2016 Hyundai Elantra: sudden loss of power

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

While driving on the freeway at normal highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately lost power, and the vehicle shut down within seconds. There was no prior warning or opportunity to take corrective action. The vehicle became completely disabled and could not be driven. This occurred late at night with limited traffic, and I was LUCKY to be near a freeway exit. I was able to coast toward the exit, but the engine seized fully, resulting in total loss of propulsion and blocking the freeway exit ramp. Law enforcement had to assist due to the disabled vehicle creating a traffic obstruction and safety hazard. A tow truck was required to remove the vehicle because it could not be restarted or moved. Under normal traffic conditions, this sudden loss of engine power at freeway speed could have resulted in a SERIOUS, potentially FATAL COLLISION. The outcome depended on luck, timing, and location rather than any safety system functioning as intended. The engine was later diagnosed by an authorized Hyundai dealership as seized due to internal failure. Hyundai denied warranty coverage because a software safety campaign had not been completed prior to the failure, even though the failure occurred suddenly and without warning, leaving no opportunity to complete the campaign. However, at the time of the failure, the federal safety agency recall lookup tool showed ZERO unrepaired recalls associated with this vehicle’s VIN. The campaign referenced by Hyundai is intended only to detect certain engine conditions and does not repair engine defects. In this case, the engine failed before any detection or warning could occur. The vehicle had just been refueled and was equipped with four brand-new tires, confirming it was being operated normally. This incident involved an unexpected and complete loss of engine power at freeway speed due to an apparent engine defect, presenting a SERIOUS SAFETY RISK to the driver and other motorists.

Filed Jan 14, 2025 · Engine · MA

While driving the car will stall regardless of speed or distance. Hyundai dealership states that this is due to a drop in oil pressure due to a faulty oil pump. I replaced this pump 18 months ago on 6/7/2023 with 87K miles. The car is displaying the same issue again on this date (1/14/2025) with 104K miles, and I took it to the Hyundai dealership, and they state that it is experiencing the same oil pump failure. The service department at the dealership stated that this is a known issue with these Hyundai Elantras, and this would be the third replacement of this oil pump. It was replaced once by the original owner under warranty. My contention is that this is a safety issue, because when the oil pressure dips the engine shuts off, and we lose all power to the car. This is a danger to us if this happens while driving the car.

Filed Nov 19, 2024 · Engine · MD

engine noise knocking sound, car hesitates and vibrates, reduced power...all getting worse...I try to avoid driving the car as much as possible.

Filed Oct 10, 2024 · Engine · CA

I am writing to formally request an urgent investigation into a potential recall for my vehicle, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. I purchased this vehicle in 2017 and completed my payments in March 2023. However, in late July, I experienced a catastrophic failure that has rendered my vehicle inoperable. While driving home from work, I suddenly experienced a complete loss of power. My car slowed down significantly, forcing me to pull over to the side of the road. Once I came to a stop, the engine failed to restart, despite the dashboard lights and radio functioning normally. It has now been over two months since my vehicle has been non-operational. After taking it to a certified repair shop for diagnosis, I was informed that the engine is seized. The estimated cost for repairs exceeds $13,000, which is financially unfeasible for me. This situation not only poses a significant financial burden but also raises serious safety concerns. A sudden engine seizure while driving can lead to dangerous situations, potentially endangering both the driver and other road users. Given the severity of this issue and its implications, I urge the federal safety agency to investigate the possibility of a recall for engine-related issues affecting the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. It is crucial that affected owners receive the necessary support and that safety concerns are addressed promptly. Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Filed Dec 12, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · OR

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Available for inspection upon request. Please do! Loss of power. Reported same issues a year ago. Brought to dealership, sold on other services that did not solve problem. Opened a case with Hyundai. No solution. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Random loss of power. Hyundai rep stated it’s a problem their systems do not actually scan for so it’s common this won’t appear in inspection reports. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer rep drove my car and mentioned he noticed it tries to accelerate when idle, but without a code he can’t do anything about it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A Hyundai dealership inspection was completed. Suggestion I buy a new engine. I declined since the multiple repairs paid for already were supposed to fix the problem, but they didn’t. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights for anything in over a year but I am still dealing with same loss of power and acceleration control issues.

