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
262 reports, newest first.
Power train, Feb 18, 2025
The engine blew once at 38,000 miles and now the new engine blew at 85,000 miles (47,000 on this engine). The car was driving fine, 5 minutes into driving i heard a slight knocking noise, 10 minutes after that I was stranded on the side of the road.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 29, 2025, crash
On [XXX] I was parking in my parking spot outside my house, went to pull up 3 more inches in my parking spot when the vehicle accelerated at an extremely rapid speed, went over the high curb, up my front lawn into the tree in my front yard. It was a battle between the brake and the gas acceleration event. Then I put it gently in reverse, my car fled rapidly down into the parking lot at such a high rate of speed, I turned the wheel, my car hit 3 cars across the parking lot, shot across the parking lot, popped over that curb, went down an extremely steep hill, hit the cross street, went still in reverse over an island, wiped out two signs and crashed into a car in the middle of the 4 way stop and stopped. My insurance is blaming it on driver error like they are blaming thousands of drivers over the same experience, stating that I mistook the gas pedal instead of the brake and also stating that I did not attempt to brake, that is so far from the truth, you can look at the track marks on the ground and tell I was standing on the brake. What is being done about these awful scenerios. My car is currently in copart being assessed. My car was serviced at the hyundai dealership ever since I purchased it, all the records are there and in my possession, I had low mileage, less than 48,000 miles and planned on holding onto the vehicle for at least 6 more years. Now my car is sabotaged, being blamed like 1,000 of other drivers over the car malfunctioning. There is a sensor for the Throttle, a sensor for the Gas Accelerator that the Computer Control Unit brain waits for the analytical data from both sensors and adds additional throttle to the situation. Once the car is turned off the entire system resets itself, so there is no evidence of high throttle, gas accelerators sticking and the driver is blamed. Since the insurance companies have insured these vehicles there is a lot at stake for these cases to be proven and for the Hyundai manufacturer as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine had misfired; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2024
About 6 weeks ago, my car engine began to turn off while driving. Warning lights flash on the gauge cluster. The vehicle has limited mobility for 20–30 seconds, then loses all power. This was incredibly dangerous when driving at highway speeds, as the car simply stopped. There were no warning lights or issues before this began happening. I took it to a local mechanic who identified several error messages and replaced the battery, throttle, sensors, and other parts, but the problem persisted. They could not identify the cause but verified the problem. I took the car to the Skagit, WAHyundai dealership, where they determined it was a failure in the oil pump. This exact problem is under an active recall for other Hyundai Elantra model years.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 9, 2024
Car will accelerate and get stuck in a high gear rpm gauge will not work as well You will come to a stop not knowing you are stuck in a high gear car will not downshift. I tried to cross the intersection from a stop and almost got hit because I could barely accelerate. I was stuck in 5th gear. Car will also stall while stuck in in a high gear at a stop I can turn off the vehicle and start it and it will reset the car to normal. It will drive fine for a while. Randomly this will happen. From my research I found this is a common problem with many different model years of Hyundai's . Most people say the solution is a new crankshaft sensor . When I ran a diagnostics There are no error codes for this problem. Many other individuals with this problem have said the same from many different online forums I have read. Other individuals I've said they were also stuck in the high gear at a stop and did not know until they accelerated. Some have been in accidents because of this issue. I would assume Hyundai would be aware of this. If there's not a recall on this, I believe there should be.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2024
The Pearl White paint falls off of the vehicle, exposing the primer to the elements and reducing the life and usage of the vehicle. Paint has also flown up and stuck to the windshield, obscuring visibility.
Steering, Aug 6, 2024
When driving the car loses power steering and is harder to control. I am at risk because I cannot control the car how I am suppose to. I have called before but there are no Hyundai service dealers close to me. There was nothing prior but now that it is happening there are warning lamps on.
Power train, Aug 1, 2024
The transmission failed as I was driving and the vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk as the car failed suddenly and I was stuck on the side of the road with my children. The problem has been confirmed by my mechanic. It has not been confirmed by the manufacturer, police, or insurance No lights were on previous and the car seemed to be just fine.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the sound was like an airplane propeller spinning. The contact stated that the following day, while driving out of the driveway, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed ABS module. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2024
Due to CDK Global cyberattack, I cannot complete my safety recall of my Hyundai Elantra 2015 (ABS Fuse that can cause engine to explode, according to Hyundai safety recall report). Hyundai does not allow dealerships to keep safety recall parts on hand (or a very small amount). I have to walk into the dealership to order the part. I cannot call to order the part. I have to constantly drive to place of work, home, sit in traffic, with a defective fuse that HyundaiUSA refuses to keep safety recall parts on hand. Please create a NATIONAL policy against manufacturers to have a minimum units (1000 units of fuses, parts, etc) as the safety recall occurs. Because dealerships cannot order parts due to this cyberattack. My mental anguish of driving a vehicle that cannot have a safety recall repaired due to parts not being able to order (especially if they can keep large amounts of units on hand at dealers), is through the roof! I cannot take time off, I have to drive to not be evicted, anything repossessed, etc. and where I live has limited transportation options, (and told to use ride share like Lyft or Uber). Insurance companies is unhelpful. If manufacturers say they cannot keep parts on hand, then how do they ship the parts so quickly, under normal operations? 3rd party mechanic shops cannot order these parts as the manufacturer has to complete the recall repair.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 24, 2024
I just had to pay $1200 for an alternator that was installed into my car defected from the beginning by Hyundai.
