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.
Of the 2017 reports, 37 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 24 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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: other or unspecified
131 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2026
All four rear/side door latch mechanisms have exhibited intermittent failure to release the door from the interior and/or exterior handle. Repeated operation or increased force can sometimes cause the door to release. This creates a potential safety hazard because an occupant may be unable to exit the vehicle through an affected door during an emergency. The manufacturer has previously issued an extended warranty/TSB addressing this latch failure, but the vehicle is now beyond the 10-year extension period.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2026
I am reporting an active odometer fraud case on a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, VIN: [XXX]. The seller listed this vehicle on Facebook Marketplace claiming it had 65,000 miles and was in like-new condition. Upon running a CARFAX report, the vehicle shows over 300,000 actual miles. The CARFAX also shows the vehicle already had 98,000 miles recorded in 2018, making the current 65,000-mile claim impossible. When I confronted the seller about the discrepancy, they claimed they purchased the vehicle from a mechanic and were unaware of the mileage history. They then immediately blocked me and deleted their Facebook listing. Shortly after, a second listing appeared under what appears to be the seller's wife's account advertising the same vehicle. The vehicle appears to have originated from Illinois and is being sold in Indiana, making this a cross-state fraud. The seller operates as a title-free flipper, never placing the title in their name, which appears to be an intentional strategy to avoid a paper trail. I have documentation including screenshots of the original listing, the CARFAX report, and records of my communications with the seller. I am prepared to provide all of this upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 11, 2026, fire
Component or system failed: The electrical and/or engine system failed spontaneously. Gray smoke originated from under the hood, followed by black smoke and an intense fire. The vehicle is NOT available for inspection as it was declared a total loss and scrapped 30 days after the incident. Safety risk: My safety was at immediate risk as I was inside the vehicle when the fire began. Public safety was also threatened; the Bloomingdale Fire Department had to evacuate a Wendy’s restaurant and its customers for two hours due to the intensity of the fire and smoke. Confirmation of problem: The problem was confirmed as a Total Loss due to fire by the Bloomingdale Fire and Police Departments on the scene. Inspections: The vehicle was inspected at the scene by police and fire officials. No manufacturer or dealer inspection was possible because the fire occurred only 7 days after purchase and the vehicle was destroyed. Warning symptoms: There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The smoke appeared suddenly while the vehicle was parked and idling.
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2026
Subject: Escalation of Unresolved Case – Request for NHTSA Assistance Dear NHTSA, For several months, I have been dealing with an unresolved issue regarding my Hyundai vehicle. On February 18th, I was told the supervisor of my case manager at Hyundai Motor America would contact me within 5 to 10 business days. Today is March 16th, and despite repeated requests, no supervisor has reached out. As a dialysis patient without a vehicle, these prolonged delays are affecting my health and safety. Since I have not been able to receive a response from the supervisor of my case manager, I am escalating this matter to your agency. I have a full email chain documenting these events, which I can provide upon request. For transparency, I am copying my case manager and Hyundai national customer service. I appreciate your assistance with this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] Tel. [XXX] CC: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2026
The paint keeps chipping off the nose of the hood as well as areas above the doors. I have had it repainted one time and it is chipping off again.
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2026
I have been having this issue for several months. First, it was the steering wheel being locked. I believe at one point and time on the past they updated the computer on that vehicle. But this time the dealer told me there is nothing they can do. As of today, the car won’t start. How can I go to work? There is no Safety Recall for this, but I didn’t brake the car’s computer, I don’t even know and want to know where it is located.
Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2026
PROBLEM: DEALER CREATES FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO RECALL COMPLETION I am reporting systematic barriers to recall completion created by Hyundai's authorized dealer that forced me to incur $834.60 in transportation costs for what should be a "no charge" recall repair, potentially discouraging recall compliance. THE BARRIER: UNCONSCIONABLE LOANER TERMS PREVENT RECALL COMPLIANCE How Dealer Creates Recall Barrier Capitol Hyundai's Loaner Contract: Service Manager Tray Nichols confirmed in writing (email 12/15/25, 7:42 AM) that loaner customers are liable for "ANY new damage that was not present before," including: Rock chips from highway driving Door dings in parking lots Small scratches from normal use Customer pays all repair costs Customer pays insurance deductible Customer risks insurance rate increases Why This Creates Barrier to Recall Completion Statistical Reality: AAA research: Average driver gets 1-2 windshield rock chips per year Over 36-day recall service period, rock chips are statistically inevitable Door dings in parking lots over 5+ weeks are unavoidable Customer cannot prevent damage no matter how careful Financial Risk to Customer: Potential repair costs: $500-1,000+ Insurance deductible: $500-1,000 Insurance rate increases: Long-term costs Total risk: $1,000-2,000+ for "free" recall Customer's Forced Choice: Use loaner → Risk $1,000-2,000+ in costs Don't use loaner → Pay for alternative transportation ($834.60 in my case) Delay/avoid recall → Keep driving defective vehicle Result: Financial disincentive to complete recall
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jan 9, 2026
I bought a car in Hyundai ELANTRA2024 at drivers Mart in Orlando, Florida. About a month after I bought the car I brought it back for something to service dealership area and let them know that the paint was coming off my car. I did notice that there was a tiny little spot that someone putcover paint about a half inch to an inch. The service people the dealership told me that there was a known classaction lawsuit. They weren’t sure what had happened. I looked up the Class action lawsuit for peeling paint, and it did state that there was one for white, beige, and light blue in Canada that was an ongoing lawsuit. The one for US was only doing certain white vehicles. But there was a class action lawsuit for USA, but it was dismissed I think because they thought that it had to do with pebbles or something that came on the freeway etc. basically said it was buyers fault. So now I have taken it to Hyundai dealerships talking to corporate office making appointments four times, now my car as you see is almost 12 inches in diameter by eight more or less and getting bigger by minute because every time I wash the car{has to be by hand, or it rains. My car is bubbling the paint the paint on my car is all the way down to the metal. The metal is not protected so it’s actually rusting, etc. every time it rains it will add another couple inches to my paint coming off. I have called the corporate office again and got my answer on Wednesday, January 5 stating that there’s nothing else they can do, because my car’s is not on the recallThis does not make any sense. Obviously there’s a Facebook/Google sites called Hyundai paint peeling 7.7 k people are in the same predicament and very upset at Hyundai motors not doing anything. Is there any governments or state regulations that are helping people get their car painted or helping people have them be accountable for everything that needs to be done? Government/local have done nothing what is the agency that we need to contact?
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2025
Both Driver and Passenger doors do not open from the outside.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2025
This is for a paint problem that my car has lost its paint within six months. My car is peeling off very fast and there was a class action lawsuit. And now a new one has started. I see nobody at your office wants to help people.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2025
When driving at low speeds(20mph and under) vehicle stalls. It appears to happen at random. It makes driving pretty dangerous for other vehicles that would not be able to tell the vehicle has stalled and hit me at low speeds. All electrics stay on, there is no check engine light. The problem first appeared after ignition lock was broken, even before replaced it started stalls at low speeds, seems to possibly happen more after engine is warmed up.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2025
unknown, stalls randomly after driving for about 10 minutes
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2025
Door lock actuator on rear driver's side door not working. Door stuck closed, even though power to lock is present and locking / unlocking mechanism works. Door will not open from inside or outside.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2025
Coil 1 & 4 misfire. Won’t accelerate well & engine light blinks. Car will stall then die when engine light blinks too much in 1 minute.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2025
Air bag light will not turn off so I’m not sure if the air bags work. Oil is going missing from the car causing it to suddenly shut down. It also makes the rpm’s go really high (close to 5,000) when trying to go up hills or accelerate. I don’t see a leak, or puddles under the car, nor black smoke.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2025
VEHICLE PASSENGER DOOR SUDDENLY BECAME UNABLE TO OPEN. MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN MANY MODELS AND YEARS OF HYUNDAIS.
