2023 Hyundai Elantra Owner Complaints

While driving on [XXX] north near exit [XXX] in rain, at 70 mph Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance were on. The vehicle displayed a warning that the smart systems were disabled. The vehicle then began jerking and changing lanes and speed unexpectedly. The steering wheel pulled/jerked forcefully to the left and right and I had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. When I attempted to brake, the brake pedal became very hard and could not press down the vehicle did not slow normally. I was able to get the vehicle onto the shoulder and shut it off. After restarting the vehicle, the problem occurred again. The vehicle was towed to Wallace Hyundai dealership in Stewart Florida and is currently being diagnosed. The cause has not yet been determined. Scared me to death. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11755848

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

The horn is intermittenly failing and was verified by a Weimer Hyundai in Morgantown, WV on XXX. This is a known defect in 2023 Hyundai Elantras and they have issued an extended warranty to address the problem. An absence of a horn is a safety issue as you cannot signal other drivers in emergency situations. It is unlawful to have a horn that does not operate in most states including WV ([XXX]) which is where I currently reside. While a horn is not required by NHTSA , if it is present it must be operable by driver (Safety Standard No. 101, 49 CFR '571.101). For these reasons I am requesting that this should have and should be considered a SAFETY RECALL which is NOT predicated on mileage. By issuing an extended warranty that stops at 120,000 miles Hyundai does not serve those with higher mileage vehicles. It is not fair for a driver to have to pay out of pocket for a KNOWN DEFECT that should have absolutely been addressed as a SAFETY RECALL. Hyundai has been contacted and I was given a case #42976455 and a case manager named Edward. Weimer was incontact with either him or Hyundai directly and they offered to split the cost of $600.00 intead of taking full responsibility. I have no full time job and cannot pay anything (nor should I have to) for a safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11753112

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11738642

Incident

Dec 30, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11738447

Incident

May 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.

NHTSA ID

11736932

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

Mileage

30,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11734991

Incident

Apr 23, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11734570

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11731508

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

Mileage

15,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11728976

Incident

Feb 4, 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.

NHTSA ID

11722380

Incident

Feb 23, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11716463

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11713501

Incident

Jan 23, 2026

My horn continues to short out. It has happened five or more times in two years. (I purchased this car in 2023 and the day I purchased it, I was driving home and found out that the horn had lost sound, I called the dealership and they told me to bring it up the next day. When I brought it up the next day it started working again and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. I then went back home and by that next week my horn was completely not working so I had to bring it back up to my dealership.) My horn not working puts me and others in risk for many of reasons. For starters, it takes away my primary warning and communication tool on the road. I have no way to warn others if they are drifting into my lane, backing into me or any other accident that can happen while driving. I have taken my car to the dealership to get it fixed multiple times. This has been a problem since the day I bought my car. Every time my horn is about to fully short out, it slowly loses its sound and will come and go for multiple days slowly losing sound. I don't have my recent documentation from taking it to the dealership to get fixed, but I have one or two forms from the beginning.

NHTSA ID

11710138

Incident

Jan 9, 2026

Horn is inoperable due to internal fault. Horn receives power when button is depressed, relay actuates, but horn does not sound. There is no warning system in place for this fault.

NHTSA ID

11707148

Incident

Dec 19, 2025

This has happened twice. I brought it to Hyundai in Syracuse and they said they could not find a problem. The problem: While driving the car loses power, when pressing the gas pedal the car stops propelling forward. Safety: The car randomly loses power while driving. This could happen when pulling out onto a highway or railroad tracks etc. Problem been reproduced: It has not been reproduced by a dealer. It's happened twice randomly in the 2 years I've had the car. I did bring it to Hyundai in Syracuse NY but they said they didn't find an issue. Inspection: Hyundai in Syracuse NY checked the car for an issue. No police or insurance. Warning/messages: There were no messages or warnings before it lost power.

NHTSA ID

11705361

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

This is the 7th time my vehicle has been parked and over night killed a battery. It’s been replaced 3 times and this battery lasted 8 months and now my vehicle is dead again. Also you can’t lock your vehicle if the battery is completely dead.

