2017 Hyundai Elantra

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine is the leading concern among 767 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 767

Of the 2017 reports, 37 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 24 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine290 reports · 38% of complaints
Owner complaints767Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship4 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine290
  2. Structure134
  3. Other or unspecified131
  4. Electrical system111
  5. Steering71
  6. Power train62
  7. Latches/locks/linkages53
  8. Service brakes47

Recalls and investigations

  1. Steering, electric power assist systemMar 28, 2017

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.

    Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.

    Campaign 17V213000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, hydraulicJan 26, 2017

    Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.

    A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.

    Campaign 17V063000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleDec 30, 2016

    Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

    In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.

    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.

    Campaign 16V956000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Air bags, frontalApr 21, 2016

    Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.

    An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.

    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.

    Campaign 16V232000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: structure

134 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Structure, Sep 27, 2023

    For the people that have the doors that will not lock or unlock there has been a resolution for that and I am surprised that it isn’t on this site. It’s called “ DOOR LATCH REPLACEMENT(WARRANTY EXTENSION TXXL” number 21-BD-006H you can go to any Hyundai dealership and they will replace it free of charge. I had to do my own research since nobody would help me, including this website to find out the information. This is very disappointing that there was no recall or any information to help anybody regarding this situation. Especially since it’s a huge safety issue. Not to mention when it rains my car leaks which could be the cause. I do not know, but I will never buy another Hyundai ever again. The lack of support from anybody is null and void and you are on your own to find the information. So nobody has to do the work I uploaded the file for you.

  2. Structure, Aug 23, 2023

    The rear driver side door will not open from either the outside, nor the inside. This is a major safety concern for any passengers that ride in the backseat, especially children. I just bought this vehicle on 08/12/2023 and was unaware of the issue until after purchasing the vehicle upon leaving the dealership. The dealership has been made aware, and quoted that they'd "take a look at it" when I bring the vehicle in to be serviced for another predetermined purpose. But, that hasn't been scheduled as of yet. I researched this and can't find if Hyundai has an active recall for this on the 2017 Elantra, but many others have made complaints that this has happened to them. This is very scary to think that it could happen to the other door as well and trap my child, or any passenger, in an emergency!

  3. Structure, Jul 24, 2023

    Rear passenger doors will not open from inside or outside. Only will open occasionally after repeatedly pulling aggressively. Or getting into back seat to push on the cable within door handle. It is a safety hazard to get my kids out of the back seat.

  4. Structure, Jul 21, 2023

    Exterior and interior door handles failed to open vehicle door. Handle may work upon repeated engagement, but this does not always work. This is happening on both rear and front doors, both driver and passenger side. This endangers people's safety both inside and out. Should a person need to quickly exit a scenario (a woman being chased or threatened) the exterior door handle failing puts her at risk of unnecessary danger. Should this car be involved in an accident and people inside the car injured the failure of the door handle to open would prohibit help and aid to the people from people outside. Should the passengers or driver be incapacitated they could be trapped inside the vehicle, even with people there to assist them. The interior handles not opening could potentially cause severe injury or death to drivers or passengers. If doors cannot open from the inside than people inside the car cannot exit the car in the case of a crash or other hazardous situation. If no one is there to provide aid passengers inside the car may be trapped. No notice was given of the issue before it appeared. It began several months ago. My vehicle has not been inspected by a manufacturer or anyone else yet. My car has not yet had this issued confirmed by a dealer, but this is a well documented issue on youtube. Hyundai is also aware of the issue as they have issued a technical service bulletin for door latch replacement for "some" 2017 Hyundai Elantra models.

  5. Structure, Jun 18, 2023

    I attempted to open my rear passenger driver side door and it wouldn't open from the outside, then tried inside door handle and still would not open. Tried the door lock and key fob. Still would not open. Searched on Google and many other people have the same issue with the same car where the rear driver side door will not open. This is a safety hazard as you are unable to escape from the vehicle in an accident from that door.

  6. Structure, May 18, 2023

    I'm having constant issues with my front doors. Last year There was a door latch recall issued for the front drivers side door. I took my car to the dealership to get it handled however my FT DS door was making a clicking sound. It was fixed but since gone back to the dealership twice and now possibly a third time due to FT PGR Door making the same noise.. I keep getting locked out of my car or the doors wont close right. All doors make a clicking sound when opened. Which is one of the reasons I have taken car twice. The main concern is me not being able to get in the car without having to click on the key fob and doorlatch getting stuck.

  7. Structure, May 6, 2023

    Door latch on back two doors failed and will not open at all. First door failed at 60,000 miles while getting additional maintenance at Hyundai dealership and door was discovered broken upon pickup. Dealership diagnosed problem but refused to fix it. The second door latch failure occurred at 67,000 miles. It happened while out on family trip. Having both rear doors unable to open was a major safety hazard for our children seated in back who would be unable to be easily retrieved if accident were to occur. No warning lights or any other signs of warning occurred. Doors just would not open upon arrival at destination. Hyundai dealership confirmed latch failure is cause. After researching online we discovered this is a common problem with this make and model car. Hyundai stated it will take several weeks and cost $500 per door when quoted. To fix will be a several week wait and when quoted. We are worried about using the car with kids in the backseat and also worried the other two door latches will fail closed. Since this is a known problem for this model and a major safety concern it should be a recall.

  8. Structure, Mar 25, 2023

    In my 2017 white Elantra, the paint in the hood and top started peeling off. I have seen multiple elantras especially white color having this issue. It seems like a manufacturing defect and Hyundai should address this issue through a recall.

