Most Common Problems With Hyundai Elantra (We Asked 487 Owners) - The Driver Adviser (2024)

Whether you’re a current Hyundai Elantra owner or considering purchasing one, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems you may face down the road. In this article, we’ll delve into the most common issues reported by Elantra owners across various generations.

If you need a quick summary, here’s the 30-second rundown:

Engine ticking/knocking, rough idle, stalling, and airbag light issues are common problems across all Hyundai Elantra generations. Paint peeling and flaking is another frequent complaint.

The 6th gen (2017-2020) Elantra is known for HVAC problems, particularly lack of heat, and engine stalling or power loss.

5th gen (2011-2016) models often experience Nu engine ticking and knocking, brake grinding, and lower-than-expected fuel economy.

4th gen (2007-2010) Elantras are prone to transmission failure and steering clicking noises.

3rd gen (2001-2006) models have issues with engine stalling/cutting out and transmission slipping.

That’s the high-level overview, but stick around as we break down each problem in more detail, covering symptoms, causes, solutions, and repair costs.

Plus, we’ll take a closer look at some interesting data from our survey of Hyundai Elantra owners.

We Used Real World Data To Create This List Of Problems

Before we dive into the most common problems, let’s quickly explain how we created this list.

First, we asked 487 owners (via Facebook) about their Hyundai Elantra to get a feel for what kind of problems they’ve run into. Yes, it’s a small data set but it is real world data that’s hard to beat.

All owners had their Hyundai Elantra for at least a year and we saw a wide range of mileage from 98,000 to 301,000.

Then, we turned to resources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and many others, to review the most common complaints issues by owners along with the full history of recalls and active investigations.

Next, I fact-checked everything against my almost two decades of automotive experience working everywhere from dealerships to your local shops. Lastly, our team of automotive experts takes a closer look into each problem and breaks down why it happens, what you can do to prevent it, and how to fix it.

We review the data and interpret the results to make your life easier. Now that you understand how we came up with this list, let’s get into it!

What Hyundai Elantra Owners Told Us

We surveyed 487 Hyundai Elantra owners with vehicles ranging from 98,000 to 301,000 miles to find out what problems they’ve experienced. Here’s a breakdown of the most common issues reported (click to expand):

27% of owners surveyed had a 5th generation Elantra (2011-2016), with the Nu engine ticking and knocking being the most prevalent issue. 22% of respondents owned a 3rd generation Elantra (2001-2006), reporting higher instances of engine stalling and cutting out while driving.

Problems Common To All Generations of Hyundai Elantra

Engine Ticking/Knocking Noise

One of the most prevalent issues you’ll come across with the Hyundai Elantra is an annoying ticking or knocking noise coming from the engine. This problem is especially common in cold weather states and you’ll see:

• Loud ticking or knocking noise from the engine, particularly when starting the car or at idle
• Noise may become more pronounced in colder temperatures
• Engine performance may degrade over time if left unchecked

The culprit is usually piston slap, which happens when the pistons don’t fit snugly in the cylinder walls. This video does a great job explaining what this looks like:

Over time, this can lead to excessive wear and tear on the piston rings and cylinder walls, causing the annoying noise and potentially leading to more serious engine problems down the line.

The cost of addressing engine ticking or knocking can vary widely depending on the severity of the problem. An oil change with a thicker oil might only set you back $50-$100, while a full engine rebuild could easily exceed $1,500 and might have you start looking at other vehicles.

Rough Idle and Stalling

Here’s what you want to look for:

• Engine runs roughly or unevenly at idle
• Car may stall or shut off unexpectedly, especially when coming to a stop
• Check engine light may illuminate

In many cases, a failing EVAP canister purge valve is to blame for rough idling and stalling. This valve is responsible for controlling the flow of fuel vapor from the EVAP canister to the engine, and when it starts to go bad, it can cause all sorts of drivability issues. Other potential causes include vacuum leaks, dirty fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor.

If you suspect a faulty EVAP canister purge valve is causing your Elantra’s rough idle or stalling, a mechanic can run a diagnostic test to confirm the problem. In most cases, replacing the valve will resolve the issue. If the problem lies elsewhere, additional diagnostic testing may be needed to pinpoint the exact cause.

Replacing an EVAP canister purge valve typically costs between $150 and $300, depending on your location and the specific model year of your Elantra. If the problem turns out to be something else, like a vacuum leak or dirty fuel injectors, the cost of repairs could be higher.

Electrical Problems – Airbag Light On

One of the most common electrical problems owners face is the airbag light staying on, which can be both annoying and concerning. Here’s what it looks like:

• Airbag warning light stays illuminated on the dashboard
• In some cases, the light may flash or blink intermittently
• Diagnostic trouble codes B1346 or B1620 may be present

There are a few different things that can cause the airbag light to stay on in your Elantra. One common culprit is a faulty clock spring, which is the electrical connection between the steering wheel and the airbag system. Over time, this connection can wear out or become damaged, causing the airbag light to illuminate.

Other potential causes include a bad seat belt buckle sensor, a malfunctioning occupant classification system (OCS), or damaged wiring.

Diagnosing an airbag light issue can be tricky, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. A mechanic will start by scanning the system for diagnostic trouble codes, which can help pinpoint the specific component that’s causing the problem.

From there, they can recommend the appropriate repair, whether it’s replacing the clock spring, fixing a damaged wire, or something else entirely.

The cost of addressing an airbag light issue can vary depending on the specific problem and the model year of your Elantra. Replacing a clock spring typically costs between $300 and $500, while fixing a bad seat belt buckle sensor or wiring issue may be less expensive. However, if the OCS needs to be replaced, the bill could easily exceed $1,000.

Paint Peeling and Flaking

Paint issues are another common problem that plagues all generations of the Hyundai Elantra. Many owners have reported the clear coat and paint peeling off in large sheets, leaving their car looking patchy and unsightly.

Symptoms of this problem include the clear coat becoming dull or discolored, small cracks or bubbles forming in the paint, and eventually large sections of paint peeling away from the body.

The cause of this issue is often attributed to Hyundai’s “self-healing” paint, which is designed to repair minor scratches and swirl marks. However, over time, exposure to the elements can break down the polymers in the paint, causing it to become brittle and prone to peeling.

Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix for peeling paint.

In most cases, the affected panels will need to be sanded down to the bare metal and repainted, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Depending on the extent of the damage and the cost of labor in your area, you could be looking at a bill of several thousand dollars to repaint your entire car.

Problems Specific To 6th Generation Hyundai Elantra (2017-2020)

HVAC Problems

No Heat from Heater

One of the most annoying problems that owners of the sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra face is a lack of heat from the heater. This issue seems to be particularly common in the 2017 model year, and it can make for some very uncomfortable winter drives.

Symptoms of this problem include lukewarm or cool air blowing from the vents when the heater is turned on, the temperature gauge on the dashboard not reaching the normal operating range, and the engine taking longer than usual to warm up.

There are a few different things that can cause a lack of heat in your Elantra. One common culprit is a stuck open thermostat, which prevents the engine from reaching its normal operating temperature and can cause the heater to blow cool air.

Another potential cause is a malfunctioning heater core, which is the component that actually heats the air that blows into the cabin.

The cost of fixing a lack of heat in your Elantra can vary depending on the specific cause of the problem. Replacing a stuck open thermostat is relatively inexpensive, typically costing between $100 and $200. However, if the heater core needs to be replaced, the bill could be closer to $1,000 or more, as it’s a labor-intensive job that requires removing the dashboard to access the component.

Engine Problems

Engine Stalling or Losing Power

Another issue that has been reported by some owners of the sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra is engine stalling or losing power while driving. This problem seems to be most common in the 2017 model year, and it can be a scary (and dangerous) experience if it happens while you’re on the road.

Symptoms of this problem include the engine suddenly shutting off while driving, the car losing power and slowing down unexpectedly, and the check engine light illuminating on the dashboard.

