YearToAvoid

2017 Hyundai Elantra GT Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

86/100

#2 most-complained of 8 Elantra GT years

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT ranks 2nd-worst of 8 model years, with a Complaint Index of 86 and 25 complaints, 88% pointing to the engine. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Elantra GT years, with median engine failure at 85,000 miles.

Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
27
24 city / 32 hwy

Top 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine22 (88%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain5 (20%)
  3. Brakes2 (8%)
  4. Electrical System2 (8%)
  5. Fuel System2 (8%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (8%)
  7. Steering1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Engine loses cylinder integrity, with owners describing a piston breaking apart around 61,000 miles while driving on the highway.
  • Abnormal engine noise appears at highway speeds near 85,000 miles, sometimes followed by a recommendation to replace the entire engine.
  • Dashboard warning lights and a loud noise precede sudden engine shutdown around 77,000 miles, with some owners suspecting oil pump failure.
  • Engine develops a mechanical shaking or knocking noise that worsens over minutes before the car stalls and won't restart, sometimes tied to a cylinder misfire.
  • Bottom-end engine knock is reported around 54,000 miles despite regular dealer servicing, with the engine ultimately needing replacement.
  • Brake hydraulic lines under the driver's seat can leak due to rust and corrosion, risking sudden total brake failure.
2017 Hyundai Elantra GT complaints: complaints filed per month3Oct 2019Apr 2021Aug 2021Jan 2022Nov 2023May 2025Jun 2026
36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2019 to Aug 2026; peak Jul 2021 (3).

2017 Hyundai Elantra GT recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2017 Hyundai Elantra GT fuel economy and fuel cost

City
24 MPG
Highway
32 MPG
Combined
27 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,400
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other Elantra GT years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015No verdict01027
2016Good297127
2017Avoid8625027
2018Avoid10050126.5
2019Caution7113027

All Hyundai Elantra GT years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2017 Elantra GT ranks 2nd-worst out of 8 model years with a Complaint Index of 86, driven mostly by engine complaints.
What is the main problem with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT?
The engine is the top problem area, accounting for 88% of complaints (22 of 25), with a median failure mileage of 85,000 miles.
Are there recalls on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2017 Elantra GT in this data, unlike the 2016 and 2018 model years, which each have one recall.
What year Elantra GT should I avoid instead?
The 2018 Elantra GT has the worst Complaint Index at 100 with 50 complaints and one recall, making it a bigger concern than the 2017 model.
How does the 2017 Elantra GT compare to other years?
Its Complaint Index of 86 is far higher than the 2013 (14), 2014 (43), and 2016 (29) model years, all rated Best or Good.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.