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 and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine and oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the piston had scarred the cylinder wall, and the piston needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted and offered to assist with the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Engine, Jan 16, 2023
My hyundai elantra 2019 has developed a Piston Slap issue. Although the elantra has regular oil change everytime the warning system notifies me not sure to why it would be a defected part like a Piston Slap in a 2019 elantra. Help with the situation...
Engine, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that a claim would be submitted. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Jan 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were 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 reoccurred intermittently while driving and slowing down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact they could not assist as he was the second vehicle owner. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. The consumer stated the vehicle is leaking oil.
Engine, Dec 19, 2022
Drove my car 12 miles from work to father’s house no issues. Started car back up and engine light came on. Called my boyfriend and said light came on and now car isn’t staying on. Tried to drive 4 miles home and every time I stopped at stop sign or light the car died. One time it died as I was going 35 mph. I pulled up to busy intersection and the car died and I could not get it to start. A guy was stuck behind me got out of truck and pushed me through the intersection and off to the side of the road. My boyfriend got there got it started and drove the remaining 2 miles home. He changed the oil which was low and had just been changed 2 months ago. The car still repeated the same behavior. My VIN is not included in the engine recall.
Engine, Nov 24, 2022
The check engine light went on in my Elantra a couple of weeks ago. I immediately take it to my local Jiffy Lube and they tell me it’s a camshaft protector sensor and that I need to take it to the dealership. After multiple failed attempts at contacting the dealership, I’m finally able to make an appointment to drop it off a few days later. However, my car doesn’t make it that far. Within those 3 days, the car breaks down on me three times. It happens when I am either at a red light at a complete stop, or as I am slowing down, waiting to make a turn. The engine shutting down put me at extreme risk as I was driving in a busy area. Luckily, I was able to change my appointment to that very day (November 16th) and I make it to the dealership for drop off. They take one week to get back to me and tell me that there is oil sludge causing the engine to fail, and they want me to pay for the engine replacement because it is due to lack of maintenance. I find this hard to believe because I just had my oil changed and my engine checked due to an open recall in July of this year. It has been 4 months (and I don’t drive that far on a daily basis) since my car was serviced and Hyundai is trying to place the blame on me for their faulty engine. The attached photo is the maintenance that I received in July.
Engine, Nov 6, 2022
Car stop while I’m drying for no reason no warning
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2022
I was driving down a main highway, approaching a busy intersection preparing to turn left... I had a green light without a green arrow and had quite a bit of distance/time between myself and any approaching vehicle so I went ahead and proceeded. Just as I entered the intersection, all of the sudden my car stopped responding to my pressing on the gas pedal. The motor was very loud and dry sounding, and the RPM gauge was running abnormally high but the car itself, was barely moving. I continued trying to give it gas, even checked to see if something had knocked it out of gear (that was NOT the case)! Cross-traffic began to approach the intersection so I really started to work on the gas pedal, pumping it and when that failed, I mashed the gas all the way to the floor and finally just before I was about to be hit the car down the pedal and finally the car began to move!! It has been doing some hesitating for a while now but it barely made it out of the intersection this time and that was terrifying!! I have it in the shop now waiting to see what the problem is but this needs reporting. I do everything I'm supposed to with maintaining my car... oil changes, spark plugs, fluid checks and it has less than 50,000 miles so that shouldn't have happened!
Engine, Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idles at the red light. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a burning oil odor coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number:21v301000 (Engine) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. However, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 3, 2022
My car stalled for no apparent reason… The warning lidhts weren’t on the dash and the oil indicator didn’t show low. I restarted it and drove home. It stalled a couple more times. The idiot lights didn’t come on again nor did it show me low oil. When I got home my son checked the oil and it was dangerously low. We added more oil and drove it again it appeared to be fine. He changed the oil just to be on the safe side. And when he restarted it all hell broke lose. He then ran a diagnostic test on it to see what was wrong. The engine was blown. I had it towed to a shop for confirmation. Yep a rod blew through the block.
Steering, Engine, Aug 19, 2022
My car was stolen. I'm waiting to hear how much repairs will cost. The steering wheel ignition lock is easy bypassed by using only a small screwdriver or USB cord. This makes the car easily stolen and therefore violates the requirements of 571.114 which requires a "starting system which, whenever the key is removed from the starting system prevents.. the normal activation of the vehicles engine or motor". This affects all Kia / Hyundai vehicles with a normal keyed ignition and without a vehicle immobilizer produced from approximately 2009-2022. Since the technology required to comply with the regulation (i.e. a vehicle immobilizer) is readily available and available on other cars from this maker, the vehicle manufacturer knowingly violated this regulation. I request a NHTSA inquiry into this clear safety defect.
Engine, Jul 20, 2022
Vehicle stalled at red light, towed to dealer with Seized Motor according to dealer. According to recall this may happen. Car is 2019, purchased new, still under warranty. Denying warranty work due to missing 1 oil change. Will not make good on recall.
Engine, Jul 13, 2022
35K miles; they are replacing the motor (2.0L Atkinson Cycle (G4NH)). They did a compression test and it failed.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jul 11, 2022
Trouble code:P0011 Mechanic replaced timing soliend. On driving car home, the engine began shutting down. Took back to mechanic who stated he could not get the engine to repeat trouble. Continue to drive and see what happens. Continued to drive but engine shut down got continuously worse and there is a sound like a fan blade is knocking against something (best way I can describe the noise)which is intermittent. Headlights are very dim. This was noticed late last year. It got so bad that I started to Google it and found there are other companies about this online including that the high beams don't work at all .