There are a few different things that can cause an engine to stall or lose power while driving. One potential cause is a malfunctioning throttle position sensor, which can send incorrect signals to the engine control module and cause the engine to shut down unexpectedly.

Another possible culprit is a faulty fuel pump, which can cause the engine to starve for fuel and stall out.

The cost of addressing an engine stalling or power loss issue can vary depending on the specific cause of the problem. Replacing a throttle position sensor typically costs between $100 and $300, while replacing a fuel pump can be a bit more expensive, with prices ranging from $400 to $800 or more.

Problems Specific To 5th Generation Hyundai Elantra (2011-2016)

Engine Problems

Nu Engine Ticking and Knocking

One of the most widespread issues affecting the fifth-generation Hyundai Elantra is a ticking or knocking noise coming from the engine, particularly in models equipped with the 1.8L Nu engine which had to lead to some legal trouble for Hyundai.

Symptoms of this problem include a loud ticking or knocking noise coming from the engine, especially when the car is first started up or when it’s idling. Some owners have also reported a loss of power or a feeling of the engine misfiring as the problem gets worse.

The cause of this issue has been traced back to a manufacturing defect in the Nu engine’s pistons and connecting rods. Over time, the pistons can start to wobble or slap against the cylinder walls, causing the distinctive ticking or knocking noise. If left unchecked, this can lead to premature wear on the piston rings and cylinder walls, as well as potentially catastrophic engine failure.

However, if the problem is severe, the only real solution is to have the engine rebuilt or replaced entirely. This can be a very expensive repair, with costs often exceeding $4,000 or more. In response to numerous complaints and a class-action lawsuit, Hyundai has extended the powertrain warranty on affected vehicles to 10 years or 120,000 miles, so it’s worth checking to see if your car is covered before paying for any repairs out of pocket.

Brakes Problems

Grinding Noise from Brakes

Another common problem reported by owners of the fifth-generation Hyundai Elantra is a grinding noise coming from the brakes, particularly in the 2013 model year. This issue can be both annoying and concerning, as it may indicate a problem with the brake system that could compromise your safety on the road.

Symptoms of this problem include a loud grinding or scraping noise coming from the brakes, especially when the brake pedal is depressed. Some owners have also reported a vibration or pulsing sensation in the brake pedal, as well as decreased braking performance.

The most likely cause of this issue is worn-out brake pads or rotors. Over time, the friction material on the brake pads can wear down to the point where the metal backing plate starts to grind against the rotor, causing the distinctive noise. Similarly, if the rotors become warped or heavily worn, they can cause the brake pads to make contact unevenly, resulting in a grinding or scraping sound.

In most cases, the solution will be to replace the worn-out brake pads and/or rotors. Depending on the severity of the wear and the cost of parts and labor in your area, this repair could cost anywhere from $200 to $800 or more. However, it’s important not to put off this repair, as driving with worn-out brakes can be extremely dangerous and could lead to a collision if you’re unable to stop in time.

Fuel System Problems

Lower Than Expected MPG

Many owners of the fifth-generation Hyundai Elantra have reported disappointment with their car’s fuel economy, particularly in the 2013 model year. While the Elantra is marketed as a fuel-efficient vehicle, some drivers have found that their actual MPG is significantly lower than the EPA estimates.

There are a few different factors that could contribute to lower than expected MPG in your Elantra. One potential cause is an issue with the car’s fuel injection system, such as clogged or dirty fuel injectors that aren’t delivering the proper amount of fuel to the engine.

We’re adding this in there because it seems these issues all work together to have a bigger impact on the Elantra than other vehicles. That or the advertised MPG is a little off but it’s worth being prepared for this.

Problems Specific To 4th Generation Hyundai Elantra (2007-2010)

Transmission Problems

Transmission Failure

One of the most severe issues reported by owners of the fourth-generation Hyundai Elantra is complete transmission failure, particularly in the 2010 model year. This problem can be both scary and expensive, as it often requires a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.

Symptoms of transmission failure include slipping or hesitation when shifting gears, a burning smell coming from the transmission, and a complete loss of power or inability to shift into gear.

