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Hyundai · NHTSA safety record

2017 Hyundai Elantra

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 767 safety complaints about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra with the US government. Of those, 37 describe a crash, 6 mention a fire, 24 people were injured and no death is recorded. 4 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 290 complaints, 38% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 44,000 miles, the median across the 280 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers July 2016 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

767 complaints on file

767

Complaints

37

Describe a crash

6

Mention fire

24

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 290 · 38%
STRUCTURE 134 · 17%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 131 · 17%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 111 · 14%
STEERING 71 · 9%
POWER TRAIN 62 · 8%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 53 · 7%
SERVICE BRAKES 44 · 6%
AIR BAGS 32 · 4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 27 · 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 24 · 3%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 23 · 3%
0 119 238

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 767.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2021 at 128.

136 102 68 34
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2016 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test 4 DR FWD Early Release 4 DR FWD Later Release
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 10.7% 10.7%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

4 on file

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

17V213000 · March 28, 2017

The defect
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
The risk
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 99 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC

17V063000 · January 26, 2017

The defect
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
The risk
A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 33,803 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V956000 · December 30, 2016

The defect
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
The risk
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 110 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

16V232000 · April 21, 2016

The defect
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
The risk
An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
The remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 33 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003

Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023

the engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 injured

Randomly stall all different times all lights will light up and coast until stopped. Down a hill and to turn it would stall. Go into 8 most serious accidents. I need someone to reach out cuz this car is not safe to drive wit kids at all

NHTSA complaint 11435242. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 injured · crash · towed · 20,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PRECEDING VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A WHIPLASH THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTIONS. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE, BUT HE WAS UNAWARE OF THEIR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER (LEE HYUNDAI, 1960 SKIBO RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28314, (910) 864-7100) WAS

NHTSA complaint 11110743, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 30,392 miles

CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A LEFT FRONTAL/UNDERCARRIAGE ACCIDENT AFTER BEING RUN OFF THE INTERSTATE BY AN INATTENTIVE DRIVER. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH UPON IMPACT WITH A LARGE DRAIN GRATE IN A POTHOLE. IMPACT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO DEPLOY THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS. SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT. VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. NO MAJOR INJURIES OCCURRED, ONLY MINOR BRUISING AND BURNS AS A RESULT OF SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. DRIVER AND TWO CHILDREN WERE INSIDE THE VEHICLE UPON IMPACT, ALL PROPERLY RESTRAINED BY SEAT BELTS. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND FIRE WERE DISPATCHED AS WELL. ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON INTERSTATE 95 S, IN

NHTSA complaint 11265934, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

1 injured · crash · towed

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SUSTAINED A SHATTERED LEFT WRIST, A BROKEN RIGHT WRIST, PELVIC INJURIES, A COLLAPSED LUNG, AND OTHER INJURIES. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A HOLDING GARAGE WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT

NHTSA complaint 11032851, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I leased my 2017 Hyundai Elantra new in July 2016 and later purchased it. As of September 2026, it has approximately 77,000 miles. I am reporting two unresolved safety concerns despite repeated repairs and more than five months of seeking assistance from Hyundai. Multiple ignition coils have failed during my ownership. Most recently, I paid approximately $400 for service after another coil failure. Although the check engine light is no longer illuminated, the vehicle continues to struggle to accelerate and abruptly jerks or “burps,” particularly around 30 mph. At times, I must press the accelerator nearly to the floor to gain enough speed to safely merge onto the highway. I commute

NHTSA complaint 11764901, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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

NHTSA complaint 11763633, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
All four rear/side door latch mechanisms have exhibited intermittent failure to release the door from the interior and/or exterior handle. Repeated operation or increased force can sometimes cause the door to release. This creates a potential safety hazard because an occupant may be unable to exit the vehicle through an affected door during an emergency. The manufacturer has previously issued an extended warranty/TSB addressing this latch failure, but the vehicle is now beyond the 10-year extension period.

NHTSA complaint 11762346. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Doors are not unlocking on open from the outside both front doors from inside and out do not open unless you pull three or four times the rear doors the passenger side rear door does not open at all. It’s like it doesn’t unlock and the driver side rear door only opens if you pull a handle like four or five times.

NHTSA complaint 11760662. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

108,404 miles

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and referred the contact to the BBB to report the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 108,404.

NHTSA complaint 11757404. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Vehicle stalled while driving on a highway without warning. The car was able to start back up, would go a few feet and stall again. Had it towed to a Hyundai dealership to repair. They replaced the exhaust camshaft and timing components. They released the car, saying it was fixed. Less than 12 hours later, the car stalled again while driving through Washington DC. Once again, it would start up again but stall every few feet. We took it to another Hyundai dealership. They replaced the oil pump (saying the oil pressure was too high). That did not fix the issue and the dealership stated that the intake camshaft needed to be repaired. The third party warranty company would not approve that

NHTSA complaint 11756274, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Hyundai Elantra

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2024 54 1 —
2023 98 2 —
2022 101 5 —
2021 131 5 1
2020 252 3 2
2019 251 1 1
2018 282 0 1
2016 292 2 —
2015 262 3 —
2014 384 2 2
2013 1,314 4 —
2012 653 4 —
2011 433 5 —
2010 379 3 1

Other 2017 Hyundai models

Tucson 1,088 Santa FE 968 Sonata 764 Santa FE Sport 351 Sonata Hybrid 80 Accent 68 Veloster 50 Ioniq Hybrid 41

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Hyundai on this site — 205 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst