2014 Hyundai Elantra Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 163 8 crash 10 fire 9 injury

“I WAS ON A HIGHWAY DRIVING THE VEHICLE (A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA) AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN IT INEXPLICABLY "STALLED" FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM. I QUICKLY LOST SPEED AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE DESPITE THE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AT ONE POINT. THE VEHICLE SIMPLY DID NOT RESPOND. THERE WAS PLENTY OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE, SO I HAD NOT RUN OUT OF GAS. THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO HAVE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF OPERATION. THIS RESULTED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT ON A HIGHWAY WHERE I, ALONG WITH THE OTHER OCCUPANTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE, SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT INJURIES. NOTABLY,…”
NHTSA complaint #10598934, 2014 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT MY WORK AND ALMOST AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED, CAUSING MY CAR TO JUMP THE CURB AND HIT A LIGHT POLE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE THE WHOLE TIME AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP. IT HAPPENED SO FAST. ONE MINUTE I WAS PARKING AND THE NEXT SECOND I HIT THE POLE. I SUSTAIN SEVERAL INJURIES AND AM WAITING TO HEAR ABOUT MY CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11341156, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL ON 9/23/2018, ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER A RAINSTORM (CAR WAS GARAGED DURING STORM) MY CAR WAS IN MOTION AT 40 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE ON A CURVE OF A SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE EXIT I275. THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT SIDEWAYS, AND BEGAN FISHTAILING. I TRIED TO PUMP THE BREAKS BUT THEY WERE NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE THEN SMASHED THE FRONT SIDE OF BUMPER INTO THE GUARD RAIL, AND PUSHED ME ACROSS TWO TRAFFIC LANES. THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE RIGHT LANE, FACING NORTH IN A SOUTHBOUND EXIT. I TRIED TO PUT IT IN REVERSE TO GET INTO THE SHOULDER, AND THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE HAD SHUT OFF ON ME…”
NHTSA complaint #11165490, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 86 13 crash 3 fire 2 injury

“08-26-16 WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A PUBLIC PARK WHILE DOING LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR, I EXPERIENCED RAPID UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, PLOWED THROUGH A FENCE, SIDESWIPED A TREE, WENT OFF A GRASSY MEDIAN BACK UP ONTO A GRASSY MEDIAN AND THEN BOUNCED OFF OF THAT BEFORE THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO REST. MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. IT IS A MIRACLE THAT I AM NOT DEAD AS THE PARK IS ON A VERY BUSY 4 LANE ROAD AND IS USUALLY FULL OF CHILDREN.”
NHTSA complaint #10909786, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A DRIVER OF A VEHICLE MAKING AN ILLEGAL LEFT HAND TURN WHICH TOTALLED THE VEHICLE AND LED TO INJURIES WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. THE BRAKES DID NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY TO STOP THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11280555, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The vehicle caught fire while it was in motion; there were loud bangs and a lot of noise, and smoke started coming out of the front, and the engine and the undercarriage caught fire.I managed to turn it off, but when they were towing it, the mechanics did the diagnostic and found wires were faulty and damaged the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11698790, 2025 · crash · fire

Electrical System 46 2 crash 4 fire 2 injury

“I was out running errands and I was taking a break Midway through the day and I had the seat laid back and the car was off the key wasn't even turned forward and I just started to fall asleep when I started feeling something get really hot I opened my eyes and the car was full of thick black smoke so I swung the door open and with all the smoke went out my passenger seat was on fire on the bottom of the seat I burned my hand really bad in the process of trying to put it out which I have some lawyers working on getting me compensated for all this but it seems to have started in the seat heater…”
NHTSA complaint #11497675, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DECLINED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AFTER IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10706092, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Vehicle was parked and turned off in a residential driveway when a fire spontaneously ignited in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights, unusual sounds, or symptoms prior to the incident. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire using dry chemical suppressant and water. The vehicle was a total loss. The fire appears to have originated in the front engine compartment area. The vehicle was not involved in a collision. The vehicle has a 1.8L Nu DOHC engine and 4-wheel ABS system. This vehicle falls under known NHTSA recalls and class action litigation related to…”
NHTSA complaint #11737763, 2026 · fire

