Problems · by component

2017 Hyundai Elantra structure problems

134 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra cite structure, 17% of all 770 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
134
17% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“All four rear/side door latch mechanisms have exhibited intermittent failure to release the door from the interior and/or exterior handle. Repeated operation or increased force can sometimes cause the door to release. This creates a potential safety hazard because an occupant may be unable to exit the vehicle through an affected door during an emergency. The manufacturer has previously issued an extended warranty/TSB addressing this latch failure, but the vehicle is now beyond the 10-year extension period.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2026Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11762346
“Doors are not unlocking on open from the outside both front doors from inside and out do not open unless you pull three or four times the rear doors the passenger side rear door does not open at all. It’s like it doesn’t unlock and the driver side rear door only opens if you pull a handle like four or five times.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2026StructureODI 11760662
“Both passenger-side doors won't open without tugging on the handle when unlocking them. The front seat passenger door opens from the inside but has trouble opening from the outside. The backseat passenger does not open from the inside at all and has a hard time opening from the outside. Once we get the door open and the car remains unlocked, the doors open fine (except for the back seat door). But once we lock and unlock the car, we get the same issue. I'm also experiencing paint chippng and rust on the roof of my car and the creases of the trunk.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2026StructureODI 11741300
“to whoever it is that can help, I am reaching out to submit a formal complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Elantra due to ongoing mechanical and structural issues that began very shortly after I purchased the vehicle, which have progressively worsened. I made the purchase in January 2024 for approximately $13,000 with 60,000 miles. The vehicle now currently has approximately 108,000 miles. Since purchasing the car, I have experienced consistent time consuming and serious issues that I believe indicate defects in manufacturing or design. First, the thermostat had failed during the first winter season I owned the Elantra, despite replacement the vehicle’s heating system still does not function properly. I’m not a fan of the cold. Also, the engine burns oil at an extreme rate. I am required to add oil literally every 2–3 days to prevent the engine from running dry, which presents a serious risk of engine failure and potential safety hazards while driving. And is also costly as oil is not cheap. In addition, the vehicle’s headlights developed spiderweb pattern cracking and shattered from the inside after approximately nine months of use, without any external damage.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 15, 2026Electrical system, Structure, EngineODI 11711291
“Year/Make/Model: 2017 Hyundai Elantra ________________________________________ Component or System Involved Exterior paint and primer adhesion on multiple body panels. Affected areas are available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem This vehicle has experienced progressive paint peeling and delamination over approximately five years. The issue was first reported to Hyundai at approximately 60,000 miles, when peeling was limited. Since that time, large sections of paint have peeled from the hood, roof, and other exterior panels, exposing bare metal. Hyundai reviewed the condition and declined assistance. Hyundai has acknowledged similar paint and primer adhesion failures on certain vehicles through Warranty Extension Z05 and related Technical Service Bulletins. My vehicle, while not included due to paint color, exhibits the same type of paint failure. Safety Risk Paint delamination presents potential safety concerns, including glare from exposed surfaces, driver distraction, and the possibility of paint material detaching from the vehicle while in motion. Confirmation or Reproduction of the Problem The condition has been visually confirmed by…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 3, 2026StructureODI 11708521
“Back door on driver's side will not open from inside or outside when door is unlocked. I have checked and the child safety feature is not on. I have not had it checked into yet. No one rides in the back currently but this is a definite safety hazard. No messages/warning lamps of any problems. I wanted to place a few grocery bags back there and it would not open. Have repeatedly tried over a couple of months and nothing changes. Even though I can hear it unlock.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 24, 2025StructureODI 11682693

Showing 6 of 134 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.