  9. Structure, Feb 27, 2023

    I am filing a complaint regarding my white 2017 Elantra because Hyundia refuses to address the peeling paint issue on the hood. The paint is literally falling off. I tried to have it fixed under the original warranty - Plano Hyundia Huffines said it was not covered - This was not true, and it could have been fixed. I know this because I received an extended warranty notice (TXXW) specifically addressing the paint issue. I took the car to the dealer, and they again stated it's not covered - too much time had passed....I just received the notice 2 weeks prior to the appointment on 2/25/23 at 10:30 am CST. I am looking to simply have my hood painted / repaired and i cannot get anyone to be accountable to the poor quality of this car's paint.

  10. Structure, Feb 20, 2023

    Door exterior handle will not open after the car is locked and then unlocked. It takes multiple pulls after unlocking door and door will not open until 4-5 pulls are taken to get door open.

  11. Structure, Engine, Feb 13, 2023

    So my car has big patches of bare metal were the paint has peeled completely up bubbled up. Also my engine just started a knocking noise with no warning symbols or anything now I'm going to have to replace the motor. My car doesn't specifically have any recalls but I beg to differ that damn near every one of these cars that they have made has the same problems regardless of the vin

  12. Structure, Jan 24, 2023

    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? "Paint flaking/chipping" How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? "No safety concern or issue" Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? "Not currently" Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? "Insurance representatives" Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? "No. Failure was noticed after traveling through foggy weather after reaching destination"

  13. Structure, Jan 18, 2023

    For over a year, the front driver's side door handle has not worked properly. I would have to yank the door repeatedly, even while unlocked, to open it. Eventually this led to the plastic fracturing, and then breaking off completely when an auto tech tried to open it. Now, despite absolutely nothing having damaged them in the meantime, the front passenger side door handle has to be pulled on as many as 20+ times to open from the outside, and the back driver's side is not opening from the outside at all. The only functioning door is the passenger's side rear door. I have read multiple reports of other drivers whose doors are not opening from the outside OR the inside. This could not only make it so I am entirely unable to drive the car due to a complete inability to get inside (unless maybe I'm able to crawl through the trunk?), but also a serious safety hazard endangering anyone who might be stuck inside the car. Even if I replace the actuators I can't know that it won't just happen again. Along with that, the car has had a consistent problem with overheating despite several attempts by auto techs to fix the problem. Even at the "qualified" Hyundai dealership, the techs could never figure out the problem. I paid to have an independent mechanic replace the thermostat, in the hopes that it would repair the problem. It seemed to work until 2 weeks ago when I stopped the car, and after roughly 2 minutes idling it was overheating and I had to turn around. The approximate date I'm adding is just the date the auto tech ripped off the door handle, because these have been persistent and ongoing issues.

  14. Structure, Jan 1, 2023

    driver side rear door will not open and the front passenger door takes a couple lifts if the exterior handle to get the door to open.

  15. Structure, Dec 18, 2022

    Issues with the front, passenger, and back passenger door randomly stop opening. From the inside and outside. Heard many complains about others with this same vehicle. Safety hazard due to not being able to open the door to get out incase of emergency, or even in if need be.

  16. Structure, Dec 12, 2022

    White paint peeling from front quarter panel, hood and roof

  17. Structure, Dec 9, 2022

    The problem has been persistent since 70,000 miles. The drivers side passenger door is unable to be opened from the inside and outside, most of the time. The car is available for inspection. Malfunctioning doors is absolutely a safety issue. If the car is involved in an accident the fastest way to get people out is by unlocking the doors and opening them. That cannot be done here thus it requires first responders to used spreaders and cutters to open a door that should be functional. The car is going to the dealership in a few days.

  18. Structure, Sep 22, 2022

    I have white paint and my vehicle has 30,000 mi and the paint is peeling off of hood and now roof I have contacted Hyundai and dealership with no satisfaction

  19. Structure, Sep 14, 2022

    Pain is peeling on roof and hood

  20. Structure, Aug 31, 2022

    The rear door on the driver’s side will not open from the inside or outside. This was not the result of a collision or incident. A quick online check revealed this to be an issue with several Hyundai vehicles.

  21. Structure, Aug 20, 2022

    Bought 2017 Hyundai Elantra in May 2020 car had no paint peeling at Odometer reading 82,888. In October 2020 the paint on the hood of the car near the headlights started peeling the odometer reading was about 92,897 at that point. A couple months later the roof next to the windshield start peeling too. Now those spots have grown each time it rains. These spots are now starting to rust. Obviously this is bringing down the value of the car. Not to mention it makes the car look terrible. After I bought the car I went out and put new tires and wheels on it plus other accessories to make it stand out only to have the paint start peeling and have it look terrible. As a consumer I should not have to pay for Hyundai mistake in painting thier cars incorrectly.

  22. Structure, Jul 26, 2022

    2017 Elantra - pearl/white paint color, paint is peeling on roof of car as well as the hood of the car. Paint/clear coat gone

  23. Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2022

    I bought my car in 2019 with about 18k miles. My paint started peeling off of my hood and my roof at the beginning of 2021 at 40k miles. Hyundai pretty much told me too bad so sad since I was over 36,000 miles. I have paid to have it fixed multiple times and the paint is still peeling off. I am unable to wash my car without my paint flaking off. I even vinyl wrapped my roof myself to keep the paint from peeling more and rusting. There is discoloration where the paint has peeled off. I read online that if the vehicle rust the Hyundai will fix it however they refused to return my numerous calls and emails and voicemails to the supervisor at Jim click Hyundai in Tucson.

  24. Structure, Jun 23, 2022

    Back passenger door locked. Could not open. Originally they told us it would not be covered under warranty.

  25. Structure, Engine, Jun 23, 2022

    Car has failed to turn over/start on numerous occasions. It will take multiple times to turn over before it fires up. Car has also been very jerky in 1st gear aka going slow. Rough jerking spasms at 10mph or such. Car has also lost power numerous times while driving at high speeds.