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2024
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the ongoing recall issue with my 2017 Hyundai Elantra. I am extremely frustrated and disappointed with both Hyundai and the dealership’s handling of the recall and the associated repair costs. We received a recall notice for our vehicle last year, at which point we promptly took the car to the Hyundai dealership. Despite multiple attempts to address the issue, we have experienced significant delays, poor communication, and no clear resolution from the dealership or Hyundai. After several months of waiting, we were informed that the recall, which pertains to paint damage caused by a manufacturer’s defect, would cost $3,200 to repair. Furthermore, we were advised that we would be responsible for an out-of-pocket expense of $1,000. We find this situation both perplexing and unacceptable. As consumers, we should not be burdened with costs related to a defect that is clearly the responsibility of the manufacturer. We purchased the vehicle in good faith and expect the manufacturer to uphold its responsibility for repairs related to defects covered by recall notices, especially when the problem is identified after the warranty has expired. The fact that Hyundai is only offering to cover 60% of the repair cost is unreasonable and further exacerbates our frustration. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate this matter and hold Hyundai accountable for its failure to resolve the recall issue in a timely manner, as well as its refusal to fully cover the cost of repairs related to a defect for which we should not be responsible. Please consider this letter a formal complaint, and I kindly ask for your assistance in resolving this matter promptly. I both dealership and Hyundai corporate admitted they sent the letter after the warranty expired. We’ve been dealing with this issue for over a year. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2024
My alarm keeps going off and car won’t start
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2024
White pearl paint peeling exposing metal while advancing and getting larger. Had issue shortly after purchasing the car and was addressed by dealership. Just got recall notice and VIN search showed it was covered since paint is peeling on the rear of the roof now. Different dealer but in same dealership says Hyundai refuses to honor recall because the front part of the roof was already repainted. This was before the recall was issued and was done for the recent purchase. The safety issue is that if not addressed, the roof will rust and damage the structural integrity of the cabin. When I just did a search, NOW there are no paint recalls for my VIN after inquiring about the fix with Hyundai customer service.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 18, 2024
The engine of my vehicle malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request, it will have to be towed. The problem put myself and others in danger as the car stopped as I was driving in the middle of a 3-lane highway in the far left lane. Others were put in danger as they had to swerve to avoid hitting me. That itself could have caused a chain collision as other vehicles in the middle lane were put in danger. I was also at risk to get rear ended as one might not notice that my speed has stopped increasing. I have already had it towed to a local Hyundai dealership and auto shop; both said it needs a new engine. Towing receipt is shown below. I had no warning lights on my dash prior to the engine failure. A battery light and check engine light appeared after I was able to safely pull to the side of the road and try to start the car again.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2024
The car doors on my Hyundai Elantra often have jammed frequently jammed the front door was repaired when A few weeks later the back driver side door also jammed and could not be opened from the outside Unless you pushed in and pulled out. Then it finally jammed altogether and would not open . If there were an incident and someone needed to get into the car to get my child out they would be unable to.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2024
The rear passenger door will NOT open from inside or outside. The front passenger door will ONLY open from the inside. This is a safety concern with young children in car seats in the back or for general emergencies. F on my research this is a common Hyundai issue.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 28, 2024
I'm having issues with my car and I don't feel safe riding in it. While driving it start to coast. If I make a turn it shuts down. I am having some of the same issues some elantra having but because the VIN# doesn't show a recall I'm penalize for having this car.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 4, 2024
For a little over a year now, my back doors do not open on my Hyundai Elantra. The child lock is not on. Also in the past year, my passenger and driver door do not open. I have to go back and forth on the handle 20-30 times before my door opens. I have changed the battery in the key fob and I have tried unlocking my doors with the actual key with no success. Sometimes if they do not open I have to go through my sunroof. This is such a safety issue it’s insane. I’ve called Hyundai dealerships but they said they will need to keep it for 2 weeks. I do not have any other vehicle to just leave it there for that long. Please help.