2012 Hyundai Elantra: engine failure

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Engine · 80,000 miles · PA · fire

The contact’s son owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the rear of the vehicle caught fire. The contact’s son pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, and the fire extinguished on its own. No fire or police report was filed. The contact was informed by local police that a trail of oil had leaked from the contact’s son’s vehicle while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and refused to replace the engine under an unknown related engine recall. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Engine · OH

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2012 Hyundai Elantra equipped with the 1.8L Nu engine, which is experiencing premature internal engine damage that presents a potential safety risk. Vehicle details: Year/Make/Model: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Mileage: Approximately 134,500 miles Issue description: The engine produces a persistent ticking/knocking noise, most pronounced at cold start but now continuing even after the engine has warmed. A Hyundai dealership diagnosed the vehicle with piston slap and confirmed significant scarring on the cylinder walls, stating that the only repair is full engine replacement. Despite the presence of internal engine damage, no warning lights are illuminated. I am concerned this condition could lead to sudden engine seizure or loss of power while driving, creating a safety hazard. Additional observations include: Excessive crankcase blow-by observed when removing the oil fill cap while the engine is running Strong exhaust fumes at cold start Noise most noticeable at idle and low RPM Regular oil changes using manufacturer-recommended oil viscosity The dealership advised the condition was not repairable short of engine replacement and did not submit the concern for Hyundai corporate technical review (Techline), despite the known history of engine defects in Hyundai Nu engines. I am filing this complaint to document a pattern of premature internal engine wear that may not be adequately addressed through recalls or warranty programs, and which could result in sudden engine failure. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed Jun 25, 2024 · Engine · FL

I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Elantra and it suddenly stopped. I took it to be checked out and it has an excessive oil consumption issue which can cause engine failure or a fire. Hyundai refuses to acknowledge the issue or fix it. After doing some research I see that this is a common problem with this car. I have to check my oil every 1000 miles and many times less than that and refill it. They should be held responsible and fix the issue. There should also have been a recall considering not only how dangerous this is, but also how many people are experiencing this.

Filed Sep 15, 2023 · Engine · NY

On April 23rd when traveling from Jamestown, NY to to Fredonia, NY my car started and it seemed to be running rough. I shut the car off, and restarted it. It still seem to idle differently. Drove home, stopped I planned to stop to see my youngest daughter who resides at [XXX] 600 feet away from driveway, car began to chug and the engine light came on. I put on the Hazard lights and pulled to the side of the road. A pick up truck behind me was speeding up on me, he then swerved, and crossed the line into oncoming traffic. Breaks were screeching I was terrified there was going to be an accident. Called AAA, car was towed to Ralph's Penzoil in Dunkirk. Ralph replaced the coils. The car no longer chugged, the engine light was not on, but it sounded extremely loud, like a Diesel Tractor. Ralph said it was a hole in the muffler. I brought the car for a second opinion to Arkwright Towing and Larry said it was engine noise. Either the bearings or camshaft. He said there was no repair, I would either have to replace the engine or sell the vehicle. He cautioned against replacement as this model and make of Hyundai has had many engine recalls and problems. I then stopped driving the vehicle and used my mother's vehicle, as she no longer is driving after being discharged from the hospital. I finally had the chance to take the car to Hyundai Shultz in Lakewood, NY. I had brought the car there a few months prior, because it seemed to be running loud, especially in the morning. The Service department fixed a few recalls, but noted nothing wrong with the way the engine sounded. At this time the Hyundai dealership in Lakewood, Shultz my car continues to sit. Hyundai USA has refused to help replace the engine, as they state I do not have an extended warranty. While there have been hundreds of engine safety recalls on this make and model, just not 2012. Hyundai has closed my case, with no solution or repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 30, 2021 · Engine · NJ

Car has been properly maintained for years. No accidents or known major issues. Suddenly the car would not start one workday morning. The tow truck driver was unable to start the car; towed car to repair location. Nationally known major service station said the car was low on oil, they filled with 2 quarts. No prior oil problems, no oil or engine idiot light on dashboard was lit, no oil puddles/stains. Car returned to owner, on short drive home, the engine trouble idiot light turned on. Used code reader to find P0014 - cam shaft positioning error code. Brought to local service station, was told car needs a new engine. No outstanding recalls. Recent newspaper article stated there have been problems with 2012 Hyundai Elantra engines. Maybe locked engine is related to other known issues?