NHTSA ID

11705234

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light intermittently flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the clock spring on two separate occasions, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ID

11704412

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

Mileage

44,000 mi

Low pressure oil light did not come on until the oil drain plug had completely fallen out. Once the light came on, the vehicle was slowed and came to a stop on the side of the highway within 2 minutes. The car completely shut off as if the battery were dead. It had to be jumped in order to put the car into neutral for the tow truck. The safety issue is that the hwy we were traveling on is 70mph. At no time, did we receive a warning until it was almost too late. The car is currently at an auto repair shop as the engine is most likely catastrophic and due to the car having no power, they want to replace not only the engine but also the 12 volt battery and it's module. The low pressure oil warning should have come on way before the plug completely fell out and the battery should not be dead. The mechanics can't even fathom why an engine would fail quickly and drain the battery as well.

NHTSA ID

11701528

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

Yesterday my horn ceased working again and someone almost side swiped me. This is the 3rd time on my 2023 Elantra. I have 2 Hyundai Elantras that Have had to send to the dealership to replace the horns multiple times. I had the same issue with my Venue, which appears to have had some type of NHTSA action, and feel that the Elantras should be included on said action as they utilize the same horn components. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11701456

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

On 11/18/ 25 I was driving in highway traffic at 60MPH and car suddenly slowed down to 30MPH. My car would not accelerate no matter how hard I tried. With luck and prayer I moved over two lanes to shoulder...shut off the car for about 10 sec...restarted...and car ran normal again. I When deceleration occurred I saw a notice-symbol light up on the infotainment panel in a black space directly parallel to the total mileage odometer. On 11/21/25 I went to dealer, who checked car out and did not find any problem. I then went online and saw ISLA...Intelligent Speed Limit Assistance...a choice I did not have on my infotainment system. If I had it, I wanted to turn mine OFF. We're scared it could happen again.

NHTSA ID

11701412

Incident

Nov 18, 2025

The contact owned a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at night and at approximately 60 MPH, a deer had crashed into the driver's side front door and bounced off and crashed into the driver's side front bumper. The contact stated that he had been thrown forward by the force of the crash, but then he was thrown back when the seat belts restrained him. The contact hit his headrest with force. The contact was unable to stop immediately, and when he had stopped, he observed that the front bumper was hanging from the frame of the vehicle and that he was leaking radiator fluid. The contact stated that the police and emergency services had arrived. The contact stated that he was transported to the emergency room. The contact stated that the police had written a report and had the vehicle towed to an impound lot. The contact stated that he was examined at the ER, and it was determined that he was concussed and had sustained whiplash injury to his neck. The contact stated that the front driver's air bag and side air bag had not deployed. The contact stated that his insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID

11700651

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

Mileage

71,000 mi

While driving in the rain, car reported "Check Forward Safety System". Error has not gone away multiple weeks later. Hyundai dealer's first reaction was "Oh yes, this happens all the time" (!!) but then refused warranty repair because car is in other than pristine condition, despite being only two years old, still under warranty, with pristine front bumper. Without this sensor, adaptive cruise control, collision warning system, and automatic emergency braking do not work.

NHTSA ID

11698424

Incident

Oct 29, 2025

I was on a delivery yesterday when this first occurred. I put my car into reverse and proceded to back up when my engine cut off suddenly and a loud warning came on , on my dash by the steering wheel it said ... engine off, shift to neutral and restart. That is what I did and it restarted and I continued on with my deliveries. Then the exact same thing happened again today so I called the dealership and they said there is a recall with the isg system that could be the issue but no resolution yet so there's nothing they can do. In the meantime time I can't use my vehicle for work as im a full time food delivery driver and I have to back up into roadways multiple times a day going in and out of driveways and I can't risk my safety or other drivers safety as my car may turn off in the roadway.

NHTSA ID

11691213

Incident

Oct 2, 2025

I am reporting a recurring issue with my 2023 Hyundai Elantra where the low oil pressure warning light illuminates consistently during strong acceleration. This is accompanied by a distinct smoky odor from the vehicle. Based on my research into recall 23V-859, which addresses fire risks from a faulty electronic controller for the oil pump in the Idle Stop & Go system, I believe my vehicle is experiencing a related or identical failure. The symptoms strongly suggest that the defective oil pump controller is malfunctioning under load, potentially leading to dangerous overheating and a short circuit.

NHTSA ID

11689420

Incident

Sep 3, 2025

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11688810

Incident

Sep 2, 2025