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: exterior lighting
65 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Nov 23, 2023
When Daylight Savings time changed, I realized that my headlights were not aimed properly. While having them aimed, the tech noticed that the aiming rod had fallen off the track, and the light on the drivers side is shining only five feet from the car, onto the ground, whether on high beams or low beams.
Exterior lighting, Oct 12, 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
Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights were dim and became inoperable. The driver was unable to see the roadway clearly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the light switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 29, 2023
The high beam does not work even after bulb replacement on the 2019 Elantra(the low beams work just fine). A sound of an actuator trying to work is heard coming from the engine with a slight flicker of light but no successful high beam is shown after engaging the high beam actuator on the wheel. This is detrimental to the safety of drivers at night which could lead to a crash, injury, or fatality.
Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2023
The high beam nolonger functions. On this make model for this year, the manufacturer uses only one bulb for low and high beam. This is accomplished by using a hood to shield part of the bulb; lowered for low beams, raised for high beams. The problem is the mechanism used to raise and lower the shield is made out of cheap plastic. Whenever the gears break or skip a cog the shield will not raise. Spending 2 labor shop hours to replace two shield mechanisms, cheap plastic parts with cheap plastic parts is not the answer. Multiple owners have ask Hyundai to find a better fix… all for not.
Exterior lighting, Mar 27, 2023
The high beam headlights don’t function properly. The low beam is all that works on both headlights. Something to do with the way the shield is not moving up to allow the high beams to function. On line looks like this is a common problem
Exterior lighting, Feb 4, 2023
High beams are not working on both headlight assemblies. Car uses a bulb with 1 filament and actuator to simulate a high beam and both headlight assembly actuators failed on a car with 51k miles. Hyundai has a TSB for this issue, so they are aware of this issue and this needs to be a recall, not just a TSB as this is a major safety issue.
Exterior lighting, Jan 29, 2023
My high beam lights stopped working. Replaced bulbs and they still don’t work.
Exterior lighting, Jan 10, 2023
When I was driving in very dark areas I was trying to turn on my high beams. I have manual headlights so I have to push the lever back. I see the high beam logo on the dashboard, but no lights appearing higher than the low beams. I searched up that it’s a common recall for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra’s and I believe I have that problem with my car. I hope that this description helps out in making the decision as soon as possible. Thank you!
Exterior lighting, Nov 25, 2022
Dim headlights and faulty high beam lights that do not work at all; while the sensor remains lit up on the dash board.
Exterior lighting, Nov 24, 2022
the high beam actuator has failed which has resulted in loss of high beam usage.
Exterior lighting, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH at night, the high-beam headlights failed to work as needed. The contact was able to drive to her destination; however, the contact stated that the vehicle became undrivable at night. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,900.
Exterior lighting, Sep 19, 2022
The headlight high beams do not function, leaving me unable to see.
Exterior lighting, Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall for the headlamps; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the headlights occasionally would not illuminate after the vehicle was started or while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that when the headlights failed to illuminate, the warning messages for daytime running lights and headlight and taillight out warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the driver’s headlight needed replacement because it did not illuminate. The contact then stated that the passenger’s side headlight needed replacement; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the repair for the headlights would be out of pocket. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and also informed the contact that the repairs would not be covered for the headlights. The contact stated that the manufacturer referred him to the NHTSA Hotline and informed him that he may seek legal advice. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2022
The High beams will not engage lights stay on dim mode
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 .
Exterior lighting, Jun 14, 2022
The headlamp actuator inside the headlight assembly that flips to reveal high beams or low beams is made of a cheap, flimsy plastic that wears down quickly. When it is worn down, the rod can no longer control whether high beams or low beams are shown. Because of this, this car is stuck with either high beams or no headlights at all. This is extremely unsafe for nighttime driving as you are stuck being invisible and likely to be hit by another car or alternatively, blinding the other occupants of the road at night. A full headlight assembly replacement is required which numbers to nearly $3000 for both sides. However, the replacement is going to have the same issue down the line due to the non-durable material of the shutter. There have been many complaints on Youtube and Hyundai forums about this exact issue, but there has yet to be a recall of any sort despite the safety hazard this presents.
Exterior lighting, Mar 13, 2022
both headlights will not show brights is there a recall on this vehicle. I have seen youtube clips showing the autodialers with a recall fix. please advise [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2022
Lights do not shine correctly on road, the dealership says that's how they were made and I even paid for them to put led lights bulbs in. It is dangerous at night driving.
Exterior lighting, Feb 22, 2022
Headlight stay in Dim mode will not switch to Bright Lights
Exterior lighting, Nov 18, 2021
Low beam headlights work fine. When engaging the high beam selector the high beams on both the left and right side do not work. There seems to be a lens that does not actuate to enable the high beams to shine.
Exterior lighting, Sep 13, 2021
Headlights will not go to high beam at times, other times the right side will not return back to low beam. I have had this problem many times and Hyundi replaced both headlights, but now they say they won't fix them because of the miles. This headlight design was new for the 2019 model year, I had a 2018, and a 2017 and had no problems with them. The 2019 has a projection type bulb, and uses a mechanical flap to change from high to low beam. This flap sticks, or fails to operate resulting in very intermittent operation. This is a very poor design and many times oncoming cars get blinded by one of the high beams that doesn't return to low beam. The problem is very intermittent so it doesn't always happen when your in the shop. I have talked to other Hyundi owners having the same problem, and I think this is a safety problem that needs a recall. Replacing these lights will cost about $1,000 and many people out of warranty will not replace them.
Exterior lighting, Jul 14, 2021
Headlight s are defective. At 40,000 miles right side headlight has gone out and very difficult to drive at night time . The dealership said on service invoice. paperwork dated March 21, 2021 that my 2019 Elantra had a recall for lamp Assy- head service kit . It’s says recall Headlight repair (. 21-01-004h
Exterior lighting, Jun 14, 2021
The high beams just stop working. I bring the car to the dealer on March and the dealer said “ order the parts “… I call the dealer 5 times and the guys told me they don’t receive the parts! After 5 month don’t receive the parts? That’s ridiculous… My 2 high beams are dead and I need it!!! I drive in the night and for me is a safety issue because there’s not light in the road I need to take for work.
Exterior lighting, May 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at night, the high-beam headlights were activated but failed to adequately light the roadway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.