2017–2020 AD (6th generation)
2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra Common Problems and Years to Avoid
6 documented problems with the 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 4 of them are serious. 5 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA 21V-301 | 2.0L Nu MPI piston oil ring defect / engine damage (recall) | major |
| NHTSA 17V-213 | Electric power steering (MDPS) connector failure, loss of assist (recall) | major |
| NHTSA 17V-063 | Brake booster failure, loss of power brake assist (recall) | major |
| NHTSA 16V-232, 16V-956 | Driver's frontal airbag inflator defects (recall) | major |
| Hyundai Engine II class-action settlement (2022). Check VIN eligibility | Turbo engine (1.4T/1.6T) tick and oil-consumption complaints | moderate |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
2.0L Nu MPI piston oil ring defect / engine damage (recall)
majorOn 2019–2020 Elantras with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, the piston oil control rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which can accelerate wear and lead to engine damage, symptoms include a knocking sound, reduced power, or oil consumption. Hyundai recalled the affected cars; dealers inspect and, if needed, replace the short block free of charge.
Electric power steering (MDPS) connector failure, loss of assist (recall)
majorA damaged Motor-Driven Power Steering connector can cause a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving, making the car much harder to turn at low speed. Hyundai recalled 2017 Elantras for dealers to inspect and repair the connector.
Brake booster failure, loss of power brake assist (recall)
majorThe vacuum brake booster on certain 2017 Elantras can fail, requiring significantly more pedal force to stop the car and increasing stopping distance. Dealers inspect and replace the booster as needed, free of charge.
Driver's frontal airbag inflator defects (recall)
majorTwo separate campaigns affected early AD-generation Elantras: a missing chemical enhancer needed for proper second-stage inflation, and an improperly installed inflator end seal that could reduce inflation. Both are inspected/repaired free at the dealer; unrelated to the industry-wide Takata inflator recalls but similarly safety-critical.
Turbo engine (1.4T/1.6T) tick and oil-consumption complaints
moderateLike the MPI Nu engine, the direct-injection Kappa 1.4T and Gamma 1.6T draw a steady stream of owner complaints about a light engine tick at idle and above-average oil consumption on higher-mileage cars. Most are resolved under Hyundai's extended engine warranty or the 2022 class-action settlement when they qualify; keep oil-change records and check the dipstick between changes.
Infotainment freezing / Bluetooth dropouts (owner-reported)
minorEarly AD head units occasionally freeze or drop Bluetooth pairing, usually resolved with a firmware update at the dealer. Not a safety issue.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Hyundai Elantra model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Hyundai Elantra built from 2017 through 2020 — the AD (6th generation), compact sedan. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra
- 2017AD generation launch; 2.0L MPI base engine, 1.4T Eco introduced
- 20181.6T Sport sedan added, replacing the previous-generation naturally aspirated Sport
- 2019Facelift: new front/rear fascias, standard LED DRLs, available LED headlights on upper trims
- 2020Final model year before the CN7 redesign; carryover engines
2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra?
- The recurring ones are: 2.0l nu mpi piston oil ring defect / engine damage (recall); electric power steering (mdps) connector failure, loss of assist (recall); brake booster failure, loss of power brake assist (recall); driver's frontal airbag inflator defects (recall); turbo engine (1.4t/1.6t) tick and oil-consumption complaints. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by 2.0l nu mpi piston oil ring defect / engine damage (recall) (2019–2020) and electric power steering (mdps) connector failure, loss of assist (recall) (2017) and brake booster failure, loss of power brake assist (recall) (2017) and driver's frontal airbag inflator defects (recall) (2017 (2016V-232, 2016V-956 campaigns)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra?
- 5 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 21V-301 (2.0l nu mpi piston oil ring defect / engine damage (recall)), NHTSA 17V-213 (electric power steering (mdps) connector failure, loss of assist (recall)), NHTSA 17V-063 (brake booster failure, loss of power brake assist (recall)), NHTSA 16V-232, 16V-956 (driver's frontal airbag inflator defects (recall)), Hyundai Engine II class-action settlement (2022). Check VIN eligibility (turbo engine (1.4t/1.6t) tick and oil-consumption complaints). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: 2.0l nu mpi piston oil ring defect / engine damage (recall), Free under recall (engine inspection/replacement); electric power steering (mdps) connector failure, loss of assist (recall), Free under recall; brake booster failure, loss of power brake assist (recall), Free under recall; driver's frontal airbag inflator defects (recall), Free under recall.
Sources
- Ontario Hyundai, Elantra oil type & capacity by model year (all AD engines)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2018 Elantra 2.0L MPI oil spec/capacity
- AMSOIL lookup, 2018 Elantra 1.4L Turbo oil spec/capacity
- AMSOIL lookup (CA), 2018 Elantra 1.6L Turbo oil spec/capacity
- NHTSA recall 21V-301, 2.0L Nu MPI piston oil ring defect
- NHTSA recall 17V-213, MDPS steering connector
- NHTSA recall 17V-063, brake booster failure
- Hyundai Motor America press release, 2022 Engine II litigation settlement
- Edmunds, 2018 Elantra specs (curb weight, fuel tank, mpg)
- Cabin air filter 97133-F2000 fitment (2017–2023 Elantra)
- Engine air filter 28113-F2000 fitment (2017–2020 Elantra)