Unknown Or Other 46 3 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“08-26-16 WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A PUBLIC PARK WHILE DOING LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR, I EXPERIENCED RAPID UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, PLOWED THROUGH A FENCE, SIDESWIPED A TREE, WENT OFF A GRASSY MEDIAN BACK UP ONTO A GRASSY MEDIAN AND THEN BOUNCED OFF OF THAT BEFORE THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO REST. MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. IT IS A MIRACLE THAT I AM NOT DEAD AS THE PARK IS ON A VERY BUSY 4 LANE ROAD AND IS USUALLY FULL OF CHILDREN.”
NHTSA complaint #10909786, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Vehicle was parked and turned off in a residential driveway when a fire spontaneously ignited in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights, unusual sounds, or symptoms prior to the incident. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire using dry chemical suppressant and water. The vehicle was a total loss. The fire appears to have originated in the front engine compartment area. The vehicle was not involved in a collision. The vehicle has a 1.8L Nu DOHC engine and 4-wheel ABS system. This vehicle falls under known NHTSA recalls and class action litigation related to…”
NHTSA complaint #11737763, 2026 · fire

“The car randomly caught fire while driving on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11444092, 2021 · fire

Air Bags 32 15 crash 17 injury

“CAR HYDROPLANED ON INTERSTATE CAUSING CAR TO SLIDE INTO CONCRETE GUARD RAIL. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. SOMETHING HIT PASSENGER IN FACE WHEN DEPLOYMENT HAPPENED CAUSING FACIAL LACERATIONS AND A FRACTURE TO THE FOREHEAD WHICH ENDED UP BEING A DEPRESSED FRACTURE THROUGH THE FRONTAL SINUS CAVITY. PASSENGER HAD TO BE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR CT SCANS AND CLOSURES OF LACERATIONS. THE SURGEON SAID THE BONE LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HIT IT WITH A BALL PEN HAMMER PERFECTLY ROUND SHATTERED.*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.*JB *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11324671, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER BEING HIT BY COMMERCIAL BOX TRUCK GOING OVER 50 MPH”
NHTSA complaint #11157060, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON 11/30/17 THAT HAD THREE IMPACTS AND NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN 10/2016 AND IT DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER, BUT I FIGURED MAYBE BECAUSE IT WASN'T AS VIOLENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE NOVEMBER ACCIDENT WAS HARD AND SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY WERE SHOCKED THEY DID NOT DEPLOY INCLUDING A DEPUTY, A COUPLE OF DOCTORS, AND TWO INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVES. MY CAR WAS TOTALED SO I DO NOT OWN IT ANYMORE. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45-50 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD AND A PERSON CAME FROM SIDE STREET STOP SIGN AT ME TO CLIP THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, CAUSED FRONT DRIVER SIDE T…”
NHTSA complaint #11054556, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Steering 28

“I have 2014 Hyundai Elantra it unsafe to drive put in drive it wouldn’t go forward . It jerky hard to go. Failure of light. Transmission.steer clutch shaft”
NHTSA complaint #11542009, 2023

“I OWN A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED. IT HANDLES NORMALLY WHEN IN TOWN DRIVING BUT WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERS SLIGHTLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND YOU CANNOT KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT IN CENTER. IT IS HARD TO MANEUVER AS THE STEERING APPEARS TO STICK IN EITHER POSITION AS YOU FIGHT TO KEEP IT IN THE CENTER OF THE ROAD. IT STICKS MORE TO THE LEFT THAN TO THE RIGHT. I AM AMAZED THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THESE CARS BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY HYUNDAI'S HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I CANNOT PUT A SPECIFIC DATE ON THE INCIDENT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DOES THIS ALL THE TIME WHEN…”
NHTSA complaint #11394381, 2020

“THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A STREET. IT KEPT JUMPING AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, THE STEERING WHEEL GOT REALLY HARD TO MOVE. IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT ON, WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR WHITE SMOKE THAT SMELLS REALLY STRONG STARTS COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST AND THE CAR WON'T DRIVE, IF I PUT IT ON DRIVE IT JUMPS A LOT AND TURNS OFF BY ITSELF. I HAVE READ AN ARTICLE IN WHICH MANY USERS OF THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA FROM THE YEARS 2011 TO 2015 HAVE THIS SAME MOTOR ISSUES. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THE ENGINE. EVEN BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS REALLY ROUGH, ITS NOT SMOOTH ITS…”
NHTSA complaint #11324420, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 27 5 crash 6 injury

“I WAS ON A HIGHWAY DRIVING THE VEHICLE (A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA) AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN IT INEXPLICABLY "STALLED" FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM. I QUICKLY LOST SPEED AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE DESPITE THE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AT ONE POINT. THE VEHICLE SIMPLY DID NOT RESPOND. THERE WAS PLENTY OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE, SO I HAD NOT RUN OUT OF GAS. THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO HAVE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF OPERATION. THIS RESULTED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT ON A HIGHWAY WHERE I, ALONG WITH THE OTHER OCCUPANTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE, SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT INJURIES. NOTABLY,…”
NHTSA complaint #10598934, 2014 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“08-26-16 WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A PUBLIC PARK WHILE DOING LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR, I EXPERIENCED RAPID UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, PLOWED THROUGH A FENCE, SIDESWIPED A TREE, WENT OFF A GRASSY MEDIAN BACK UP ONTO A GRASSY MEDIAN AND THEN BOUNCED OFF OF THAT BEFORE THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO REST. MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. IT IS A MIRACLE THAT I AM NOT DEAD AS THE PARK IS ON A VERY BUSY 4 LANE ROAD AND IS USUALLY FULL OF CHILDREN.”
NHTSA complaint #10909786, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I AM THE OWNER OF A 2014 WHITE HYUNDAI ELANTRA, AT PRESENT THE ODOMETER IS READING 6,800 MILES. ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, AT APPROXIMATELY 5:25 P.M. WHILE DRIVING MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AT A SLOW SPEED (APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH) IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT LOCATED AT 10100 W. SAMPLE ROAD, FLORIDA, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, WHICH CAUSED A SEVERE CRASH INVOLVING TWO OTHER VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHICH THEREBY CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDE WITH TWO PARKED CARS (AN SUV AND A SEDAN. EVEN AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE SUV I STILL WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #10694826, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 22 1 fire

“Passing a car on the highway when the Elantra died. Pulled over on the side of the road and all service lights came on. Fire started coming up from the hood. Barely got out of the car before the entire car was engulfed in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11431970, 2021 · fire

“Having trouble with fuel pump. Have had many appts. With my mechanic. Has lost power while driving and had to have it towed in. Engine light stays on no matter sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #11622665, 2024

“The positive battery terminal melted from an electrical issue and cannot be fixed due to the model and year of my car. The whole car has fully died and is not functional. My car is available for inspection. The car has only been inspected by a mechanic. The car would have trouble starting and staying on for the last 2 months or so and right before it died it was showing the steering wheel light for 2 days and then all the lights were blinking.”
NHTSA complaint #11580931, 2024

Power Train 21 1 crash

“RETURNED HOME FROM WORK AND PARKED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, GOT OUT AND GOT GROCERIES FROM PASSENGER SIDE. WENT INSIDE AND ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES LATER WAS INFORMED BY NEIGHBOR THAT MY CAR HAD ROLLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS A 55 MPH STREET, AND THROUGH DITCH INTO NEIGHBORS YARD. WHEN MYSELF AND THREE OTHER PEOPLE APPROACHED THE VEHICLE WE WERE ASTONISHED TO SEE THAT THE E-BRAKE HAD BEEN ENGAGED AND YET THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN DRIVEWAY WITH NO SIGNS OF TIRE DRAGGING. IT IS AS IF THE E-BRAKE COMPLETELY FAILED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THERE ARE OTHER HYUNDAI'S OF SIMILAR BUILD RECALLED FOR "P…”
NHTSA complaint #10759859, 2015 · crash

