2014 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 385 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 35 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 29 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesNov 30, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Campaign 17V769000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
385 reports, newest first.
Power train, Sep 28, 2026
I am reporting a failure I personally witnessed while servicing a 2014 Hyundai Elantra; I am not the vehicle owner. On September 24, 2026, at approximately 11 PM and approximately 124,160 miles, both stop/retaining tabs on the automatic transmission oil-level check plug broke during rotation while attempting to remove it for a fluid-level check. The plug continued turning, and I discovered the two broken tabs. I did not deliberately pry or manipulate the tabs. Photographs document the damaged plug and two detached pieces. I believe the plug may have a design or durability defect. My safety concern is that damaged retention features could compromise sealing, potentially allowing transmission-fluid loss and loss of propulsion. These are potential consequences, not events that occurred here. The failure occurred during stationary maintenance, not while driving. After service, the vehicle shifted normally and I observed no leakage. The plug was replaced with an OEM oil-level plug, part 45285-26100, obtained from a Hyundai dealership. The dealership parts invoice is dated September 25, 2026 and also lists gasket 45284-26100. Purchasing replacement parts does not constitute a dealer diagnosis. No manufacturer or independent expert determination of the failure cause has been obtained. I have submitted a complaint to Hyundai requesting technical review. Prior warning indications and availability of the original part for inspection: UNKNOWN. I request investigation of the plug retention design, durability, and adequacy of service instructions.
Engine, Sep 28, 2026
Component: Engine (oil intrusion cylinders 1, 2, and 4). Vehicle currently at Stevens Creek Hyundai, available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: Large volume of smoke while driving, reduced visibility, and risk of further engine damage while unresolved. Reproduced/confirmed: Yes. Independent mechanic (Liberti's Automotive, 7/13/26) documented oil entering cylinders 1, 2, and 4. Dealership's own inspection gave inconsistent findings after one week delay saying they do not have the tool to look at the engine, a week later first stating cylinders 1-3 "looked okay" with cylinder 4 unable to be checked due to a broken connector, later stating the engine looked "clean," then offering two conflicting theories: a possible fuel injector issue or an oil consumption issue requiring a 1,000-mile test, despite earlier being told the test wouldn't be needed since oil was already documented. Inspected by manufacturer: Yes, by authorized Hyundai dealer (Stevens Creek Hyundai). Not inspected by police or insurance. Warning lamps: None reported prior to the smoking incident. No written diagnostic report has been provided. Repair estimates: $6,000-$10,000 for the engine by depending on mechanic, $2,000 for the fuel injector by Dealer— far exceeding the vehicle's value ($2,900 CarFax, $500 as-is per dealership). Concerned this vehicle, despite completing the engine monitoring recall, still developed oil intrusion consistent with known Hyundai engine defects. Vehicle sat at dealership for over a week without a clear diagnosis or determination, remaining in an unresolved safety state longer than necessary.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 28, 2026, fire
I woke up to my neighbor banging on my door that my car was on fire. My car was in flames. The fire department had already been called. The entire front of my car as well as the interior was completely destroyed.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the brakes made abnormal grinding sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front brakes, but the rear brakes were leaking brake fluid. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the independent mechanic for the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the rear brake calipers. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Engine, Jul 22, 2026
