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2019 Hyundai Elantra · keep 3 yr

We need the engine and trim to check every issue. We will not guess.

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2019 Hyundai Elantra
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file
Check firstEvidence: Medium confidence

Move ahead only if the checks below come back clean.

Main concern

Engine recall

Check this before you buy.

Next move

Run the named checks or compare another year.

The comparison keeps the same evidence rules for every car.

Engine and drivetrain

Unresolved · not yet pinned

This model year came with 5 engine and trim setups, including 2L Front-Wheel Drive and 1.6L Front-Wheel Drive and 1.4L Front-Wheel Drive. Some problems only affect certain setups.

How to check: Enter the VIN, or check the door label or window sticker for the engine and drive type.

What may matter at this mileage

No reviewed problem falls inside the mileage range you gave us. Start with a normal used-car inspection.

If you keep the car

  • 1 yrAbout 12,000 miles. This stays below the mileage range in the reviewed reports.
  • 3 yr (yours)About 36,000 miles. This stays below the mileage range in the reviewed reports.
  • 5 yrAbout 60,000 miles. This stays below the mileage range in the reviewed reports.
12,000 annual miles · 3-year ownership horizon · Service history is unknown unless verified by the buyer. These ranges come from owner reports. They are not failure rates or predictions.
Mileage ranges in owner reports for each listed problem.
ProblemSeverityLower mileageMiddle mileageHigher mileageRelation to your mileage
Engine owner reportsHigh severity86,000 mi134,000 mi150,000 miThe reported range is above the mileage you may reach
Engine recallHigh severity78,500 mi110,711 mi139,250 miThe reported range is above the mileage you may reach
Manufacturer service campaignModerate severity120,816 mi125,211 mi129,605 miThe reported range is above the mileage you may reach

Why this answer

  1. 1Engine recall is an official recall or investigation for this model year. Check the VIN and confirm any repair before you buy.

Conditions to clear first

  • Engine recall: Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Engine recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2020.

Symptom
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 78,500 to 139,250 miles.

Based on 10 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record

Engine owner reports

High severity
Evidence: Medium confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019.

Symptom
15 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 86,000 to 150,000 miles.

