Bought the vehicle 07/23/26, passed SMOG per California requirements. CARFAX report showed car was recently serviced. While leaving the grocery store on 10/01/26, the car stalled and the check engine light came on. I restarted the car and drove two miles to my house. The next day, I checked the oil and found it was severely low, despite no evidence of a leak. The check engine light was no longer illuminated, so I took the car in for an oil change. As I was leaving the shop, the check engine light came back on; code given was P0017. Repair shop replaced sensors and valves, check engine light stayed on. Repair shop replaced the same parts to ensure they weren't faulty. Check engine light remained on. Spoke to multiple mechanics who all advised this is a known problem with Hyundai but the company won't accept responsibility. Car was taken to dealership on 10/21/26 and underwent a complete engine tear-down ($2100). Dealership is now replacing the entire engine because they couldn't guarantee that replacing specific parts would solve the problem.
Hyundai Elantra stalling problems
673 of the 8,746 owner complaints about the Hyundai Elantra describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 673
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,500
- typical mileage
- 63,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 156Engine failure 90Knocking 85Loss of power 46Hesitation 40Won't start 32Misfire 32Fuel pump 30
Trouble codes mentioned
P0017 5P0014 4P0304 3P0303 3P0302 2P0301 2P0300 2P3006 1P2096 1P1327 1
What owners say
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)
Vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to vibration when braking caused by warped rotors, a vehicle that pulls to one side with an off-center steering wheel, abnormal tire wear including a bald tire with a sidewall bubble, and a transmission that has twice failed and recently felt like it was going to stall while accelerating. The wheel bearing/suspension noise was confirmed by an independent repair shop (Firestone) using a listening device at highway speed; however, the dealership's own inspection gave a conflicting finding of no issue. The transmission issues have been reproduced by the dealership in the sense that two replacements were performed; however, the most recent stalling sensation has not yet been independently confirmed. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance. Warning lamps/symptoms included a horn malfunction (tied to Hyundai TSB 25-BE-005H-2) and headlight issues that coincided with transmission slipping on more than one occasion. These symptoms first appeared at approximately 10,000 miles with a wheel alignment flag, and have recurred and worsened over time, including three wheel alignments, two sets of front tires, and two rotor replacements.
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)
I am reporting that there is not a recall but a factor warranty from the manufacture. Stating that the o ring in the 2019 hyundai elantra was not properly tempered. Which will cause the car to stall, rod bearing to break, and cause the car to set on fire. My report is that my 2019 hyundai elantra with 139,000 miles has did exactly that. O ring was bad and the rod bearing broke. When calling hyundai to report it they claim that my vehicle Vin number doesn't fall under that manufacture recall. Why doesn't it? This is exactly what happen to my car!!! Can anyone please help me. Thanks
The vehicle entered limp mode. The Hyundai dealer diagnosed a camshaft problem, said the repair would be covered, ordered the part, and began the work. After the engine was opened, the dealer noted sludge/varnish and denied coverage, claiming lack of maintenance. This VIN is included in safety recall 21V301 for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Hyundai told the federal safety agency that chipped rings can scuff the cylinder bore, cause accelerated oil consumption, knocking, oil-pressure warning, connecting-rod bearing seizure, stall, and in limited cases fire. The published remedy is inspection of the cylinder bore and piston skirt, engine replacement if damage is found, and PNSS software, at no charge. Hyundai National Consumer Affairs Case #XXX. I sent a written demand that they complete Campaign 203 and not convert an open safety recall into a customer-pay job. On XXX, case manager Mohammad issued a letter denying only “limited warranty” coverage for lack of Owner’s Manual maintenance. That letter does not state whether the Campaign 203 bore/skirt inspection was done, does not state whether PNSS was installed, and does not decide the incomplete recall. Oil and filter were changed on a regular schedule by the owner’s family using the specified oil. A signed affidavit was provided. Hyundai’s warranty does not require dealer-only oil changes. The symptom of the recalled oil-consumption defect (varnish/sludge) is being used to refuse the recall remedy. The vehicle remains unrepaired. I have not authorized customer-pay work or disposal of parts. What I want the federal safety agency to do Record this as an incomplete recall remedy. Require Hyundai Motor America to complete Campaign 203 on VIN [XXX]: perform the official bore and piston-skirt inspection, replace the engine if abnormalities exist, install PNSS, and cover related camshaft/engine damage found when the engine was opened, at no charge. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 35-40 MPH on a bridge, the engine made a loud banging and knocking sound, and the vehicle stalled. The driver shifted into neutral, coasted down the bridge with the engine off, and pulled over to the side of the road. The driver noticed an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the contact's husband performed an oil change and discovered a hole in the side of the engine block. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,286. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted but unexpectedly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure caused by a misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,691.
Vehicle stalls while driving which is very dangerous. All dashboard lights go on prior to stalling. No engine light is on. Knocking sound coming from engine. Dealer states engine needs to be replaced. Car has been serviced regularly despite that Hyundai denies engine replacement. The knocking sound that engine does is common between this model and year but mysteriously there has not been engine recalls.
On 6/12/26, the engine had a sudden, catastrophic failure that caused a life-threatening hazard on a 2-lane highway in a remote mountain grade with no shoulder. Prior to this incident, the forward collision system had falsely gone off several times in dark or rainy conditions when there was no actual hazard or oncoming traffic on the road, which is very distracting and dangerous. Hyundai is not abiding by the terms of the federal class action lawsuit settlement, refuses to replace the defective engine, and is generally a danger to the public. What is the federal safety agency going to do the next time a Hyundai catches fire and causes a catastrophic disaster in Southern California? I was fortunate the engine didn't catch fire...it was lightning-hot when I opened the hood a full 30 minutes after the breakdown. This has a Nu series MPI engine...there are 5 known classes of Hyundai/Kia engines that fail without warning and the company is still getting away with endangering drivers, refusing to replace or reimburse. I have a 10k lien on this vehicle and my livelihood is at risk because of Hyundai's negligence and disregard for the law. My stalled vehicle could have caused a deadly accident when it failed had another driver failed to see it blocking the road. This is happening to millions of Hyundai owners and we're not getting the recourse we were promised. My VIN was excluded from recalls and class action, yet it has the same exact dangerous engine defect. Please investigate the Nu 2.0 MPI engine series if this hasn't already been established as an additional unsafe configuration. It would be in the interest of public safety if Hyundai went out of business; the company's manufacturing is a danger to society and Hyundai doesn't care as long as they continue to profit from consumer hardship and suffering.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
Recall number 24V308000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460.
Recall number 21V301000 · Recall details
Questions about the Hyundai Elantra stalling
Which Hyundai Elantra years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (123 complaints), 2013 (54 complaints) and 2014 (51 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine stalls while driving on the Hyundai Elantra?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,500 (median of 36 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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