2007

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening ... of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Headliner Bracket Detachment

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall cove... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2012

Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS RUSTING

ON APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI MOTOR CORPORATION SUBMITTED TO ODI A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT INDICATING THAT IT WOULD RECALL A SALT-BELT POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 155,317 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VEHICLES TO REMEDY A DEFECT THAT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITH AN I... NCREASED RISK OF A CRASH WHILE DRIVING (09V-125).THE AFFECTED VEHICLES COVER ALL MY 2001, MY 2002, AND MY 2003 THROUGH JANUARY 13, 2003 PRODUCTION.THESE INCLUDE ELANTRA VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN.THE TOTAL THREE-YEAR PRODUCTION POPULATION FOR THE ELANTRA VEHICLES IS APPROXIMATELY 350,000. ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, ROAD SALT CAN COLLECT IN THE OUTBOARD PORTION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND MAY RESULT IN INTERNAL CORROSION LEADING TO THINNING OF THE STEEL IN THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM UPPER AND LOWER PANELS BECOME PERFORATED.A PERFORATED FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY FRACTURE BETWEEN ITS BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT AND THE FORWARD AND REARWARD PIVOT ATTACHMENTS TO THE CHASSIS.THIS COULD AFFECT THE DRIVER'S CONTROL OVER THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY.HYUNDAI'S RECALL PROCEDURE INSTRUCTS DEALERS TO MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE STEEL IN THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS.IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF CORROSION DAMAGE HAVE OCCURRED, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WITH ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOWS 220 COMPLAINTS AND 1,033 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR THE TOTAL APPROXIMATELY 350,000 SUBJECT VEHICLES SOLD THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, RESULTING IN A COMPLAINT RATE OF 62.82 PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND A CLAIM RATE OF 0.3 PERCENT.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND 7 COMPLAINTS AND 90 WARRANTY CLAIMS IN 132,475 VEHICLES SOLD IN NON-SALT BELT STATES, RESULTING IN A COMPLAINT RATE OF 5.3 PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND A CLAIM RATE OF 0.1 PERCENT. ODI'S ANALYSIS FURTHER FOUND 196 COMPLAINTS AND 943 WARRANTY CLAIMS IN 155,317 VEHICLES SOLD IN SALT BELT STATES, RESULTING IN A COMPLAINT RATE OF 126.2 PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND A CLAIM RATE OF 0.6 PERCENT.ODI IDENTIFIED 34 INCIDENTS OF LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURE RELATED TO CORROSION, ALL OF WHICH OCCURRED IN SALT BELT STATES.THE DATA DO NOT SHOW A DEFECT TREND IN VEHICLES OUTSIDE THE REGION COVERED BY HYUNDAI'S RECALL. THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2007

ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE

ON AUGUST 19, 2008, HYUNDAI SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MODEL YEAR 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITER BETA ENGINES PRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 5, 2007, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-4... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

HYUNDAI IS CONDUCTING TWO SAFETY RECALLS TO CORRECT TWO SAFETY DEFECTS DESCRIBED BELOW.UNDER SAFETY RECALL 08V-532, HYUNDAI WILL INSTALL A VINYL PROTECTIVE SHIELD/COVER TO PREVENT SHORT CIRCUITS IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE CAUSE BY SPILLS OF LIQUIDS THAT SEEP INTO THE MODULE CONNECTOR. THIS ACTION... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 AND 2002 VEHICLES, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION AND AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT OR INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT FROM LIQUID CONTAMINATION OF THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE.THE CONTROL MODULE IS LOCATED BENEATH AND NEAR CENTER CONSOLE CUP HOLDERS.OD... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2004

POST-CRASH FUEL TANK LEAK

PE04-041 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE A FUEL LEAK INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED DURING AN INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY (IIHS) FRONTAL CRASH OFFSET TEST ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLE.THIS INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE VAPOR TUBE HOSE CLAMP EAR WAS MISPOSITIONED AND FACING TOWARD THE FUEL TANK, WHICH ENABL... Read more

SQ, Open , Model Year: 1996

FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN 36

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1996

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

IN ITS LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 14, 1997, HYUNDAI STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 75,000 HYUNDAI VEHICLES (CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-97 ELANTRA, ACCENT, SONATA AND TIBURON MODELS BUILT THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 1996 -- SEE NHTSA RECALL NO. 97V-026 FOR DETAILS) WILL BE RECALLED FOR A DEFECT IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MO... Read more

SQ, Open , Model Year: 1992

REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE

ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS PERTAINING TO REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CANADIAN RECALL.FURTHERMORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS OPENED TO EVALUATE HYUNDAI'S RATIONAL FOR NOT CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO INCLUDE ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990

SCISSOR JACK FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the HYUNDAI ELANTRA across all model years (1994, 2026).

102 Total Recalls

12,126 Total Complaints

14 Investigations

1,279 Reported Crashes

273 Reported Fires

19 Reported Deaths

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	2	View
2025	0	31	View
2024	1	94	View
2023 (current)	2	159
2022	5	143	View
2021	6	214	View
2020	3	342	View
2019	1	334	View
2018	0	406	View
2017	4	1,077	View
2016	2	398	View
2015	3	356	View
2014	2	552	View
2013	4	1,863	View
2012	4	920	View
2011	5	589	View
2010	3	504	View
2009	4	321	View
2008	7	424	View
2007	6	365	View
2006	1	209	View
2005	4	180	View
2004	5	209	View
2003	5	310	View
2002	6	431	View
2001	6	445	View
2000	1	259	View
1999	2	183	View
1998	0	75	View
1997	3	196	View
1996	3	138	View
1995	1	179	View
1994	2	110	View
1993	0	39	View
1992	0	46	View

Other HYUNDAI Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SONATA	184	21,863	View
SANTA FE	153	9,962	View
PALISADE	124	2,704	View
TUCSON	95	8,074	View
SONATA HYBRID	67	1,129	View
IONIQ 5	66	1,865	View
ACCENT	64	2,745	View
SANTA FE HYBRID	57	347	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI ELANTRA

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - All Years Overview

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - Year by Year

Other HYUNDAI Models