Filed Sep 25, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

Component or System that Failed or Malfunctioned: Engine or other I was driving my 2016 Hyundai Elantra in Kissimmee, FL, 34746 when the engine suddenly lost power and the car stalled out. The rpms dropped to 0, and the car could not be restarted. I was able to coast to the side of the road, but I was nearly hit by oncoming traffic. After several minutes on the side of the road, I was able to restart the vehicle to arrive safely home. The vehicle also shuts off at stop lights, drive-through, or idle. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss of power while driving could have caused a serious accident. If I had been in the middle of the road or if there had been more traffic, I could have been hit by another vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, I have not yet taken the car to a dealer or independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by anyone other than myself. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, there were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The check engine light seems to come and go. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this safety problem. I am also requesting that Hyundai Motor America recall all 2016 Hyundai Elantras that may be affected by this problem. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Filed Jan 26, 2023 · Engine · MN

Leaving work on 1/24/23 my car failed on the 4 lane, on the ramp coming into the town I live in, and again in the middle of a 4 way intersection. I only live 2 miles from where I work. My engine light was flashing, lost all power/acceleration, transmission would not switch and kept my RPM's really high, took multiple times to get it re-started, and engine was knocking/surging/sputtering. I got it taken to my local shop the next day and they told me my engine needs to be replaced. It was throwing 6 different timing codes and my oil was very shiney (filled with metal shavings). My car was not leaking oil, all services were kept up to date, any mechanical issues were always taken care of, and my car only had 92k miles on it. If the engine failure wasn't from the bottom of the engine, warranty won't cover it (mine was stated that failure was from the top). How is this not considered with the recalls of other Hyundai's that hold the same engine?

Filed Jan 8, 2023 · Engine · NY

The engine stalled after fluctuating power from the throttle and accelerator. The engine began making a knocking sound as I tried to bring the vehicle off to the side of the road with a loss of engine power. No warning lights or indicators displayed on the dashboard the indicated the engine was malfunctioning. This malfunction or engine defect caused a serious decrease in speed which impeded the flow of traffic leading to to the chances of being in an accident or having the engine explode without warning. This vehicles malfunction jeopardized my safety, my passengers, and the other drivers on the road.

Filed Aug 4, 2022 · Engine · WA

At 75,000 miles my engine randomly blew on the freeway, I rolled down the off-ramp where I lost all power and had to put it in neutral and put the emergency brake on so I didn’t roll through a red light at the bottom of the ramp. Absolutely no warning, nothing else was wrong with the car, mechanic said oil and everything else looked perfect but that it was a manufacturer defect due to the pistons in the engine. Now I owe 8.5k on a car I can’t drive because neither insurance nor Hyundai will take responsibility. Great 👍🏻

Filed Feb 8, 2022 · Engine · MA

Sudden loss of power accompanied by a pinging vibration and no response when stepping on gas pedal !

Filed Dec 29, 2021 · Engine · AL

My car suddenly lost power and would not accelerate over 20 mph. It gave no warning whatsoever. No check engine light no dash lights at all. It seemed as if it was in some type of protection mode. I took it to the dealer and was told it was my catalytic converter. They replaced the manifold catalytic converter and sent me on my way. Within 15 minutes the check engine light was on and has been on ever since. The back of my car is covered in soot and my car uses about 4 quarts of oil per 2 weeks. My car was NOT like this before. I received a letter about a recall and when I took it to the dealer I was brushed off like it didn't apply to my car. My car was doing the EXACT thing that the recall letter stated. I have kept my car maintenance up and fully feel this is a mechanical default.

Filed Nov 9, 2021 · Engine · MD

I was driving the car at 25 MPH, when suddenly there was a clicking noise and the car lost power. I made it to my local service shop, but they were already closed. The next morning they called to inform me that the engine had blown and that it was a common problem for Hyundai vehicles. When the engine blew, it enabled gasoline to leak into the engine compartment. I feel that this is a serious fire hazard. Even though the care had high mileage, it was in good mechanical shape at the time of the incident. I had routine maintenance performed regularly. There were never any warning indicators that something might be wrong.