Problems · by component

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT engine problems

30 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT cite engine, 59% of all 51 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
30
59% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (2.0L Nu GDI engine) has completely shut off while driving on three separate occasions: approximately June 2, 2026 (first occurrence), June 23, 2026, and September 14, 2026. The stalls happened on the highway at highway speed, while pulling into a parking spot, and on a public road at a stoplight. Immediately before each stall, all dashboard warning lights illuminated, then the engine died without further warning, causing sudden loss of power steering and power brake assist and making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer and stop. The vehicle also consumes engine oil at an extreme rate: after a full oil fill, the dipstick showed no oil within about two weeks (documented on video, September 30, 2026). An independent repair shop serviced the vehicle four times in 2026 for the same unresolved problem ($1,322.48 total), documenting diagnostic codes P0017, P0341, and P0366 and noting no oil leaks; the June 23 and September 14 shop visits correspond to two of the stall dates. This engine family is covered under Hyundai's Engine II class action settlement (2014-2020 Elantra GT, Nu 2.0L GDI) for connecting rod bearing failures that cause…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026EngineODI 11768301
“I am seeking legal assistance regarding an engine failure in my Hyundai and Hyundai’s refusal to cover the replacement. I purchased the vehicle from a used-car dealership in Walpole, Massachusetts, on April 22, 2024. At the time of purchase, I was not informed that the vehicle had a known engine issue that had been the subject of prior recalls, notices, claims, and a class-action lawsuit. When I contacted Hyundai, I was told that the notices regarding the issue had stopped being sent months before I purchased the vehicle. Therefore, I had no reasonable way of knowing about the problem. The engine has now failed, and Hyundai is refusing to provide a replacement under the applicable recall/engine program and settlement. They claim I should have had the issue addressed before the failure. However, there were no warning codes, symptoms, or other indications that the engine was experiencing a problem before it failed. I would appreciate your help determining whether Hyundai’s denial is legally justified and whether I may have a claim against Hyundai and/or the dealership.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026EngineODI 11764027
“The vehicle is experiencing engine-related excessive oil consumption, which has led to failure of the catalytic converter and emissions system. The root issue appears to be an internal engine defect causing oil to burn during operation. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request, including the engine and catalytic converter components. The excessive oil consumption creates a risk of engine damage or sudden engine failure while driving, which could lead to loss of power in traffic. Additionally, a failing catalytic converter can cause reduced engine performance, stalling, or overheating, increasing the risk of unsafe driving conditions, especially on highways or in heavy traffic. Yes, the issue was previously reported to a dealership, including concerns about excessive oil consumption. The problem has continued and worsened over time, now resulting in a check engine light and catalytic converter-related fault codes, confirming the ongoing condition. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership service department in the past regarding oil consumption concerns. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Further…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 13, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11730804
“Engine consumes large amount of oil requiring oil refill every week, without turning on check engine and/or engine oil light. Raising the chances to cause accidents due to engine failure while driving, and requiring mechanical intervention to rebuild the engine or a total engine swap. There are over 40 other complaints about this same issue, and it needs to be addressed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 16, 2026EngineODI 11711527
“I've contacted Hyundai to try and do a recall repair on my Hyundai Elantra GT 2018 both through a local dealership (Planet Hyundai in Golden, CO) and Hyundai corporate. The engine is stalling and knocking very bad to the point where it's no longer drivable. It's burning oil non-stop and I am constantly adding oil to it. I'm getting pushback from Hyundai saying I never fixed the recall when I was actually not notified to begin with. I'm the 2nd owner of the car so if I was never notified, how can I be responsible for something I was never told about? Now they are saying this little sensor was supposed to help let you know there's a problem with the engine (sounds like a check engine light?). Hyundai has known about their engines being faulty for quite some time. I need this vehicle to get to and from my job as well as taking my grandson to multiple doctor's appointments each week because he has a disability (he's only [XXX] old). They need to take responsibility for this. Is there anything the NHTSA can do?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 14, 2026EngineODI 11711029
“I purchased the car on April 7th, 2022 with roughly 115k miles on it and got a blinking CEL shortly after. The engine was listed as a recall and was swapped with 115,610 miles on it directly after the swap. During this, the Hyundai dealership representative called Hyundai's engineer department twice, trying to get this taken care of by Hyundai/paid for by them and they denied it twice, causing me to have to pay half of what the company I got the car from covered. I was told it was denied due to being the 2nd owner and for high mileage/being out of warranty because of this mileage. I submitted all repair invoices and proof of payment through the Hyundai Campaign Reimbursement Portal, got ignored for about 3 months, then when I followed up, I was denied for the same reason, approximately around September 30th, 2025. The settlement terms for these engines typically cover all subsequent owners and do not have a mileage cap for the lifetime warranty, yet I was still illegally denied. As seen, That you have already exhausted Hyundai’s internal rebuttal process without success. I would appreciate any and all help in receiving the money paid rightfully given to me due…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2026EngineODI 11710651

Showing 6 of 30 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.