2011 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 10, 2026OHEngine

   I have a Piston/Engine Defect according to the mechanic at the car shop. Any time any acceleration is applied you can hear the knocking. I believe it should be covered through the class action alleged that 2011-2016 Elantras engines (including the Limited trim) have a piston defect leading to engine failure. A settlement offered extended warranties, engine repairs, and reimbursement. I was unaware and have already spent tons of money towards repairs to the engine over the…

   NHTSA complaint #11717069 · source
2. Filed Apr 16, 2025GAElectrical SystemEngine

   Car stop working once I got home I notice while I was driving the car kept back firing and Jurking while driving .had a mechanic look at the car he tried to start it but it started and shut off..he even tried to jump start the car with the jumping cables but it will not start..he told me it was electrical..I have a brand new battery and a complete tune up on the car..I have not been able to drive the car in 3 weeks

   NHTSA complaint #11655110 · source
3. Filed May 18, 2024TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSuspension

   UnKnown. When financing the vehicle through Adonis Auto Group I was unaware of the unrepaired safety recall. Also I am under the impression nothing was done to the car before purchasing it, I have had to make repairs to the car only after 10,000 - 15,000 miles of driving. For example replacing the control arm, axle, brake hardware. My point is they are selling cars without repairing them and not advising the customer upon purchase. I also asked for the repair paperwork for…

   NHTSA complaint #11589419 · source
4. Filed Feb 7, 2024AZElectrical SystemEngine

   They have failed to address the recall in a timely manner. Sep 22,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number251 NHTSA Recall Number23V651000

   NHTSA complaint #11570443 · source
5. Filed Jan 10, 2024ILEngine

   When I start the engine, I hear pronounced knocking sounds in the engine for approximately 1-2 seconds, and they are quite loud. As the engine warms up, the knocking persists, albeit at a lower volume. The ongoing knocks are not as loud, resembling a consistent noise similar to that of a diesel engine, although it is not a diesel-powered vehicle

   NHTSA complaint #11564757 · source
6. Filed Jun 28, 2023GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   There's a piston slap ,the engine block is damaged to the risk pin bushing ,connecting rods needs replacing the piston slap noise is in the upper end of the engine ,the gas tank want hold gas

   NHTSA complaint #11529486 · source
7. Filed Feb 12, 2023CAEngine

   10 am Sunday morning going to church I am about 2 miles away from home I started hearing trickled sound at front before entering the freeway. Then about 5 miles before my exit the noise start to get louder and I decided to go 25 mph after I exited the freeway. I stopped at AutoZone parking lot to check and didn't find anything unusual.No engine lights or anything on the dashboard. After 2 hours parked at AutoZone I drove it home at slow speed and decided not to use the…

   NHTSA complaint #11506880 · source
8. Filed Jan 18, 2023123,500 miIDEngine

   The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing a piston to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was…

   NHTSA complaint #11502429 · source
9. Filed Jan 9, 2023NCEngineOther / Unknown

   Had oil changed at Take 5 recently as always do. 2 weeks later car cut off 3 times in traffic. Engine light came on. Car started to lose power/acceleration and engine began to make a ticking/knocking sound. I checked the oil and none was in it. I added 4 quarts to see would that help. It did not.

   NHTSA complaint #11500778 · source
10. Filed Oct 18, 2022GAEngine

    The 2011 Hyundai Elantra false starts. I’ve changed the battery and gotten a tune up. I’ve taken it into the dealership and paid for a diagnostic, even the Hyundai dealership says they cannot explain why the car is false starting. I believe it is my engine. But why isn’t my car Included in the engine recall?

    NHTSA complaint #11489890 · source
11. Filed Oct 13, 2022SCEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    My car stalls while in motion without warning. While driving the vehicle will randomly speed up and rpm will fly up without command. I also experience a lot of engine power loss randomly the vehicle will bog and be slow. Occasionally when I press on the accelerator I can almost go to the floor with no response from the vehicle. Speed acceleration response is delayed approximately 30 seconds occasionally. Uncommanded acceleration and random stalling when vehicle is in motion…

    NHTSA complaint #11489212 · source
12. Filed Jun 6, 2022125,000 miCAElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who diagnosed that the engine and battery needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure…

    NHTSA complaint #11467869 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology