Hyundai Elantra loss of power problems

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Engine · UT

Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition Mileage: ~135,000 miles Engine: 2.0L Nu 4-Cylinder VIN: [XXX] Incidence Summary: Engine internal failure, metallic debris/shavings found in oil, severe knocking noise, high risk of sudden engine stall/failure while driving. Detailed Description of the Incident: While driving home, the vehicle began producing a loud, severe metallic knocking noise from the engine compartment. The engine continued running, but the noise persisted throughout the trip. Upon inspecting the vehicle, a certified mechanic removed the engine oil and discovered a significant amount of metallic debris and metal shavings inside the oil pan, indicating severe internal engine component wear (connecting rod bearing / crankshaft failure). The mechanic advised that the engine is at immediate risk of seizing or experiencing complete catastrophic failure. Safety Risk: A sudden engine failure or seizure while driving on a highway or at high speeds creates a critical safety hazard, as it can cause an immediate loss of power, loss of power steering/braking assistance, and significantly increase the risk of a crash or rear-end collision for me and surrounding traffic. Current Status: The vehicle is no longer safe to drive and has been grounded to prevent complete engine lockup or serious road accidents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes · CA

The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module has failed due to moisture intrusion that caused an internal electrical short circuit, destroying the ABS Primary Pressure Sensor. A few days after the vehicle was parked outside during heavy rain, I was driving on a busy highway when it suddenly lost engine power. During this emergency, I had to perform heavy braking and maneuver to the shoulder without engine assist. At the same time, the ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems suddenly disabled completely. This failure is consistent with the safety defect described in the federal safety agency Campaign 20V‑061 (Recall 188), which acknowledges that these ABS modules can permit moisture intrusion. However, Hyundai's remedy, installing a fuse relay, only cuts battery power while the vehicle is parked to reduce fire risk; it does not seal or repair the ABS module. Moisture from the heavy rain entered the module while the vehicle was parked and ultimately shorted the internal pressure sensor while driving, disabling critical braking and stability systems. Two independent third-party sources (an ASE-certified mechanic and a commercial automotive diagnostic scanner) identified codes C1237 (ABS Primary Pressure Sensor Signal), C1513, and C1260. Both confirmed an internal electrical failure of the ABS module. At Hyundai Corporate Consumer Affairs’ direction, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership. The dealership did not perform the required dynamic road test needed to reproduce the active ABS faults, and claimed there was only C1260 and not an ABS malfunction. The invoice documents identical mileage in and out, and video shows diagnostics performed while the vehicle was stationary with the engine off. Approximately 15 minutes later, an independent scanner successfully retrieved C1237, C1513, and C1260. Despite this evidence, Hyundai Consumer Affairs refused to repair the failed ABS module, characterizing it as a “maintenance item.”

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Steering · 46,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated during the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to continue driving, although the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, the mechanic associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine · FL

The vehicle experienced severe, sudden loss of power while driving, leaving the car unable to exceed approximately 40 MPH on public roads and highways. This restriction creates an immediate rear-end collision hazard and severely degrades acceleration under traffic conditions. Diagnostic & Technical History: The vehicle previously triggered Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Sensor / Engine Limp Mode). Diagnostic testing at Holler Hyundai under Techline Case #2026040700281 confirmed severe internal mechanical compression failure in Cylinder 4. Cylinder 4 failed dry compression testing and required a wet compression test (oil added to the cylinder) to hold pressure at 151 PSI. Severe internal engine oil pass-through/blow-by from the damaged cylinder has clogged the catalytic converter with baked oil ash, creating extreme exhaust backpressure that physically restricts vehicle speed and throttle response. Holler Hyundai recently replaced the physical knock sensor to clear the active P1326 light, but the underlying internal mechanical engine damage and clogged exhaust remain unaddressed. Corporate & Warranty Refusal: Hyundai Motor America (Executive Corporate Case #43193886) has formally denied goodwill coverage and engine replacement. Corporate is refusing to address the internal mechanical failure without requiring out-of-pocket diagnostic procedures, despite documented cylinder failure and a severe ongoing highway safety hazard.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine · VA

