2017 Hyundai Elantra
Common Problems
Ranked from 302 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
24 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
75complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Door latches malfunction
73complaintsHigh severityOtherDoors fail to open from inside or outside, posing a safety hazard.
$200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Door Latch Failure
63complaintsHigh severityOtherDoors fail to open from both inside and outside, posing a significant safety risk.
$200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Door Latch Malfunction
58complaintsHigh severityOtherDoors fail to open from inside or outside, posing a significant safety risk.
$200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Engine stalling and shaking
56complaintsSafety riskEngineEngine stalling and shaking during driving, especially at low speeds or when turning.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Engine Failure Without Warning
8complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine fails without warning, leading to potential loss of control and accidents.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Check Engine Light Issues
7complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light frequently comes on without warning, indicating underlying mechanical issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Severe Oil Consumption
7complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes excessive oil, leading to potential engine failure and fire risk.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Door Lock Actuator Failure
6complaintsHigh severityOtherThe rear passenger doors fail to open from both inside and outside, posing a significant safety risk in case of an accident.
$200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Electrical System Malfunctions
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalVarious electrical system issues, such as intermittent dashboard lights, warning lights, and malfunctioning exterior lights, occur frequently.
- 11
Engine Knocking and Rattling
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine produces knocking and rattling sounds, indicating potential internal engine failure.
- 12
Oil Consumption Issues
5complaintsMedium severityFuel systemExcessive oil consumption requiring frequent refills, despite no visible leaks or warning lights.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Steering Lock-Up During Driving
5complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up during driving, making it difficult to steer and increasing the risk of accidents.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V213000
- 14
Engine Failure and Cylinder Issues
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine frequently fails, throws rods, or malfunctions, leading to potential accidents due to unexpected loss of power.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Faulty Door Mechanism Leading to Trapped Passengers
4complaintsSafety riskOtherThe door mechanisms fail to open from both inside and outside, trapping passengers in the event of an emergency.
- 16
Paint Peeling on Hood and Roof
4complaintsLow severityOtherThe exterior paint on the hood and roof begins to peel off, potentially affecting the vehicle's appearance and aerodynamics.
- 17
Brake System Failure
3complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system fails, preventing the car from stopping properly and increasing crash risk.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V063000
- 18
Paint Peeling Off
3complaintsLow severityOtherThe paint on the hood and roof is peeling off, particularly in pearl white models, without any clear cause.
- 19
Air Bag Deployment Failure
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalAir bags fail to deploy during a collision, posing a safety risk, especially for pregnant occupants.
- 20
Brake Light Failure
2complaintsLow severityElectricalMultiple brake lights fail intermittently, requiring frequent replacement.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Brake Pedal Stiffness
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrake pedal feels stiff and ineffective, leading to reduced stopping power.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V063000
- 22
Dual Clutch Transmission Failure
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe dual clutch transmission fails, rendering the vehicle inoperable and requiring a complete transmission replacement.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 23
Steering Assist Malfunction
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringLoss of power steering assist at low speeds, increasing crash risk.
Related recall: 17V213000
- 24
Timing Chain Issues
2complaintsHigh severityEngineTiming chain problems lead to engine misfires, loss of power, and potential engine failure.
$900–$2,500est. timing chain/phaser service · 5–12 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.