2017 Hyundai Elantra: common problems and reliability

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra has 1490 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and structure. Owners most often flag major engine failure (requiring replacement) — reports of engines failing or needing replacement at low mileage (e.g., 50,000 miles/80,000 km). linked to oil consumption and rod bearing failures in certain engines (e.g., theta ii), though not all elantra engines are covered by related recalls. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2017 model year

1,490
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
71
Crash reports
9
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
568
structure
259
electrical system
215
steering
136
power train
123

Recalls affecting the 2017 Elantra

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 17V213000

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 16V956000

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In th…

service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:hydraulic

Campaign 17V063000

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.

air bags:frontal

Campaign 16V232000

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one …

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. Long-term owner reports for older generations (pre-2011) with specific engines like the Beta II describe exceptional, Corolla-like reliability with examples reaching 320,000 km (2

  • Major engine failure (requiring replacement) — Reports of engines failing or needing replacement at low mileage (e.g., 50,000 miles/80,000 km). Linked to oil consumption and rod bearing failures in certain engines (e.g., Theta II), though not all Elantra engines are covered by related recalls. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Excessive oil consumption — Burning oil, particularly noted in models with over 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Leads to catalytic converter damage and is a precursor to engine failure. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical system and software glitches — A wide array of intermittent problems including: complete instrument cluster failure (gauges dropping to zero), loss of power steering, random warning lights (check engine, traction control, ABS, brake system), failure of driver-assist features (lane keep assist, smart cruise), malfunctioning backup cameras, and erratic behavior from automatic headlights and engine start-stop systems. Often heat-related or occurring at specific speeds (e.g., above 75 mph/121 km/h). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Premature interior material degradation — Paint/coating on interior buttons and door handles rubbing off, cheap plastic trim pieces breaking easily (e.g., bumper lips, windshield cowls), and easily scratched surfaces. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission problems — Hard shifting, delayed engagement from Park to Drive, failure to engage gear, and speed sensor codes, primarily noted in 2016 models with automatic transmissions. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Elantra.

Typical used price

Used Elantra listings typically run $20,931–$22,651 across 2017 to 2026 model years.

Other Elantra model years

2023 Elantra2021 Elantra2020 Elantra2018 Elantra2016 Elantra2013 Elantra2012 Elantra2010 Elantra2008 Elantra2006 Elantra2003 Elantra2001 Elantra2000 Elantra1998 Elantra1997 Elantra1996 Elantra
Full Hyundai Elantra owner reportCompare against another car