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2015 Hyundai Elantra: sudden loss of power

7 of the 262 complaints about the 2015 Hyundai Elantra describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
3%
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 32 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

What owners say

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 Aug 16, 2026 · Steering · FL

I am writing to formally report a serious vehicle safety concern involving a 2015 Hyundai Elantra, VIN [XXX], which is owned by my mother. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering assistance, creating an immediate and significant safety concern. This could have caused a series issue to myself and others on the road. Following the incident, I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for inspection and diagnosis. The dealership advised that the vehicle’s VIN is not currently covered by a Hyundai recall for this issue. What is particularly concerning is that Hyundai has issued recalls involving power steering/electric power steering failures and related loss-of-steering-assistance concerns on various Hyundai models and model years. Given the nature of the failure and the similarities among reported power steering defects, I am concerned that this vehicle may be experiencing the same or a substantially similar safety-related defect, despite Hyundai currently stating that this particular VIN is not included in a recall. I respectfully ask the federal safety agency to: Review this incident and the underlying power steering failure associated with this 2015 Hyundai Elantra and determine whether the issue represents a broader safety defect. I understand that not every mechanical failure qualifies as a safety defect or recall. However, a sudden and unexpected loss of power steering assistance is fundamentally different from an ordinary wear-and-tear repair because it can affect the driver’s ability to safely control the vehicle. I am asking the federal safety agency to please review this matter as a potential safety defect. I would also appreciate confirmation that this complaint has been received and consideration of whether additional information, dealership documentation, diagnostic records, photographs, or repair estimates would assist with your investigation. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your role in protecting the safety of motorists and the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

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 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 Jun 16, 2023 · Engine · 72,561 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder and lost motive power before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle also lost power steering functionality and stopped in the right lane on the highway. The contact stated that she restarted the vehicle and was able to exit the highway. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled repeatedly while driving to the residence. The contact stated that while driving to an independent mechanic, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,561.

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.

Questions about the 2015 Hyundai Elantra loss of power

Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2015 Hyundai Elantra?

7 of 262 owner complaints about the 2015 Hyundai Elantra (3%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2017.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2015 Hyundai Elantra?

There are 0 recalls and 32 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2015 Hyundai Elantra

Stalling 39Check engine light 24Knocking 24Engine failure 23No deployment 13ABS 10Oil consumption 9Fire or smoke 8Power steering loss 6Headlights 5Hesitation 5Tire blowout 5

All model years of the Hyundai Elantra

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