2015 Hyundai Elantra: engine knocking or ticking

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 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 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 Apr 30, 2025 · Engine · WV

Hello my vehicle developed a knock and it has become so much worse, I will not drive it. Hyundai has played games with me. My vehicle has been at Jenkins Subaru three times at Hyundai request. This third time my vehicle had to be towed to Jenkins Subaru. Now Hyundai tells me they will not repair my vehicle even though they have been aware with this lifter knock piston slap issue for quite some time now. I need help. I am [XXX] [XXX] and rely on this vehicle to get me to doctors appointments and general errands. I really don't know what to do. I am afraid to drive the vehicle because of fire issues and possibly staling out on the interstate and me getting hit by another vehicle. Please help. My vehicle now sits at Jenkins Subaru in Clarksburg wv and I have no way to bring it back to Fairmont wv. A 20 to 25 minutes trip could be deadly to to bring it home. Hyundai could have cared less that I had to had the vehicle towed to Jenkins Subaru, there reasoning is it has 104,000 miles on it. I told Hyundai they must make throw away vehicles then. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 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 Feb 28, 2023 · Engine · 112,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, she heard a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the noise was intermittent at first but had become almost constant and would occur at various speeds. The contact stated that she recently saw white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the engine was revving high when started in the morning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2023 · Steering · CA

The steering makes a knocking noise when I turn the steering wheel. The dealer states I need to replace the rack and pinion assembly. I have read of other driver's complaints regarding steering issues. I am also aware of a previous recall for the same issue with earlier Elantras.

Filed Jan 17, 2022 · Engine · PA

Hyndai performed a service campaign to enhance their vehicle software to better detect abnormal engine noise. Since the campaign, this vehicle has had 3 instances in 8 weeks where the P1326 Knock Signal error code was detected. Per Hyundai's Service Campaign bulletin, this code indicates engine bearing failure. When the code is detected, the check engine light flashes and the engine is limited at 2000 rpm. This has occured while driving at highway speed in heavy traffic, and there is a significant safety risk due to the vehicle's sudden and unexpected deceleration which creates a high chance of being hit from behind. Hyundai has repeatedly treated this error code as sensor and electrical problem replacing electical components, clearing the code, and allowing the vehicle to be returned to service as if normal. However, per their service campaign, the failure is due to faulty engine bearings. This action of not correcting the mechanical problem has created multiple chances of potential collision and injury.

Filed Mar 21, 2021 · Engine · 64,000 miles · MA

I noticed a slight ticking sound at around 63,000 miles in my 2015 hyundai elantra while my car was idling. I had the vehicle diagnosed by an ase certified mechanic. They determined a knocking/pinging in the area of cylinder number one on the passenger side of the vehicle. Oil has always been changed around 3,000 miles. The sounds has progressively gotten worse and has become a loud knocking sound with loss of power. The vehicle has about 70,000 miles on it now and the engine is starting to fail more. The loud knocking sound is constant from idle through acceleration. I was curious if other people had this same issue so I did some research. Many cars with the same make and model were recalled for the same issue I'm having. Im afraid the engine is going to seize soon while driving and I'm concerned for my safety. I do not know what to do with this problem now. I don't think a car should be doing this at 70,000 miles

Filed Feb 24, 2021 · Engine · 130,000 miles · MO

There's a knocking ,tapping coming from motor, I was crossing intersection across a highway my vehicle stalled a bit thought it was going to die. I recently found out there was a claim out that the motors were defective as far as pistons tapping , losing power. I have contacted all I could all same same thing , sorry your warranty is expired.I have kept up with oil changes and maintenance car only had roughly 4,000 miles on it. The extended warranty does not cover miles over 10000 (if your a second owner )or 140000 if your original owner. I bought my car from enterprise car dealerships they bought it from hyundai. My issue is I was not told about a faulty engine until it was to late. And that wasn't even from hyundai or dealership. It was from the class action lawsuit paper. The repairs or replacement of motor hyundai is offering excludes people like me that had no idea and have exceeded miles of their original 100000 mile warranty. People like me that had and have no clue about the issues with motor are at risk for stalling or whatever else because we were not notified about problems. I'm thankful my car didn't die on crossing highway/ interstate with traffic . My problems with motor that they knew was faulty just started at 127,000 miles or so. People need to be aware of these issues, hyundai I feel are trying to cover up or refuse a recall to save them money.