The cause of this issue is often attributed to a manufacturing defect in the transmission’s valve body or solenoid pack. Over time, these components can fail and cause the transmission to malfunction or stop working altogether.

Depending on the severity of the damage, the mechanic may recommend a transmission rebuild or replacement. This can be a very expensive repair, with costs often exceeding $3,000 or more. However, in some cases, Hyundai has covered the cost of transmission repairs under warranty, so it’s worth checking to see if your car is eligible for coverage.

Suspension Problems

Steering Clicking Noise

Another common issue reported by owners of the fourth-generation Hyundai Elantra is a clicking or popping noise coming from the steering column, particularly when turning the wheel. This problem seems to be most prevalent in the 2010 model year.

Symptoms of this issue include a loud clicking or popping noise coming from the steering column when turning the wheel, a feeling of looseness or play in the steering, and in some cases, difficulty turning the wheel or a loss of power steering.

The most likely cause of this problem is a worn-out steering coupler, which is a flexible joint that connects the steering column to the steering rack. Over time, the rubber or plastic in the coupler can deteriorate and cause the clicking noise and loose steering feel.

In most cases, the solution will be to replace the worn-out steering coupler. Depending on the cost of parts and labor in your area, this repair could cost anywhere from $200 to $600 or more. However, it’s important not to put off this repair, as a failing steering system can be extremely dangerous and could lead to a loss of control while driving.

Problems Specific To 3rd Generation Hyundai Elantra (2001-2006)

Engine Problems

Engine Stalling or Cutting Out

One of the most concerning issues reported by owners of the third-generation Hyundai Elantra is the engine stalling or cutting out while driving, particularly in the 2006 model year. This problem can be both scary and dangerous, as it can happen without warning and at any speed.

Symptoms of this problem include the engine suddenly shutting off while driving, a loss of power or acceleration, and in some cases, difficulty restarting the engine.

There are several potential causes of engine stalling in the third-generation Elantra, including a faulty crankshaft position sensor, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or issues with the electrical system. In some cases, the problem may be related to a manufacturing defect in the engine’s wiring harness or other components.

The cost of addressing an engine stalling issue will depend on the specific nature of the problem and the cost of parts and labor in your area. Simple repairs like replacing a faulty sensor may cost a few hundred dollars, while more complex issues like a wiring harness replacement could be $1,000 or more. In some cases, Hyundai has extended the warranty on certain engine components, so it’s worth checking to see if your car is covered before paying for repairs out of pocket.

Transmission Problems

Transmission Slipping

Another issue that has been reported by some owners of the third-generation Hyundai Elantra is transmission slipping, particularly in the 2001 model year. This problem can cause a jerky or uneven driving experience and may indicate a more serious issue with the transmission.

Symptoms of transmission slipping include a delay or hesitation when shifting gears, a feeling of the engine revving without the car accelerating, and in some cases, a burning smell or unusual noises coming from the transmission.

The most common cause of transmission slipping in the third-generation Elantra is a problem with the transmission fluid or filter. Over time, the fluid can become dirty or depleted, causing the transmission to slip or shift poorly. In some cases, there may also be a problem with the transmission’s valve body or other internal components.

However, if the problem persists or there are signs of more serious damage to the transmission, a more extensive repair may be necessary. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could involve replacing the valve body or even rebuilding or replacing the entire transmission. The cost of these repairs can vary widely, but can easily exceed $2,000 or more in some cases.

Closing Thoughts

While the Hyundai Elantra has proven to be a popular and reliable vehicle overall, it’s clear that certain model years and generations have their share of problems. Based on the information we’ve covered, I’d be cautious about purchasing a 2013 or 2017 model, as they seem to have the most reported issues.

That should be easy to find with any of the larger Hyundai dealers as the Elantra is one of the most popular models.

If you’re considering an Elantra, it might be best to look at the 2019 or newer models, as they have fewer complaints and benefit from the latest updates and improvements. As with any used car purchase, be sure to have it thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a decision.