2017 Hyundai Elantra · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

76owner reports
70,000median miles
$6,790median quote
1involved a crash

Newest report Aug 17, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

290 of the 765 complaints on this car are about the engine. 76 of those describe engine failure.

Tick what matches of 76 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 (72 reports) and the timing chain (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2017 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

What owners paid

17 of the 76 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $9,000.

$2,000$6,790$9,000

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 20,000 and 105,405 miles, from the 37 reports that gave a mileage.

217

218

219

520

1021

1122

1123

1924

525

926

What owners wrote

“The vehicle has about 136,000 miles and was driving when the engine just started knocking. There were no engine warning lights or any other indications there might be an issue. We Towed the vehicle to the dealer, and they advised that it needs a new engine. We are the original owners and maintained the vehicle with regular service and oil changes.”
Filed Oct 3, 2024 · 136,000 miles

“All four engine coils blew before 60,000 miles. The car was being used and maintained properly and there were no associated engine or spark plug defects noted. However, all four original engine coils failed and had to be replaced.”
Filed Sep 25, 2024 · 60,000 miles

“Engine has about 84,000 miles on it and car recently through a code reading E78 and E79. Further research on the codes other Kia and Hyundai owners reported car threw same codes before the engine blew or threw the engine rod. I will have car checked out at dealership as itâs still under warranty”
Filed Oct 21, 2022 · 84,000 miles

“Engine locked up, no warning lights no indications. Have to purchase a new engine it happen on the highway and the car only had 69000 miles, almost cost me an accident”
Filed May 12, 2022 · 69,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 76 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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.