“The 2.0L Nu GDI engine in this vehicle is experiencing terminal internal failure. Following a P1326 KSDS warning event, a borescope inspection at an authorized dealership documented severe cylinder wall scoring in all four cylinders. Despite this documented internal block destruction, the manufacturer has denied the mandated settlement warranty repair based on a software-based proxy test (BCT). The vehicle was returned in an unsafe condition and is currently stalling and vibrating violently while in traffic, posing an immediate risk of loss of power and traffic collision. The manufacturer is i…”
NHTSA complaint #11734628, 2026

“Ticking or knocking in the engine, as many other have described. Engine does not accelerator properly due to this issue, causing safety issues with accelerating to merge or enter traffic. Known defect that should be covered by Hyundai as regular scheduled maintenance has been completed.”
NHTSA complaint #11607194, 2024

Suspension 14 1 crash

“AT 8AM COMING BACK FROM KINSTONE NC DRIVING ON HEY 70 AT 60MPH SECOND LANE MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SUDDENLY BRAKED ON ME. CAR STARTED SLIDING FROM ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER SPIN AROUND TWICE BEFORE WENT DOWN HILL.”
NHTSA complaint #11366901, 2020 · crash

“VEHICLE SWAYS AT MODERATE TO HIGH ACCELERATIONS AND UPON HITTING OBSTACLES, OR EVEN IN SIGNIFICANT WINDS OR DRAFTS. VEERING SLIGHTLY LEFT OR RIGHT AFTER BUMPS WAS COMMONPLACE, BUT AFTER 113,000, OVER THE COURSE OF JUST A FEW DAYS SWAY PROBLEM HAS BECOME SEVERE AT ACCELERATIONS ABOVE 45 MPH. HAVE SINCE READ ONLINE ABOUT NUMEROUS HYUNDAI OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND REPORTING TO DEALERSHIPS WITH THIS COMPLAINT.”
NHTSA complaint #11030667, 2017

“MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS NUMEROUS ISSUES. THE CAR FEELS UNSAFE WHEN DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE WHEN A VERY SMALL FLAW MAKES IT SEEM YOU ARE LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT FEELS AS IF THE BACK END IS COMING AROUND AS IF IT IS GOING TO DO A 360 IN THE ROAD. IT ALSO HAS A FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT IT WANTS TO LOCK UP AND HAVE TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO WHEEL AND IT FINALLY BREAKS LOOSE BUT FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE AS IF YOU ARE GOING INTO OTHER LANES. IT DOES THIS IN EITHER DIRECTION. SOMETIMES I FEEL THE STEERING IS LOCKING UP AND COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY DIFFEREN…”
NHTSA complaint #10948162, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 12 3 crash 2 injury

“TAKATA RECALL ON 9/23/2018, ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER A RAINSTORM (CAR WAS GARAGED DURING STORM) MY CAR WAS IN MOTION AT 40 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE ON A CURVE OF A SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE EXIT I275. THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT SIDEWAYS, AND BEGAN FISHTAILING. I TRIED TO PUMP THE BREAKS BUT THEY WERE NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE THEN SMASHED THE FRONT SIDE OF BUMPER INTO THE GUARD RAIL, AND PUSHED ME ACROSS TWO TRAFFIC LANES. THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE RIGHT LANE, FACING NORTH IN A SOUTHBOUND EXIT. I TRIED TO PUT IT IN REVERSE TO GET INTO THE SHOULDER, AND THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE HAD SHUT OFF ON ME…”
NHTSA complaint #11165490, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DECLINED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AFTER IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10706092, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE ESC (TRACTION CONTROL) RANDOMLY COMES ON WHILE CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON STRAIGHT, LEVEL, DRY ROADS (OFTEN ON INTERSTATES). SOMETIMES THE ABS LIGHTS ALSO LIGHT UP. BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND POWER TO THE ENGINE IS SUSPENDED MAKING THE CAN NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL PROPERLY. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NOW UNDER WARRANTY FOR OVER 60 CONSECUTIVE DAYS AND THE DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI CANNOT DETERMINE THE REASON FOR THIS MALFUNCTION. AFTER REPEATED REQUESTS TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I HAVE ASKED HYUNDAI TO DETERMINE THE RELEVANCE OF TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10944056, 2016 · crash

