2019 Hyundai Elantra · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 57owner reports
- 106,000median miles
- $9,100median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Sep 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
136 of the 251 complaints on this car are about the engine. 57 of those describe engine failure. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 57 reports
Engine failure on other Elantra years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2022.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (52 reports) and the timing chain (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The recall on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Elantra
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
None of these investigations covers the 2019 model year.
What owners paid
6 of the 57 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,168 to $9,245.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 66,000 and 139,000 miles, from the 21 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 service bulletins or notices for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign 974 to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update.
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update.
What owners wrote
“At 86,000 miles After replacing the camshaft and timing chain with a mechanic friend, we turned the engine over and heard the beginning of an engine knock, he said this engine is notorious for knocking and failing before 100000. Kia recalled the exact same engine. However Hyundai did not. I feel this is very unsafe.”
Filed Jul 12, 2026 · 86,000 miles
“Engine failure. Less than 150,000 miles and engine has gone bad. Burning oil, and loud noise when car starts. Had multiple mechanics look at the car whom said the motor went bad. Iâve been consistent with oil changes, tune ups, etc. maintained the car well so I donât know why or how this happened.”
Filed Mar 15, 2026 · 150,000 miles
“Large amount of oil consumption. Told by dealership that engine replacement is needed.”
Filed Jun 10, 2025
“A hole in the engine block developed and oil leaked out of the engine and became a fire hazard and caused catastrophic engine failure.”
Filed Jan 16, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 57 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 66 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 54 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 34 reports