2015 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 262 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 27 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 25 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 15, 2026
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 300. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V307000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchFeb 23, 2024
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 256.
Campaign 24V146000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Representative owner complaints: engine
95 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 27, 2023
The car was working fine. Then one day it wouldn’t turn on while we were out. The engine wouldn’t start and it smelt burnt and there was smoke. We had to jumpstart the car and it showed some codes. They were B1319 and B1111. We took it to an electrician and it showed there was was a fuse that’s being overpowered. The car had been working again, but I did get a smell of something burnt a few times from inside the car. A few weeks passed by and three days ago the car again wouldn’t turn on. Just yesterday I found out about the recall from September on the Hyundai Elantra 2015. Not sure if it has something to do with that, but I still haven’t received a recall although that’s the car model I have.
Structure, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 15, 2023
My car's engine had damaged engine seals and was leaking oil. Also, when I accelerate it seems to be very forceful and the gears don't change well, they seem to be stuck. I had to take the front axle in for repair since something seemed to break. Also in the second or third year I had to take it under warranty since I had problems with the brakes and the sensor was damaged. The button to raise and lower the window does not work. El motor de mi auto se le dañaron los sellos del motor y estuvo liquidando aceite. Además, cuando acelero parece hacer mucha fuerza y no cambia los cambios bien parece estar estancados. El tren delantero lo tuve que llevar a reparar ya que perece se le rompió algo. También al segundo o tercer año tuve que llevarlo a la garantía ya que tuve problemas con los frenos y se daño el sensor. El botón de subir y bajar la ventana no sirve.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 24, 2023
When I come to a stop the car randomly shuts off and the engine lights come on. I have to put it in neutral and restart the car. This is happening all the time and scares me. I'm afraid that one day I will have to stop on the interstate and my car dies when traffic resumes putting me in danger.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 22, 2023
When I come to a stop the car randomly shuts off. All the warning lights come on. I have to put it in neutral and it usually starts right back up. It's happening a lot more often now.
Engine, Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, cylinder #3 misfired and check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
ok so i dont know how to answer this so im just gonna tell you whats happening well my car is dieing out at random times and the check engine light came on i had it read and it was the crankshaft sensor i then replaced it and then right after the same thing happens again well i had gone bacj=k and the guy sead its not reading anything els so he just changed my oil and sparkplugs and said it should be fine well today it happend again and now my MPH thing dont work and when i try to step on the gas because its battery is still on all the lights and stuff work AC ect. and it still drives but is shakey and feels very unsafe there where no warning lihgts or issues befor hand and this happen all within 3 weeks today is sep/29/2023 HELP i cant have my 3 kid in this car stoping in the middle or the busy st or hwy
Engine, Aug 8, 2023
July 3rd - car was serviced at Humble Hyundai for engine recall July 8th- received email of recommended services needed for vehicle (only thing regarding engine were spark plug replacement) July 26th - car stalled while at red light July 27th - car was brought to Humble Hyundai for further diagnosis Aug 2nd - update regarding engine, cylinder 3 was not receiving enough pressure/low pressure Aug 7th- no longer covered under warranty, car is not operative, need to purchase new vehicle
Power train, Engine, Jun 24, 2023
When stopped at a red light or in traffic, (on many occasions), my car will suddenly surge and accelerate. It's leads no many near rear end collisions. Sometimes it leads up to my engine stalling. Also have shuddering (like it wants to die) when driving on freeway. The re has been to many incidents to keep track of.
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder and lost motive power before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle also lost power steering functionality and stopped in the right lane on the highway. The contact stated that she restarted the vehicle and was able to exit the highway. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled repeatedly while driving to the residence. The contact stated that while driving to an independent mechanic, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,561.
Engine, Jun 12, 2023
The car engine seized on me. Went to work in the am and by the afternoon the car was non drivable. Had it tolled to a Hyundai dealership and couple of other car repair shops and they all confirmed that the engine has died. I haven't even had the car for a year. There was no indicators on the screen or any kind of warning such as an engine light. Good thing the car was in park when before it seized, otherwise I could have been driving it and could have happened on the road.
Engine, Jun 12, 2023
Complete engine failure at 129k miles, 3k miles after purchasing used off Hyundai car dealerships.
Engine, Apr 21, 2023
Engine stalled while going at-speed on major highway; high risk of crash if not restarted in time. Continuous repeating stalls. Hyundai inspected car twice; failed to fix the problem on the first attempt, refused to replace engine alleging that maintenance was negligent due to residue inside motor. Hyundai did not report any residue on the first inspection, and likely did not inspect engine thoroughly when stalling was initially reported to their mechanics. Odd noises from engine present for months prior to stalling.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 9, 2023
Unwanted sudden engine speeding up,No warning or messages.
Power train, Engine, Mar 23, 2023
Transmission completely went out at 86k miles with no warning. No lights on the dash, no slow build of issues. Has always had regular maintenance since I bought the car at the dealership. Second owner, and car is paid off. Drove it one day with absolutely no issues, and the very next day, all gears were slipping and was not safely drivable. Was stopped at a stop light turning into work and when I put my foot on the accelerator, it went nowhere and I was stuck at intersection. Got it towed that day to a local repair shop since I was told my warranty for power train was expired, and have been waiting on a new transmission for 2 months now. The repair shop still doesn’t know when they’ll get it in, and will cost $4k to install. Mine is one of many they’ve said have come through with the same problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, she heard a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the noise was intermittent at first but had become almost constant and would occur at various speeds. The contact stated that she recently saw white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the engine was revving high when started in the morning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking and stalling. The air bag, check engine, and various other unknown warning lights were illuminated, and messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failures could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and that while her daughter was exiting the highway, the vehicle stalled, and she had to turn off and restart the vehicle to continue driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure persisted and was recurring more frequently. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,500.
