NHTSA Complaint #11698702 — 2019 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

The engine in my 2019 Hyundai Elantra failed at approximately 66,000 miles. The vehicle began to idle roughly, lose power, and eventually stalled and would not restart. It was first inspected by an independent mechanic, who suggested a possible electrical issue. I then took it to a Hyundai dealership, where they later confirmed the engine was blown due to internal failure. I had a new warranty after refinancing, which required the car to be driven a minimum number of miles before coverage could be used. The engine failed when I was only a few miles short of that requirement. The warranty representative from the refinancing company confirmed in a voicemail that while they could cover work already completed (fuel pump), they could not cover the engine. The Hyundai technician also recommended returning the vehicle to the dealership for a new engine. The dealership had previously noted the vehicle was only a few miles outside warranty coverage and even suggested they could “drive the car a few miles” to make it appear within warranty , they said after they put the part in , it drove 3 miles and the engine gave out . They charged approximately $2,000 for a repair that failed, and the vehicle was never drivable again. Because the vehicle did not operate and I could not continue payments, it was repossessed. The loan balance I now owe is a direct result of the premature engine failure and unsuccessful repair. I later learned that 2019 Elantras with 2.0L Nu MPI engines have recalls and complaints regarding improperly heat-treated piston rings causing engine damage. My VIN did not initially show under recall, but this failure matches known defect patterns. There were no warning lights prior to failure; the engine failed suddenly. I believe this vehicle should qualify for recall or warranty coverage.