At a glance
This page covers 6 recalls, 753 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra.
25–35 mpg combined
6.7–9.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2017 Elantra's complaint picture, with owners across a wide mileage range describing stalling while driving, excessive oil consumption, and internal mechanical noise, particularly rattling that often accompanies a P0014 camshaft position code. The oil burning issue frequently persists even after timing chain replacement, suggesting the problem isn't resolved by that repair alone. Stalling tends to get reported during deceleration and low-speed maneuvering. Structure is the second most-reported category, with a notable volume of complaints, though the specific structural symptoms vary. Steering complaints also appear in meaningful numbers, with owners describing handling concerns, though engine issues clearly generate the most consistent and repeated patterns in this model year.
753
Total Complaints
36
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
18
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra has 6 recalls, the most serious being a brake booster defect where an internal diaphragm can unseat, causing a vacuum leak that reduces or eliminates power brake assist and forces the driver to push the pedal much harder to slow the car, significantly extending stopping distances.
A separate brake booster recall covers a related failure mode where the booster can stop working entirely, again removing power assist and lengthening the distance needed to bring the car to a stop. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles, which is why both campaigns exist. In practice, both defects leave the driver with a brake pedal that feels unusually stiff and a vehicle that takes longer than expected to stop.
Two recalls involve the electric power steering system. A connector at the power steering motor can be damaged, causing the system to lose its assist. At low speeds in particular, steering can suddenly become noticeably heavier, requiring much more physical effort to turn the wheel and raising the risk of losing control in a tight maneuver or unexpected situation.
The remaining two recalls cover the front airbags. In one group of vehicles, the driver-side airbag inflator module may not deploy the bag fully in a crash, reducing the protection it provides. In another group with a narrower manufacturing window, a front airbag may fail to deploy at all, leaving the driver without that layer of crash protection entirely.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The electrical connection to the power steering motor may have been damaged during assembly, causing the power steering assist to stop working. This makes steering harder and increases crash risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the power steering motor.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Electronic Power Steering connector may be damaged, causing the power steering system to lose electrical assistance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the EPS motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster diaphragm may come loose due to a manufacturing defect, causing a vacuum leak that reduces or eliminates power brake assist. This increases pedal effort and stopping distances.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the brake booster assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster may fail, causing the power brake assist to stop working. This makes braking harder and less responsive.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front airbag inflator end seal may not be properly installed, which could reduce airbag inflation during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front airbag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag may lack a chemical enhancer needed for second-stage deployment, preventing the second stage from inflating in certain crashes. The first stage deploys normally.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.