2015 Hyundai Elantra: check engine light

Filed May 22, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · MI

The engine failed on a 2015 Hyundai Elantra with approximately 71,000 miles. The vehicle has an open, unresolved safety recall (Recall 251, the federal safety agency #23V651000) for an ABS module brake fluid leak that Hyundai has acknowledged but has not provided a remedy for. The vehicle is currently at an independent repair facility and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle repeatedly shut off without warning while in motion and restarted mid-drive, causing sudden loss of power steering and power brakes while driving. This occurred on multiple occasions and was documented by an independent service center in February 2026. This presents a serious risk of accident, injury, or death to the driver and others on the road. The check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle experienced recurring brake issues requiring multiple repairs over several years, including brake replacement before 2026 and rear rotor, brake pad, and brake line repairs in February 2026. These brake symptoms are consistent with the known ABS module defect covered under open Recall 251. The engine shutoff symptom was first documented in February 2026 and continued until engine failure in May 2026.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Body, Engine · VA

I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a vehicle purchased on March 5, 2026. Within days of purchase, the vehicle exhibited multiple safety-related issues despite reportedly passing a Virginia safety inspection on February 27, 2026. The safety concerns identified include: - Driver-side headlight partially inoperable, which resulted in a traffic stop on March 15, 2026 - Front hood not properly secured/latching, creating a risk of opening while driving - No engine oil present upon inspection shortly after purchase - Coolant reservoir completely empty - Check engine light illuminated shortly after purchase Diagnostic testing following the check engine light revealed code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold). A mechanic advised that this condition is not a new issue and would have developed over time, indicating that it likely existed prior to the sale of the vehicle. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had an outstanding manufacturer safety recall identified as the federal safety agency Recall No. 23V651000 (Recall #251), dated April 3, 2024. This recall had not been completed prior to sale and was only addressed on March 24, 2026, after I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership. Additionally, the vehicle was subject to a manufacturer campaign identified as Campaign #P33, dated December 15, 2025. This further indicates that the vehicle required manufacturer-related service that had not been fully addressed prior to sale. An independent inspection conducted on March 16, 2026 confirmed conditions inconsistent with a vehicle that had recently passed a safety inspection. These issues raise serious concerns about the safety, inspection integrity, and roadworthiness of the vehicle at the time it was sold. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed for potential safety-related concerns and any related violations. I am available to provide supporting documentation, including inspection reports, diagnostic results, service records, and photographic evidence.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Engine · 160,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power several times, with the check engine warning light and low oil warning lights blinking. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure persisted. There was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Engine · UT

Vehicle routinely (3,000-5,000 miles, depending on oil used) maintained by qualified mechanics. Around 129,000 miles the engine began to knock / rattle. Mechanic was unable to determine the cause, but the rattle was only present between 0-40mph and would settle at higher speeds. Mechanic also noted the absence of sludge. Around 133,000 miles the vehicle stalled. The vehicle would start, but would stall again. Mechanic diagnosed timing chain failure and that the vehicle is burning oil. Vehicle has never indicated low oil, but it is now manually checked and burning about a quart of oil per 1,000 miles. Replaced timing chain and vehicle has continued to operate. Around 134,500 miles some power loss during low-speed acceleration and a slight engine rumble at lower speed. Mechanic diagnosed a wrist pin failure on cylinder 2. Vehicle may be inspected upon request. Vehicle stalls create some safety concerns, but have only occurred at low speeds. Vehicle timing chain was diagnosed by two different mechanics. When the vehicle was brought to a Hyundai dealership for a trunk latch recall in May of 2024 at 125,000 miles, no issues were noted. Vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance represenstatives since May of 2024, with no reported issues. No check engine notifications or warnings appeared until the vehicle stalled. Prior to slightly decreased acceleration, the only notable indicator of an issue is the persistent engine rattle (knock, piston slap). The engine rattle began in February of 2025.

Filed Mar 22, 2025 · Engine · OK

Check engine light came on, the code says misfire on random cylinders, drives very rough. Took to mechanic and said timing chain is loose, which causes the “skipping” or misfire, and could snap at any moment (which is unsafe and could cause a wreck). Mechanic has 3 other Hyundai Elantra's with same problem. Around 2 grand fix.

Filed Oct 1, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 73,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine had misfired; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jun 10, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Within three months of purchasing this vehicle, I started having engine light and oil consumption issues. Within the 4 years of owning, they've replaced the catalytic converter twice, many valves, and others. I had to purchase and add multiple quarts of oil to just maintain oil levels. I've had multiple occasions where my vehicle slowed to only up to 55 miles an hour while on the interstate. The vehicle had issues accelerating where an accident almost occurred because pulling into a shopping plaza, the vehicle couldn't drive up a minor hill and almost remained in the intersection. I've had multiple times where I was stuck on the side of the road in different environments, a few of which I was genuinely worried for my safety. This last incident I did not feel safe to drive where I needed to go so I got off the interstate to travel down a local road where the vehicle stalled in the middle of a 5 lane (one direction) busy road. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and warranty representatives. The engine and oil lights were the main issues, every time a light came on I reached out to the dealership to get it looked at. I received notice of many engines being recalled and repaired in 2022 yet Hyundai has only put bandaids on my engine.

Filed Dec 12, 2023 · Airbags, Brakes · 40,000 miles · NJ · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon accelerating from a stop light, the vehicle in the right lane abruptly attempted a U-turn, colliding with the contact's vehicle on the front passenger side. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated at the time of the collision, but the ABS warning light had illuminated intermittently before the collision. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact did not seek immediate medical attention but was treated days later for a concussion, a fractured collar, a broken rib, a broken wrist, and two herniated discs. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Malfunction Indicator Lamp sensors, determining that the air bag warning would have been illuminated had the sensors have been functioning properly. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); the VIN was included but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

When I come to a stop the car randomly shuts off and the engine lights come on. I have to put it in neutral and restart the car. This is happening all the time and scares me. I'm afraid that one day I will have to stop on the interstate and my car dies when traffic resumes putting me in danger.

Filed Oct 2, 2023 · Engine · 179,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, cylinder #3 misfired and check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TX

ok so i dont know how to answer this so im just gonna tell you whats happening well my car is dieing out at random times and the check engine light came on i had it read and it was the crankshaft sensor i then replaced it and then right after the same thing happens again well i had gone bacj=k and the guy sead its not reading anything els so he just changed my oil and sparkplugs and said it should be fine well today it happend again and now my MPH thing dont work and when i try to step on the gas because its battery is still on all the lights and stuff work AC ect. and it still drives but is shakey and feels very unsafe there where no warning lihgts or issues befor hand and this happen all within 3 weeks today is sep/29/2023 HELP i cant have my 3 kid in this car stoping in the middle or the busy st or hwy

Filed Jun 12, 2023 · Engine · CO

The car engine seized on me. Went to work in the am and by the afternoon the car was non drivable. Had it tolled to a Hyundai dealership and couple of other car repair shops and they all confirmed that the engine has died. I haven't even had the car for a year. There was no indicators on the screen or any kind of warning such as an engine light. Good thing the car was in park when before it seized, otherwise I could have been driving it and could have happened on the road.