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.
Air bags, Seat belts, Service brakes, Sep 13, 2022, crash
I rear ended another vehicle going 60, I slowed down as much as possible however the seat belt did not lock, the airbags did not go off & the vehicle skid. The vehicle was taken to a lot by my insurance for evaluation.
Tires, Aug 1, 2022
The tire exploded while in the trunk of the car on 7/27/22 around 6:45PM. The tire says it was made in France. The US pat appears to be 3838726. Also has a RH 476 or maybe it is RH 475. Tire size: T 125/80 R 16. Also says 97M. It is a tubeless tire.
Air bags, Jul 10, 2022
The Hyundai Electra 2011-2013 were recalled for air bag issues with #13V115000. I have a 2015 Hyundai Electra and the air bag light came on. Hyundai said the problem was the same issue as the older cars but the recall did not cover the 2015s. Please expand review to expand the recall. Thanks, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2022
Brake lights stay on constantly - even when vehicle is off. If driver is unaware of their brake lights being stuck in an on position can cause an accident very easily.
Service brakes, Jun 23, 2022
The brake pedal stopper pad had deteriorated and crumbled onto the floor mat. The brake lights stayed on continous without pushing the brake pedal. The cruise control stopped working and the shift lever could be moved without depressing the brake pedal. The brake light switch stayed extended even when I wasn't applying the brakes. I tried to contact Hyundia case number19874192 and told them because they had recalled prior year cars elantra and sonata for same brake pedal stopper pad deteriorating. I am not making any progress through the corporate or dealer rep. Told the recall which started in November 2017 was for vehicles 2013 -2014 even though I have the same deteriorating part. No warning lamps or lights, defective part was diagnosed through local auto parts store.
Service brakes, Jun 18, 2022
My brake stop pad broke, causing my brake lights to remain on constantly unless the fuse was pulled. This caused battery drain and safety issues on the road. This issues appears consistent with the recalls for the 2013 and 2014 Hyundai models with stop pad recalls.
Service brakes, Jun 17, 2022
The deterioration of the brake pedal stopper pad while driving leaving the lights illuminated and was almost rear ended.
Engine, Jun 17, 2022
The car engine started just cutting off while driving. There is no warning except for the engine, oil and battery light comes on. The dash lights and radio remain on with no engine. I have to brake and put the car in park to start the engine back up. It may do this several times before I get to my destination. I've had it looked at and diagnosed at 3 places and none can find what is wrong. The 3 lights only come on when engine stops. The car has about 53,000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2022
i only have 4,100 miles on my vehicle. several months ago i was driving and i could not go over 40 mph, even putting the pedal to the floor. NO WARNING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON, could not find the transmission plug to check that fluid. brought to the dealer even though vehicle was running okay several days later to find out why this happened. their machine did not pick up anything wrong. i only do city driving so i rarely go over 40 mph. dealer blamed bad gas. could it be possible that because i hardly ever go over 40 the vehicle put itself in limp mode. dealer did not check my transmission fluid even though i asked them to. the us postal service sends me pics of the mail i will receive for that day. around june 14 2022 it showed a letter from 2015 hyundai elantra official business penalty for private use 300 important vehicle information address change? please contact our customer service dept- can you please send me that letter
Other or unspecified, Apr 25, 2022
Hyundai blue link not working and also was told that older model support is being discontinued which severely impacts value and selling points of the vehicle as well as some great safety features such as GPS tracking , collision information and remote start among others including Hyundai roadside assistance I believe a recall should be made to get a blue link module installed in all affected vehicles 2012-2016 models of cars as the technology was available then to support the new telecommunications but they neglected to add it to the affected vehicles thus impacting major aspects to the vehicles
Engine, Apr 21, 2022
Car stutteres than stalls especially near time of oil change , oil light flashes when going moderate to low speeds and than it stutters and the engine cuts and the engine light , oil light and battery light come on if engine not started right away the power brakes and steering also die making it a dangerous situation especially on a highway happened many times between 2020-2022 but it has been getting worse happening 4 times just today 4/21/2022 Engine type NU 1.8L Car make and model:2015 Hyundai Elantra Limited
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2022
Both of my front power window regulators broke while driving with my children in the car. When they broke I was rolling the window down in June, nothing else.The jazzers is that there was a loud metallic sounding bang, similar to something like a brick or a rock hitting the car, which was enough to make me and my children scream and I of course reacted by squinting or shielding and almost crashed into the person in front of me in traffic the 2nd time, the first one was the drivers side and I was on a parkway in May (one month after the car turned 5 years old) Thank goodness I didn’t but this is a huge hazard that could of resulted in someone getting hurt. I know there are many of these issues and because my car is 6 years old and under 100,000 miles (only 62,000) it doesn’t qualify for warranty coverage. I can’t roll my windows down and I have one window taped up temporarily until I can afford to fix it.