Filed Sep 17, 2019 · Airbags, Electrical · 145,000 miles · TN · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai elantra. While driving various speeds, the contact noticed that the steering wheel made popping noises and the steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who stated that the repairs would be expensive; however, the vehicle was still able to be driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. No further assistance was offered. The contact stated that the noises worsened and the vehicle's horn no longer functioned. In addition, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. While the vehicle was at a light, the vehicle ahead of her began to reverse instead of moving forward. The contact attempted to sound the horn, but it was defective. The rear of the preceding vehicle collided with the front end of the contact's vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact settled the matter through the insurance company. The day after the crash, the steering wheel completely seized and the contact was unable to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact associated the air bag failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v115000 (air bags, structure); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the crash. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed May 22, 2019 · Engine · 145,000 miles · VA

I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle. This vehicle started the infamous 'ticking or knocking' sound in january this year when it was very cold. At first I thought it would go away after the engine warms up but it continued to get worse with time. The ticking sound became very loud and annoying. I took it to couple of reliable mechanics to take a look and get an idea of what's wrong with the engine. They both told me separately that one of the pistons is not working properly and in order to fix this issue I have to have my engine replaced.I was also told that this is a 'known issue' with elantras 2012-16. Anyways I took it to hyundai dealership here in chantilly, virginia. They looked at it and finally told me that it is out of warranty and it will cost me $8000 to put a new engine and about $4000 or so to replace with used engine. This is shocking given that hyundai is well aware of the faulty engine design and lots of people have already complained about the ticking problem yet there is no recall !!!

Filed Mar 26, 2019 · Engine · 102,000 miles · NY

I have 2012 hyundai elantra gls with 1.8 l dohc engine. When cold started, the engine produces ticking/knocking noise which quiets down after running for 15 minutes. But, I observed that it is getting louder and louder and the noise is also not getting reduced as it used to be. I went to northtown hyundai and they found metal shavings in the oil pan. Hyundai refused to replace the engine for free even though they very well know that it is a manufacturing defect due to bad piston coating. The engine power has highly reduced and I am afraid that it might blow in the middle of the highway. I have attached the hyundai canada bulletin where they acknowledge the manufacturing problem. But, hyundai USA is not doing anything with this problem.

Filed Mar 20, 2019 · Engine · 110,000 miles · NY

After 110,000 miles, engine started hesitating, not running smooth, anymore. Brought to valley stream, ny dealer on 1/8 and they claimed no trouble found, sent me away and 2 mos. Later, the engine died. They "confiscated" my vehicle for safety concerns, but never said what, specifically.

Filed Feb 28, 2019 · Engine · 38,000 miles · CA

I purchased the car used, when it had 35,000 miles on it. Around 38,000 miles, I started to experience an engine ticking noise and vibration before coming to a stop or when starting up after a stop. It feels like the car will stall, but it never actually stalls. I have taken the car to several mechanics and the head mechanic at a hyundai dealer. The hyundai mechanic said the issue is "common" with hyundai elantras. He listed off various fixes he has tried, but said he can't figure out a common cause. When I researched the issue online, it appears that many other hyundai elantra owners have the same problem (e.g. Carcomplaints.com). It seems that there are many hyundai elantra owners waiting on engine replacements, with hyundai often not wanting to pay for the engine. I wonder if a recall is needed.

Filed Feb 23, 2019 · Engine · 67,000 miles · PA

I have a 2012 elantra, I am 2nd owner of the car, it just turned 67,000 miles and began making a loud ticking noise coming from the engine, I took it to my mechanic who did an oil change and discovered that there were pieces of metal in the oil pan and suggested I take it to hyundai dealership. Upon inspection at dealership they stated I need a new engine. The car is no longer in warranty so they dealer sent the information into hyundai corporate, outcome is no free engine I have to pay 3,000 out of pocket to have a new engine installed. In researching the problem online I am not alone in my pain! Shame on hyundai your car should be placed in the least wanted list! I wouldn't purchase another hyundai if it cost one cent! Hyundai is well aware of the issues with the engines and yet fails to acknowledge the right thing to do for its customers. Beware do no purchase a hyundai anything! I would not trust any of it's vehicles this is a huge safety issue for any one that owns one - do you homework check out the facts. Fortunately for me I didn't encounter a major accident while driving this car. I am now the owner of a very expensive car that is worth about the cost of the engine!

Filed Feb 8, 2019 · Engine · 86,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai elantra. While driving 30 MPH, there was a ticking noise coming from the engine. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to northtown hyundai (3675 sheridan dr, amherst, ny 14226, (716) 992-6536) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 15444915. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000. The VIN was not available.