Exterior Lighting 10 1 fire 2 death

“I CAN HARDLY SEE 6-8 METERS WHEN DRIVING ON DARK STREET, IF I TRAVEL MORE THAN THE SPEED OF 35 MPH , I CANNOT SEE THE DIVIDER UNITIL I COME CLOSE TO IT. COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI SEVERAL TIMES FOR FEW YEARS TO DIFFERENT DEALERS. NONE OF THEM HAD TAKEN ANY ACTION AND THEY SAY THE LIGHTS ARE ACCORDING TO SPECS. THE LIGHTS FALL CLOSE AND SPREAD WIDE BUT THEY DO NOT FOCUS STRAIGHT AND FAR. THIS IS HAPPENING FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE CAR PURCHASED IN 2014. TILL NOW IT IS USED ONLY DURING DAY TIMES BUT RECENTLY I HAVE STARTED USING AT NIGHT TIMES AND FEELING MORE UNSECURE. MANY TIMES I HAD TO HAVE THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11073416, 2014 · 2 death(s)

“WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. ONCE AT THE RED LIGHT I SAW SMOKE AND IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. I PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE VEHICLE TO SEE THAT THE 3RD TAIL LIGHT WAS SMOKING. I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. I REMOVED THE LIGHT CASING AND SECURED THE WIRING. ON MY WAY TO THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP, MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON MY DASHBOARD. THE WIRING FOR THIS 3RD TAIL LIGHT RUNS ALONG THE GAS TANK ENTRANCE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN EXPLOSION. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL #13V113000 AND THAT MY REPAIRS WO…”
NHTSA complaint #11279386, 2019 · fire

“Brake Lights, constantly on. The vehicle, while driving, the brake lights come on and do not turn off. you must force the pedal all the way down, to, sometimes, turn them off. while driving, the lights being on, disables the ECS system, and Cruise Control. while the vehicle is parked and off the lights stay on, unless you depress the pedal, this causes power drains and dead batteries. if the lights do not work, this is a hazard to drive at any time of day. lights will also come on while car is off and has been off for some time.”
NHTSA complaint #11555784, 2023

Structure 9 2 crash 2 injury

“TAKATA RECALL ON 9/23/2018, ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER A RAINSTORM (CAR WAS GARAGED DURING STORM) MY CAR WAS IN MOTION AT 40 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE ON A CURVE OF A SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE EXIT I275. THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT SIDEWAYS, AND BEGAN FISHTAILING. I TRIED TO PUMP THE BREAKS BUT THEY WERE NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE THEN SMASHED THE FRONT SIDE OF BUMPER INTO THE GUARD RAIL, AND PUSHED ME ACROSS TWO TRAFFIC LANES. THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE RIGHT LANE, FACING NORTH IN A SOUTHBOUND EXIT. I TRIED TO PUT IT IN REVERSE TO GET INTO THE SHOULDER, AND THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE HAD SHUT OFF ON ME…”
NHTSA complaint #11165490, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Engine light has been on for almost a year with NO prior failure or issues after car hit a dangerous pot hole in the road which caused coil packs and spark plug replacements. After the repair, the engine light stayed on for almost a year and the car has been taken to multiple shops and a Hyundai dealer & diagnosed by Hyundai same answer of "maybe" leak and gas cap being loose. gas cap has been tightened and even replaced few times. Engine light stays on and no one can figure out why . The battery eventually died months later and when battery was replaced engine light came off and then back on…”
NHTSA complaint #11528095, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“AT 8AM COMING BACK FROM KINSTONE NC DRIVING ON HEY 70 AT 60MPH SECOND LANE MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SUDDENLY BRAKED ON ME. CAR STARTED SLIDING FROM ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER SPIN AROUND TWICE BEFORE WENT DOWN HILL.”
NHTSA complaint #11366901, 2020 · crash

