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
Engine, Mar 27, 2024
Vehicle stalls when coming to a stop or light. Very reminiscent of recall [XXX], but when I called local dealership and Natl Hyundai Customer Service, I was told that the recall was not specific to my Vin Nbr. The vehicle stalls in traffic which is extremely dangerous and gives no engine light or OBD code. I have taken it to a few local mechanics and they cannot resolve the issue. They have changed parts that could possibly be the issue, but it solves nothing. The vehicle has 109,471 miles 2019 Elantra which is practically new still. I would like my Vin added to that recall so it can get fully checked out by Hyundai. Ive spent a few hundred dollars already and am tapped out, plus the stress of getting into an accident crosses my mind every day and worries me. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Feb 24, 2024, crash
bought this car for my son's graduation the car had 59000 miles as a used car. The engine seized after one year and 18000 miles. No one is taking responsibility and I still owe 15000 on this car. Many articles have been written about the engines being defective. Hyundai will not help me because they say there is a Korean engine in this car. What the heck does this have to do with it I bought a Hyundai. I have been to the dealership, the car company, the car salesman at the car lot I bought it at. No one will help me. I sit with a dead car and in dept 15000. Where do I go from here.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 15, 2024
While driving on the highway, engine light comes on and THEN CAR SHUTS OFF MID DRIVE. Days later, tire pressure light comes on and stays on showing GOOD pressure. The car doesn't properly shift gears. Luckily I didn't have an accident. I have a case opened with Hyundai, but unable to get diagnosis until March. Car hasn't been consistently operable since purchase 3 years ago, as you can tell by my mileage
Engine, Feb 11, 2024
Car kept stalling. Then wouldn’t start. Mechanic found a ton of sludge in the engine. Engine is bad now. I kept up on routine maintenance. Lots of engines are being recalled except for my specific one with the same engine problems.
Engine, Jan 19, 2024
The vehicle has demonstrated a recurring and dangerous problem of stalling while in operation, without any warning indicators or lights. This fault has not only persisted but has also led to a near-collision incident, underlining its severity. The first occurrence of this issue was when my car stalled unexpectedly during regular driving, with no dashboard warning lights or indicators of a malfunction. After taking the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership, I was informed that the car was burning oil, which had spread throughout the engine. This diagnosis led to costly repairs amounting to $2,500. However, merely two months post-repair, the same problem reoccurred. The car stalled abruptly as I was merging onto a highway, nearly causing a severe accident. This incident was particularly alarming as it happened without any prior warning or indication of engine trouble. I emphasize that I have diligently maintained the vehicle, adhering to the recommended 3,000-mile oil change intervals and ensuring all fluids are regularly checked and replaced as necessary. The recurrence of this issue despite proper maintenance raises significant concerns about the reliability and safety of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra model.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Dec 31, 2023
I was going 40MPH when my car started to produce loud noises and stalled. It immediately lost power and I had to pull over on the side of the road. It started back up after 30 minutes and I was able to drive it home, but it continued to make loud noises and I had to drive very slow. Battery is good with 70% charge and the alternator is good.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 31, 2023
I think my transmission is messed up because my car stalls to go and my RPM jump up to 4/5 after I accelerate
Engine, Dec 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The battery and low-oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine. 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 notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Engine, Nov 6, 2023
I bought this car March 2022 with 56.000 miles on it. I have had the car for 1 1/2 years, car gave no warning, motor seized at night on the highway, it had a loud noise and did not even have enough time to get to the shoulder. Hyundai Motors is saying it is not their issue, considering I have found tons of documentation there are many engine issues with these cars. This is dangerous and could have been a fire. My son was driving the vehicle could have been hurt very badly. He was driving 65 MPH and when the engine seized it stop abruptly stalling on the hwy. I have read hundreds of claims of engine fires. Hyundai is not taking responsibility.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 31, 2023
High beams quit working I. Weather conditions and now high beams don’t work period and have to replace head light do to problem with assembly driver side and passenger side high beams don’t work. Vehicle engine light came on and vehicle started driving rough at times stalling while driving it. Took it to a mechanic after replacing all coils plus spark plugs vehicle still showed engine light on. It also diagnosed sensors and cam shafts, solenoids. After all work performed vehicle engine light was still on and was driving rough at times still stalling on the road. The car would stall constantly with out warning. Sometimes will start up again and sometimes it wont. Then increased oil consumption, progressing to a knocking sound, and the engine seizing and stalling. Also warning light in the instrument panel, knocking noise from the engine, reduced power or hesitation when accelerating, or the smell of burning oil. Engine shut off while driving. Now car won't start at all. Took the car to be looked at they ran all kinds of diagnostic testing, one of which came back showing my engine lost almost all compression. Bought it from dealer car was used as a rental. I am the first real owner. There was a hyndai Elantra recall for engines but I believe my car is not included and I think my car has a 2l engine. I found the information below from a search engine. "Hyundai motor America (Hyundai) is recalling 158,493 2019-2021 Elantra cars, equipped with the 2. 0l nu mpi engine".
Engine, Oct 9, 2023
I was driving on the interstate and suffered a sudden loss of power with a check engine light. I stalled on the interstate which is dangerous. Waited 2 minutes and started the car again, check engine came on almost immediately. Drove off the interstate and had car towed to dealer. Dealer Tony Hyundai found no oil in the car and the engine failed a bearing clearance test. The dealer serviced the engine under Hyundai CPO warranty but I am concerned that there is no root cause of the engine failure. I am reporting to NHTSA in the hopes that other owners who experience this will also report it and if there is a common problem it will be discovered. Additional documentation is available by request.
