2023 Hyundai Elantra Complaints

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/15/2026

This is the second time the horn has stopped working. The first time was a year or two ago (records available on request), and both of the two horn units failed. The manufacturer Hyundai replaced them both and told me the issue they were having was the stamped housing of the horn has a seam that folds up and collects water, may freeze, and causes the unit to fail. Clearly they installed two replacement units of the same style because both units just failed again. The way I found out was someone almost changed lanes into me, I tried to honk to alert them to not collide with me, and the horn didn't work. Thankfully I was able to stop fast enough to avoid the collision. I will be taking it to Hyundai for replacement again within the next few days. This needs to become a recall because clearly Hyundai hasn't accepted yet that they need to correct their design of this safety feature.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 12/30/2024

I purchased a 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2023 on December 15, 2023, and since early ownership I have experienced persistent jerking/clunking while slowing to a stop, harsh downshifts, hesitation during braking, and rough transitions between electric and engine power. The issue was first documented around 5,744 miles and continued through approximately six to eight repair/work orders, where dealerships repeatedly described the condition as normal hybrid/DCT behavior while performing software resets, adaptive relearns, and diagnostic checks. After continued complaints, Hyundai Techline became involved and the dealership concluded the vehicle “jerks pretty bad,” leading to a full transmission replacement under warranty. Despite the transmission replacement, the issue persisted and the dealership later confirmed slight clunking during downshifts and discovered a torn engine mount, which was also replaced. The dealership additionally noted that the issue did not occur while driving another Elantra Hybrid or the loaner vehicle, suggesting the condition was specific to my vehicle. I also opened a case with Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs regarding the recurring defect and repeated failed repair attempts, but the issue continues despite major drivetrain repairs. Hyundai Motors America Consumer Affairs has not been able to help me with this either. They also didn't provide me with the Federal Agency number when I requested them in order to reach out and seek help from the agencies. Hyundai didn't help me in any way. There were no warnings. They have been able to reproduce the issue but do not want to resolve the issue. I strongly believe no vehicle is designed in a way that it jerks and downshifts in a harsh manner causing distress to the driver/owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 04/15/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while slowly pulling into the parking space the contact lifted off the brake pedal and while costing into the parking space the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and drove over a curb. During the incident the vehicle sustained damage to the undercarriage. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the fialure. The manufacturer was nofited of the incident. An engineer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. No further information was available. During the incident the contact suffered emotional stress and fear. The failure mileage was 30,000.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 04/23/2026

The tracking number assigned by NHTSA for this issue is 11733456 I am writing to update and escalate my previously filed safety complaint regarding my vehicle. I recently received my car back from the dealership after they informed me that all issues had been repaired and that the vehicle was safe to drive. However, after getting the vehicle back, it is not the same, and it is not safe to operate. The vehicle pulls strongly to the left while driving, which creates a serious risk of losing control, especially at normal road speeds. In addition, multiple safety and driver‑assistance functions are not working as intended. Despite these issues, the dealership insists that everything is “within specifications” and refused to take further corrective action. Because of these unresolved defects, I am afraid to drive this vehicle. I have already experienced a traumatic incident related to this car, and returning it in this condition has caused significant fear and emotional distress. I cannot go through another dangerous situation. I believe this vehicle poses a genuine safety risk to me and to others on the road. I am requesting that NHTSA review my complaint again, including this new information, as the problem persists after inspection and attempted repair. A vehicle that pulls to one side and has non‑functioning safety systems should not be considered safe for normal use. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I am available to provide any additional details, documentation, or records you may require.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/01/2024

Subject: Safety Concern – Unintended Emergency Braking My vehicle is experiencing a serious safety issue involving unintended emergency braking. While driving on the freeway, the vehicle has unexpectedly applied emergency braking on its own when other vehicles pass at higher speeds. This has occurred multiple times and has nearly caused accidents. This issue occurs consistently during my trips between [XXX] and [XXX] on Highway XXX, typically happening once or twice per trip. I make this drive approximately 4–6 times per year. The problem remains unresolved and continues to occur as of today, April 29, 2026, posing an ongoing safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 02/16/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a full stop, the brake pedal was released, and the vehicle surged forward before the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/04/2026

Electrical component with car has been malfunctioning. ADAS system malfunctioning (all the lights on the dash have been coming on in and out at different times) despite turning the car on and off. Video and picture evidence has been collected on different days and times this issue has been happening. Blinkers do not work when this is happening. Concerned for safety while driving. Hyundai Dealership is not helping and blowing me off.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 02/23/2026

*The engine began sputtering really bad and the check engine light came on. I brought the vehicle to the dealership that I purchased it from and they recommended a fuel system flush and change the spark plugs. I had them change the spark plugs and the check engine was cleared but still sputtered a bit. So I brought it to my mechanic who does most of my work and his diagnosis was that oil was blowing by and to not drive it and have towed to Hyundai cause they've been seeing all kinds of engine problems on Hyundai's and that they since the warranty was 100k miles and I had just reached 104k miles that they may fix it. It is currently at Hyundai dealership being diagnosed. *I was driving on the interstate when engine began shaking in the middle of rush hour traffic making it difficult to pull over to see if I could see anything. *Independent mechanic replicated and said to not drive the vehicle. *Hyundai is currently inspecting the vehicle now. *Check engine light came on after the violent sputtering of the engine.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 12/10/2025

So back in September of 2023 there was a recall 248 on my 2023 Hyundai Elantra hybrid Limited. This was before I bought the car. I bought it used at a local dealer according to the Carfax and everywhere I look up it says this issue has been fixed on September 14th of 2023. I'm still experiencing the same issue I wouldn't have even known about the recall from before if I didn't have the issue. Now I'm wondering before I take it to a dealer to have it fixed will be covered since it's not fixed. Or no because it was already done supposedly. Just curious thank you

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/23/2026

Vehicle screen will shut off while driving and come back on randomly. This is not the first time I have reported it. I have reported it to my dealership, they looked at it and checked the vehicle. It happens so randomly but it's been over 2 years now that this has been happening. Of course when vehicle is getting inspected, it does not happen. I have asked them to update my software on my vehicle, they stated it does not need it but I bought this vehicle on Sept 2023.