Based on 5 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The component that failed was the pistons in my engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Se which I see is on recall. I understand that my VIN may have been missed or looked over during the recalling systems decision making. I was on my way to work when my engine just shut off in the middle of traffic! Since that happened my anxiety levels has been extremely high! I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed that it was my pistons and to keep checking the recall website because they have seen something like this before. Before the engine cut off there was abosulutly no warning! Date of incident [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSAcomplaintAug 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The car was driving on the highway and out of nowhere the car just stopped in the middle of the highway. I brought it to my mechanic who said the car was rapidly consuming oil and my cars engine was seizing. and he safely brought me and the car to Atlantic Hyundai where I had bought the car to have them diagnose and fix the issue. After several days they diagnosed the issue as a simple oil pan issue and replaced the oil pan and sent me on my way. The same issue with the engine seizing up in the middle of driving on the highway endangering my life and others. I am still terrified thinking of this. We brought car back to Hyundai by tow truck because I was scared to drive it and after 2 weeks of waiting they then told me the car needed new engine however they never mentioned what I later discovered was a serious recall for this specific engine . Upon further research my car was listed under the recall however before I bought the car it says it passed the test to see if it needed engine replacement under recall 203 . They knowingly said my vehicle was safe they sold it to me knowing it was unsafe and then they put a bandaid ( oil pan) and sent me on my way knowing I was in danger. I am lucky to be alive because the car stalled out on a major highway .”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“At 86,000 miles After replacing the camshaft and timing chain with a mechanic friend, we turned the engine over and heard the beginning of an engine knock, he said this engine is notorious for knocking and failing before 100000. Kia recalled the exact same engine. However Hyundai did not. I feel this is very unsafe.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“While driving vehicle on a highway exit ramp, the engine suddenly failed. There were no warning lights, messages, noises, or other signs before it happened. The vehicle lost power and became undrivable, which was scary and dangerous because I was still on the road near highway traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership inspected it and said the engine had failed. I was given a repair estimate of about $9,100. I was also told the repair would not be covered under warranty and would not be covered under a recall. I believe this is a serious safety issue because the engine failed without warning while I was driving. If this had happened at a different time or location, it could have caused an accident or put other drivers at risk. The vehicle is currently undrivable, and the failed engine/component is available for inspection upon request”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“2019 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX]) suffered engine failure at 152,061 miles — abnormal knocking, loss of power, towed to Clay Cooley Hyundai of Sherman, TX. Diagnosed with crank/rod knock requiring long block replacement. This is the exact failure progression documented in NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203): defective piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, connecting rod bearing failure, and engine block damage. Coverage was denied solely due to mileage — 2,061 miles beyond the 150,000-mile threshold. I am also reporting a critical discrepancy: a VIN search on NHTSA's website shows zero open or unrepaired recalls on this vehicle, despite the following facts: 1. This is a 2019 Elantra with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine — the exact population covered by 21V301. 2. The vehicle experienced the exact failure mode 21V301 was issued to address. 3. The dealership repair order references TSB 25-01-054H (tied directly to Recall 203) and performed an ECM software update under that bulletin during this visit. It is unclear whether this VIN was improperly excluded from the recall population, or whether the recall was marked remediated based solely on the software update — despite the engine already having suffered catastrophic internal damage. Either outcome warrants investigation. I am requesting NHTSA examine whether this VIN should have been included in 21V301, and whether Hyundai's practice of applying a software update to an already-failed engine and closing the recall is consistent with the intent of this safety recall. Repair estimate: $9,245.58. Vehicle is undrivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The engine burns approximately one quart of oil per week during normal driving conditions. There are no visible oil leaks, and no warning lights, check engine light, or other dashboard messages have appeared. The oil level drops rapidly between oil changes and requires frequent topping off to prevent the engine from running low on oil. This condition creates a safety risk because the engine could suffer sudden damage, loss of power, or engine failure while driving if the oil level becomes too low. The problem has been ongoing and is reproducible. The oil consumption appears similar to issues reported in recalls and investigations involving Hyundai engines; however, when the VIN was checked, it was reported as not included in any recall. No external oil leaks have been identified. The component available for inspection is the engine and related lubrication system. Prior to discovering the excessive oil consumption, there were no warning lamps, messages, unusual noises, or other symptoms. The issue was first noticed when the oil level was found to be significantly low despite regular maintenance and no evidence of leaks. The cause is believed to be internal engine oil consumption. UNKNOWN whether the manufacturer has inspected the vehicle. Additional inspection and investigation are requested due to the similarity of this condition to known Hyundai engine oil consumption complaints.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Timing gears/camshaft issues. dealer mechanic stated that the pin on camshaft broke and timing jumping. dealership stated this is a known issue with Elantra's but Hyundai has done nothing to address this issue. This repair costs over 4000 dollars for a known issue”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Engine failure. Car quit while driving down main highway. Taken to garage and they reported that many of the same engine for Hyundai have been recalled. When investigating, my car did the exact same thing being reported, but is not included in the recall. I have maintenance records for all oil changes as required as well. No lights came on to indicate failure.”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The engine defected at 82000 i had it for a year can u guys please make it right as a valuable customer”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, no lights came one to indicate any issues, then it started driving properly. Then after about 4 min it just died, in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on and all the lights disappeared but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away and the check engine light is one. After taking to the dealer they stated that there was no oil in the engine. There are also no visible leaks to explain no oil. And 3 timing codes came up as a result of this. They conducted my routine oil change and still the codes came up and the car failed to start. In addition to all of this there is a knocking noise. I have an engine like those that have been recalled in the past but my particular VIN was not part of that recall. I have always done my oil changes at Hyundai dealer and on a regular schedule. This sounds to me like the same issue the other same types of engines had.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, then after aboit 4 min it just died, the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“I was getting off the highway in late January 2025- in my fairly used 2019 Hyundai Elantra Value edition, that had less than 70,000 miles on it- when a piston rod suddenly shot from my engine, causing a slight implosion. This set off the oil pan gasket & caused it to blow into hundreds of pieces, leaking my engine oil all over the highway. The vehicle has never been in an accident and has always been taken care of, so I was very disheartened when this incident occurred. Research showed me that I’m not the only one who’s experienced this destructive incident in this year & model of my vehicle. There was never a day that my engine light or oil light had come before prior to this incident, but as soon as the happened- nearly every light in the car came on. Since there was no crash or other vehicles involved, police didn’t file a report.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record

Manufacturer service campaign

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record for model year 2019.