On XXX the vehicle stalled on a busy road, with no warning/ messages appearing until the car died. It was left at Dakota K Auto Repair in Buffalo Grove, IL the same day. They replicated the stalling issue four times, but were unable to diagnose the issue. The vehicle was then brought to Hyundai Auto Nation O'Hare in Des Plaines, IL on XXX. The vehicle stalled twice while they drove it. On XXX their diagnosis stated the timing chain system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to Arlington Performance Center in Arlington Heights, IL and on XXX they added there was also engine failure which needed replacement. The vehicle was purchased from Patrick Hyundai in [XXX] on XXX and has 101,876 miles on it. It is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 21, 2026
I am writing to formally log a safety defect complaint regarding a severe mechanical failure in my 2014 Hyundai Elantra, equipped with the Nu 1.8L engine. The vehicle has been professionally diagnosed with severe internal engine knocking stemming from catastrophic piston slap, a manufacturing defect inherent to this engine family block that causes premature cylinder wall scuffing, piston ring degradation, and unmetered oil loss. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has previously acknowledged that manufacturing issues in Hyundai engine blocks can cause rotating internal components to fail, leading directly to sudden, un-alerted engine stalling at highway speeds, a severe and immediate safety hazard to drivers, passengers, and surrounding traffic. Despite this being a well-documented mechanical defect (originally addressed under the [XXX] , et al. v. Hyundai Motor America Class Action Settlement / Service Campaign TXXK), Hyundai Motor America is currently refusing to remedy this hazardous component. The manufacturer has repeatedly denied corporate assistance based strictly on an arbitrary calendar timeline (stating the vehicle has passed the 10-year settlement window). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 14, 2026, fire
Vehicle was parked and turned off in a residential driveway when a fire spontaneously ignited in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights, unusual sounds, or symptoms prior to the incident. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire using dry chemical suppressant and water. The vehicle was a total loss. The fire appears to have originated in the front engine compartment area. The vehicle was not involved in a collision. The vehicle has a 1.8L Nu DOHC engine and 4-wheel ABS system. This vehicle falls under known NHTSA recalls and class action litigation related to spontaneous engine fires in Hyundai Elantra vehicles, including issues related to defective ABS/HECU modules and engine defects associated with the Nu engine series.
Power train, Engine, Apr 29, 2026
The 2.0L Nu GDI engine in this vehicle is experiencing terminal internal failure. Following a P1326 KSDS warning event, a borescope inspection at an authorized dealership documented severe cylinder wall scoring in all four cylinders. Despite this documented internal block destruction, the manufacturer has denied the mandated settlement warranty repair based on a software-based proxy test (BCT). The vehicle was returned in an unsafe condition and is currently stalling and vibrating violently while in traffic, posing an immediate risk of loss of power and traffic collision. The manufacturer is ignoring the documented physical failure of a core engine component.
Engine, Apr 16, 2026
the car only has 76000 miles on it. there are no check engine lights and the oil has always been perfect and changed on time. There is a known issue apparently with Piston slap that will lead to engine failure. Hyundai refuses to replace the engine, knowing the issue. Driving it puts my safety and others at risk. the Hyundai dealership in Merriam KS has confirmed the issue.
Engine, Apr 7, 2026
Noticed symptoms about a week before I had it towed to a garage for what I thought was a timing chain tensioner, Tech scoped it and found out it was much worse.
Wheels, Service brakes, Jan 9, 2026
The constant-velocity joint on the driver's side tends to vibrate, and at certain speeds there is play in the steering. Sometimes the handbrake doesn't work properly, and the right-side brake light doesn't work even after replacing the bulbs.
Engine, Nov 18, 2025
Engine is burning too hot its burning though oil. Oil change sept 3rd 2025 and by nov 7 2025 car had NO OIL. this is an oil burn off issue with the sport engine in this model Elantra. i cannot get an oil change every month. that is ridiculous. this time it caused my car to have flashing engine light due to insanely low oil after just TWO MONTHS. i only drive 60 miles a day. shop told me in april15 20205 i had an oil leak and they fixed it, resealed again in july cuz the oil was still going low. now they told me nov 11th they did a test and the engine is running too hot and is burning off the oil.