Wheels 8 1 crash

“AT 8AM COMING BACK FROM KINSTONE NC DRIVING ON HEY 70 AT 60MPH SECOND LANE MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SUDDENLY BRAKED ON ME. CAR STARTED SLIDING FROM ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER SPIN AROUND TWICE BEFORE WENT DOWN HILL.”
NHTSA complaint #11366901, 2020 · crash

“The constant-velocity joint on the driver's side tends to vibrate, and at certain speeds there is play in the steering. Sometimes the handbrake doesn't work properly, and the right-side brake light doesn't work even after replacing the bulbs.”
NHTSA complaint #11709826, 2025

“MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL VIRTUALLY LOCK, ONLY ALLOWING ME TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL 2 INCHES, WITH INCREASING DIFFICULTY AFTER THAT RANGE IN EITHER DIRECTION. MAKING SHARPER TURNS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT HAVING TO HARSHLY TUG THE WHEEL ONLY EFFECTIVELY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL ANOTHER 1-2INCHES WITH EACH TUG. THIS GOES AWAY WHEN TURNING OFF AND ON THE VEHICLE, AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT BOTH COME ON AS SOON AS IT HAPPENS SEEMINGLY OUT OF NOWHERE.”
NHTSA complaint #11348937, 2019

Seat Belts 6 2 crash 1 injury

“MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVE IN A REAR END COLLISION, WHERE I WAS PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME , I HAVE SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR OF MY CAR.I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. MY CAR CRUNCHED LIKE A TIN CAN, AND IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HIT MY HEAD, MY WRIST, AND MY BACK IS HURT. MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, NOT ONE OF THEM. I CANT SEND PICTURES NOW THEY ARE ON MY PHONE.”
NHTSA complaint #11306577, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10825765, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY ON HER VEHICLE HAD EXPIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11331974, 2020

Tires 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER ONLINE REGARDING THE LACK OF A SPARE TIRE, BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER PER THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND STILL DID NOT RECEIVE ASSISTANCE. AAA WAS ABLE TO TOW THE VEHICLE AND ASSISTED WITH THE BLOWOUT FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11101613, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE PONTEZA TIRES, SIZE 225/40/19 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE STRUCK A DEEP POTHOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERIOR TIRE BELT SEPARATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10786376, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN PREMIER CP671 TIRES, SIZE P215/45R17. AFTER DRIVING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AND THE SIDEWALL FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 1,900.”
NHTSA complaint #10641638, 2014

Visibility/Wiper 3 1 injury 2 death

“I CAN HARDLY SEE 6-8 METERS WHEN DRIVING ON DARK STREET, IF I TRAVEL MORE THAN THE SPEED OF 35 MPH , I CANNOT SEE THE DIVIDER UNITIL I COME CLOSE TO IT. COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI SEVERAL TIMES FOR FEW YEARS TO DIFFERENT DEALERS. NONE OF THEM HAD TAKEN ANY ACTION AND THEY SAY THE LIGHTS ARE ACCORDING TO SPECS. THE LIGHTS FALL CLOSE AND SPREAD WIDE BUT THEY DO NOT FOCUS STRAIGHT AND FAR. THIS IS HAPPENING FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE CAR PURCHASED IN 2014. TILL NOW IT IS USED ONLY DURING DAY TIMES BUT RECENTLY I HAVE STARTED USING AT NIGHT TIMES AND FEELING MORE UNSECURE. MANY TIMES I HAD TO HAVE THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11073416, 2014 · 2 death(s)

“My driver side sun visor exploded blocking my view and sending shards of plastic/fiberglass into my eye.”
NHTSA complaint #11573783, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR RELEASED IN A DOWNWARD POSITION INDEPENDENTLY AND DISTORTED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY. THE CONTACT PLACED THE SUN VISOR IN THE CORRECT UPWARD POSITION, BUT IT WOULD NOT REMAIN SECURED. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10885951, 2016

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it…”
NHTSA complaint #11618021, 2024

“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change, the contact was informed about a recall and an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 135,009. VIN tool confirms pa…”
NHTSA complaint #11565690, 2023

