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Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

2019 Hyundai Elantra — Known Issues & Recalls

1 Recall232 Owner Complaints7 Categories Affected
232
Total Complaints
1
Open Recalls
12
Crashes
3
Fires
4
Injuries

Complaints from Jan 2025 to Dec 2024

The most reported issue is engine problems (84 complaints). 12 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.

Open Safety Recalls (1)

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 21V301000

Component: ENGINE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 232)

Engine12 issues
criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

While exiting the highway, a piston rod suddenly broke inside your engine and shot out, causing internal damage and blowing apart the oil pan gasket. This caused your engine oil to leak onto the highway, and multiple warning lights came on immediately after. The vehicle had no prior warning signs and had been well-maintained with less than 70,000 miles. Resolving this will likely require engine removal and either a complete engine rebuild or replacement.

NHTSA #: 11727472
criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your car's engine shut off multiple times while you were driving, including once when it came to a complete stop on the freeway in traffic. This is a serious drivability and safety issue that needs immediate diagnosis. The fix will likely involve checking your fuel system, ignition system, or engine control computer to find out why the engine is stalling unexpectedly.

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NHTSA #: 11725531
criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine has failed at less than 150,000 miles despite regular maintenance including oil changes and tune-ups. You've noticed the engine burning oil and making loud noises when starting, and multiple mechanics have confirmed the engine is bad. The repair will likely require engine rebuilding or replacement.

NHTSA #: 11724407
criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your 2019 Hyundai Elantra's 2.0L engine suddenly shut off at 164,809 miles after the check engine light came on. You noticed oil in the wheel well and hear a tapping noise from the engine, which suggests internal damage. Your symptoms match a known Hyundai recall involving defective piston oil rings that can cause engine failure. The fix will likely require engine inspection, possible engine replacement, or repair covered under the recall.

NHTSA #: 11722467
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your engine stalled when going over speed bumps and turning, then stopped accelerating and died completely. A mechanic found there's no compression in your engine, which typically means internal engine damage that requires replacement. You noticed other 2019 Elantras were recalled for this issue and are concerned yours wasn't included. The fix will likely require a complete engine replacement or rebuild.

NHTSA #: 11719343
criticalENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your mother's engine made an abnormal banging sound while driving at low speed before the car stalled completely. A mechanic found that the piston was damaged and the engine had a hole punctured through it. The engine damage was severe enough that it couldn't be easily repaired.

NHTSA #: 11712363
criticalENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your 2019 Elantra has been consuming excessive engine oil between oil changes, requiring you to top it off frequently. While driving at 30 mph, you heard abnormal knocking from the engine and felt the car hesitate when accelerating, followed by the oil warning light flashing on your dashboard. Your mechanic diagnosed complete engine failure. The repair involves replacing the engine or having it professionally rebuilt by a mechanic.

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NHTSA #: 11704487
highENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your car lost power while driving uphill, only managing 15 mph before stalling completely after about 4 minutes. The check oil, engine, and battery warning lights came on, then the car restarted but stalled again after 3 more minutes. Now your car turns over but stalls immediately when you try to start it. The issue likely involves the engine, fuel system, or battery and may require diagnostic testing to identify the root cause.

NHTSA #: 11728232
highENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your 2019 Elantra is consuming oil much faster than normal, requiring frequent top-ups between oil changes even though there are no visible leaks underneath. This issue started around 134,000 miles. The problem may be internal engine wear or a defect, and a mechanic will need to inspect your engine to determine whether it needs internal repairs or component replacement.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11725354
highENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your Elantra is losing oil faster than normal. Just two days after an oil change at 57,400 miles, the oil level dropped by a quart over 266 miles of driving. This level of oil consumption is unusual and suggests a potential internal engine problem. A mechanic will need to inspect your engine for leaks or internal wear that's causing the excessive oil loss.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11718343
highENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your engine is burning oil, which means oil is being consumed during normal operation faster than it should be. You may notice the oil level dropping between service intervals or see blue smoke from the exhaust. The issue likely involves internal engine wear or a leak that needs diagnosis, and repair could range from an oil change with fresh oil to replacing worn piston rings or valve seals.

NHTSA #: 11716922
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine is burning oil, which means the oil level drops over time and you need to check and top it off regularly. This appears to be a known issue affecting multiple Hyundai vehicles. The fix likely involves inspection of the engine for leaks or worn components, and may require repairs to seals, gaskets, or the piston rings.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11723335
Exterior Lighting3 issues
highEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Mar 2026

Your high beams aren't working even though the indicator light comes on when you try to use them. Your low beams are also much dimmer than they should be, making it difficult to see at night. The fix will likely involve replacing the headlight bulbs, checking the headlight wiring or connectors, or having the headlight switch and electrical connections inspected.

NHTSA #: 11721607
highEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2026

Your high beam headlights aren't working even though the indicator shows they're on. The lights appear to be activated on your dashboard, but they aren't actually brightening the road ahead. You'll likely need to have the high beam circuit checked, which could involve replacing the bulbs, checking the wiring, or repairing the headlight switch.

NHTSA #: 11713517
highEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Dec 2025

Your headlights' high beams stopped working. The dealer identified a recall but said the repair is out of warranty and would cost over $1,000 to fix. You're concerned this is a safety issue, especially since you've already had to deal with other safety-related problems on this vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11707192
Unknown Or Other,engine1 issue
criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your oil drain plug fell out while driving on the interstate, causing your engine to lose all its oil. You heard a clunk noise, and about 5-10 minutes later your oil warning light came on and your engine stalled. The missing oil plug caused severe engine damage that required a $9,400 repair. The shop found no undercarriage damage, suggesting the plug may not have been properly secured after your last oil change.

NHTSA #: 11710630
Electrical System,exterior Lighting1 issue
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Mar 2026

Both of your headlights are failing prematurely — the bulbs burn out every couple months and the high beam function won't work. You took your car to a Hyundai dealership and were quoted $5,333.30 for repairs. You're concerned this is a widespread manufacturing defect affecting this model year, and you're worried about safety when driving at night without working high beams.

NHTSA #: 11727708
Power Train1 issue
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2026

Your 2019 Hyundai Elantra's high-beam headlights stopped working, and while driving at low speed, the check engine light came on and the engine stalled—though it restarted and you were able to drive it to a repair shop. The dealer found error codes P0017 and P0014, which suggest a possible issue with the Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) system, but the vehicle hasn't been fully diagnosed or repaired yet. The problem may require inspection and repair of the valve timing components or related sensors.

NHTSA #: 11723605
Power Train,engine1 issue
highPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your 2019 Elantra developed a loud knocking sound from the engine during cold weather. While idling in traffic, your car cut into what appears to be a battery-only mode with all dashboard lights on, and the engine wouldn't respond to acceleration properly—this happened multiple times over a few minutes before returning to normal. The issue started around 197,000 miles and your dealer found no applicable recalls for your vehicle. The problem may involve the engine control system, fuel delivery, or ignition components that need diagnostic testing and repair.

NHTSA #: 11706302
Unknown Or Other1 issue
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2026

Your car's paint is peeling off in multiple areas, exposing bare metal underneath. This exposed metal can rust and corrode over time, which may weaken the body panels and potentially affect the structural integrity of your vehicle. The protective coating that's supposed to shield your car from environmental damage has failed prematurely. Addressing this will likely require professional paint repair or repainting of the affected areas.

NHTSA #: 11721665

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