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

767 reports, newest first.

  1. Engine, Apr 1, 2023

    Was driving one night and out of nowhere the car started to change gears hard no warning lights came on then the car just cut off so started it back it cut off and I started it back again drove home fine next time I went to get in it the check engine light came on now the car won't even start and I have taken it to 2 shops and they said that they are having a hard time pin pointing what it could be but told me it sounded like the engine recall

  2. Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 28, 2023

    Originally I had gottem my oil changed at the Hyundai dealership 2 months before . The car was turning off on me while driving making slow turns or slowing down to 5mph or less. Then my car broke down on me and wouldnt turn on. Mechanic was saying there was no oil in and it created a sludge in the engine basically ruining the car. My check oil light never came on, and the oil was just recently changed so this shouldve been apart of the recall where similar issues happened.

  3. Tires, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2023

    I got this used car from Hyundai Courtesy in late 2020. My issue with this used car is that there is no TPMS reset button to get the tires back to have the same tire pressure. Even with battery mode reset done, the tires are always out of sync after a few days or hours. I do go to the dealership to get the tpms fixed but after a few days, it is back to out of sync. I am writing to the safety board to inform them and hopefully, Hyundai corporate can look into this electrical issue.

  4. Engine, Mar 27, 2023

    The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate when depressing the accelerator pedal and began to roll backward. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine oil was replaced. The independent mechanic diagnosed that an unknown valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,600.

  5. Engine, Mar 26, 2023

    •In early October 2022 when the car owner purchased the Hyundai 2017 Elantra it had 77,717 miles on it. The inspection of the car by the dealership’s service department prior to purchase did not indicate any concerns with the engine. No mention was made of the need for an extended warranty. •In February 2023, four months after purchase, the car was taken to a Hyundai Service Department of the same company for an 85,000-mile servicing at 84,107. Again, no concerns with the engine of the car were noted. •Fifteen days later the car’s engine died. The same Hyundai Service Department indicated that there was so much carbon buildup that the intake valves and pistons in cylinder 3 came into contact causing metal shavings to blow the engine. They said they had filed a PA with Hyundai Customer Service USA and had been told because the owner is a second owner Hyundai would not pay for the replacement of the engine under the 100,000 K warranty. A new engine had to be installed at the estimated cost of $6790. The Hyundai Service Department indicated this was a reduction in the cost of both the new engine and labor.

  6. 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.

  7. Engine, Mar 23, 2023

    The engine failed catastrophically. Yes, available for inspection. Driving down the highway, and engine seized up in traffic. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. No, the car has not had an inspection done by the manufacturer as of yet. No warning.

  8. Engine, Mar 6, 2023

    It all started in 2020. I took my car to Don Wood Hyundai Athens OH for a ticking noise at 60K miles rite after the same dealership performed an oil change. After several weeks of no answers about my car I was told it needed an engine, no one ever gave me a reason as to why. I was also told I would not have any type of extended warranty. 2023 I was driving the car on the highway when it all of a sudden loss power and sputtered and almost stalled. I took the car to Don Wood Hyundai for service when I asked what was wrong with my car I was told it needed a software update and the issue was resolved. While the car was being serviced I found a Hyundai NHSTA service memo about issues with the ignition coils. When I picked up the car I specifically asked if the coils had been checked and if they are the correct ones. No one in this Hyundai Dealer ship could tell me, they completely failed to do a visual inspection. So I take my car back and decide to investigate. I contacted Hyundai about the issue they were no help. I then decided might as well just replace the coils and spark plugs myself since I am at 87K miles. I found a badly corroded spark plug and damaged coil on the car. Hyundai claims their coils and plugs are good for up to 80 - 100K miles. According to the dealership when the engine was replaced all of these components would have been replaced also. So my "new" engine and components have started to fail at 20K miles. Had I not done the service myself the car for sure would have died on the road and created a dangerous situation. I believe Hyundai has a lot of issues with their newer cars that need to be resolved and they are not doing quality work to ensure documented issues are not resolved.

