2017 Hyundai Elantra problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 614 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra, most often about engine. There are 4 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 614
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 16
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 14
- Median mileage
- 63,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 248 of 614 complaints (40%).
- Body & Structure (167) and electrical system (93) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 63,000 mi.
- Owners reported 16 crashes, 6 fires and 14 injuries.
- The 2017 Hyundai Elantra has 4 recalls on file.
- NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
- It has the most serious complaint record of all 22 Hyundai Elantra model years we track.
- That is 194% more complaints than the 2016 model year (209).
2017 Hyundai Elantra problems by category
- Engine · 4 crashes248 complaints
- Body & Structure · 1 crash167 complaints
- Other / Unknown · 1 crash101 complaints
- Electrical System · 6 crashes93 complaints
- Steering · 3 crashes60 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash47 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 1 crash25 complaints
- Brakes · 2 crashes23 complaints
- Airbags · 8 crashes19 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control16 complaints
- Lighting15 complaints
- Suspension8 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech8 complaints
- Wheels & Tires6 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers3 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 246 |
| Structure:body | 115 |
| Unknown or other | 101 |
| Electrical system | 89 |
| Steering | 60 |
| Power train | 47 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch | 39 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2017 Hyundai Elantra recalls (4)
- STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
Risk: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
NHTSA defect investigations
- DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023
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 America, 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 complain…
NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Early Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2017 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Later Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Recent 2017 Hyundai Elantra complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Sep 17, 2026OHEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
I leased my 2017 Hyundai Elantra new in July 2016 and later purchased it. As of September 2026, it has approximately 77,000 miles. I am reporting two unresolved safety concerns despite repeated repairs and more than five months of seeking assistance from Hyundai. Multiple ignition coils have failed during my ownership. Most recently, I paid approximately $400 for service after another coil failure. Although the check engine light is no longer illuminated, the vehicle…
NHTSA complaint #11764901 · source - Filed Sep 11, 2026VAEngine
I bought my 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE earlier this year with about 119,000 miles. It had good maintenance records when I bought it, and it now has about 128,000 miles. Since buying it, I've had two oil changes done along with new spark plugs, coils, front brake pads, and tires. About two days before the engine failed, I noticed the car had suddenly burned through a significant amount of oil. There was no visible oil leak. The car stopped running, so I had it towed instead of…
NHTSA complaint #11763633 · source - Filed Sep 5, 2026IDBody & StructureOther / Unknown
All four rear/side door latch mechanisms have exhibited intermittent failure to release the door from the interior and/or exterior handle. Repeated operation or increased force can sometimes cause the door to release. This creates a potential safety hazard because an occupant may be unable to exit the vehicle through an affected door during an emergency. The manufacturer has previously issued an extended warranty/TSB addressing this latch failure, but the vehicle is now…
NHTSA complaint #11762346 · source - Filed Aug 29, 2026FLBody & Structure
Doors are not unlocking on open from the outside both front doors from inside and out do not open unless you pull three or four times the rear doors the passenger side rear door does not open at all. It’s like it doesn’t unlock and the driver side rear door only opens if you pull a handle like four or five times.
NHTSA complaint #11760662 · source - Filed Aug 17, 2026108,404 miOKEngine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced.…
NHTSA complaint #11757404 · source - Filed Aug 11, 2026NJEngine
Vehicle stalled while driving on a highway without warning. The car was able to start back up, would go a few feet and stall again. Had it towed to a Hyundai dealership to repair. They replaced the exhaust camshaft and timing components. They released the car, saying it was fixed. Less than 12 hours later, the car stalled again while driving through Washington DC. Once again, it would start up again but stall every few feet. We took it to another Hyundai dealership. They…
NHTSA complaint #11756274 · source - Filed Aug 5, 2026MIEngine
Car wouldn't start. Makes clicking sound. Mechanic diagnosed it and said timing chain is broken, valves are bent and pistons broken.
NHTSA complaint #11755070 · source - Filed Jun 29, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
While operating my 2017 Hyundai Elantra under normal driving conditions at approximately 70,000 miles, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power and stalled completely while moving in active traffic without any prior warning. This severe stalling event occurred despite the vehicle being strictly and meticulously maintained according to all manufacturer guidelines and scheduled service intervals. Prior to the stall, the Check Engine Light illuminated. A…
NHTSA complaint #11747095 · source
Compare the 2017 Hyundai Elantra with another vehicle →
Other 2017 Hyundai models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. 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