2015 Hyundai Elantra: engine failure

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine · FL

The vehicle experienced severe, sudden loss of power while driving, leaving the car unable to exceed approximately 40 MPH on public roads and highways. This restriction creates an immediate rear-end collision hazard and severely degrades acceleration under traffic conditions. Diagnostic & Technical History: The vehicle previously triggered Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Sensor / Engine Limp Mode). Diagnostic testing at Holler Hyundai under Techline Case #2026040700281 confirmed severe internal mechanical compression failure in Cylinder 4. Cylinder 4 failed dry compression testing and required a wet compression test (oil added to the cylinder) to hold pressure at 151 PSI. Severe internal engine oil pass-through/blow-by from the damaged cylinder has clogged the catalytic converter with baked oil ash, creating extreme exhaust backpressure that physically restricts vehicle speed and throttle response. Holler Hyundai recently replaced the physical knock sensor to clear the active P1326 light, but the underlying internal mechanical engine damage and clogged exhaust remain unaddressed. Corporate & Warranty Refusal: Hyundai Motor America (Executive Corporate Case #43193886) has formally denied goodwill coverage and engine replacement. Corporate is refusing to address the internal mechanical failure without requiring out-of-pocket diagnostic procedures, despite documented cylinder failure and a severe ongoing highway safety hazard.

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 Feb 6, 2026 · Engine · MA

Engine failure consistent with known Hyundai engine defect. Blue smoke, oil consumption, engine knock Mechanic autoscanned codes were P0300, PO301, PO302 Lost half quart of oil in 800 miles Fire risk acknowledged in recall documentation - undriveable car at Hyundai dealer in Salem NH, renting a car now as without any transportation Manufacturer denied repair based solely on VIN despite identical failure

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Transmission · NY

The engine blew once at 38,000 miles and now the new engine blew at 85,000 miles (47,000 on this engine). The car was driving fine, 5 minutes into driving i heard a slight knocking noise, 10 minutes after that I was stranded on the side of the road.

Filed May 30, 2024 · Engine · CA

I had a complete engine failure. The car had a loud knock sound and the engine shut off leaving the car inoperable.

Filed Mar 7, 2024 · Engine · 110,782 miles · MD

Was driving 2/6/24 and oil light came on. Engine smelled bad then entire car stopped working, e.g. brake pedal locked and the dashboard lit up. Ran over a median to manually stop the car. Had car towed to Hyundai dealership, who stated that an oil change from Firestone in 12/2023 was the culprit. Upon inspection the oil filter had a bulging gasket which was presumed to allow the car to slowly leak oil, leading to impending catastrophic engine failure. I appealed to Firestone and they completed an inspection and provided a report that showed the Hyundai engine itself was faulty and warped the oil filter based on detailed caliper measurements. In light of the Hyundai/Kia engine troubles, I wanted to submit a report in case my year and make and model make a recall list for engine issues.

Filed Jan 17, 2024 · Engine · 130,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearing failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but denied the engine replacement due to the vehicle having a Salvaged Title. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2023 · Engine · NC

Complete engine failure at 129k miles, 3k miles after purchasing used off Hyundai car dealerships.

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.

Filed Apr 21, 2023 · Engine · CT

Engine stalled while going at-speed on major highway; high risk of crash if not restarted in time. Continuous repeating stalls. Hyundai inspected car twice; failed to fix the problem on the first attempt, refused to replace engine alleging that maintenance was negligent due to residue inside motor. Hyundai did not report any residue on the first inspection, and likely did not inspect engine thoroughly when stalling was initially reported to their mechanics. Odd noises from engine present for months prior to stalling.

Filed Feb 16, 2023 · Engine · SC

The engine failed under with under 100,000 miles on the car. It dies going under 20 miles per hour. This is a safety issue because it will die anywhere and can cause wrecks due to sudden failure. The vehicle was inspected Stivers Hyundai, and they could not determine what caused the failure. The problem was confirmed with the same dealer. There were no warning lamps or signs prior to the failure. Beneath, I am reporting the issue on the date it first occurred, though it has occurred multiple times since.

Filed Jan 24, 2023 · Engine · OH

Multiple times now, the vehicle has stalled while I am driving and turned off. Both my battery and alternator are still good, however this continues to happen. This happens at any speed, but most commonly at low speeds, while slowing down. This typically starts with the engine chugging or the car begins lurching instead of moving fluidly. As this is happening the light cluster will also flash and then go off or will illuminate the oil pressure warning light. I have had the oil level checked and can confirm this is also not an issue. The only way to get the car back on is to put the vehicle in park, and turn it over until it starts. It will normally start on the first try but at times it has taken several attempts. Additionally the car now produces a strong exhaust smell anytime I am driving it even though it has not done so before and there are no issues with my exhaust system currently. The vehicle currently has around 180,000 miles but from what I have read on this site there are many individuals experiencing this same issue with varying mileage. This is obviously a major concern as I have kept the vehicle maintained normally and this seems to have come out of nowhere and this is a significant safety hazard both for myself and others. As many have stated already in their complaints their vehicle has also experienced this exact issue while driving putting themselves and others in danger. The only fix I have seen on the site here is to replace the engine which is absurd given that this seems to be a manufacturer issue and not on the vehicle owner from what I can tell based on the number of related complaints that are the exact same issue.