2014 Hyundai Elantra · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

69owner reports
85,000median miles
$6,500median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 22, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

163 of the 364 complaints on this car are about the engine. 69 of those describe engine failure.

Tick what matches of 69 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (66 reports) and the timing chain (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2014 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Elantra

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022

Engine · model years 2017 to 2021

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary

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 Petitionersâ 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. ODIâs 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 as

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2013

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

None of these investigations covers the 2014 model year.

What owners paid

13 of the 69 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,000 to $7,500.

$3,000$6,500$7,500

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 60,000 and 110,300 miles, from the 49 reports that gave a mileage.

117

918

919

1120

621

1422

823

424

425

326

What owners wrote

“the car only has 76000 miles on it. there are no check engine lights and the oil has always been perfect and changed on time. There is a known issue apparently with Piston slap that will lead to engine failure. Hyundai refuses to replace the engine, knowing the issue. Driving it puts my safety and others at risk. the Hyundai dealership in Merriam KS has confirmed the issue.”
Filed Apr 16, 2026 · 76,000 miles

“Engine failure related to piston slapping in upper motor. 3 months out of warranty and 115,000 miles.”
Filed Jan 14, 2025 · 115,000 miles

“My vehicle consumes outrageous amounts of oil - more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles. As a result, it is at high risk of seizing, engine failure, or fire. This engine needs to be recalled - there are Facebook groups of hundreds of people with the same exact problem, and Hyundai refuses to cover the engine replacement. Please help us!”
Filed Aug 30, 2023 · 1,000 miles

“Piston slapping, engine failing. First diagnosed with Christian Auto Brothers of Concord, NC in December of 2022; then advised to tow to my local Modern Hyundai Dealer in Concord, NC 12:30/22. Same diagnostics, same result. *Hyundai extended their warranty to 140,000 miles for this issue, but refuse to fix since Iâm not the original owner. Purchased June 2022 from Keffer Hyundai Dealership in Charlotte, NC.”
Filed Mar 30, 2023 · 140,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 69 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.