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2025
Vehicle Information: 2014 Hyundai Elantra SE Sedan, 4-Cylinder, 6-Speed Automatic, FWD Build Location: USA-Built Version (Montgomery, AL - VIN '5NP') Ownership: Second owner, purchased Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) from the Hyundai of New Port Richey dealer (Florida) in March 2016. Vehicle is owned outright. Mileage: 128,638 Approximate Date Incident Noticed: October 1, 2025 DESCRIPTION OF CRITICAL SAFETY DEFECT & WARRANTY REJECTION I am reporting a failure of the clock spring assembly, which compromises critical safety features and poses an unreasonable risk, especially since this vehicle regularly transports passengers, including children. My VIN was rejected by the Hyundai TXXA Clock Spring Extended Warranty validator despite exhibiting the exact failures covered by the campaign. Safety Failures: Airbag (SRS): Warning light is constantly illuminated; driver-side airbag is disabled and will not deploy, endangering the driver and front passenger. Horn: Completely inoperable, eliminating a vital safety communication feature required to warn other drivers. Cruise Control: Buttons on the steering wheel are non-functional. These failures are caused by a broken electrical connection within the clock spring (which typically runs the Airbag, Horn, and Cruise Control circuits). I believe the denial is related to my vehicle being the USA-Built version (VIN '5NP'). I request that NHTSA investigate why this safety campaign arbitrarily excludes USA-built Elantras (but not Korean-built) experiencing the identical failure, thereby placing an unreasonable repair cost burden on owners for a critical safety component.
Service brakes, Engine, Nov 11, 2025, crash, fire
The vehicle caught fire while it was in motion; there were loud bangs and a lot of noise, and smoke started coming out of the front, and the engine and the undercarriage caught fire.I managed to turn it off, but when they were towing it, the mechanics did the diagnostic and found wires were faulty and damaged the engine.
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
While driving at approximately 70MPH on the highway, my 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited suddenly locked up with no warning lights, no noise and no prior symptoms. The engine completely seized, causing immediate loss of power. I was barely able to coast off the highway exit to a final stop on the feeder shoulder, in a desolate area. The vehicle has always been properly maintained and is in excellent condition. Upon research, I learned that Hyundai has known of internal engine defects caused by metallic debris left from manufacturing since 2010, which can cause bearing failure and engine seizure. My Tucson's failure matches the same pattern described in Hyundai's Theta II engine recall and warranty extension campaigns. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous situation at highway speed and possibility of injury while being stranded on an open road. Many owners, myself included, were never properly notified of the risks. I am filing this report because this incident represents a serious safety defect and potential recurrence among similar vehicles that may not yet be covered by recall. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this issue and ensure Hyundai expands its recall and warranty coverage to include affected 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited vehicles exhibiting this defect that was well-known to the Hyundai Corporation. Date of Incident: October 23,2025 in Houston Texas. Vehicle towed to Hyundai dealer which diagnosed Engine Seized and currently awaiting Warranty Extension Approval (TXXC/TXXI)
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2025
This dealership refuses to work on recalls on weekends, even though they are open for repairs on Saturdays. They are prioritizing paying customers. This is the second recall I've had this issue with them. Tasca Central Ave Hyundai 111 south central avenue, Hartsdale NY 10530
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2025
The traction contril indicator is always light is always showing up on the dashboard at the night time till morning since a couple of months so far.
Air bags, Jul 11, 2025
There is a light is always on and it says passenger airbag off
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jul 11, 2025
I started to see the oil light on the dashboard and i heard a hard sound from the engine so that i changed the oil then after a couple days i saw the light again on with a little bit high temperature, so stooped by a gas station and i added some more oil after i shut the car off and waited to cool the engine down and i started the car, the oil light was gone and the engine sound was smoother then i started to get the same issue every couple days and i used to fix it the same way and I've had the same experience with my previous car which was the same brand but different year band model which i found a recall on the engine after it blown and the agency or the manufacturer changed the engine for free for that car and the current car has the same issues and it's included in the year range for that recall which from 2012 to 2019, that scares me because i drive everyday for rideshare and that can be dangerous for me and my clients who ride with me, also some of them stopped calling me for rides once they knew about that issue. And today i noticed the car beep which i used to hear when i lock the car with the remote has stopped too.
