Problems · by component

2011 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

96 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Elantra cite engine, 21% of all 461 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
96
21% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I have a Piston/Engine Defect according to the mechanic at the car shop. Any time any acceleration is applied you can hear the knocking. I believe it should be covered through the class action alleged that 2011-2016 Elantras engines (including the Limited trim) have a piston defect leading to engine failure. A settlement offered extended warranties, engine repairs, and reimbursement. I was unaware and have already spent tons of money towards repairs to the engine over the years. Now I am aware of this lawsuit and would like some kind replacement.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 10, 2026EngineODI 11717069
“Car stop working once I got home I notice while I was driving the car kept back firing and Jurking while driving .had a mechanic look at the car he tried to start it but it started and shut off..he even tried to jump start the car with the jumping cables but it will not start..he told me it was electrical..I have a brand new battery and a complete tune up on the car..I have not been able to drive the car in 3 weeks”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 16, 2025Electrical system, EngineODI 11655110
“UnKnown. When financing the vehicle through Adonis Auto Group I was unaware of the unrepaired safety recall. Also I am under the impression nothing was done to the car before purchasing it, I have had to make repairs to the car only after 10,000 - 15,000 miles of driving. For example replacing the control arm, axle, brake hardware. My point is they are selling cars without repairing them and not advising the customer upon purchase. I also asked for the repair paperwork for what has been done to the car before purchase and never received it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 18, 2024Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11589419
“When I start the engine, I hear pronounced knocking sounds in the engine for approximately 1-2 seconds, and they are quite loud. As the engine warms up, the knocking persists, albeit at a lower volume. The ongoing knocks are not as loud, resembling a consistent noise similar to that of a diesel engine, although it is not a diesel-powered vehicle”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2024EngineODI 11564757
“There's a piston slap ,the engine block is damaged to the risk pin bushing ,connecting rods needs replacing the piston slap noise is in the upper end of the engine ,the gas tank want hold gas”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 28, 2023Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11529486
“10 am Sunday morning going to church I am about 2 miles away from home I started hearing trickled sound at front before entering the freeway. Then about 5 miles before my exit the noise start to get louder and I decided to go 25 mph after I exited the freeway. I stopped at AutoZone parking lot to check and didn't find anything unusual.No engine lights or anything on the dashboard. After 2 hours parked at AutoZone I drove it home at slow speed and decided not to use the freeway so I can keep moving 25 mph max. It's a scary situation and good thing is I'm the driving not my wife. It has closed to 130,000 miles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 12, 2023EngineODI 11506880

Showing 6 of 96 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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