2021 Hyundai Elantra: jerking or lurching

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · VA

I am filing a complaint regarding an unresolved and ongoing issue with my 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line. The vehicle currently has approximately 80,100 miles. This issue began when the vehicle had under 60,000 miles. At that time, I brought the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership because the check engine light was on and I was informed it was related to the EVAP system, specifically the purge valve. I spent approximately five hours at the dealership and was told the issue had been repaired. However, shortly after leaving the dealership, the check engine light returned with the same issue. Since then, I have attempted multiple times to resolve this problem. I even purchased a new purge valve and had it installed by an independent mechanic. Despite replacing the purge valve, the check engine light remains on and continues to report EVAP system issues. I also had a mechanic perform a smoke test on the system, which did not reveal any leaks in the EVAP system. The mechanic stated they could not determine why the system continues to show a purge valve or EVAP-related code and suggested that only Hyundai may have the tools necessary to properly diagnose the issue. I contacted Hyundai corporate customer service for assistance, but they informed me that each dealership is privately owned and they could not intervene or assist further. This issue has now been ongoing for approximately two years. I continue to experience the check engine light and now the vehicle is beginning to have drivability problems including vibration and jerking during acceleration. This unresolved issue also affects my ability to pass vehicle inspections if the check engine light remains on. I am requesting assistance in resolving this ongoing issue and receiving proper diagnosis and repair support from Hyundai so that the vehicle can be repaired correctly.

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Engine · NJ

I owned a 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line that experienced a recurring transmission issue. In warm weather conditions the transmission would intermittently slip and stutter, causing a jerky engagement when attempting to accelerate. In cold weather the vehicle operated normally without these symptoms. When the issue occurred, the vehicle would sometimes hesitate or fail to move forward smoothly when pressing the accelerator. This created unsafe driving situations, particularly when pulling into traffic or accelerating from a stop. On multiple occasions this behavior nearly resulted in rear-end collisions because the vehicle did not respond reliably to throttle input. The issue appeared to be temperature related, as the problem consistently occurred during warmer weather while the vehicle operated normally in colder conditions. Because the vehicle could fail to accelerate predictably, this created a safety hazard for myself and other drivers. I believe this may indicate a potential defect in the transmission system.

Filed Jun 1, 2023 · Seats · 11,117 miles · ME

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, he attempted to adjust the driver’s side seat however, the handle fractured. The contact stated that ss a result of the failure, the front driver’s side seat shifted backwards separating from the seat back frame. The contact stated that the failure almost caused the vehicle to crash, causing the contact to jerk the steering wheel and swerve. The contact was able to adjust himself and regain control of the vehicle. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V302000 (Seats). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to another dealer who diagnosed and determined that the seat back frame assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and informed that he would receive a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 11,117.

Filed Nov 1, 2022 · Acceleration, Brakes · AZ

Hello everyone. I NEED HELP i have a 2021 hyundai elantra and i have had the same issue for over 10k+ miles and 6 months. My traction control light, (no matter what speed or acceleration/deceleration.) will flicker on and off, make a horrible noise almost as if the ABS is applying but no ABS light comes on, and the pedals will go stiff and the whole car jerks. My 2021 elantra has had a new transmission put into it AND when that didn’t fix the issue, the wheel speed sensor was replace… well if that had fixed the issue, i wouldn’t be writing this post. after a new transmission, and wheel speed sensors, didn’t fix the issue the dealership themselves advised me to look into the lemon law being they had no idea at this point what was going on with my car. i have attempted getting my car bought back under the lemon law (Ohio) which my car meets the qualifications being that the issue was brought the the dealerships attention, before the 12 month or 18k (whichever came first) which in this case was taken to them before both. and that my car had been in the shop more then 30 days cumulative (it’s been 41) and hyundai has denied my request for a buy back, and has told me i need to do more research or get an exterior 2nd opinion. (pretty much a lawyer). they’ve advised me to “just keep taking it to the shop and get it fixed”. the issue is, this does not occur all the time. it is completely random and will do it once in a week and then not again for another 3. but when this happens, it’s scary. it’s loud, the pedals go stiff and the whole car jerks. accelerating or decelerating. the dealership will not replace something if they cannot duplicate the issue which is also a reason it’s taken so long to get any sort of answers. i have multiple videos, the service MANAGER, has rode in my car with me while this issue has occurred and stated himself my vehicle is unsafe, and i should not be driving it. i need help!

Filed Oct 28, 2022 · Transmission · WA

Ongoing issues whereby when accelerating the car jerks due to the transmission shuddering. There are many times when acceleration is very slow and the gears slowly shift. Brought this up to the dealership where I bought the car and they keep giving me the run around.

Filed Aug 19, 2022 · Brakes, Steering · TX

The car was brought back to the dealership after a few months after noticing that the steering wheel would shake and the car would jerk when brake was applied to slow down. In normal street driving as well as during highway driving. The dealership since it was under the warranty replaced the front rotors and the brake pads to solve the issue. Within the one year of purchase of the car, it was once again having the same issues of steering wheel shaking and the car jerking motion back and forth. When he car was brought back to the dealership they said that it was not under the warranty and that they would not address the issue And that if i wanted it to be fixed i would have to pay out of pocket I think that there is something wrong with either the rotors or the braking system that is casing this shaking and the car jerking when trying to slow down, and it should be addressed and investigated further.