2017 Hyundai Elantra transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. Filed Jun 3, 2026VAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   1. The engine architecture suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. Specifically, severe, systemic internal oil consumption/vaporization starved the hydraulic timing chain tensioner of critical hydrostatic pressure. This caused the tensioner to collapse, creating slack in the steel timing chain, which then "jumped time" (skipped a tooth on the camshaft sprockets), causing the engine to instantly seize and lose all motive power. The vehicle and engine are fully intact and…

   NHTSA complaint #11741872 · source
3. Filed May 22, 2026NETransmission & Drivetrain

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The ignition coil in my 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited has failed multiple times over the past several years. This recurring issue has caused the vehicle to malfunction unexpectedly, creating safety concerns due to reduced engine performance, misfiring, and the potential for sudden loss of power while driving, which puts…

   NHTSA complaint #11739603 · source
4. Filed Jan 23, 2026PAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving, pressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. No warning lights came on until after I attempted to turn the vehicle back on then the check engine light and low oil light were illuminated. My vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and I was informed that the engine was blown and to tow my car to a Hyundai dealership as I was still under the 10 year/100k mile warranty. After getting my car to Hyundai, I was told I had to get a combustion…

   NHTSA complaint #11713030 · source
5. Filed Jul 22, 2025OHBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle has experienced ongoing powertrain and electrical malfunctions over several months. The most common symptoms include being stuck in 4th gear (limp mode), complete loss of RPM and speedometer readings, and illumination of the check engine and ESC lights. Most recently, while traveling at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of both acceleration and braking. The brake pedal became stiff and unresponsive, and the car had to coast to a stop…

   NHTSA complaint #11675401 · source
6. Filed Jun 12, 2025FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Timing chain looseness, Sudden loss of engine power/motive power. Vehicle was sold, unknown if available for inspection. Engine failure on and in the middle of the interstate/highway, and this caused a major crash risk, and safety hazard. This make and model of vehicle has multiple reports of similar incidents. The repairs would’ve cost over 3 times the value of the car. As stated by the vehicle manufacturer, the entire engine would need to be replaced, with a factory built…

   NHTSA complaint #11666555 · source
7. Filed May 7, 2025VAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My car has been stalling and shaking for months on acceleration. This has put me in unsafe situations where vehicles are going very fast on the highway and I am going 20 miles under the speed limit, or I am accelerating to merge and my car fails to accelerate, or I'm on the regular road and my car slows to a crawl while people are coming in fast behind me. The Error Code is: Cylinder 3 misfire. Took it to the dealer, they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it…

   NHTSA complaint #11659613 · source
8. Filed Feb 9, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain

   The clutch/transmission clunks or jerks randomly when accelerator is pressed to gain speed, from stop or passing, in any drive mode. Believe this has been going on the past several years.

   NHTSA complaint #11641553 · source
9. Filed Jan 5, 2025107,000 miILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2017 Elantra with 107,000 miles (it has a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty) on it has just experienced the same issue as all of the other Hyundais that have been recalled. I was driving on Xmas evening 2024 and started hearing my engine making noises I had not heard before when excellerating but then they would go away. On my way home the check engine light went on for a couple of minutes but then went off and I was able to get home although the car did not seem to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11634159 · source
10. Filed Nov 5, 2024NEEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Was driving my car noticed that it was running a little rough and took it in for an oil change thinking maybe it was being a little weird because of that. I religious have my oil changed routinely. The gentleman changing my oil told me there was oil in the engine. Went to Hyundai and they did a diagnostics and told me that something had come off in the engine and clocked the oil gallery not allowing oil to flow through engine and power train. Was told it would be a $9000…

    NHTSA complaint #11623607 · source
11. Filed Aug 5, 2024NCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Our Hyundai Elantra Se 2017, engine blown. Started with knocking sound and when we stopped on the side of the highway it powered down. We have been told that unfortunately so many of hyundai's vehicle engines have been super problematic within the last decade. We were stranded on vacation. Had to pay for towing twice and a rental car to get back to North Carolina because we had to get back to work. We also have had to pay to diagnose the vehicle twice. We had the issue…

    NHTSA complaint #11606471 · source
12. Filed Jun 28, 2024LAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    I'm having issues with my car and I don't feel safe riding in it. While driving it start to coast. If I make a turn it shuts down. I am having some of the same issues some elantra having but because the VIN# doesn't show a recall I'm penalize for having this car.

    NHTSA complaint #11597568 · 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