2017 Hyundai Elantra: brake failure

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Brakes · CA

My 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0L (outside Recall 157/17V063 VIN range) has suffered 7 intermittent brake failures since 06/03/2026 (~118,563 mi), involving total loss of braking power, a rock-hard pedal, and/or resistance during pedal depression. The vehicle is at Temecula Hyundai and available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: Across 7 incidents (06/03, 06/17, 06/23, 08/29, 09/19, 10/09, 10/11), the brake pedal either met strong resistance halfway down with rapid metallic ticking from the front-left/under-hood area and reduced stopping power, or became completely rock-hard with total loss of braking power for 5-10 seconds (frequently while braking downhill). On 09/19, 1-2 seconds of pedal resistance/ticking transitioned directly into a rock-hard pedal and total brake loss. On 06/03, I had to jump a curb to avoid traffic. On 06/23, 09/19, and 10/11, I had to use the emergency brake to stop. On 10/11, total brake loss approaching a stoplight forced a hard e-brake pull, locking the rear tires and spinning the car sideways in front of cross-traffic before brakes returned 8-10 seconds later. REPRODUCTION & INSPECTIONS: Inspected by Temecula Hyundai across 5 visits (96+ cumulative days in shop) and an independent shop (both verified brake pads, rotors, and calipers are good). In June 2026, a dealer technician reproduced the stiff brake pedal on a road test and replaced the brake booster under warranty (06/16), without documenting on the work order if vacuum check valve/hose or ABS HECU causes were ruled out as the root cause. Failures recurred within the same week. On 10/13, a dealer advisor confirmed a front-left growling/chirping noise on a road test, yet the dealer only suggested customer-pay brake pads (with "high confidence" it would fix the total/complete brake failures). WARNING LAMPS: Zero warning lights or codes have ever appeared before, during, or after any incident. A near-daily front-left growling and chirping noise is present (not constant during all braking).

Filed Jul 31, 2023 · Brakes, Lights · FL

I was driving on the highway, operating vehicle at posted speed limit, traveling about 70mph when vehicle experienced complete power loss for a short duration of time. All electrical off, loss of braking, loss of power steering. Power subsequently returned and vehicle resumed normal operation. This is not the first time this has occurred, but this episode has me concerned since I was driving on the highway this time. I understand that Hyundai has other vehicles experiencing engine problems, not sure if my vehicle is may be experiencing a similar engine part failure.

Filed Aug 31, 2021 · Brakes · CA

The brake system continually fails intermintently and is placing the driver and all passengers at risk of injury and or even death. The brake pedal stiffens not allowing pressure to be applied to use brakes. The pedal has to be pressed in aggressivly 5-10 times before finally allowing brake assist to help brake the vehicle. Once pedal begins to activate again it is followed with heavy grinding then finally almost resumes as normal with normal braking. The brake assist system has failed on almost 10 occasions on myself and has been taken in for repairs 4 times and fails to be repaired and appears to not ever be located. The recall regarding the brake booster was fixed, but yet brakes continued to fail after repair. The dealership has since taken it back in for repair and said they located leaking rear back brake pistons and repaired that. I was given car back and the next day experienced brake failure on 2 occasions on the freeway. I immediately gave the vehicle back to the dealer where it is today and they now believe it is the ABS system modular. The dealership continues to take it in but fails to locate the issue causing brake system failure. There have been no warning lamps or other issues that have relation to brake system failure. Since issue appeared first 2 months ago, I have replaced brake pads, brake fluid flush, brake booster recall, back brake pistons, and now ABS modular, and brakes continue to still fail.

Filed Aug 24, 2021 · OH

When driving on bumpy roads or a transition to a bridge on a freeway the ABS and traction control will fail. There will be the pulse sound of the ABS but no brakes and the brake pedal will go stiff and brakint will take an excessive amount of time. Sometimes letting go of brake pedal and trying again will resolve issue. There have been instances where the ABS, Brake and Traction Control Light have come on and the only way to fix this is to power down the car and restart. Also another issue is rough idle or misfire/check engine light when accelerating. Diagnostics is showing misfiring on cylinder 3.

Filed Feb 28, 2018 · Brakes · NJ · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 hyundai elantra. While driving highway speeds, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the brakes failed to respond. As a result, the vehicle was involved in a front end collision. The failure occurred without warning. A police report was filed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was towed to the body shop; however, a determination had not been made regarding if the vehicle was still operable. There was also a previous brake failure that resulted in a crash. There was one injury, but medical attention was not required. The contact suffered moderate abrasions. The failure mileage was not provided.

Filed Sep 19, 2017 · Brakes · 5,500 miles · MI · crash

The vehicle has approximately 5,500 miles on it and it was being driven 10-15 miles an hour on a city street. When trying to come to a stop the brake pedal went to the floor and would not stop the vehicle. It hit another vehicle and after pumping the brake pedal the brakes returned to normal. There is a current recall on this model and year to replace the brake booster but it doesn't currently include this vehicle's manufactured date. It's hyundai recall number 157 and nhsta safety campaign #17v063000.