Symptom
Hyundai is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) on certain Elantra GT (PD), Elantra Sport (AD), or Kona (OS).
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 120,816 to 129,605 miles.

Based on 2 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Hyundai is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) on certain Elantra GT (PD), Elantra Sport (AD), or Kona (OS).”
NHTSAtsbMay 2020Open source record

Electrical System owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019.

Symptom
3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The driver and passenger headlight has been replaced and the bulbs but the headlights keep going out was told it is an electrical problem and contact manufacturer. Also emergency braking did not work in recent accident nor did forward collision warning.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Where the Hyundai place tell that I don't need drive that because recall on the light shower! on my car and how electric part in the car. I still a note the balance 14,700. The paying balance need be 9,900. Because the wiring and light show balance I would owe. 6,000.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Both Front headlamp assemblies broken hi beam mechanism. My cars headlights burn out every couple months and the bright lights will not work. I took to a Hyundai dealership on 03/28/2026 who told me it would be $5,333.30 to fix. I have done nothing to cause this electrical problem on both headlamps and when searching the internet; this issue seems to be a big problem on this vehicle year. This is obviously an issue in manufacturing of the vehicle and should have the issue be a recall to fix. It is so dangerous not knowing when my lights will stop working again after replacement and not having the use of bright lights at night.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record

What would change this answer

verified remedy

A newly verified completed remedy with configuration-specific eligibility for Electrical System owner reports, Engine owner reports, Engine recall, Manufacturer service campaign could improve the recommendation.

contradictory source

A reviewed official or independent source that materially contradicts the claims for Electrical System owner reports, Engine owner reports, Engine recall, Manufacturer service campaign would force confidence and verdict review.

changed applicability

Reviewed evidence that includes or excludes a different year, engine, drivetrain, trim, or VIN population would change which issues apply.

lost exposure eligibility

A verified production denominator and eligible time-at-risk cohort are required before normalized comparative year guidance can strengthen.

Applied assumptions

  • · 12,000 annual miles
  • · 3-year ownership horizon
  • · Service history is unknown unless verified by the buyer.

Sharpen it further

  • Add mileage so we can compare it with mileage in owner reports.
  • Add the miles you drive each year. We currently use 12,000 miles.
  • Choose how long you may keep the car. We currently use 3 years.

Better options

Inspection brief

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Electrical System owner reports: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Test drive: On the test drive, watch for: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system..

    Specialist: Independent pre-purchase inspection

    Records to request: Service records showing this system was inspected or repaired

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports
Save, share, or compare this car

Share this verdict

2019 Hyundai Elantra · keep 3 yr

Check firstEvidence: Medium confidence

Main risk: Engine recall

Text this verdict

The link and text carry only the car and non-sensitive context, never price, risk, or VIN.

Full evidence

Every conclusion above traces to one of these source records.

Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The driver and passenger headlight has been replaced and the bulbs but the headlights keep going out was told it is an electrical problem and contact manufacturer. Also emergency braking did not work in recent accident nor did forward collision warning.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Where the Hyundai place tell that I don't need drive that because recall on the light shower! on my car and how electric part in the car. I still a note the balance 14,700. The paying balance need be 9,900. Because the wiring and light show balance I would owe. 6,000.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Both Front headlamp assemblies broken hi beam mechanism. My cars headlights burn out every couple months and the bright lights will not work. I took to a Hyundai dealership on 03/28/2026 who told me it would be $5,333.30 to fix. I have done nothing to cause this electrical problem on both headlamps and when searching the internet; this issue seems to be a big problem on this vehicle year. This is obviously an issue in manufacturing of the vehicle and should have the issue be a recall to fix. It is so dangerous not knowing when my lights will stop working again after replacement and not having the use of bright lights at night.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The component that failed was the pistons in my engine on my 2019 Hyundai Elantra Se which I see is on recall. I understand that my VIN may have been missed or looked over during the recalling systems decision making. I was on my way to work when my engine just shut off in the middle of traffic! Since that happened my anxiety levels has been extremely high! I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed that it was my pistons and to keep checking the recall website because they have seen something like this before. Before the engine cut off there was abosulutly no warning! Date of incident [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSAcomplaintAug 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The car was driving on the highway and out of nowhere the car just stopped in the middle of the highway. I brought it to my mechanic who said the car was rapidly consuming oil and my cars engine was seizing. and he safely brought me and the car to Atlantic Hyundai where I had bought the car to have them diagnose and fix the issue. After several days they diagnosed the issue as a simple oil pan issue and replaced the oil pan and sent me on my way. The same issue with the engine seizing up in the middle of driving on the highway endangering my life and others. I am still terrified thinking of this. We brought car back to Hyundai by tow truck because I was scared to drive it and after 2 weeks of waiting they then told me the car needed new engine however they never mentioned what I later discovered was a serious recall for this specific engine . Upon further research my car was listed under the recall however before I bought the car it says it passed the test to see if it needed engine replacement under recall 203 . They knowingly said my vehicle was safe they sold it to me knowing it was unsafe and then they put a bandaid ( oil pan) and sent me on my way knowing I was in danger. I am lucky to be alive because the car stalled out on a major highway .”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“At 86,000 miles After replacing the camshaft and timing chain with a mechanic friend, we turned the engine over and heard the beginning of an engine knock, he said this engine is notorious for knocking and failing before 100000. Kia recalled the exact same engine. However Hyundai did not. I feel this is very unsafe.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“While driving vehicle on a highway exit ramp, the engine suddenly failed. There were no warning lights, messages, noises, or other signs before it happened. The vehicle lost power and became undrivable, which was scary and dangerous because I was still on the road near highway traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership inspected it and said the engine had failed. I was given a repair estimate of about $9,100. I was also told the repair would not be covered under warranty and would not be covered under a recall. I believe this is a serious safety issue because the engine failed without warning while I was driving. If this had happened at a different time or location, it could have caused an accident or put other drivers at risk. The vehicle is currently undrivable, and the failed engine/component is available for inspection upon request”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“2019 Hyundai Elantra (VIN: [XXX]) suffered engine failure at 152,061 miles — abnormal knocking, loss of power, towed to Clay Cooley Hyundai of Sherman, TX. Diagnosed with crank/rod knock requiring long block replacement. This is the exact failure progression documented in NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203): defective piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, connecting rod bearing failure, and engine block damage. Coverage was denied solely due to mileage — 2,061 miles beyond the 150,000-mile threshold. I am also reporting a critical discrepancy: a VIN search on NHTSA's website shows zero open or unrepaired recalls on this vehicle, despite the following facts: 1. This is a 2019 Elantra with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine — the exact population covered by 21V301. 2. The vehicle experienced the exact failure mode 21V301 was issued to address. 