Hyundai Elantra fuel smell problems

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Engine · 23,825 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not formally diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a crack in the engine, causing a leak. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,825.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Engine · OH

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2012 Hyundai Elantra equipped with the 1.8L Nu engine, which is experiencing premature internal engine damage that presents a potential safety risk. Vehicle details: Year/Make/Model: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Mileage: Approximately 134,500 miles Issue description: The engine produces a persistent ticking/knocking noise, most pronounced at cold start but now continuing even after the engine has warmed. A Hyundai dealership diagnosed the vehicle with piston slap and confirmed significant scarring on the cylinder walls, stating that the only repair is full engine replacement. Despite the presence of internal engine damage, no warning lights are illuminated. I am concerned this condition could lead to sudden engine seizure or loss of power while driving, creating a safety hazard. Additional observations include: Excessive crankcase blow-by observed when removing the oil fill cap while the engine is running Strong exhaust fumes at cold start Noise most noticeable at idle and low RPM Regular oil changes using manufacturer-recommended oil viscosity The dealership advised the condition was not repairable short of engine replacement and did not submit the concern for Hyundai corporate technical review (Techline), despite the known history of engine defects in Hyundai Nu engines. I am filing this complaint to document a pattern of premature internal engine wear that may not be adequately addressed through recalls or warranty programs, and which could result in sudden engine failure. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

Vehicle Issue Description for the federal safety agency Complaint: Component/System Failure: The engine of my 2013 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [insert VIN]) completely failed at 51,000 miles. The alternator also failed and had to be replaced. There was a persistent smell of gasoline inside and outside the vehicle, creating a fire hazard. All components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The engine failure left the vehicle completely inoperable. The gas smell created a serious fire hazard and caused me to experience health issues, requiring an ER visit. The combination of engine malfunction, electrical issues, and fuel leaks posed a risk to my safety and the safety of others while driving. Confirmation by Dealer / Mechanic: Independent mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed the engine failure and alternator issues. Multiple mechanics advised not to drive the car due to the fire hazard. The original selling dealer (Larry H. Miller Toyota) inspected the car and acknowledged engine problems in writing on a business card. Inspection by Manufacturer / Others: Hyundai corporate has been notified, but they declined warranty coverage as the vehicle is a second-owner car and beyond the original warranty. The dealer has also been made aware of the engine failure. Warning Lamps / Symptoms: No warning lamps indicated imminent engine failure prior to the engine dying. The first symptoms were mechanical issues, gas smell, and eventual total engine failure. Alternator failure and repeated maintenance issues occurred within 8 months of purchase. Additional Notes: Vehicle purchased at 34,000 miles; engine failed at 51,000 miles. Independent repair receipts, ER paperwork, are available to support the case.

Filed Aug 24, 2024 · Fuel system · FL

While driving vehicle the black nylon fuel line started spraying fuel over the top of the hot engine. At highway speed the passenger compartment filled up with gasoline fumes. Pulled over to open the hood and saw fuel streaming from the fuel line on top of engine. Vehicle was shut down, and AAA towing called to tow vehicle 85 miles from StAugustine Fl, to Gainesville Florida to Hyundai Dealership of Gainesville. The vehicle has been in the shop on [XXX], for repairs. This vehicle only has 44000 miles on it. Hyundai states that they don’t have the fuel line in the USA and had to order the part from Korea. I was stranded 352 miles from my home. I called Hyundai corporate to notify them of this issue with the defective fuel line. They said there is no recall on this part, and not covered under the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. They told me it’s going to cost me $1124.26 for the repair. I almost lost my life potentially being barbecued in this vehicle, not to mention other innocent people getting hurt. I have owned many cars in my lifetime and this is the most dangerous vehicle I ever had. Potential to explode and catch fire while driving on expressway. I think the federal safety agency should look into this vehicles safety before other innocent people get killed. An extremely dangerous road hazard. Note this vehicle only has 44,000 miles and is maintained properly. Hyundai doesn’t care about safety, and their customers. When I purchased this vehicle they told me how safe it was and the best auto warranty in the world. Please look into this fuel line defect before someone gets severely injured or killed by fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 30, 2024 · Fuel system · CA

Have a raw fuel smell every time I park my car

Filed Feb 20, 2024 · Brakes, Fuel system · 12,450 miles · TX

The contact 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a garage, he observed an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was moved to the street. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 12,450.