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
The engine failed under with under 100,000 miles on the car. It dies going under 20 miles per hour. This is a safety issue because it will die anywhere and can cause wrecks due to sudden failure. The vehicle was inspected Stivers Hyundai, and they could not determine what caused the failure. The problem was confirmed with the same dealer. There were no warning lamps or signs prior to the failure. Beneath, I am reporting the issue on the date it first occurred, though it has occurred multiple times since.
Engine, Feb 3, 2023
My vehicle is just over 80k miles and has received regular maintenance services. Inspection available upon request. My engine would rattle during idle, stopped at a light, and sounded as if the RPM were increasing. I would have to turn my car off then back on for it to stop. No engine or warning lights. As this became more frequent, I also noticed a very intense shaking coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle while driving on the highway. The shaking was most intense as the car accelerated from 2k-3k RPM. It felt like I could have lost control. On 11/29/22, my car was towed to a repair shop because the engine would stall when I started my car. After examination they recommended I take it to a Hyundai dealer, determined the engine may need replaced and informed me of other recalls from similar models. When the vehicle was brought to the Hyundai dealer, they stated they could not replicate the issue - the engine would start without stalling - but they also speculated my problem was from a loose cable, and attempted to send my car home with me the same day. It is important to note that the battery cable was examined and was connected prior to bringing it in to the dealer. My car is not under recall so my request was taken lightly, they stated I had no engine issues. I pressed for them to address the rattling of my vehicle, for which they then told me I had a leak in my front left axle. Axle was repaired and car brought home. My car drove for about 212 miles before it started stalling again with multiple attempts to start it. When I was able to successfully turn the engine over, I drove it back to the Hyundai dealer on 1/02/23. They found no codes but determined the crank sensor needed replaced. After replacement, they informed me my vehicle still “acted up” once, so they have held onto the vehicle for the past month, letting it sit and occasionally test driving it. Still no answer to this irregular issue.
Engine, Jan 24, 2023
Multiple times now, the vehicle has stalled while I am driving and turned off. Both my battery and alternator are still good, however this continues to happen. This happens at any speed, but most commonly at low speeds, while slowing down. This typically starts with the engine chugging or the car begins lurching instead of moving fluidly. As this is happening the light cluster will also flash and then go off or will illuminate the oil pressure warning light. I have had the oil level checked and can confirm this is also not an issue. The only way to get the car back on is to put the vehicle in park, and turn it over until it starts. It will normally start on the first try but at times it has taken several attempts. Additionally the car now produces a strong exhaust smell anytime I am driving it even though it has not done so before and there are no issues with my exhaust system currently. The vehicle currently has around 180,000 miles but from what I have read on this site there are many individuals experiencing this same issue with varying mileage. This is obviously a major concern as I have kept the vehicle maintained normally and this seems to have come out of nowhere and this is a significant safety hazard both for myself and others. As many have stated already in their complaints their vehicle has also experienced this exact issue while driving putting themselves and others in danger. The only fix I have seen on the site here is to replace the engine which is absurd given that this seems to be a manufacturer issue and not on the vehicle owner from what I can tell based on the number of related complaints that are the exact same issue.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 10, 2023
At any given time without warning the car dies. There is a red light that is sometimes visible on the dash but flashes too quickly and tell which light it may be (due to location of light owner’s manual showing possible oil light/battery). The car has had regular scheduled maintenance. This happens when driving in everyday traffic and sometimes when going from stopped to accelerating. This happens when going in reverse or ahead. I have almost been in several different accidents due to it dying in the middle of intersections. Code reader has not been able to locate the problem because there’s no indication of a problem on the check engine light. This is a very serious problem that needs to be taken seriously before it gets someone badly injured or killed.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 31, 2022
Unknown cause vehicle stalls and stutters randomly and skips while driving. Stalls when at a stop randomly and when car is restarted tachometer does not register that car has been restarted.
Engine, Dec 19, 2022
When driving the car shuts off. The dash lights come on oil battery check engine. Once I stop and put the car in park and restart it it will start right back up. I will die anytime and anywhere. I've been on the highway and it just stops. It does it multiple times before I get to were I need to go. I was almost hit by a semi in traffic doing 40 because it died in the lane
Engine, Oct 27, 2022
The low-pressure oil light flickers at idle and then stalls the engine. This often happens at intersections while waiting for traffic to clear and then the car shuts off. The oil pressure has been tested and is at proper pressure. Additionally, the oil sending switch has been replaced. At this time the vin shows the engine is not eligible for manufacturer recall. It is my understanding that the engine shut off is by design as to preserve the engine from seizure. However, the root of the issue needs to be addressed as it is a major safety concern if the engine stops during idle in a busy intersection.
Engine, Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that he was able to navigate the vehicle off the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not covered under recall or warranty. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter only operated in second gear (D2) and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the shifter locked Mr. Transmission where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.