About this problem
Engine failure complaints describe engines that knock, seize or stop running entirely, often with a sudden loss of power on the road. The usual mechanical cause is wear in the connecting rod bearings, which can follow from manufacturing debris, low oil or oil starvation. Once a bearing fails, the engine usually needs to be replaced. Some failures on these engines are covered by recalls or extended warranties.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Hyundai Elantra since 2012, 586 (11.3%) describe engine failure and knocking, making it the most reported problem we track on the Elantra. The reports cluster on the 2013, 2017 and 2018 model years, and the 2017 drew the most, with 104. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 54,000 and 105,000 miles. 33 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. One recall is related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Elantra owners report engine knocking, loss of power and failed engines. The 2013 and 2017 to 2018 model years drew the most complaints, many tied to rod bearing wear and to the engines covered by Hyundai's engine recalls.
How it gets fixed
Check the VIN for recalls and extended engine coverage. Hyundai installed knock sensor software on many cars to warn drivers early.
Typical cost: Recall and warranty repairs are free. An engine replacement otherwise costs $4,000 to $7,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"My 2013 Elantra's engine recently stalled and now needs to be replaced, and the underlying problem as explained to me by the Hyundai service dept. Sounds extremely similar to the problems that led to the recent Sonata recall."
2013 Hyundai Elantra, 55,000 miles
"37k miles. It started with the engine running roughly, so we replaced a coil ourselves. Seemed to fix the issue but a week later there was an intermittent noise from the engine which sounded like a very small exhaust leak (like pffffft)."
2017 Hyundai Elantra, 37,500 miles
"On june 29,2020 my 2018 Hyundai Elantra with only 40,000 had a engine fire and totaled my entire car that was parked and turned off inside of my garage"
2018 Hyundai Elantra, 40,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Hyundai has sent dealers 20 bulletins that mention this problem on the Elantra. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of ...
Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
Certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L T-GDI Theta II engine may exhibit one or more misfire DTCs due to the injectors leaking internally.
This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing.
Certain vehicles that have completed Service Campaign 966 may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
Government investigations
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2013 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024
Before you buy a Elantra
- Ask for oil change records; long gaps are a red flag on these engines.
- Listen for knocking or ticking at idle and when accelerating.
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls and for any extended engine warranty.
Questions
Which Hyundai Elantra years have engine failure and knocking?
Complaints are highest for the 2013, 2017, 2018 model years. The 2017 drew the most, with 104 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 77,000 miles, and half reported it between 54,000 and 105,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall and warranty repairs are free. An engine replacement otherwise costs $4,000 to $7,000.