Filed Jan 24, 2023 · Engine · OH

Multiple times now, the vehicle has stalled while I am driving and turned off. Both my battery and alternator are still good, however this continues to happen. This happens at any speed, but most commonly at low speeds, while slowing down. This typically starts with the engine chugging or the car begins lurching instead of moving fluidly. As this is happening the light cluster will also flash and then go off or will illuminate the oil pressure warning light. I have had the oil level checked and can confirm this is also not an issue. The only way to get the car back on is to put the vehicle in park, and turn it over until it starts. It will normally start on the first try but at times it has taken several attempts. Additionally the car now produces a strong exhaust smell anytime I am driving it even though it has not done so before and there are no issues with my exhaust system currently. The vehicle currently has around 180,000 miles but from what I have read on this site there are many individuals experiencing this same issue with varying mileage. This is obviously a major concern as I have kept the vehicle maintained normally and this seems to have come out of nowhere and this is a significant safety hazard both for myself and others. As many have stated already in their complaints their vehicle has also experienced this exact issue while driving putting themselves and others in danger. The only fix I have seen on the site here is to replace the engine which is absurd given that this seems to be a manufacturer issue and not on the vehicle owner from what I can tell based on the number of related complaints that are the exact same issue.

Filed Jun 15, 2022 · Fuel system · NV

Inside of my car smells like gas strongly everytime it gets hot outside. I also can see the fumes coming out of the gas tank.

Filed May 13, 2022 · Fuel system · GA

The steering wheel is loose. It rattles when I drive especially when I drive over rough areas like train track, pot hole or something like that. I can tell it is very loose when I am making turns. There is also issue with fuel smell inside my car. I frequently smell gas. To the point where I have to let the window down to let air in. The gas fumes are strong. The gas issue has been a problem for 2-3 years.

Filed Mar 7, 2022 · Engine · OR

at 94,000 still under my engine warrant and paid thousands on "guess repairs" for the past 3 months. Shakiness of engine upon start up followed by completely shutting down and not starting. I have taken it to an auto shop and TWO different hyundai dealerships that have charged me for thousands of dollars on things like new spark plugs, fuel injector flush, O2 sensor, even tested all fuel injectors and came back with no issues. Hyundai says codes aren't showing any issues and sending me home with the same dangerous symptoms!! Even the guy at dealership said "this is why I don't buy Hyundai." I can't find someone to help my case and I feel powerless. I have read so many similar online complaints for my same make and model and nobody is getting the help they need. It's WRONG for the consumer to have to pay for the mistakes made by a manufacturer. Please, somebody take this case on! My engine has all the issues described in the 2016 elantra engine recall, I don't understand how my VIN # does not show up under recall. I am at a dead end and Hyundai won't do anything but continue to charge me for services that are not fixing my car. Recent dealership even claimed he can't show me the diagnosis of codes because their "computers don't work that way." I know there is a lack of honesty. My Hyundai case manager denied the recalls I asked about that are true and all over the internet. It's like they are paid to try and hide public information just to continue to profit off services that don't fix your vehicle. Also, I have more documentation but max was 10 uploads here. I've been dealing with this since December 12, 2021. I also have video footage of what my car does upon start up from 3/05 and 3/06 where it smells like gasoline and entire vehicle shakes like it's going to explode. It all started during a cold front in Houston the day before my moving day to Oregon for new job and car has been CRAP since living in cold weather. ALWAYS a problem and not reliable.