2017 Hyundai Elantra GT: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Aug 8, 2026 · Engine · KY

The Engine stalled completely at highway speeds. It was then towed to the dealership and was diagnosed with engine rod bearing failure. Hyundai is denying the warranty extension for this engine failure based on an incomplete 'Service Campaign 966' that does not appear on the federal safety agency public recall database, leaving consumers unnotified of safety-critical software updates."

Filed May 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

I am writing to formally log a critical safety and product reliability complaint regarding my Hyundai Elantra GT. The vehicle has suffered catastrophic engine failure characterized by severe rod knock. This failure occurred without any prior warning from the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic systems, exposing an engineering and sensor flaw that creates an immediate safety hazard.The vehicle was operating normally when it suddenly developed a distinct, heavy metallic knocking sound from the engine block, indicative of failed connecting rod bearings. Upon immediate inspection, the issue was linked to critical oil starvation or pressure drops.Crucially, the vehicle’s warning systems failed entirely to alert me to an issue:No Low Oil Pressure Warning: The dashboard oil pressure light never illuminated to warn of low pressure or critical oil level depletion.No Check Engine Light (CEL): The engine sensors failed to detect underlying mechanical distress, oil degradation, or early-stage misfires before the catastrophic failure occurred.Complete System Silence: The vehicle gave absolutely no visual or audible alerts on the instrument cluster, depriving me of the chance to pull over safely and shut off the engine to prevent total destruction.This sensor failure is an unacceptable safety risk. Total engine seizure at highway speeds can cause a sudden loss of motive power, power steering, and braking assist, endangering my life and the lives of others on the road. The failure of Hyundai’s diagnostic sensors to communicate active oil or mechanical breakdown directly directly caused this total engine loss.I request that Hyundai review this case immediately, investigate the failure of the warning systems, and provide financial remediation for the required engine replacement.I look forward to your prompt response regarding the next steps for a corporate review.

Filed Apr 3, 2026 · Engine · CA

After a Hyundai dealership installed the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update to prevent engine bearing failure and potential fires in certain Theta II, Nu, and Gamma engines, my Elantra GT is stuck in limp mode and will no longer accelerate. Since it takes my car a very long time to reach safe driving speeds, I took the car back to the dealership and they conveniently blamed the catalytic converter. I went for a ride with a California BAR associate, and he agreed that the update was causing my engine to go into limp mode, and it wasn't a symptom of a plugged CAT, but he was unable or unwilling to help me. Hyundai acknowledged that the engine does qualify for the Theta II extended warranty but will not explore that possibility until I have them replace the cat for $3,300, which we both know isn't going to solve anything. I have contacted Hyundai Corporate Customer Relations, and even the BBB, who refuses to qualify my car for their Engine Replacement class action lawsuit because the engine hasn't seized up yet, which will never happen since the update is preventing it. Even lemon law lawyers refuse to assist me because the car is too old. Since this is the only car I have, I am a nervous reck whenever I have to use it. If I press the accelerator pedal just a bit too much, the engine cuts out.

Filed May 2, 2025 · Transmission · RI

Was driving the car on a two lane road and engine shut off. Had to coast to side of road. Had car towed to deal and they say it is a bottom end knock and engine has to be replaced. It has 54,000 miles and has been serviced regularly by Hyundai dealers. Dealer can not specify what is wrong with engine other than bottom end knock and won’t drop the pan or do an oil analysis to find out more details.

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Knock Sensor and decreased internal battery No harm to me or others Yes No No, 12-23-2023 date of incident.

Filed Jan 24, 2022 · Engine · NC

Bought my vehicle used a few months ago. Engine started knocking. Hyundai dealership told me I had a engine recall but would not fix the problem due to sludge buildup causing the engine to knock. Sludge buildup is due to manufacturing problems but Hyundai is refusing to fix.

Filed Aug 16, 2021 · Engine · CA

I am the second owner of a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback. I have not had any issues with the car until last week. I was driving in town to pick something up and the engine started knocking and losing power. The rpms would go up but I could not go anywhere. Eventually I had to park the car and have it towed to my house. I checked the oil and it was very low and had sludge in the upper engine area. I could visually see sludge where you fill the oil. I received no low oil light or engine light. Car still starts but has severe knock and shaking. Called into the Dealership, its over 60k (68k total miles) so they said it is over warranty but to bring in and they will call it into Hyundai. There is a 30 day wait so their must be something going on with these engines. I am seeing this same issue online with same cars.

Filed Jul 8, 2021 · Engine · CA

I was driving on the freeway and started hearing some knocking noise coming out from the engine , I decided to go home and as I was getting close to my house , the engine seized and the car won’t start. I towed it to the Hyundai dealership and they quoted me 10.000$ for a new engine and they wouldn’t tell the main reason to why my engine died. They only said to me that all four pistons are bad and that the engine has been burning lots of oil.

Filed Jun 9, 2021 · Engine · CA

I have a 2017 Hyundai Elantra gt that currently has 108,000 miles and I already replaced the catalytic converter twice within 7 months. Last month, as I was driving on the freeway going home, I started hearing some knocking noise coming out of the engine. I decided to go to my house since I was close by. The noise was getting louder and louder, then as I was going down the hill on my way home, the engine seized and good lord I was going down hill , put it in neutral and it got me exactly in front of my house.I saw that there’s many recalls about Hyundai cars and engine especially the elantras from 2012 to 2016 but for some reason my 2017 elantra gt is not included in any of the recalls, even though it has the same engine. My car is currently at the Hyundai dealership for a diagnostic and they’re telling me that I need a new engine without a proper explanation of what exactly happened to the engine.I have been doing my maintenance on the car regularly and it doesn’t make sense to why the engine failed out of the blue.

Filed Apr 19, 2021 · Engine · 101,296 miles · KS

While driving down the highway my vehicle stalled. When finally got it back started it made a awful knocking noise. Had it towed to the dealership and they informed me it was the rod bearings. They said I didn't qualify for a replacement because I was 1,000 miles over warranty. These motors should have a recall like the 2011-2016 these motors are doing the same thing as them. Yet there is no recall my kids and husband could of been really injured especially since it stalled on the highway.

Filed Apr 5, 2021 · Engine · 67,000 miles · FL

While driving on the highway there was a mechanical noise that came from the engine - the entire motor block gradually began to shake more and more, the engine light came on, and within 30 minutes the entire car died - would not start. Had to have it towed and reviewed my mechanic. Misfires on cylinder 3, and a spark plug was pulled and noticed that the gap was closed - something in the engine had hit the plug to close the gap. Massive amount of engine knock. Car only has 67k miles on it.