Problems · by component
2017 Hyundai Elantra power train problems
62 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra cite power train, 8% of all 770 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
62
8% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“While operating my 2017 Hyundai Elantra under normal driving conditions at approximately 70,000 miles, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power and stalled completely while moving in active traffic without any prior warning. This severe stalling event occurred despite the vehicle being strictly and meticulously maintained according to all manufacturer guidelines and scheduled service intervals. Prior to the stall, the Check Engine Light illuminated. A comprehensive diagnostic scan completed at an authorized Hyundai dealership confirmed active trouble codes P0014 (Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced) and P0017 (Crankshaft-Camshaft Position Correlation Error). The internal physical engine timing assembly and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) components slipped out of synchronization, forcing an abrupt, automatic engine shutdown while navigating active roadways. This failure created an immediate, severe safety hazard and high collision risk due to the sudden loss of vehicle propulsion, power steering assist, and vacuum brake booster pressure, leaving me vulnerable in traffic. This structural timing deviation caused chronic engine…”
“1. The engine architecture suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. Specifically, severe, systemic internal oil consumption/vaporization starved the hydraulic timing chain tensioner of critical hydrostatic pressure. This caused the tensioner to collapse, creating slack in the steel timing chain, which then "jumped time" (skipped a tooth on the camshaft sprockets), causing the engine to instantly seize and lose all motive power. The vehicle and engine are fully intact and available for inspection at Pohanka Hyundai of Fredericksburg. 2. The vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of motive power and engine seizure while being driven at night on an unlit, dark secondary roadway. The driver (my daughter) was left suddenly stranded without power in a highly vulnerable, pitch-black location with passing traffic, presenting an immediate collision hazard and a severe personal safety risk before emergency assistance could arrive. 3. Yes. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership (Pohanka Hyundai of Fredericksburg), where service technicians officially diagnosed that the engine had "jumped timing" and suffered a complete failure of the timing system,…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The ignition coil in my 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited has failed multiple times over the past several years. This recurring issue has caused the vehicle to malfunction unexpectedly, creating safety concerns due to reduced engine performance, misfiring, and the potential for sudden loss of power while driving, which puts both myself and others on the road at risk. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This issue has occurred multiple times with my vehicle. After researching online consumer reports and owner complaints, I found that ignition coil failures appear to be a common and recurring issue reported by other 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited owners. Based on these repeated failures and similar reports, this appears to be a known issue affecting this model. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? I have reported this issue to…”
“While driving, pressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. No warning lights came on until after I attempted to turn the vehicle back on then the check engine light and low oil light were illuminated. My vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and I was informed that the engine was blown and to tow my car to a Hyundai dealership as I was still under the 10 year/100k mile warranty. After getting my car to Hyundai, I was told I had to get a combustion cleaning for $800 whether the cleaning worked or not before any warranty work could be completed. The cleaning did not work and it was then found that a pin was sheared off inside the engine. My engine was then replaced under warranty but I still had to pay for the cleaning. A second mechanic looked over my paperwork after getting my car back 2 months later and noted that the engine failure could have been diagnosed without the cleaning as the cleaning would not have affected where the pin was sheared off. My 2017 Elantra had 90,315 at the time of this incident.”
“The vehicle has experienced ongoing powertrain and electrical malfunctions over several months. The most common symptoms include being stuck in 4th gear (limp mode), complete loss of RPM and speedometer readings, and illumination of the check engine and ESC lights. Most recently, while traveling at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of both acceleration and braking. The brake pedal became stiff and unresponsive, and the car had to coast to a stop without driver control. This posed a serious safety risk to myself and nearby traffic. These issues have persisted across multiple service visits to Ricart Hyundai in Groveport, Ohio. That dealership has replaced the crankshaft position sensor three times, the powertrain control module (PCM), and the battery, but the underlying problems remain unresolved. A technician at the dealership was able to reproduce the stalling event during a test drive. Despite that, the dealership has refused to proceed with further diagnostics unless I pay for an oil change, even though previous inspections by their own staff found no visible leaks and confirmed the oil level was sufficient at the time. They have…”
“Timing chain looseness, Sudden loss of engine power/motive power. Vehicle was sold, unknown if available for inspection. Engine failure on and in the middle of the interstate/highway, and this caused a major crash risk, and safety hazard. This make and model of vehicle has multiple reports of similar incidents. The repairs would’ve cost over 3 times the value of the car. As stated by the vehicle manufacturer, the entire engine would need to be replaced, with a factory built engine in order to comply with NHTSA and safety regulations. I’m no longer in possession of the vehicle. It was sold. While the vehicle was operating, and drivable there would be a chime and a flashing check engine light/indicator on occasion. Although no codes were present at maintenance center, therefore unable to identify the exact cause.”
Showing 6 of 62 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.