The 2019 Hyundai Elantra has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 158,493 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 323 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
ENGINE21V3010002021-04-28158,493 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Complaints by component
ENGINE
123
2crashes1injuries
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
55
2crashes1fires2injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
36
3crashes1fires2injuries
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
25
3crashes1fires1injuries
POWER TRAIN
10
STEERING
9
2crashes2fires1deaths
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
6
SEAT BELTS
6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
5
1crashes
SERVICE BRAKES
5
2crashes
Total complaints323
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“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”
“See attached document for complaint.”
“Highbeam shutters stop working. When engaged the solenoid engages, the shutter attempts to activate (wobbles) but never does. The indicator inside also lights up despite the shuttee never opening.”
“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…”
“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…”
“Car shut off multiple times while driving including coming to complete stop on the freeway in traffic”
“My 2019 hyundai elantra with the 2.0l engine experienced sudden engine failure at 164.809 miles. The check enqine light came on and the vehicle immediately lost power and shut off. 0i was visible in the wheel well and the engine now has a tapping noise suggesting internal damage I understand that…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.