3. The dealership repair order references TSB 25-01-054H (tied directly to Recall 203) and performed an ECM software update under that bulletin during this visit. It is unclear whether this VIN was improperly excluded from the recall population, or whether the recall was marked remediated based solely on the software update — despite the engine already having suffered catastrophic internal damage. Either outcome warrants investigation. I am requesting NHTSA examine whether this VIN should have been included in 21V301, and whether Hyundai's practice of applying a software update to an already-failed engine and closing the recall is consistent with the intent of this safety recall. Repair estimate: $9,245.58. Vehicle is undrivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The engine burns approximately one quart of oil per week during normal driving conditions. There are no visible oil leaks, and no warning lights, check engine light, or other dashboard messages have appeared. The oil level drops rapidly between oil changes and requires frequent topping off to prevent the engine from running low on oil. This condition creates a safety risk because the engine could suffer sudden damage, loss of power, or engine failure while driving if the oil level becomes too low. The problem has been ongoing and is reproducible. The oil consumption appears similar to issues reported in recalls and investigations involving Hyundai engines; however, when the VIN was checked, it was reported as not included in any recall. No external oil leaks have been identified. The component available for inspection is the engine and related lubrication system. Prior to discovering the excessive oil consumption, there were no warning lamps, messages, unusual noises, or other symptoms. The issue was first noticed when the oil level was found to be significantly low despite regular maintenance and no evidence of leaks. The cause is believed to be internal engine oil consumption. UNKNOWN whether the manufacturer has inspected the vehicle. Additional inspection and investigation are requested due to the similarity of this condition to known Hyundai engine oil consumption complaints.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Timing gears/camshaft issues. dealer mechanic stated that the pin on camshaft broke and timing jumping. dealership stated this is a known issue with Elantra's but Hyundai has done nothing to address this issue. This repair costs over 4000 dollars for a known issue”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Engine failure. Car quit while driving down main highway. Taken to garage and they reported that many of the same engine for Hyundai have been recalled. When investigating, my car did the exact same thing being reported, but is not included in the recall. I have maintenance records for all oil changes as required as well. No lights came on to indicate failure.”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The engine defected at 82000 i had it for a year can u guys please make it right as a valuable customer”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, no lights came one to indicate any issues, then it started driving properly. Then after about 4 min it just died, in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on and all the lights disappeared but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away and the check engine light is one. After taking to the dealer they stated that there was no oil in the engine. There are also no visible leaks to explain no oil. And 3 timing codes came up as a result of this. They conducted my routine oil change and still the codes came up and the car failed to start. In addition to all of this there is a knocking noise. I have an engine like those that have been recalled in the past but my particular VIN was not part of that recall. I have always done my oil changes at Hyundai dealer and on a regular schedule. This sounds to me like the same issue the other same types of engines had.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“my car was going uphill and would only go about 15 up hill and would not accelerate, then after aboit 4 min it just died, the check oil, engine and battery lights came on. Then after turning off car it came back on but happened exact same way after 3 more min. Both times the lights went off. Now it trys to turn on but stalls right away.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“I was getting off the highway in late January 2025- in my fairly used 2019 Hyundai Elantra Value edition, that had less than 70,000 miles on it- when a piston rod suddenly shot from my engine, causing a slight implosion. This set off the oil pan gasket & caused it to blow into hundreds of pieces, leaking my engine oil all over the highway. The vehicle has never been in an accident and has always been taken care of, so I was very disheartened when this incident occurred. Research showed me that I’m not the only one who’s experienced this destructive incident in this year & model of my vehicle. There was never a day that my engine light or oil light had come before prior to this incident, but as soon as the happened- nearly every light in the car came on. Since there was no crash or other vehicles involved, police didn’t file a report.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Hyundai is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) on certain Elantra GT (PD), Elantra Sport (AD), or Kona (OS).”
NHTSAtsbMay 2020Open source record
What this check cannot seeYou still need to check the service history, title, accident history, repairs, and the car’s condition.
  • ConfigurationPartial

    This model year came with 5 engine and trim setups, including 2L Front-Wheel Drive and 1.6L Front-Wheel Drive and 1.4L Front-Wheel Drive. Some problems only affect certain setups.

    What to do: Enter the VIN, or check the door label or window sticker for the engine and drive type.

  • VIN recall & historyNot verified

    This page cannot confirm open recalls, title records, or odometer history for one VIN.

    What to do: Check the VIN with NHTSA and get a title and history report.

  • Repair costNot verified

    We do not have a sourced repair cost for the listed problems.

    What to do: Get a written repair estimate for the named issue from an independent shop before you negotiate.

  • Market priceNot verified

    TireKick does not have current market prices, so we cannot say if the asking price is fair.

    What to do: Compare the asking price against recent local listings for the same year and configuration.

  • Mileage in reportsPartial

    Only a small number of reports include mileage. Treat the range as a rough guide.

    What to do: Treat the mileage as a range in owner reports, not a prediction. Confirm the car’s condition with an inspection.

Sources and limits
Evidence: Medium confidence· Enough records for a useful answer, but some sources are limited.

5 of 5 expected source types were available.

How TireKick reviews records

2019 model-year authorityGeneration guide

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