2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

There was a recall Electronic Power Steering (EPS) motor connector that was being done for 2017 hyundai elantras and my car is affected by it. Hyundai is saying my car is not affected by the recall that they put out for this issue.

After no previous issues, car stalled out multiple times on short drive to work. No warning lights and no subsequent diagnostic codes were reported. Upon final restart, engine started knocking severely. Upon investigation, the oil stick showed no oil in the pan. Vehicle was towed to trusted, licensed mechanic for evaluation where we were informed about the potential of a failure due to rapid oil consumption. The mechanic confirmed the engine failure to to oil loss. Vehicle had received regular, documented maintenance and fluids were checked periodically between cycles. There was no low-fluid indicator prior to the mechanical failure. Dealership-level conversations confirmed the rapid oil consumption issue for the 2017 Elantra is common, but because the vehicle VIN was not listed as part of a prior recall no assistance could be provided to repair the engine. The dealer provided a full cost quote of $9,000 to replace the engine block with a remanufactured unit.

Driving on the highway in the far left lane. Check engine light came on, car stopped accelerating. Car came to a stop, car shut off. Smoke was coming out from under the hood and flames were seen underneath the car. Police and fire department arrived. Report states an electrical fire. Had car towed to Hyundai. Hyundai stated that the engine seized followed by the starter catching on fire. Car was only 2,000 miles in from last oil change. Was up to date on maintenance and safety inspection. Hyundai also stated there was a hole in the engine block. No prior issues with the car. The car would need roughly $16,000 in work done, confirmed by Hyundai. Car is now totaled. Car only had 121,000 miles on it.

With no 'low oil' warning, the car's engine started may a knocking noise. Then, all kinds of warning lights started. Parked the vehicle and checked the oil the next day and there was NO OIL in the engine. This should not have been the case considering this car gets regular oil changes. Also, there was no oil spots or stains on the driveway to also indicate an oil leak. This happened to my son while driving home from work on the interstate at 10:30 at night. That is concerning.

PROBLEM: DEALER CREATES FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO RECALL COMPLETION I am reporting systematic barriers to recall completion created by Hyundai's authorized dealer that forced me to incur $834.60 in transportation costs for what should be a "no charge" recall repair, potentially discouraging recall compliance. THE BARRIER: UNCONSCIONABLE LOANER TERMS PREVENT RECALL COMPLIANCE How Dealer Creates Recall Barrier Capitol Hyundai's Loaner Contract: Service Manager Tray Nichols confirmed in writing (email 12/15/25, 7:42 AM) that loaner customers are liable for "ANY new damage that was not present before," including: Rock chips from highway driving Door dings in parking lots Small scratches from normal use Customer pays all repair costs Customer pays insurance deductible Customer risks insurance rate increases Why This Creates Barrier to Recall Completion Statistical Reality: AAA research: Average driver gets 1-2 windshield rock chips per year Over 36-day recall service period, rock chips are statistically inevitable Door dings in parking lots over 5+ weeks are unavoidable Customer cannot prevent damage no matter how careful Financial Risk to Customer: Potential repair costs: $500-1,000+ Insurance deductible: $500-1,000 Insurance rate increases: Long-term costs Total risk: $1,000-2,000+ for "free" recall Customer's Forced Choice: Use loaner → Risk $1,000-2,000+ in costs Don't use loaner → Pay for alternative transportation ($834.60 in my case) Delay/avoid recall → Keep driving defective vehicle Result: Financial disincentive to complete recall