YearToAvoid

2017 Hyundai Elantra Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 303 of 767 complaints (40%) filed on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra, with a median failure mileage of 45,500 miles. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this engine issue, and owners report 6 fires and 4 crashes tied to it.

Engine complaints
303
40% of 767
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
45,500 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Engine seizes or stalls suddenly while driving at low-to-moderate speeds, sometimes with smoke or oil leaking from under the hood.
  • Vehicle shuts off unexpectedly at stops or during slow turns, with dashboard warning lights coming on and the car becoming stuck in park.
  • Engine failure is followed by fire, with smoke turning to visible flames underneath the hood or car in several reports.
  • Engine bearing or cylinder defects are described as causing knocking, shaking, or a locked steering wheel after repair or engine replacement.
  • A strong chemical odor near the front of the vehicle caused headaches, coughing, and eye or throat irritation for occupants.
  • Check engine light illuminates just before loss of power or stalling on the highway.

When 2017 Hyundai Elantra engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 13, 2016, latest Sep 17, 2026.

2017 Hyundai Elantra engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter162016 Q42018 Q12019 Q22020 Q32021 Q42023 Q12024 Q22025 Q3
303 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q3 (16).

Engine recalls for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Elantra model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201040 (11%)
  2. 2011109 (25%)
  3. 2012161 (25%)
  4. 2013271 (21%)
  5. 2014180 (47%)
  6. 2015105 (40%)
  7. 2016123 (42%)
  8. 2017303 (40%)
  9. 2018150 (53%)
  10. 2019136 (54%)
  11. 2020117 (47%)
  12. 202125 (19%)
  13. 202213 (13%)
  14. 202322 (22%)
  15. 202413 (24%)
  16. 20254 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2017 Hyundai Elantra?
Engine-related issues make up 303 of 767 total complaints for the 2017 Elantra, or 40% of all complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra engine?
NHTSA does not list any related recalls tied to this engine problem area for the 2017 Elantra.
At what mileage do 2017 Elantra engine problems usually happen?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 45,500 miles.
Have there been fires or crashes linked to this engine issue?
Owners reported 6 fires and 4 crashes, along with 6 injuries, connected to this engine problem area on the 2017 Elantra.
Is the 2017 Elantra worse than other years for engine complaints?
The 2017 Elantra's engine complaints made up 40% of its total complaints, similar to 2015 and 2016 (40% and 42%) but lower than 2018 and 2019, which saw 53% and 54%.

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.