Engine, Feb 9, 2022
Car shuts down while driving. Usually as I slow down to turn, stop or change lanes. Very scarey.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2022
Purchased my car from CarMax in February 2020 as a used vehicle with 30k miles on it and towards the end of 2020 around September I noticed my car paint was literally falling off in small chips and in November a huge chunk of paint fell off my the trunk part of my car. I went to the Hyundai center on Cassatt to see if it can be repaired by warranty and I was informed they couldn't do it but would file a good will claim on my behalf. I waited months for my claim to be processed and it was never done. I filed a complaint with Hyundai Corporate office and after waiting 3 months to hear from them they said they couldn't do anything. I discovered online that there was a lawsuit filed against Elantra for cars that had pearl white paint and it was thrown out. I also discovered there are currently thousands of complaints on Facebook in an Elantra car group where people who recently purchased Elantras within the past 5 years that carried pearl white paint are having the same issues and have also filed a complaint and their complaint is being ignored because Elantra is claiming expired warranty and no recall when they in fact have had recalls on cars with white pearl paint. They are not accepting responsibility for defective paint and they aren't willing to do another recall when clearly there are many people upset about this issue and it's gonna cost people thousands to fix the paint on cars they are still paying for. It's not fair to the customers who spent their money and it's not right and I believe an investigation should be a factor to the complaints of many customers who are left with a huge bill just a few months after buying. No recalls were on my car fax paperwork and I felt deceived by the purchase I made.
Engine, Jan 17, 2022
Hyndai performed a service campaign to enhance their vehicle software to better detect abnormal engine noise. Since the campaign, this vehicle has had 3 instances in 8 weeks where the P1326 Knock Signal error code was detected. Per Hyundai's Service Campaign bulletin, this code indicates engine bearing failure. When the code is detected, the check engine light flashes and the engine is limited at 2000 rpm. This has occured while driving at highway speed in heavy traffic, and there is a significant safety risk due to the vehicle's sudden and unexpected deceleration which creates a high chance of being hit from behind. Hyundai has repeatedly treated this error code as sensor and electrical problem replacing electical components, clearing the code, and allowing the vehicle to be returned to service as if normal. However, per their service campaign, the failure is due to faulty engine bearings. This action of not correcting the mechanical problem has created multiple chances of potential collision and injury.
Power train, Nov 10, 2021
How is it even possible for the transmission to go out at 107,000 miles…… we did everything to keep up with car just to go out with low miles..
Suspension, Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2021
Vehicle stalled while driving in the middle of road with on coming traffic. Failed transmission 6 yr Hyundai Elantra with 69,857 miles 2015 purchased in May 2016. Inspected by dealership Wayne Mazda, Wayne NJ. Since early October 2021 jumping, stalling during gear shifting especially drive and neutral Please be advised my 6yr vehicle with 69,867 miles requires a replacement transmission Purchased from Wayne Hyundai Auto Mall 5/2016 Wayne NJ How can I report and or research my rights as a consumer? Dealership failing to repair or replace due to faulty warranty.
Other or unspecified, Oct 8, 2021
On about October 3, 2021, around 5 pm ET my car, a 2015 Hyundai Elantra, shut off while driving. I waited a few minutes and it started; I was able to make a u-turn and it shut -off again. I waited a few minutes and my car started. I drove home slowly and ran through a stop sign to keep my car from shutting off again. On October 4, 2021, I had my car towed from my home to Jim Ellis Hyundai in Atlanta. On October 5, 2021, the dealer said because they are not able to replicate the error, they cannot repair my car and to come and pick it up and pay a diagnostic fee. My car has a remaining 10 year/100,000-mile warranty on the engine, transmission and trans axle. I searched the internet and found that my car model and other Hyundai models have shut off/stalled while driving. The dealer service mgr. responded that these internet articles don't mean anything. For safety reasons, I have not picked up the car because I am afraid to drive the car. The dealer states they will drive around and try to replicate the issue, but refuses to repair the car, or provide a loaner or car rental reimbursement during this ordeal. I have filed a complaint with their Consumer Affairs Dept., the Better Business Bureau and the Georgia Consumer Affairs Office. The consumer provided information a lawsuit pertaining to the same year, make, and model of her vehicle.