Engine, Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the engine revved abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while stopped at a stopped sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle jerked forward before accelerating. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 94,512.
Service brakes, May 28, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that her daughter was driving the vehicle when the failure occurred. While driving on a city road at 25 MPH, a tractor-trailer crossed in front of the contact's lane. The contact stated that her daughter immediately reacted by taking a sharp left turn in order to avoid a collision. However, upon attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to engage, therefore causing the contact to crash into a utility pole. The front passenger side of the contact's vehicle was crashed upon impact with the utility pole, and the vehicle came to a stop upon impact. No property damage was reported. The airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local body shop. The Traction Control Warning light was illuminated. A police report was filed. No injuries were reported. No one outside of the vehicle was injured. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,300.
Electrical system, Engine, May 13, 2025
A significant class action settlement, known as the Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement, was established to address allegations of engine defects in various Hyundai models. This settlement includes vehicles equipped with the Nu 2.0-liter GDI engine, such as the 2014–2020 Elantra GT. The lawsuit claimed that these engines could suffer from issues like engine seizure, stalling, and potential engine fires. My vehicles engine is the engine listed above and has been experiencing those exact problems. My engine has been stalling and making a knocking noise. A professional mechanic evaluated my vehicle and diagnosed it with first stage engine failure. Engine failure of any kind while driving is extremely dangerous and could lead to sudden stopping on a highway, collision, and result in the loss of life of both the driver and other drivers sharing the road. In addition to the Engine II settlement, there was a separate class action settlement related to the Theta II engines, which are also found in some Hyundai vehicles. This settlement addressed allegations of engine defects that could lead to engine failure. Hyundai Motors is refusing to honor their warranty coverage for my vehicle. They claim their refusal is due to my vehicle having a rebuilt title, however, nowhere on their website or per any other guidelines do they explicitly deny coverage for rebuilt title vehicles. They clearly state that only salvage titles and 'total loss' vehicles will not receive any warranty assistance, which my vehicle was never considered a total loss. Additionally, when speaking to a Bob Howard Hyundai representative, they informed me that they have previously honored warranties for people in my exact situation. The engine in my 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT is the original engine with a matching VIN number and the engine failure is strictly due to the malfunction of said part produced by Hyundai Motors. I have maintained and preformed regular maintenance on this vehicle with receipts.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Jan 23, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Engine, Jan 21, 2025
The engine in my car (Hyundai Elantra gt 2014) basically did everything I read about all the other Hyundai engines doing that are under engine recalls. Years ago it started having misfires, had the catalytic converter or parts of it replaced, sensors, over consuming oil, loud noises when it's lower on oil and eventually it just recently died. Unfortunately it's only 11,000 miles over the extended warranty period to get it replaced. The bad engine stuff basically broke the current catalytic converter and the dealership wants over 10,000 dollars to fix it and replace the engine... not including tax. The worse part is sometime like a year ago I went to a dealership because I had an apt for an oil change. The day before my check engine light turned on. So at the apt while checking in my car I mentioned to the guy taking photos of my car that the check engine light was on and please check it out. I waited two hours for them to give me my keys back and say I didn't make the appointment for the check engine light so they couldn't see what was wrong with it that day. And that had never happened before. At the time I had only been to dealerships to fix my car and The dealerships always agreed to check out the engine light when it was on except for this one time. Felt like I was getting pushed out the door. So I've spent the last year going to other mechanics attempting to fix the check engine light and it always just came back on when I got my car back. Tune ups, spark plugs, cylinder misfires. Elantra GT's are not represented in any of the recall articles I read about online so I felt the need to share my story because I think my car had the same engine as some of the other cars. RIP Elantra GT
Engine, Jan 14, 2025
Engine failure related to piston slapping in upper motor. 3 months out of warranty and 115,000 miles.