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.
Engine, Jan 16, 2021
I HAVE A 2015 ELANTRA THAT DEVELOPED AN ENGINE NOISE AT 135,000 MILES. AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AT A SPEED OF 65, THE ENGINE BECAME EXTREMELY LOUD. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK MY VEHICLE. I PULLED OUT THE DIPSTICK AND IT HAD METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL. THE CAR LOST ALL ABILITY TO MOVE. THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT WORK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD REV ON ITS OWN. I HAD IT TOWED TO A HYAUNDAI DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 1 QUART OF OIL. THE ISSUE WITH THAT, IS MY LOW OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP RAN THE CODES, AND IT SHOWED NOTHING ON THE SCANNER.
Engine, Dec 5, 2020
THE VEHICLE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AROUND 80,000 MILES. AT 101000 MILES THE ENGINE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD TERRIBLE LOUD KNOCKING AND CRUNCHING NOISES WITH VERY LITTLE POWER. THIS HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 70MPH. THE KNOCKING ISSUE HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP SEVERAL TIMES TO ALLEN TURNER HYUNDAI IN PENSACOLA, FL AND IGNORES. THE SERVICE STAFF TOLD ME IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS NOT GETTING THE OIL CHANGED (I STOPPED GOING TO THEM BECAUSE OF THEIR TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE). ONCE I PRODUCED RECEIPTS PROVING THEM WRONG THEY SAID THAT I WASN'T GETTING IT CHANGED OFTEN ENOUGH EVEN THOUGH I GOT IT CHANGED ACCORDING TO THE TIME FRAME THEY TOLD AND WHAT WAS STATED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THEY EVENTUALLY AGREED TO FIX IT FOR $500 AFTER HAVING TO GET LOUD AND OBNOXIOUS WITH EVERYONE UP TO THE GENERAL MANAGER. IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST STRESSFUL SITUATIONS I'VE EVER HAD. THE VEHICLE STILL HAD $10,000 OWED ON THE LOAN. EVEN AFTER THE ISSUE WAS CORRECTED THE CAR NEVER GOT BACK TO WORKING WELL AT ALL. TO GET RID OF IT I HAD TO LEASE A VEHICLE FOR NEARLY $600 A MONTH TO RID MYSELF OF THE NEGATIVE EQUITY. BUYER BEWARE
Service brakes, Nov 17, 2020
I HAVE REPEATEDLY EXPERIENCED STICKING CALIPERS (EVIDENCED BY PARKING BREAK NOT DISENGAGING AT 20,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 38,000) AND EXTREME WEARING OF THE ROTORS. FRONT ROTORS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AT 20,000 MILES, 39,000 MILES. REAR ROTORS REQUIRED RESURFACING AT 20,000 MILES, 39,000 MILES. REAR AND FRONT ROTORS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AT 65,000 MILES. EXPERIENCE SHUDDERING WHILE BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO ROTORD.
Steering, Sep 14, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY APPROXIMATELY 68 MILES PER HOUR I NOTICED AN ODD SKIPPING IN THE STEERING. EVENTUALLY THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE AND A STEERING WARNING LIGHT AS WELL AS THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. WE DROVE TO A GAS STATION, TURNED IT OFF AND WHEN IT WAS RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. THE SKIPPING CONTINUED AND WE HAVE HAD 2 MORE INSTANCES OF THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT, BOTH TIMES AT SLOW SPEEDS WHICH MADE IT INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT I NEED TO TAKE THE CAR TO GET LOOKED AT BY A CERTIFIED HYUNDAI SERVICE TECHNICIAN. WHEN I REACHED OUT TO THEM, THEY EXPLAINED THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC PAYMENT AS WELL AS ANY REPAIR COSTS SINCE MY WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE ON THIS MODEL.
Electrical system, Jun 29, 2020
WHEN MY TURNING LIGHT SIGNAL LIGHT COMES ON IT I'M THINKING IT TIME TO CHANGE THE LIGHT I DID THAT AND THE LIGHT STAYS ON. NOW I REALIZE THIS THE SAME PROBLEM I HAD LAST YEAR WITH MY CAR AND THEY SAID IT'S A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM NOW IT'S DOING IT AGAIN. NOW BOTH OF MY TURNING SIGNAL LIGHT ARE NOT WORKING WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON. BUT ONCE THE LIGHTS GO OFF THE TURNING SIGNAL WORKS AGAIN.