  9. Steering, Mar 4, 2023

    2017 Hyundai Elantra limited. Vehicle makes grinding noise when steering wheel is turned in either direction. Dealer said it needs new steering column. I am surprised that a vehicle driven 36000, miles would have a warn steering column. It never been a in a collision or driven roughly. I have never had a steering column go bad in a car.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Engine, Feb 13, 2023

    On December 11, I was driving on I-4 and I was going approximately 75 miles per hour and it was my first trip going more than 15 miles outside on my home. My oil light flickered and turned on and as soon as I moved over to the left lane to the right, my car stalled out and I had to pull over to the shoulder. Once brought to Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa, they told me my oil plug was not installed.

  13. 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

  14. Engine, Feb 9, 2023

    The car keeps shaking when idle and has stalled out a few times. I was told it's oil consumption related and to just get oil changes more often. I have had the car stall out on the interstate ramp, on a mountain road, etc. I see other complaints have been written and have not been addressed.

  15. Engine, Feb 3, 2023

    This is the second time my check engine light has come on while driving and car vibrating and shaking in the middle of heavy traffic and also idling at stop lights/signs. Why does this keep happening? The codes were registered P0301/P0302. How dangerous is this especially with small children in the car. Totally unsafe.... The car was first towed to the dealership last year at the same time for the same reason. The first coil pack was replaced and off they sent me. Exactly one year later there goes number 2 coil pack. Not under warranty. How long do I have to hold my breath driving before 3 and 4 go out? Especially if I am out of state and driving 70 mph on the highway.

  16. Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 29, 2023

    I’ve been having problems with my timing chain and power train for over a year. Got the timing chain fixed and now all i’m seeing is new problems with bad ignition coils and spark plugs and transmission problems. I’ve only had this car for 4 years and keep the maintenance up to date.

  17. Engine, Jan 27, 2023

    My car was making a clicking noise and I got it towed to the dealership where I brought it from and I was told by the dealership that my bearings on my engine failed the bearing test and I would need to purchase a new engine. I received regular maintenance on this vehicle to ensure that it last a very long time as I’ve only had it for 6 years and needing a new motor already. I’ve also had to change the hose twice and I have several paint chips.

  18. Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2023

    Right out of warranty sudden engine heat fluctuations, hot air stopped blowing and cold air is inconsistent. I changed relays and fuses to be safe . Very unhappy about dangerous unreliable products the engine warranty should be extended to this vehicle I have a heart condition. It seems they are trying to avoid addressing major engine reliability issues

  19. 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"

  20. Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2023

    Roadside assistance locke d keys inside car

  21. Engine, Jan 20, 2023

    The vehicle has stalled at low speeds multiple times. No check engine light comes on, so my mechanic can’t diagnose anything. He suspects it’s the issue that many other model years have been recalled for, but the 2017 Elantras are not included in the recall. Most recently the car stalled as I came to a stop at a red light.

  22. 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.

  23. Engine, Jan 17, 2023

    My 2017 Hyundai Elantra that I got in 2020, has been shaking at Idle for 3 years now off and on. I even got it serviced at Hyundai in Tyler Tx under warranty. I was told it’s the coil packs. I was driving to work yesterday and the Engine light was flashing at me, and my car was shaking and knocking extremely bad. I had to turn around and miss work due to this issue. Although, when I go to nearest dealership there are no OBD 2 codes that populate, or ANY codes for that matter, but I’m still seeing the engine light flashing, and I’m still experiencing daily shaking and knocking of my car at low speeds, and even on the highway. I’m scared to drive it since nobody can find codes as to why this is happening.

  24. Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Jan 8, 2023, crash

    The cars breaks are difficult to stop, it does not slow down. The steering wheel is very stiff to turn. And my car was stolen due to Hyundai not equiping it with an immobilizer. It was recovered smashed in the front, no airbags were deploited. I have photos for proof.

  25. Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 7, 2023

    Had bought the vehicle at 72k miles, and drove fine for a few months before the engine started to sound like it was roaring (like the exhaust had came undone), shortly after vehicle started stalling and dieting turning left (have video evidence of this in parking lot) did not take vehicle in to be serviced as it seemed a lot of the time to be a one off issue but now the vehicle has lost a lot of low speed acceleration, and had begun knocking at 80k miles where it was looked at by an independent mechanic which stated that the engine was severely low on oil. Have been driving since as it is the only way for me to get back and forth to work and the problems have been getting worse to the point the vehicle will refuse to start, or just act like it’s lost a gear and is stuck in neutral