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
251 reports, newest first.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 27, 2023
My car has randomly shut off 2 times in the last 48-72 hours. The first time in happened was a stop light, while idling the vehicle shutoff and restarted. The second time it happened was while actively driving the vehicle approximately 30 MPH. The vehicle has been taken to a local dealership and they are unable to figure out why this is happening. there is no check engine light or any other warning lights present both times this has happened. This is a huge risk for this to happen while the car is actually in motion.
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.
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2023
Gas Pedle only goes 20 miles sticks
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.
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.
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 19, 2023
I was pulling into my driveway to do a 3 point turnaround and my cars forward collision warning came on, then the tire pressure light as well. There was nothing around me. I put the car in park shut it off and left it off. I figured if it the lights were still on and it wouldn’t move I’d call the dealership in the morning and have it towed again!! I started it after it was off/ not running for 2 hours and it was gone.
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.
Steering, Jun 9, 2023
The car is very hard to keep in a straight line going down the road. Constant inputs have to be given to keep the wheel at center as the wheel will not re-center after small inputs (I.e. changing lanes, gentle curves in road, etc.). I feel it is a safety hazard
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.
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
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.
Electrical system, Mar 16, 2023
Anti theft system does not have standard engine immobilization, highly theft rate, owner at risk of danger while using vehicle if car jacked which is a high possibility since the Kia boys posted how to steal this particular vehicle. Hyundai will upgrade the anti-theft system but will not allow you a free FOB for activation of new anti theft system if the car was purchased used with no FOB, thus preventing Driver from the service campaign recently sent to particular owners/lessees. This is a safety issues as it has been broadcasted via social media to target drivers with these vehicles for car jacking
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2023, crash
I am contacting you regarding Service Campaign 993 (Atni-theft software upgrade). My car was stolen on March 7th, 2023 due to a lack of the required safety system on anti-theft software and immobilizing. Although, the recall updates and adds the mentioned safety issues, However, my war was stolen due lack of these safety systems. The car was recovered by police, however, it is damaged (Window, ignition cylinder, body of the car, bumpers, etc) I did contact the Hyundai customer care center, and I was told that Hyundai is not going to reimburse the cost of the repair of the damages to my car (although the safety issue in their Elantra cars caused this accident). I believe they should be responsible for any theft damages to the car because of the safety issue in Recall 993. Please let them know that it is not the owner's responsibility to pay for the damages that occur due to the lack of the required safety issues in their product. I am requesting the issuance of another Recall which reimburses all repair costs due to theft damages to the cars related to the safety issues in Recall 993.
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.
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.
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.