Suspension, Electrical system, Jun 16, 2020
ELECTRIC PROBLEM : WHEN CAR COOLS OFF ,SITS IN HARD RAIN FOR NUMEROUS HOURS OR OVERNIGHT ,THERE IS A PROBLEM AFTER RESTARTING. NEITHER THE HEADLIGHTS NOR WINDSHIELD WIPERS OR AIR BLOWER WORKS UNTIL THE CAR IS FULLY WARMED UP AND DRIVEN FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR ALL ARE ONGOING. SUSPENSION PROBLEM : A WHILE BACK THERE WAS A RECALL ABOUT A FRONT SPRING , NO DETAILS,INCLUDING 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S WHEN THE CAR SITS OVERNIGHT, IS STARTED, IT WILL EMIT A CREAKING / RATTLING SOUND FROM THE FRONT , TRAVELING OVER A SERIES OF BUMPS , THEN DISAPPEARS . *TR
Engine, Jun 3, 2020
ENGINE HAD A CLICKING NOISE, CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING. BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL DID NOT OPERATE. CAR ROLLED UNTIL IT GOT SLOW ENOUGH TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 29, 2020
WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY, ESPECIALLY IF THE ENGINE IS STILL COLD, I WILL SUDDENLY NOT BE ABLE TO ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE IS STILL RUNNING. THEN WHEN I SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHAKE LIKE IT'S ALMOST GOING TO DIE ALTOGETHER. THEN IF I TRY TO ACCELERATE AGAIN, IT'S ALMOST LIKE THERE IS NO POWER TO DRIVE,OR THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLS, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGINS TO FLASH AND THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON. THE ONLY WAY THEN TO BE ABLE TO KEEP DRIVING IS IF I COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN THE IGNITION COMPLETELY OFF AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND THEN IT WILL USUALLY TAKE 3-5 TRIES TO GET THE CAR TO START AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS NEARLY 1-3 TIMES A WEEK, AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT IT'S NOT RELATED TO THE ENGINE RECALL THAT THEY ISSUED, EVEN THOUGH IT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME EXACT ISSUES THAT IS AFFECTING THE OTHER VEHICLES. THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 20 OCCASIONS WHERE I WAS TRYING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY AND THEN MY VEHICLE DIES OR LOSES POWER AND THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE.
Air bags, Apr 21, 2020, crash
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT TODAY. I WAS HIT BY A TRANSPORT TRUCK ON THE HIGHWAY DOING AT LEAST 60 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS HIT 3 TIMES, TWICE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE (DOOR AND BACK TIRE AREA) THEN CAR WAS SPUN AROUND AND HIT HEAD ON. THE CAR HAD TO BE DRAGGED IF THE HIGHWAY, EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS ON THE ROAD AND WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE HOOD WAS LIFTED RIGHT UP AT WINDSHIELD. I AM MORE THAN CONCERNED THE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHY DID OUR AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOY??? AFTER SPINNING ACROSS HIGHWAY AND COMING TO A STOP FACING ON COMING TRAFFIC. WE WERE APPALLED AND VERY SCARED. WHY DIDN'T THAT SAFETY FEATURE HELP KEEP US SAFE?
Electrical system, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 7, 2020
I JUST NEED CHECK CAR ABS OIL
Engine, Mar 1, 2020
2015 ELANTRA-ENGINE KNOCK/TICKING ON STARTUP. CURRENTLY WITH EVERY START. VEHICLE HAS 53000 MILES. QUIETS DOWN SLIGHTLY WHEN NORMAL OPERATING TEMP IS REACHED. MORE PRONOUNCED UPON ACCELERATION AND LESS WHEN COASTING.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2020
WHENEVER IT RAINS MY TRUNK FILLS UP WITH WATER. I THROUGH THAT MAYBE IT WAS THE LINING ON MY VEHICLE BUT IT IS INTACT. WHEN THE TRUNKS FILLS UP IT GETS SO HIGH THAT IT FLOWS TO THE BACKS SEATS AND SOAKING THEM. IF NOT MAINTAINED PROPERLY IT WILL CAUSE A VERY BAD ODOR AND MOLD. IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY.
Structure, Feb 12, 2020
PAINT IS PEELING, FIRST TIME WAS ON THE FRONT ROOF AND THE MOST RECENT WAS ON THE TOP OF THE DECKLID SEE PHOTO ATTACHED. LOCAL DEALER IS UNSURE IF IT FALLS UNDER WARRANTY SO I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A PAINTSHOP OUTSIDE THE DEALER TO GET IT REPAINT. THE PAINT REPAIR TECHNICIAN SAID THAT HAPPENS WHEN SHEETMETAL GETS CONTAMINATED PRIOR TO GETTING PAINTED. SEE PHOTO ATTACHED. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN PAINT PEELED OFF. IT STARTS LIKE A BLISTER THEN PEELS OFF.
Steering, Feb 3, 2020
WHILE DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER BACK TO COLLEGE THIS JANUARY (2020) MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH NOTICED THAT THE STEERING ON HER 2015 ELANTRA WAS STICKING. WE ONLY NOTICED IT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT SEEMED TO BE FINE AT LOWER SPEEDS AND WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN TOWN ONCE WE GOT TO HER SCHOOL. BUT IT WAS REALLY BAD ON THE HIGHWAY, ESPECIALLY ONCE THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR 10 MINUTES OR SO. IT WOULD DRIVE STRAIGHT, BUT AS SOON AS THERE WAS ANY KIND OF GRADUAL CURVE IN THE ROAD IT WOULD STICK IN THE STRAIGHT POSITION AND NEED EXTRA FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO FOLLOW THE ROAD. THAT WOULD RESULT IN OVER TURNING THAT NEEDED CORRECTING BACK. THIS SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS. I CANNOT BELIEVE WITH THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ONLINE THAT THIS ISSUE DOES NOT AT LEAST HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN ATTACHED TO IT.
