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Hyundai Elantra won't start problems

242 of the 8,746 owner complaints about the Hyundai Elantra describe won't start, most of them for the 2012 model year.

owner complaints
242
worst model year
2012
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
58,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Engine · MI

Car wouldn't start. Makes clicking sound. Mechanic diagnosed it and said timing chain is broken, valves are bent and pistons broken.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Engine · AZ

"I was not notified of Campaign 974 and later experienced engine problems/failure. I am requesting review of whether the campaign was completed and whether the failure is related to the condition the campaign was intended to detect. My engine failed while pulling up to a house, stopping, then preparing to move again the car stalled, car stalled, car would not start for several times tried, then started was able to drive for about 10 miles then stalled again and would not start, car has been intermittently working, car has recent and regular oil changes on time with correct oil and still failed now there is metal in the oil per the mechanics there is knocking sort of like ticking sounds - the car left me stranded due to the engine intermittently working and not working to start the car - the car will attempt to start then turn right off immediately after starting the car and sometimes not turn over the car also had been jumping when in stopped positions as soon as attempt to give gas ever so slightly

Filed May 10, 2026 · Engine · NC

Car randomly will not start or will start but have no RPM's. Last year showed a crank shaft sensor code and had it replaced but car is doing it again.

Filed Nov 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · GA · crash · 1 injury

Initial Fault Code: P0303 Replaced all 4 spark plugs and all 4 ignition coils. The check engine light extinguished momentarily but returned, logging P0303 and a new P0301 Replaced all 4 fuel injectors. CEL extinguished momentarily and then returned, logging P0303. Replaced the entire engine electrical harness. Concurrently, all related electrical components and connectors were meticulously cleaned with professional contact cleaner. CEL extinguished for significantly longer period of time, and then returned, re-logging P0303 and P0301. Thid suggested the ECU was "handshaking" with new components but re-logging the fault upon detecting the persistent core issue. A full compression test was performed. All cylinders reported results within specification. Using a borescope I inspected cylinder walls in piston tops. There was significant carbon residue buildup but nothing out of the ordinary for similar GDI engines. I still performed a PEA GDI specific chemical cleaning. It was a a little smoother afterwards, but the misfire persisted and CEL remained on. I also removed, cleaned, and tested common sensor faults, with no result. Also p0128 code and no start / electrical drain, and engine light started flashing numerous occasions had to stop the vehicle. I tried swapping the coils, but all that proved was that the coil was good, I did a power and ground test, it passed the connector had 12 plus volt power and a perfect resistance to static ground. The signal wire from the coil connector had perfect continuity to the ECU but had OL to chassis ground showing there was no short. A test light was used to see if anything was coming from the signal wire to the ignition coil and that test failed, there was no signal pulse. The diagnostic process has definitively proven a component-level failure inside the engine control unit. See attached file for more detailed information.

Filed Aug 21, 2025 · RI

Bought with 63000. Miles, have driven 40000 miles. Engine seized. Will not Start. Told by mechanic that engine is dead and happens frequently with this car. What are my options?. ALL UPKEEPS PERFORMED. NO WARNING.

Filed Jul 4, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MO

I was driving and I felt my car sputter and lunge forward slightly. Then my car lost power and when I pressed down on the accelerator it would not give out any power. The battery light came on and the car would not start after pulling over.

Filed Jun 1, 2025 · Engine · NY

Check engine light came on , car was sluggish and stalled on highway , was able to glide over to the side . Would not start . This is the 4th time this happened to this vehicle , in the past I was able to put in neutral and restart . They fixed it 3 times but they are now Hyundai is now saying it needs a new engine.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Car stop working once I got home I notice while I was driving the car kept back firing and Jurking while driving .had a mechanic look at the car he tried to start it but it started and shut off..he even tried to jump start the car with the jumping cables but it will not start..he told me it was electrical..I have a brand new battery and a complete tune up on the car..I have not been able to drive the car in 3 weeks

Filed Dec 20, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

Engine stalled out, oil light and engine repair light both on, call will not turn over

Filed Oct 30, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NY

I went to start my car and it would not turn over. All the lights were on, the vehicle wouldn't move out of park, and the security system kept going off. The last time this happened I had the starter replaced and the neutral safety switch and it was fine for a bit but now it's happened again. This is at least the 3rd time I've had this issue. Please help! I know I'm not the only one. I had to have AAA come and pick my car up and bring it to a garage.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported May 1, 2024 · 13,511 vehicles affected
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

EngineReported April 28, 2021 · 158,493 vehicles affected
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 won't start

Which Hyundai Elantra years have won't start problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2012 (81 complaints), 2013 (47 complaints) and 2011 (34 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix won't start on the Hyundai Elantra?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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