Engine, Jun 28, 2022
Vehicle engine light came on and vehicle started driving rough at times stalling while driving it. Took it to a certified mechanic and he advised that it showed coils were bad. After replacing al 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. I found that Hyundai had a recall on the same vehicle and make, model, engine type. When I took it to the dealership, they told me my VIN was not included in the recall even though it matched the exactly matched the recall. I have spent over two months without my vehicle, and it is still at the dealership. I have also incurred a lot of mechanical and rental fees so I could get back and forth to work.
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
Have had this problem on and off for a solid year, at one point I found the recall referenced in the other complaints stating my car was affected however when I search now it says “no unrepaired recalls” for reference, I’ve made 3 calls regarding this scary issue and have been told the same dealership doesn’t do loaners and on another day doesn’t have loaners & have also been given a 6 week wait period to see if they can get around to it. it doesn’t matter if I’m on the highway or at a stop sign the car will just out of no where shut off. This has caused an accident between myself and the guard rail on the highway a few months back. All the lights will come on and the car will just stop. This is usually paired with a rattling noise as well. It happens multiple times a day or week sometimes it will happen 4 times in a 10 minute drive. It is so scary & Hyundai hasn’t seemed to care. Sometimes it will go on for weeks and then have a few weeks where it stops. I also feel like I oil changes an abnormal amount, it’s like everytime I go they tell me I’m way over due yet the mileage doesn’t add up. Worst car I’ve ever owned.
Engine, Jun 7, 2022
The manufacture looked at the vehicle and stated the car engine has siezed. Safety was put at risk because i was driving down my street home when the engine made a noise and it stopped all together. I was going about 10 miles per hour, so no actual injuries. The issue has been confirmed by the Hyundai Dealership. There were no warning lights or anything prior to the engine being siezed. The vehicle has been serviced regularly.
Engine, Jun 3, 2022
Engine is burning oil between oil changes. Less than 60,000 miles. Worried engine is exhibiting symptoms of others involved in Hyundai recall.
Engine, May 27, 2022
My son and I were driving home in the dark yesterday. Then engine failed. It was driving then slowly powered down. The check engine light, the oil light, and battery light came on all at once. Needed a tow. It was the scariest thing in the world to be stranded in a disabled vehicle on the side of the road. It breaks my heart hearing my son from the back seat say something is wrong mommy, its not working. The dealership is crap. Stating that it's over some made up one year warranty, yes I've only had the car less than a year. They also won't look at my car for 3-4 days because of the holiday. Thank God my son and I have family and friends to save us. I am completed disgusted and feel for everyone in this situation.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 26, 2022
Engine shut off while driving.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 18, 2022
The engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra failed during high speed interstate travel. After being on the highway for several hours traveling at approximately 75 mph I heard an odd "pop" which sounded like a rock flying up into the undercarriage on I-40 near Morrilton, AR. About 10 minutes after this sound occurred, my vehicle started to smoke from under the hood and then emit a rattling sound. As I pulled the vehicle to the shoulder of the road it began to flash multiple warning lights across the dashboard and became very difficult to steer. I stopped the car, turned off the ignition, and popped the hood to inspect the smoke. When I attempted to restart the car, it indicated system failure and would not restart. The car was towed to Crain Hyundai in Conway, AR for repair however they have refused to honor the warranty stating that the vehicle was vandalized by someone removing the oil plug. My insurance company investigated this allegation and found that the failure was mechanical in nature and not the result of vandalism. Further, the dealership indicated in the insurance investigation that they have never even run diagnostics on the vehicle. They simply refused the warranty when they noticed the oil plug was missing. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. When my engine blew out at a high speed on interstate traffic, my safety and the safety of others was at risk because my vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly slowed down and then stopped on the roadside. The location where I pulled over was at the top of a blind hill and oncoming traffic could not see my vehicle as they approached it. As we sat on the roadside waiting for a tow we were nearly hit 4x, including once where the vehicle lost control and spun from the right lane, across the left lane and into the median before righting itself. There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. My vehicle had been parked on a concrete drive and no leaks were seen.
Engine, May 13, 2022
My Hyndai Elantra car has been in the shop for 1 month already and they told me that the engine has a hole in the block. My car stopped working while driving with my 3 year old in a highway as i was exiting a ramp. I was so scared because I wasn't able to move all the way to the side and cars were going 70-75 mph. I just felt how the car moved with every car that passed by. I just saw through the mirror that 4 cars were about to hit me from behind. I did call police, waited 1 hour but they never arrived. My husband had to push the car with his car to move us to safety. In Addition, 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, Mar 26, 2022
The engine completely cuts off and loses power while driving! Abruptly stalls with no warning!
Engine, Mar 1, 2022
My car has a problem with the Pistons and the Rod Bearings .. I literally have 80K miles on the dash It was a Recalled called on Some 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra with 2.0l motors MINES IS EXACTLY THE MODEL AND MOTOR SIZE.. Nap- Hyundai is No HELP AT ALL My car is literally experiencing engine failure due to PISTON OIL RINGS and all because it doesn’t pop up with my VIN there is nothing they can do.. I really believe my car has a recall