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Hyundai Elantra shudder problems

29 of the 8,746 owner complaints about the Hyundai Elantra describe shudder or vibration when accelerating, most of them for the 2017 model year.

owner complaints
29
worst model year
2017
typical mileage
38,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    2
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    4
  • 2017
    7
  • 2015
    4
  • 2013
    2
  • 2011
    1
  • 2008
    2
  • 2005
    1
  • 1998
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · CA

The car went into 'limp mode' after rpm fluxuation. It's in the shop. Blake, a service manager at Temecula Hyundai, tells me it has "piston slap," which AI says is related to a piston ring recall for this car. Blake went on to say it has 2 power train issues (and needs a catalytic converter). the federal safety agency shows no recall, but whether engine or transmission, my daughter was nearly rear-ended due to this mechanical failure occurring on a two-lane highway at 55 mph. RE: Transmission (copied from Facebook): "Summarized by Meta AI " "Several 2020 Elantra owners describe shuddering, hesitation, and complete transmission failure at low mileage. Some report the car won’t accelerate from a stop or surges in RPM while cruising. Hyundai issued a recall for shifting issues that a software update can fix, but not all owners have been notified." It seems to me that the incident could have been transmission and the the engine 'piston slap' is conincidentally simultaneously discovered by Temecula Hyundai. Naturally, I conferred with AI as to the possibilities and found both transmission software recalls and a piston ring recall both a matter of record, but somehow not fully reported or complied with by Hyundai. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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 May 9, 2025 · Engine, Lights · OH

Excessive oil consumption, shudder in motor while driving . Check engine light cam on. Visibility in headlights very low and high beams only working sometimes.

Filed May 8, 2025 · Engine · 108,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently shuddering while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt and exhaust camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer who confirmed the diagnostic results. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 73,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine had misfired; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 10, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · 38,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle responded significantly, causing the contact to depress the brake pedal to drive safely. The contact stated that the vehicle would shudder while responding on some occasions. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the failure recurred, and the vehicle and the steering wheel were shuddering temporarily. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven twice; however, the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and several cases were filed. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Transmission · FL

All of the following has occurred to me; Delayed or sluggish acceleration Gear slips Shaking, shuddering, or juddering Harsh or rough shifts Immobility or stalling Thumping and other objectional sounds My car has just over 25000 miles. I have only had it serviced at the dealership. I have complained about this issue to only get a software reset which. Doesn’t solve the issue. The last time I left it at the dealership for this issue , they had it for weeks , was told that the issue was replicated , only got a software reset. My problem persist and only seems to be getting worse.

Filed Jun 24, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · IL

When stopped at a red light or in traffic, (on many occasions), my car will suddenly surge and accelerate. It's leads no many near rear end collisions. Sometimes it leads up to my engine stalling. Also have shuddering (like it wants to die) when driving on freeway. The re has been to many incidents to keep track of.

Filed Jun 16, 2023 · Engine · 72,561 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder and lost motive power before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle also lost power steering functionality and stopped in the right lane on the highway. The contact stated that she restarted the vehicle and was able to exit the highway. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled repeatedly while driving to the residence. The contact stated that while driving to an independent mechanic, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,561.

Filed Jun 13, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · NJ

Since buying my vehicle new, it has had three ignition coils fail at different times. The car begins to shudder, rough idle, not accelerate and all of a sudden just will not respond to giving it gas. This happens at any speed therefore it is a danger especially entering or exiting highways or switching lanes. It has been unpredictable. The check engine light does come on some of the time as this problem is occurring, not before. The dealer replaced the first two coils (51, 576 miles and 56, 446 miles) under the warranty. The third coil replaced (78, 391 miles), they would not cover under warranty, nor would they replace the 4th coil as a precaution.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: pumpReported July 27, 2023 · 52,109 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Risk
An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

Recall number 23V526000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported July 7, 1999 · 11,530 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission pressure control solenoid valve seals do not remain sufficiently elastic, resulting in transmission fluid leakage. This leakage can result in reduced pressure application to the clutches, brake, and kickdown servo, allowing them to slip.
Risk
Such slippage can cause premature deterioration of the friction element surfaces and could cause the vehicle not to accelerate, or not accelerate as expected, when the driver presses the accelerator pedal.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pressure control solenoid valve.

Recall number 99V178000 · Recall details

Questions about the Hyundai Elantra shudder

Which Hyundai Elantra years have shudder or vibration when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2017 (7 complaints), 2015 (4 complaints) and 2018 (4 complaints).

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