2020 Hyundai Elantra: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · CA

2020 Hyundai Elantra, VIN [XXX], ~79,239 mi. On or about [XXX], while entering a parking lot at low speed on an incline, I pressed the accelerator but the car had severe power loss and then stalled. It would not move in reverse. All dashboard lights came on only after the stall. I restarted it; the lights cleared. It was towed to Westlake Hyundai, 3610 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; checked in Sep 29, 2026 8:59 AM. Dealer found engine oil below the low mark, no external leaks, DTCs P0302/P0304 (misfires cyl 2 & 4), and all spark plugs worn/fouled. They replaced the plugs and started an oil consumption test per TSB 23-EM-008H. Critical safety issue: the oil pressure warning light never illuminated before or during the stall, despite critically low oil. This removed my only warning to pull over safely. A sudden stall in traffic could cause a crash. The vehicle has the 2.0L Nu MPI engine covered by Recall 21V301 for defective piston oil rings causing excessive oil consumption and engine failure. My VIN is not included, but it shows the same failure. Vehicle is available for inspection. No police/insurance inspection. Manufacturer not yet inspected. Concern: engine defect and oil pressure warning system failure. Attached: Westlake Hyundai repair order/inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 14, 2026 · Engine · NY

My car just lost all power and stopped on the side of the road after making a weird noise under the hood

Filed Dec 12, 2025 · Engine · CA

Subject: Abnormal Engine Failure – Hyundai Case #[XXX] I am filing this complaint regarding my Hyundai vehicle, which suffered catastrophic engine failure at approximately 150,000 miles. While the vehicle is outside the standard warranty, this type of failure is not consistent with normal use or expected durability. Hyundai Motor America has acknowledged receipt of my certified demand letter (Case #[XXX]) but has refused to provide coverage, instead directing me to pay for towing and diagnostic costs. This position is unacceptable given Hyundai’s history of abnormal engine defects and related settlements. Key points: • The failure is abnormal and consistent with systemic defects Hyundai has faced in prior litigation, including the Theta II and Lambda II engine defect class actions, which resulted in recalls and settlements covering millions of vehicles. • Hyundai has previously extended goodwill repairs and recall coverage for similar failures, even outside warranty periods. • Engine failure at this mileage presents a serious safety hazard, including risk of stalling, fire, or loss of power while driving. • Hyundai’s refusal to cover towing and diagnostic costs places an unfair burden on consumers and may violate consumer protection statutes. Requested Action: I request that the agency investigate Hyundai’s handling of abnormal engine failures, ensure compliance with consumer protection and safety laws, and require Hyundai to provide coverage or reimbursement for towing, diagnostic, and repair costs in cases where engine failure is abnormal and unsafe. Supporting Documentation: • Certified demand letter sent to Hyundai Motor America. • Hyundai’s written denial (Case #[XXX], dated December 11, 2025). • Vehicle mileage and details of engine failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 12, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · GA

The warning lamp (engine light) illuminated blinking on and off. Engine code P1327 read on the diagnostic check, riding on the expressway was a little uncomfortable, engine was losing power which is unsafe at high speeds. I’ve contacted the nearest Hyundai dealer and scheduled an appointment for the car repair. I take care of the car and any repairs for maintenance and I never have any problems whatsoever until day. After doing research Hyundai had or has a recall for my vehicle with the VIN NUMBER starting with KMH, for engine replacement and I want to know if Hyundai can fix this issue.

Filed Feb 21, 2024 · Transmission · OK

Started noticing my 2020 Elantra was "jerking", "lurching" while in motion of driving. RPM would shoot up. A handful of times I would be losing power and almost not make to where I was headed. Starting/Turning from a dead stop, I would have no power and then suddenly it would surge and then I could get up to speed. I did not have any indication before hand or while driving. I did not have any lights come up, while driving or when it did the startup check when turned on. I barely made it to a Auto service, he drove it from one end of the parking lot to the other, then whipped into a bay for him to look at. I was told it was the Transmission, specifically CVT slippage and he suggested I do not drive home.

Filed Feb 23, 2023 · Transmission · FL

Loud knocking noise coming from engine. Car unable to be driven. No recall for my particular make and model per Hyundai dealer. Extra consumption of oil and loss of power during acceleration. No warning lights or other messages. 79, 500 miles. Problem inspected by certified auto mechanic.

Filed Aug 30, 2022 · Engine · NJ

Since the onset of leasing this 2020 Hyundai Elantra, the check engine light appeared intermittently. I reported this to the dealer on Route 4 in Paramus, New Jersey. They advised me that they ran scans to determine what the problem was. On one occasion they stated a censor needed replacing, and later told me that was done. Thereafter, on Friday, August 26, 2022, I was positioned to bring the car in again because the check engine light remained on, and additionally, another dash light came on causing a loss of power and the car to stall. The dealership told me they ran another scan and found metal shavings in the engine, and the engine would need to be replaced.

Filed Apr 2, 2021 · Transmission · 3,700 miles · MA

While driving on the highway, my vehicle experienced a CVT transmission failure. The vehicles tachometer started oscillating slightly, jumping up and down. The next symptoms was the car at times felt like it had a bucking/jerking sensation. The tachometer suddenly jumped up to around 5000 RPM. The car immediately lost power while traveling on the highway, dangerously almost causing an accident with the car behind me almost hitting/rear ending me from behind with this sudden unexpected loss of power and speed. The car slowed down and I found I could now not drive any faster than about 20 miles/hr. As I pushed down on the gas pedal, the tachometer just increased in RPM, with no transfer of power to the drive wheels. The car was purchased brand new in november 2020 and it now has 3700 miles on it. I have a video of the event happening as I started videoing when the car did not feel right.

Filed Feb 28, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 4,200 miles · NJ

While driving on highway car lost power dropping down to 10-20 miles per hour. Appears car stuck in low gear and won't go forward over 10mph with RPM revinning

Filed Oct 7, 2020 · Transmission · 2,650 miles · CA

Complete transmission failure under 2,800 miles on the car. Held 5th gear only and limped to victorville hyundai with check engine light. Extreme loss of power, dangerous driving conditions with sudden loss of gears and power. In motion, highway driving at 60 MPH.