Problems · NHTSA complaints
2015 Hyundai Elantra problems
Owners filed 262 complaints about the 2015 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA between Nov 2014 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (92).
Complaints
262
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
27
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
25
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine92
- Service brakes29
- Steering26
- Service brakes, hydraulic26
- Electrical system23
- Air bags23
- Power train18
- Vehicle speed control15
- Structure14
- Fuel/propulsion system10
- Suspension9
- Wheels7
- Exterior lighting5
- Seat belts3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
13
16
9
27
29
15
11
21
49
43
16
11
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
92 reports1 crash
“The vehicle experienced severe, sudden loss of power while driving, leaving the car unable to exceed approximately 40 MPH on public roads and highways. This restriction creates an immediate rear-end collision hazard and severely degrades acceleration under traffic conditions. Diagnostic & Technical History: The vehicle previously triggered Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Sensor / Engine Limp Mode). Diagnostic testing at Holler Hyundai under Techline Case #2026040700281 confirmed severe internal mechanical compression failure in Cylinder 4. Cylinder 4 failed dry compression testing and required a wet compression test (oil added to the cylinder) to hold pressure at 151 PSI. Severe internal engine oil pass-through/blow-by from the damaged cylinder has clogged the catalytic converter with baked oil ash, creating extreme exhaust backpressure that physically restricts vehicle speed and throttle response. Holler Hyundai recently replaced the physical knock sensor to clear the active P1326 light, but the underlying internal mechanical engine damage and clogged exhaust remain unaddressed. Corporate & Warranty Refusal: Hyundai Motor America (Executive…”
Service brakes
29 reports5 crashes1 fire
“The engine failed on a 2015 Hyundai Elantra with approximately 71,000 miles. The vehicle has an open, unresolved safety recall (Recall 251, NHTSA #23V651000) for an ABS module brake fluid leak that Hyundai has acknowledged but has not provided a remedy for. The vehicle is currently at an independent repair facility and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle repeatedly shut off without warning while in motion and restarted mid-drive, causing sudden loss of power steering and power brakes while driving. This occurred on multiple occasions and was documented by an independent service center in February 2026. This presents a serious risk of accident, injury, or death to the driver and others on the road. The check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle experienced recurring brake issues requiring multiple repairs over several years, including brake replacement before 2026 and rear rotor, brake pad, and brake line repairs in February 2026. These brake symptoms are consistent with the known ABS module defect covered under open Recall 251. The engine shutoff symptom was first documented in February 2026 and continued until engine failure in May 2026.”
Steering
26 reports2 crashes
“I am writing to formally report a serious vehicle safety concern involving a 2015 Hyundai Elantra, VIN [XXX], which is owned by my mother. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering assistance, creating an immediate and significant safety concern. This could have caused a series issue to myself and others on the road. Following the incident, I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for inspection and diagnosis. The dealership advised that the vehicle’s VIN is not currently covered by a Hyundai recall for this issue. What is particularly concerning is that Hyundai has issued recalls involving power steering/electric power steering failures and related loss-of-steering-assistance concerns on various Hyundai models and model years. Given the nature of the failure and the similarities among reported power steering defects, I am concerned that this vehicle may be experiencing the same or a substantially similar safety-related defect, despite Hyundai currently stating that this particular VIN is not included in a recall. I respectfully ask NHTSA to: Review this incident and the underlying power steering failure associated with this 2015 Hyundai Elantra…”
Service brakes, hydraulic
26 reports2 crashes2 fires1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine had misfired; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Electrical system
23 reports2 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 182,204 - 215,000; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 152,572.”
Air bags
23 reports17 crashes2 fires1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle crashed into a guardrail. In addition, the air bags did not deploy. The contact was taken to the hospital and was treated for facial fractures. The contact was then transferred to another hospital for additional treatment to her face. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was not inspected by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.