2019 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 251 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 12 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 4 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineApr 28, 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Campaign 21V301000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
136 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 3, 2025
No warning light for oil consumption and it depletes rapidly. Also, High beam lights stopped working and you have to hold the signal in place and the high beam still doesn't turn on. Ive had so many issues with this car since purchasing it, it ridiculous and saddening how there hasn't been any recalls and the issue before this one was dangerous and life threatening. Also, since it's purchase it consumes oil at a rapid rate that has been documented and each time I've visited the repair shop they informed 'there's no oil' in the vehicle and no oil light or anything comes on to warn me. I find out about it because of an entirely different issue needing to be fixed.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal rubbing sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the internal trunk release lever was inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk required to be slammed manually to close securely. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggish. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The Hyundai dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to a used car dealer, Sandy Sansing Automotive (6200 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505), where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer determined that the catalytic converter and unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Engine, Feb 6, 2025
My engine is burning oil at a rapid rate. I have always maintained the vehicle's engine on-time or early and now I am needing to top-off oil many times between frequent oil changes. I am now having to add a quart a week and am changing the oil every two thousand miles to ensure it is clean. This is not regular or okay and two mechanics/service technicians said that many Hyundais that come in are doing the same thing.
Engine, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The vehicle lost power in the middle of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The low oil pressure and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had thrown a piston rod. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine, Feb 2, 2025
I purchased this car in 2019 and 2-3 days later I started to experience the engine stalling, I contacted the dealer, and they checked it out by test driving it and said there was nothing wrong with it, it has still been happening, now more frequently > i have to constantly change the oil before the due time to see if it helps but it is becoming a bit dangerous for me and my family when it stalls as I'm trying to accelerate. I would like some assistance from Hyundai
Engine, Jan 16, 2025
A hole in the engine block developed and oil leaked out of the engine and became a fire hazard and caused catastrophic engine failure.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 7, 2025
Motor is knocking due to recalls. Was not able to make recall appointment because car car isn’t reliable at this point
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 4, 2025, crash
Engine failure believed to be related to NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V-301. Vehicle had no warning lights on message. Vehicle turned off while driving and steering wheel became stuck and vehicle jerked off road, I turned vehicle back on and it sounded like a truck and would not move again.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 31, 2024
Car keeps turning off every time I start it and won’t stay on
Structure, Engine, Dec 23, 2024
Car got broken into, back window smashed. Ignition ripped out, someone tried stealing it, even though I got the recall fixed. try to steal vehicle with USB cord.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Dec 18, 2024
Problemas con el motor, específicamente la lubricación. El vehículo fue reparado y aún continuó con los problemas de lubricación, incluyendo los llamados " sprocket" que se dañaron. He leído que Hyundai a retirado muchos vehículos por este mismo problema.
Engine, Nov 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with piston oil rings and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. In addition, the contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine, Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the timing chain and piston valves. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Aug 26, 2024
The engine seized up completely and the car would not start. The car ran fine prior to this on the same day and there were no warning lights or warnings when a portable code reader was plugged in to assess the problem. It was towed to a mechanic who said it looked like excessive oil consumption as the oil was changed only 6 weeks prior and the level was assessed to be perfect then. This is a safety risk due to the engine seizing without warning. If this were to happen while driving, it could cause a fire or cause the driver to be stranded on a busy road, causing accidents. The car is being looked at by a hyundai dealer currently.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 20, 2024
For the now 2nd time for the SAME problem as before, I was on the highway and the car just cut off mid drive on 8/17/2024 @70mph!! Engine light came on. Later that day while on the street, 35-40 mph, ALL OF A SUDDEN NO ENGINE LIGHT ON... the car cuts off again mid drive!! I purchased the car with roughly 15k miles on it and it's been absolutely nothing but issues back to back. The daytime running lights constantly blow out also. The shop supposedly repaired this issue when I put it in the shop the first time, but it's doing the exact same thing again.
Engine, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the piston ring. The contact was informed that the engine and timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine, Aug 6, 2024
The drain pan, and drain plug malfunctioned. Drain plug dislodged while driving, engine almost locked up going 50 mph. Problem was looked at my mechanic, and told it was a known issue among the make and model of my car. There was no symptoms or problems prior to the failure of the drain plug and pan.
Engine, Jul 30, 2024
The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at various speeds. The owner brought the vehicle to the independent mechanic where the contact, diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P0366 (Cam Position Sensor and or the Engine). The sensor was replaced; however, while testing the repair, the failure reoccurred, and the diagnostic code was retrieved. The contact believed that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic found recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); and then contacted the dealer where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall or covered by warranty. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,428.
Engine, Jul 10, 2024
While taking a trip from Jacksonville Florida to Harvey Louisiana the car engine died without no engine lights on. After a tow truck came and pick it up we realized the oil drain plug fell out the oil pan and the motor is seized. We have contacted Westside Hyundai many times with no help. All service has been done only at Westside Hyundai of jacksonville. The car is now at Harvey Hyundai of Louisiana waiting to hear from Westside Hyundai.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
The engine is locked up
Engine, May 15, 2024
Vehicle started making strange noises and not accelerating properly. On April 1, 2024 Took to dealership where purchase was made and it died upon arrival. Dealership couldn't identify issue but believed oil consumption was excessive and said to take it to a Hyundai dealer. On April 30, Hyundai tech said issue was a valve and would be fixed by May 3. It is now May 15 and my vehicle remains in the shop with no resolve. When I dropped my vehicle to the Hyundai dealership I informed them about the possible oil consumption issue and they have yet to examine that.
Engine, May 12, 2024
My vehicle will randomly stop driving and then might be fine. The check engine light has been in for over a year and the dealership says it leaks oil and builds up sludge when we were only taking it to them. When checking the code for the check engine light it says it’s the cam shaft sensors. The dealership said it was fine and cannot figure out why there is a light or why it stops driving. Last night it was sputtering when breaking and then when turning.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that an internal oil leak had resulted in the engine seizing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 196,000. The contact stated Hyundai has refused to replace engine under the recall and had to voluntarily have the car repossessed.
Engine, Apr 19, 2024
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat treated, which resulted in engine damage.
Engine, Mar 29, 2024
I am experiencing an issue where the O-rings in the engine are not preventing oil from entering the engine stated by a repair shop that took a look into issues where my engine would cut out while driving, lurching when downshifting. I believe this to be related to a current recall that is happening with 2019-22 model elantras. This poses a significant safety hazard to me and other drivers due to the engine cutting out while driving and prevents oil from being distributed in the engine without a warning light telling me that my oil pressure and oil level were low potentially causing a vehicle fire. I received a check engine light and not long after started to see my engine cut out, lurch and have a significant lack of power about 20 miles after the check engine light came on. My car currently is at 67k miles and mostly use it on the highway.