I bought my 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE earlier this year with about 119,000 miles. It had good maintenance records when I bought it, and it now has about 128,000 miles. Since buying it, I've had two oil changes done along with new spark plugs, coils, front brake pads, and tires. About two days before the engine failed, I noticed the car had suddenly burned through a significant amount of oil. There was no visible oil leak. The car stopped running, so I had it towed instead of continuing to drive it. Oil was added, and afterward it started and seemed to be running fine.The next day, I was driving approximately 70 mph on the interstate when the car suddenly lost acceleration and warning lights came on. There was smoke while I was driving, including smoke/fumes coming into the car. Afterward, there was oil everywhere. The car had to be towed again and is no longer drivable.What concerns me most is how quickly this happened. The car went from suddenly consuming oil with no visible leak to losing acceleration and experiencing a major engine failure while I was traveling 70 mph on the interstate. Losing power at that speed was dangerous, and the amount of oil and smoke also made me concerned about the possibility of a fire. Hyundai has told me the vehicle is no longer under warranty. I have not paid for an extensive engine teardown yet. My grandfather looked and he said it appears the engine threw a connecting rod through the side of the engine block. With the valve cover off, the engine looked brand new. I'm filing this complaint because an engine suddenly losing power at interstate speeds, along with oil and smoke, is a serious safety concern, especially with the potential for a fire. I hope the federal safety agency will compare this incident with other complaints involving engine failure and excessive oil consumption in 2017 Hyundai Elantras. Currently, it's available for inspection.

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Steering · FL

I am writing to formally report a serious vehicle safety concern involving a 2015 Hyundai Elantra, VIN [XXX], which is owned by my mother. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering assistance, creating an immediate and significant safety concern. This could have caused a series issue to myself and others on the road. Following the incident, I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for inspection and diagnosis. The dealership advised that the vehicle’s VIN is not currently covered by a Hyundai recall for this issue. What is particularly concerning is that Hyundai has issued recalls involving power steering/electric power steering failures and related loss-of-steering-assistance concerns on various Hyundai models and model years. Given the nature of the failure and the similarities among reported power steering defects, I am concerned that this vehicle may be experiencing the same or a substantially similar safety-related defect, despite Hyundai currently stating that this particular VIN is not included in a recall. I respectfully ask the federal safety agency to: Review this incident and the underlying power steering failure associated with this 2015 Hyundai Elantra and determine whether the issue represents a broader safety defect. I understand that not every mechanical failure qualifies as a safety defect or recall. However, a sudden and unexpected loss of power steering assistance is fundamentally different from an ordinary wear-and-tear repair because it can affect the driver’s ability to safely control the vehicle. I am asking the federal safety agency to please review this matter as a potential safety defect. I would also appreciate confirmation that this complaint has been received and consideration of whether additional information, dealership documentation, diagnostic records, photographs, or repair estimates would assist with your investigation. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your role in protecting the safety of motorists and the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · LA

The vehicle is a 2023 Hyundai Elantra N Line purchased from CarMax in February 2026 with approximately 40,000 miles. It currently has approximately 49,000 miles. The vehicle intermittently cuts off, hesitates to accelerate, and jerks/shudders during acceleration. The specific failed component or system is UNKNOWN because CarMax has not yet provided a definitive diagnosis. The suspected problem involves the engine, fuel/ignition system, transmission, electronic throttle, or another powertrain/control component, but this has not been confirmed. The vehicle’s sudden loss of power and hesitation during acceleration creates a safety risk because the vehicle may fail to accelerate when needed, including when entering traffic, changing lanes, or attempting to avoid a hazard. The unexpected cutting off of the vehicle also creates a risk of being stranded or struck by other vehicles. The problem has been reported to CarMax, but to my knowledge it has NOT been definitively diagnosed or confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility. CarMax has required a diagnosis before proceeding with further assistance, resulting in delays in addressing the defect. I contacted Hyundai regarding the vehicle and was informed that the vehicle’s original sale/in-service date was October 6, 2023, and that Hyundai has no recorded service history at a Hyundai dealership since that date. Hyundai has not yet physically inspected the vehicle for this complaint. The specific warning lamps or diagnostic messages associated with the failure are UNKNOWN. The primary symptoms are the vehicle cutting off, hesitation when accelerating, and jerking/shuddering during acceleration. These symptoms have continued and remain unresolved. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am requesting that the vehicle be professionally inspected and that the underlying cause of the loss of power, hesitation, and jerking be identified and documented.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Engine · TX

While the car is in drive, it would power off in the middle of driving. Took the car to repair and advised regarding the engine. My safety was at risk because I loss power to operation the car in the middle of traffic, which could have called an accident for myself and others. The problem have been confirmed a repair shop. No, the manufacture stated since my vin # is not included in their recall, it will not be cover but clearly its something wrong with the car. When the engine light came on, I took it to the repair shop and was advised regarding the engine.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine · NJ

While driving vehicle on a highway exit ramp, the engine suddenly failed. There were no warning lights, messages, noises, or other signs before it happened. The vehicle lost power and became undrivable, which was scary and dangerous because I was still on the road near highway traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership inspected it and said the engine had failed. I was given a repair estimate of about $9,100. I was also told the repair would not be covered under warranty and would not be covered under a recall. I believe this is a serious safety issue because the engine failed without warning while I was driving. If this had happened at a different time or location, it could have caused an accident or put other drivers at risk. The vehicle is currently undrivable, and the failed engine/component is available for inspection upon request