Air bags, Jan 20, 2020, crash
ON NOV 8TH 2019 I WAS T-BONED ON MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE, BY A DRIVER THAT RAN THEIR RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY LIGHT WAS GREEN AND I WAS IN MOTION THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE TIME OF IMPACT. I HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE BECAUSE OF INJURIES. AS I READ COMPLAINTS THOUGH, I SEE PEOPLE AIRBAGS ARE DEPLOYING WITHOUT IMPACT.
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2020
THE PAINT HAS STARTED TO CHIP ON MULTIPLES OF THIS VEHICLE. IN THE SAME EXACT SPOTS.
Service brakes, Dec 31, 2019
SMALL CONNECTER, BETWEEN THE BRAKES AND THE BREAK LIGHT SWITCH INDICATOR, MADE OF PLASTIC WORE AWAY. RESULTED IN THE BREAKS GOING ALL THE WAY AND CAUSING THE BREAK LIGHTS TO STAY ON, EVEN WHEN CAR IS OFF.
Air bags, Dec 9, 2019
AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING WITH OUT IMPACT.
Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2019, fire
THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS STATIONARY AND HOOKED UP TO JUMPER CABLES TO JUMP A DEAD CAR. THE ELANTRA WAS RUNNING TO ALLOW THE OTHER CAR TO CHARGE. THE FUSE BOX ON THE ELANTRA CAUGHT FIRE WHICH SPREAD TO THE JUMPER CABLES AND TO THE OTHER CAR. THERE WAS MUCH MORE DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE ELANTRA THAN THERE WAS TO THE OTHER CAR, WHICH ONLY HAD MINOR COSMETIC BURNING. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ELANTRA AND THE DAMAGE HAS NOT YET BEEN ASSESSED.
Engine, Oct 9, 2019
THE ENGINE ON MY CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND GET IT STARTED AGAIN. I TURNED AROUND TO GO BACK HOME AND IT STARTED KNOCKING AND STALLED AGAIN. AFTER THAT, IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO SAID THE ENGINE WAS SEIZED. THEY WERE ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN BUT IT WAS KNOCKING LOUDLY. I ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WHICH COST CLOSE TO $6000 FOR A USED ENGINE. I HAD CLOSE TO 127,000 MILES ON THE CAR (I DRIVE 100 MILES PER DAY FOR WORK) AND HYUNDAI WOULD NOT HELP SINCE I AM OUT OF THE WARRANTY MILEAGE.
Steering, Sep 25, 2019
I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ISSUE WITH TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE HIGHWAY. AT "IN TOWN SPEEDS" IT SEEMS FINE. IT FEELS AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK IN PLACE OR LOCKED UP. THE CAR WANTS TO ALWAYS GO EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT, WHICHEVER WAY THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO SLIGHTLY. I THOUGHT THAT IT MAY BE THE TIRES SO I HAD THEM ROTATED, NO CHANGE. I BOUGHT NEW TIRES, STILL NO CHANGE. I HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED AND ALL STEERING AND SUSPENSION ITEMS VISUALLY INSPECTED AND ALL WAS FINE. IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, AND NOW IS TO THE POINT WHERE I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH TODAY TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD RUN INTO THIS ISSUE FOR A POSSIBLE SOLUTION. WOW WAS I SURPRISED TO SEE HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE. I THEN CAME TO YOUR SITE AND ENTERED MY VIN AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE. AS I WAS READING ON I FOUND WHERE TO ENTER A COMPLAINT HERE SO I AM DOING SO IN HOPES TO HAVE A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM THAT MANY ARE HAVING.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR STARTED TO FLICKER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED AND THE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER WERE CHANGED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. SOUTH BAY HYUNDAI (20433 HAWTHORNE BLVD, TORRANCE, CA 90503, (310) 974-8180) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,659.
Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 22, 2019, crash
I STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND WENT TO MOVE UP A FEW FEET. I TOUCHED THE GAS PETAL AND THE CAR FLEW INTO THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WITH THIS FRONT END COLLISION. I WAS ON A 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY IN 5 O'CLOCK TRAFFIC. NO RAIN. I AM UNSURE IF IT WAS THE GAS PETAL OR SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE GAS LINE ITSELF
Engine, Sep 19, 2019
WE JUST BOUGHT THE CAR TWO MONTHS AGO FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. MY SON WAS DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS FLASHED ON THE CAR AND THE CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A CAR DEALERSHIP NEARBY AND THEY LOOKED AT THE ENGINE AND SAID THAT THE ENGINE LOCKED. ALSO, WHEN YOU OPEN UP THE HOOD OF THE CAR THERE'S ALSO OIL ON THE INSIDE OF THE HOOD OF THE CAR.
Steering, Engine, Aug 27, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND NOTICED AN OIL LEAK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,103.