VehicleVerdict

2017 Hyundai Elantra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,070 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median Elantra year — the 2017 model ranks #2 of 37 Elantra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 35 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 289 reports (27% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,070

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

57

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

35

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Elantra years?

Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted1,858 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 46 complaints1993: 39 complaints1994: 110 complaints1995: 179 complaints1996: 138 complaints1997: 196 complaints1998: 75 complaints1999: 183 complaints2000: 259 complaints2001: 445 complaints2002: 431 complaints2003: 310 complaints2004: 209 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 209 complaints2007: 365 complaints2008: 424 complaints2009: 316 complaints2010: 501 complaints2011: 588 complaints2012: 917 complaints2013: 1,858 complaints2014: 548 complaints2015: 352 complaints2016: 387 complaints2017: 1,070 complaints2018: 397 complaints2019: 322 complaints2020: 324 complaints2021: 213 complaints2022: 135 complaints2023: 146 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Elantra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Hyundai Elantra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine28927%
Body & Structure13212%
Other13012%
Electrical System12011%
Steering717%
Transmission626%
Latches & Locks535%
Brakes474%
Airbags313%
Fuel System303%
Lighting232%
Speed Control232%
Tires & Wheels192%
Suspension131%
Visibility & Wipers91%
Seat Belts81%
Driver Assistance81%
Seats20%

Does the 2017 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V213000SteeringMarch 28, 2017 · 99 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.

Consequence

Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.

17V063000BrakesJanuary 26, 2017 · 33,803 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.

Consequence

A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.

16V956000AirbagsDecember 30, 2016 · 110 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.

16V232000AirbagsApril 21, 2016 · 33 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.

Consequence

An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING IN THE EXPRESSWAY OR ROAD THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. ALL OF THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR PARK TO START IT BACK UP. IT WILL ALSO SHUT OFF IF I'M TURNING SLOWLY AROUND A CORNER OR IF I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER DRIVING FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 18, 2020 · crash

“APPROXIMATELY MAY 2019 I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS UNLOCKED. CURRENTLY, IT HAS BEEN STUCK CLOSED FOR NUMEROUS MONTHS NOW. TO ME, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYONE RIDING IN THE REAR SEAT. ESPECIALLY IF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 17, 2019 · crash

“Component or system failed: The electrical and/or engine system failed spontaneously. Gray smoke originated from under the hood, followed by black smoke and an intense fire. The vehicle is NOT available for inspection as it was declared a total loss and scrapped 30 days after the incident. Safety…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 19, 2025 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING IN THE EXPRESSWAY OR ROAD THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. ALL OF THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR PARK TO START IT BACK UP. IT WILL ALSO SHUT OFF IF I'M TURNING SLOWLY AROUND A CORNER OR IF I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER DRIVING FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 18, 2020 · crash

“DRIVING AROUND 35 MILES AN HOUR AND COME TO A SMALL CURVE TURNED THE WHEEL LITTLE BIT BUT CAR WENT STRAIGHT AND GUARD RAIL HIT PASSAGER SIDE FRONT OF CAR AND DRIVER AIRBAG CAME OUT BUT DIDN'T BLOW ALL THE WAY UP AND HAD A HOLE IN IT WITH STITCHING AROUND IT SO DRIVER AIRBAG IS NO COUNT JUST FALLS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 8, 2017 · crash

2017 Hyundai Elantra — common questions

Is the 2017 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,070 complaints put the 2017 model at #2 of 37 Elantra years. It is one of the Elantra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Elantra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (289 complaints), body & structure (132 complaints), other (130 complaints).

Does the 2017 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Hyundai Elantra under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Elantra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Elantra years to avoid are 2013, 2017, 2012, 2011, 2014, 2010, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2016, 2007, 2015, 2020, 2019, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1993. The cleanest record among Elantra years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2017 Hyundai Elantra?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.