Engine, Mar 25, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST TIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER SANSONE HYUNDAI (90-100 US-1, AVENEL, NJ 07001, (888) 566-5311) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT FAILURE WAS DUE TO OIL DEPOSITS BLOCKING THE VALVES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Engine, Mar 21, 2021
I NOTICED A SLIGHT TICKING SOUND AT AROUND 63,000 MILES IN MY 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WHILE MY CAR WAS IDLING. I HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THEY DETERMINED A KNOCKING/PINGING IN THE AREA OF CYLINDER NUMBER ONE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. OIL HAS ALWAYS BEEN CHANGED AROUND 3,000 MILES. THE SOUNDS HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE AND HAS BECOME A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WITH LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON IT NOW AND THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO FAIL MORE. THE LOUD KNOCKING SOUND IS CONSTANT FROM IDLE THROUGH ACCELERATION. I WAS CURIOUS IF OTHER PEOPLE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE SO I DID SOME RESEARCH. MANY CARS WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE I'M HAVING. IM AFRAID THE ENGINE IS GOING TO SEIZE SOON WHILE DRIVING AND I'M CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THIS PROBLEM NOW. I DON'T THINK A CAR SHOULD BE DOING THIS AT 70,000 MILES
Power train, Mar 11, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STANDSTILL AND ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
Structure, Feb 26, 2021
2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED (I BOUGHT NEW-ONLY OWNER). COLOR IS PEARL WHITE AND THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF ON HOOD AND ROOF. THE CAR LOOKS TERRIBLE. I HAVE A 1996 MAZDA PROTEJE AND A 2005 HONDA CRV AND THEY BOTH LOOKS BETTER THAN MY 2015 HYUNDAI. VERY UPSET WITH HYUNDAI THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THE PAINT.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 24, 2021
THERE'S A KNOCKING ,TAPPING COMING FROM MOTOR, I WAS CROSSING INTERSECTION ACROSS A HIGHWAY MY VEHICLE STALLED A BIT THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO DIE. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THERE WAS A CLAIM OUT THAT THE MOTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AS FAR AS PISTONS TAPPING , LOSING POWER. I HAVE CONTACTED ALL I COULD ALL SAME SAME THING , SORRY YOUR WARRANTY IS EXPIRED.I HAVE KEPT UP WITH OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE CAR ONLY HAD ROUGHLY 4,000 MILES ON IT. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER MILES OVER 10000 (IF YOUR A SECOND OWNER )OR 140000 IF YOUR ORIGINAL OWNER. I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM ENTERPRISE CAR DEALERSHIPS THEY BOUGHT IT FROM HYUNDAI. MY ISSUE IS I WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT A FAULTY ENGINE UNTIL IT WAS TO LATE. AND THAT WASN'T EVEN FROM HYUNDAI OR DEALERSHIP. IT WAS FROM THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PAPER. THE REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENT OF MOTOR HYUNDAI IS OFFERING EXCLUDES PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT HAD NO IDEA AND HAVE EXCEEDED MILES OF THEIR ORIGINAL 100000 MILE WARRANTY. PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT HAD AND HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT THE ISSUES WITH MOTOR ARE AT RISK FOR STALLING OR WHATEVER ELSE BECAUSE WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT PROBLEMS. I'M THANKFUL MY CAR DIDN'T DIE ON CROSSING HIGHWAY/ INTERSTATE WITH TRAFFIC . MY PROBLEMS WITH MOTOR THAT THEY KNEW WAS FAULTY JUST STARTED AT 127,000 MILES OR SO. PEOPLE NEED TO BE AWARE OF THESE ISSUES, HYUNDAI I FEEL ARE TRYING TO COVER UP OR REFUSE A RECALL TO SAVE THEM MONEY.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 8, 2021
CAR STALLS WHEN STOPPING OR IDLING IF YOU DO NOT KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE GAS. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN IN THE FIRST 10 MINS OF WARMING UP THE CAR BUT THEN HAPPENS FOR THE REMAINING TIME. I HAVE HAD A TUNE UP, THROTTLE BODY SERVICED, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR REPLACED, AND FUEL PUMP REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS FIXED FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS AND NOTHING HAS HELPED.
Steering, Suspension, Engine, Jan 20, 2021
WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IT STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE FROM THE AREA AROUND THE ENGINE. THIS NOISE EVENTUALLY GREW TO A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE KNOCKING NOISE CONTINUED AND I BEGAN TO FEEL IT VIBRATING IN MY STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN GRAND JUNCTION, CO TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN CAME OUT AND AS SOON AS I DESCRIBED IT HE SAID HE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN RECEIVING A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND INSPECTING IT HE ASSURED ME THAT THE CONNECTION RODS AND BEARINGS WERE GOING OUT AND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY ENGINE THAT HAD 50,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS ALSO GIVEN THE OPTION TO ONLY REPLACE THE LOWER HALF OF MY ENGINE FOR HALF THE PRICE BUT THAT PRICE WOULD POSSIBLY EVEN OUT TO AN ENTIRE ENGINE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THE COST OF LABOR WOULD GO UP. I DECIDED TO RESEARCH THIS ISSUE FURTHER AND HAVE FOUND THAT RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ENGINE AND ISSUE BUT MY VEHICLE HAS YET TO BE PART OF THE RECALL. THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE FOR MY FAMILY AND I AS I HAVE NOT USED THIS VEHICLE SINCE MAY 2020 AND HAVE BEEN TOLD BY HYUNDAI THAT EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN OR WILL DO TO HELP ME BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED FOR MY VEHICLE.