Service brakes, Jun 21, 2024
I received a notice in the mail of the recall from Hyuandai. I set an appt with Dick Smith Hyandai in Greenville, SC and when I arrived they said they could not do any recall work at the moment due to issues with their computer system and that I should call them again in a few weeks.
Structure, Jun 20, 2024
i received a Manufacturer's Service Campaign 984 Notice from Hyundai. I made an appointment for a treatment of an underbody cavity wax and undercoating spray to prevent corrosion at King Hyundai in Deerfield Beach, FL, the closest dealer. When I arrived at the dealership I was informed that the correction could not be made because Hyundai did not supply Florida dealers with the needed products. I explained that the vehicle had been used for three years in the Washington DC area and then relocated to Florida. I called Hyundai Customer Car Center at 1-855-371-9460 and was advised that Hyundai did not supply the needed products to any state that did not experience winter weather; I believe she said that was a total of 16 states. As I received a recall notice at my Florida address, please explain why Hyundai is exempt from the recall issued in accordance with federal law.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 10, 2024
Within three months of purchasing this vehicle, I started having engine light and oil consumption issues. Within the 4 years of owning, they've replaced the catalytic converter twice, many valves, and others. I had to purchase and add multiple quarts of oil to just maintain oil levels. I've had multiple occasions where my vehicle slowed to only up to 55 miles an hour while on the interstate. The vehicle had issues accelerating where an accident almost occurred because pulling into a shopping plaza, the vehicle couldn't drive up a minor hill and almost remained in the intersection. I've had multiple times where I was stuck on the side of the road in different environments, a few of which I was genuinely worried for my safety. This last incident I did not feel safe to drive where I needed to go so I got off the interstate to travel down a local road where the vehicle stalled in the middle of a 5 lane (one direction) busy road. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and warranty representatives. The engine and oil lights were the main issues, every time a light came on I reached out to the dealership to get it looked at. I received notice of many engines being recalled and repaired in 2022 yet Hyundai has only put bandaids on my engine.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at 45 MPH, she observed a burning odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact's wife pulled into a parking lot and inspected the vehicle. The contact's wife observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the needed to be replaced. The vehicle sat at the dealer for eight months before being repaired. The mechanic stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,700.
Service brakes, Jun 1, 2024
I was driving down the interstate using cruise control. When I applied the brakes, they didn’t work. The RPM’s went up to 4 or 5. I tried several times and the brakes didn’t work until I hit the cancel button on the cruise control. They said it was the brake switch when I had it repaired.
Engine, May 30, 2024
I had a complete engine failure. The car had a loud knock sound and the engine shut off leaving the car inoperable.
Engine and engine cooling, May 20, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked outside his residence, it caught on fire. The contact stated the fire was emanating from the engine compartment. No one was injured during the fire. A volunteer fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A fire department and police report were not filed. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the insurance; however, the contact stated the vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not repaired and remains at the contact residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 16, 2024
Reporting my previous VIN in case it helps the new vehicle owner since I am sure they are facing similar defects that I am with my "brand new 2016 Hyundai Elantra". I previously owned a brand new 2015 Hyundai Elantra and had to file a claim after flooding occurred in Kyle, Texas. The 2015 Elantra title was transferred to USAA after filing a claim for TOTAL LOSS due to engine flooding on [XXX]. Odometer reading on date of total loss is 7,673 miles. Vehicle appears to be sold again with same odometer reading January 2016. Both of my Hyundai Elantra's were purchased at Ron Carter Hyundai Dealership in Texas (Dealer number P113588). This dealership is now called Big Star Hyundai after DCG Acquisitions represented the sale in 2021 - just in time to deny and delay warranty covered defects to consumers who thought they purchased a brand new car. Hope this helps the current vehicle owner in case they are also over spending on dealership recommended "repairs" for their LEMON. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 13, 2024
I am submitting this complaint because in the fall of last year 2023, I received a recall notice in the mail from Hyundai advising me of a safety recall with the ABS Module and risk of fire. As of today, the manufacturer has not made any efforts to remedy this issue and I am advised to park my vehicle away from structures to avoid fire. In order to keep myself and family safe I park my vehicle on the street in front of my home, but will not be able to continue doing this for much longer. Because of HOA regulations I will be fined if I continue to park my car on the street and will be forced to park in my driveway or garage. This has caused major inconveniences in my life as well as the worry that my car could become a risk to myself or others due to this safety recall. I do not believe that Hyundai has taken the appropriate measures to resolve the issue. I would like further investigation to insure the manufacturer does the right thing to protect not only myself, but other consumers who are affected by the recall. I contacted Hyundai on [XXX], received an apology; however I was not given an estimate of when they will have a resolution available. This is an unacceptable response after 6-7 months without communication from Hyundai. Reference number of call # [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.