Fuel System 2 1 crash 4 injury

“I WAS ON A HIGHWAY DRIVING THE VEHICLE (A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA) AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN IT INEXPLICABLY "STALLED" FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM. I QUICKLY LOST SPEED AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE DESPITE THE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AT ONE POINT. THE VEHICLE SIMPLY DID NOT RESPOND. THERE WAS PLENTY OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE, SO I HAD NOT RUN OUT OF GAS. THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO HAVE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF OPERATION. THIS RESULTED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT ON A HIGHWAY WHERE I, ALONG WITH THE OTHER OCCUPANTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE, SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT INJURIES. NOTABLY,…”
NHTSA complaint #10598934, 2014 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“The contact 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11572938, 2024

Traction Control System 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE ANTI-TRACTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND SOMETIMES TOOK AWHILE TO RESTART. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM MAINTAINING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FENTON HYUNDAI (16230 LYNDON B JOHNSON FWY, MESQUITE, TEXAS), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APP…”
NHTSA complaint #11064199, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 40 MPH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT SHUT OFF, THE VEHICLE RESUMED TO NORMAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10648167, 2013

Visibility 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, A LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND OBSERVED THAT THE SUN ROOF FRACTURED. THE HIGHWAY PATROL WAS NOTIFIED BECAUSE THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE TURNPIKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (JAMES HODGE HYUNDAI, 1330 N MAIN ST, MUSKOGEE, OK, 74401) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE SUN ROOF FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HEARD OF THE FAILURE, BUT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED IT LOCALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS INVALID…”
NHTSA complaint #11042510, 2017

“HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIRBAGS MALFUNCTION DURING ACCIDENT AND OTHER VEHICLE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10694544, 2015

Equipment 1

“HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2014 : RADIO COMES ON BY ITSELF (MANY INSTANCES); PORTS FOR USE OF ELECTRONICS INTERMITTENTLY WORK (OFF AND ON); CAR WILL NOT START UNLESS I KEEP ON BRAKING AND TURNING THE WHEEL (4-5 TIMES); CAR STARTED BUT WAS UNABLE TO PUT IN GEAR -- LOCKED IN PARK. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND MADE SURE THE WHEEL LOCKED AND RESTARTED AND IT WORKED (1). I'VE HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE WITH THESE COMPLAINTS ABOUT 4 TIMES AND THEY STARTED TO CHARGE ME FOR CHECKING THE VEHICLE OUT. THEY NEVER SEEM TO FIND OUT ANYTHING WRONG. NOTHING HAS BEEN REPLACED. SEVERAL DIFFERENT DATES THIS HAPPENED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10641211, 2014

Firerelated 1 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Elantra.  The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the parking lot, the vehicle caught on fire.  The contact stated that the vehicle had not been driven in four days. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire.  The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard.  The contact stated that the vehicle was condemned total lost by the insurance company.  The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11604221, 2024 · fire

Forward Collision Avoidance 1 1 crash

“Breaks lock my car after driving for about 30 minutes and traction control light comes on”
NHTSA complaint #11595261, 2024 · crash

Seats 1

“THE HEADRESTS PUSH MY HEAD FORWARD INTO AN UNCOMFORTABLE & UNNATURAL POSITION. I AM A 5'4" SMALLER FRAMED DRIVER. WHEN SEATED, MY HEAD IS PUSHED SO FAR FORWARD THAT MY LINE OF SIGHT IS THE STEERING WHEEL AND DASH, NOT THE ROAD. THIS MAKES ME HAVE TO CONTINUALLY LIFT MY EYES FROM THEIR NATURAL POSITION TO VIEW THE ROAD. WHEN TRYING TO TURN MY HEAD TO SEE WHILE DRIVING, THE NATURAL TURNING MOTION OF MY NECK IS HINDERED WITH LIMITED RANGE OF MOVEMENT AND AWKWARD UNNATURAL MOVEMENT ANGLE CAUSING SLOWER HEAD ROTATION. THE ANGLE THAT MY HEAD IS FORCED INTO INTERFERES WITH COMFORTABLE NATUR…”
NHTSA complaint #10599082, 2014