Hyundai Elantra Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 275 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Hyundai Elantra across 27 model years. The 2000 model year has the most (43).
- 275engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 9mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 46%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 121 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 275 complaints, 9 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 4 an injury.
Hyundai Elantra engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Elantra | 1 | 1% | 8,000 |
| 2021 Elantra | 3 | 2% | 39,573 |
| 2020 Elantra | 3 | 1% | 400 |
| 2019 Elantra | 4 | 2% | 147,000 |
| 2018 Elantra | 4 | 1% | 47,619 |
| 2017 Elantra | 4 | 1% | 108,000 |
| 2016 Elantra | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2015 Elantra | 3 | 1% | 100,000 |
| 2014 Elantra | 2 | 1% | 117,783 |
| 2013 Elantra | 3 | 0% | 130,000 |
| 2012 Elantra | 2 | 0% | 24,533 |
| 2011 Elantra | 5 | 1% | 1,600 |
| 2010 Elantra | 5 | 1% | 14,354 |
| 2008 Elantra | 17 | 5% | 4,443 |
| 2007 Elantra | 7 | 3% | 50,626 |
| 2006 Elantra | 4 | 3% | 60,867 |
| 2005 Elantra | 6 | 4% | 38,311 |
| 2004 Elantra | 11 | 6% | 55,556 |
| 2003 Elantra | 21 | 9% | 41,448 |
| 2002 Elantra | 11 | 3% | 48,000 |
| 2001 Elantra | 19 | 6% | 64,500 |
| 2000 Elantra | 43 | 22% | 38,000 |
| 1999 Elantra | 22 | 17% | 108,500 |
| 1998 Elantra | 12 | 22% | — |
| 1997 Elantra | 20 | 17% | 86,000 |
| 1996 Elantra | 20 | 20% | — |
| 1995 Elantra | 20 | 18% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Model years: 2024
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The…
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a low rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. Upon checking the oil, the contact found the oil level was low and added approximately two quarts of oil. The contact stated…
The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that they were informed by a family member that when the vehicle was turned on and moved into the driveway, smoke was coming from underneath the hood, where the engine was located. A while later, when returning to the vehicle, they…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Hyundai Elantras have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 275 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Hyundai Elantra. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Hyundai Elantra engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other Hyundai Elantra problems
- Engine problems (1,651)
- Air Bags problems (1,303)
- Steering problems (1,142)
- Electrical System problems (1,034)
- Power Train problems (649)
- Suspension problems (592)
- Service Brakes problems (585)
- Structure problems (486)
See all Hyundai Elantra problems.