Engine, Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, prompting her to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After turning off the vehicle, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was no compression in cylinder #3, and that there was scoring on the cylinder wall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Engine, Jul 27, 2023
Rod bearings being declined coverage by Hyundai despite NHTSA having a recall for it. They have said it already has the new engine yet it keeps knocking the spark plug electrodes right off every 4 weeks.
Engine, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the repair would not be covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine, Jun 21, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?: Faulty piston oil rings resulting in scoring on cylinder walls How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Continual operation of the vehicle in this condition could result in a seized connecting rod bearing, which could cause damage to the engine block and eventually stall the vehicle. In limited instances, a connecting rod could puncture the engine block and cause engine oil to leak, which, in the presence of hot surfaces, could increase the risk of a fire. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes it has been diagnosed by an official Hyundai dealership Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not to my knowledge Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? I've had this vehicle taken in for repairs 3 different times all associated with engine issues or oil leakage despite keeping up with routine maintenance on the car The contact stated that their vehicle may be associated with an existing recall, but the VIN does not come up when searched. That might be because the recall investigation only looks at one manufacturing plant.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 9, 2023
I was driving on the freeway & the engine just cut off. I lost complete power but luckily, I was able to get to the side of the road without any incident. About a month ago, the same thing happened but I was down the street from my house so it wasn't a big deal. The day after, the front collision light went off twice while I was driving. My particular car VIN number is not on the recall list.
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) as the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 14, 2023
Car stalls constantly with out warning. Sometimes will start up again and sometimes it wont. Completely stuck where its at right now and i was not notified of the recall for my 2019 hyandai elantra. Bought it from dealer that used it as a rental. I am the first owner.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 13, 2023
My 2019 Elantra has stalled while in motion 5 separate times since 15 November 2022. My warranty claims are based on a defect in the vehicle’s material or workmanship that is covered by the Hyundai New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of 5 years from date of original retail delivery and 60,000 miles. Why I believe the problems are the responsibility of the manufacturer: This began 15 November 2022 when the Malfunction Indicator Lamp came on; I brought the car immediately to Bay Hyundai. They replaced the camshaft assembly. Since then, the engine has stalled while in motion 5 separate times. Why I believe I have not contributed to the cause of the problems: I have properly maintained the vehicle as proven by all of the service receipts from Allen Turner Hyundai, Bay Hyundai, Pep Boys, Tuffy, AutoZone and CARFAX. My 2019 Elantra has low mileage: 45,000 miles over 4 years. The motor vehicle defect is not a result from an accident, abuse, neglect, modification or alteration by me. Why the problems represent a substantial impairment to the use, value, or safety of my vehicle: I can’t even drive it 1 day without the engine stalling without warning while in motion! This jeopardizes my safety and has caused severe anxiety from breaking down in traffic multiple times.
Engine, Apr 2, 2023
The engine is burning a lot of oil. It only has 125000 miles on it and no leaks. I am worried engine will stall while driving due to low oil.
Electrical system, Engine, Lane departure, Apr 1, 2023
I was driving home from work at night when my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport (just found out has the wrong VIN) lost all power and felt like it wasn’t running on all cylinders. I switched it to sport mode had a little more power for about 2 mins then my car died completely. I had to pull over thankfully I made it to the bottom of the pass and coasted into a gas station while I waited for a tow truck to have it towed to the dealership. The dealership had my car for almost a week. They ran all kinds of diagnostic testing, one of which came back showing my engine lost almost all compression. Secondly they ran more tests and more tests and just to tell me it was a bad battery. The battery has been replaced. My car is still having idling issues, it’s shifting hard and the lane Assist which I kept on just the warning turns itself on randomly, same with the front assist. This vehicle has 37,000 miles on it. Maintenance has been done regularly along with the highest quality oil changes, premium gas and air filters. I AM PISSED THAT I AM PAYING SO MUCH MONEY A MONTH AND AM HAVING NOTHING BUT ISSUES.
Power train, Engine, Mar 26, 2023
The vehicle has experienced multiple hard and delayed transmission changes. Both up and downshift will jerk and had hard gear changes. Cold or warmed up the transmission will exhibit this issue. In regular or sport mode the issue is present.
Power train, Engine, Mar 26, 2023
Vehicle has rough idle on start up that will vibrate and shake the car. It could be felt in the driver seat. RPMs range 2000-1000 when the rough idle is present. It has been taken to dealership and as expected they claim they cannot reproduce issues. Car has. 55,000 miles.
Engine, Mar 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started stalling without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the computer software was updated but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the dealer stated that no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine, Lane departure, Feb 1, 2023
My engine started making a knocking sound and stopped on me while driving it. Hyundai has determined the problem is a piston failure in the engine which is scratching the engine rendering my vehicle inoperable. First date this was noticed was on the morning of 01/04/2023 the car then broke down while driving at about 5:30 pm central time same day. Hyundai is saying they aren’t responsible for the damage however there is a recall currently that is for the same thing but they won’t repair it for free because my vin number wasn’t affect but it is going through the same issues as described in the recall notice.