CarBrief

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra has 795 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, led by engine reports[1][2]. It also has four recalls, so check any car you are considering for open repairs[3][4][5][6].

795owner complaints[1]
4recalls[7]
25–35MPG combined (EPA)[8]
4–5★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Reported problems

NHTSA has 795 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. These are unverified reports from owners. Of them, 37 mention a crash, 6 a fire and 24 injuries, and none report a death[1]. One complaint can name more than one part of the car.

Here are the biggest groups, by number of complaints:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Engine[2] 313 54,650
Structure[10] 134 57,749
Unknown or other[11] 131 38,000
Electrical system[12] 114 41,000
Steering[13] 72 40,500
Power train[14] 67 32,731
Latches, locks, linkages[15] 53 70,000
Brakes[16] 51 30,000

Engine. This is the largest group, and it includes 6 fires[2]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 7 describe the car stalling, shutting off or losing power while driving[2]. Two describe a heater that blows cool air or takes a long time to warm up, and both mention a thermostat[2]. Three describe an engine failure with oil loss in the account, and some of them were told the engine had to be replaced[2]. A sample this small cannot tell you how common any of this is.

Structure. In a sample of 12 complaints, 4 describe doors that would not open from the inside, the outside or both[10]. Three describe paint lifting or peeling[10].

Electrical system. In a sample of 12 complaints, 4 describe warning lights or sensors acting up, such as blind spot, camera or seat sensors[12]. Three describe the car losing power or shutting off[12].

Steering. In a sample of 12 complaints, 5 describe power steering assist going away or the wheel becoming hard to turn[13]. This lines up with the steering recall below[3]. Steering has 7 crashes among its 72 complaints[13].

Brakes. Brakes have the fewest complaints in the table, but 13 of the 51 mention a crash[16]. No other group in the table has as many crashes[2][10][11][12][13][14][15]. There is also a brake booster recall below[4].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year[3][4][5][6]. Each lists a free dealer repair. Ask a dealer to check the VIN to see if a recall applies to a specific car and whether it was done.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and transmission. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Elantra, 1.4L turbo, Automatic (AM7)[8] 32 / 40 / 35 $1,900
Elantra SE, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[17] 29 / 38 / 33 $2,050
Elantra, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[18] 28 / 37 / 32 $2,100
Elantra, 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[19] 26 / 36 / 29 $2,300
Elantra, 1.6L turbo, Automatic (AM7)[20] 26 / 33 / 29 $2,300
Elantra, 1.6L turbo, Manual 6-spd[21] 22 / 30 / 25 $2,700
Elantra GT, 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[22] 24 / 32 / 27 $2,500
Elantra GT, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[23] 24 / 32 / 27 $2,500

All versions use regular fuel and front-wheel drive[17][18][19][22][23][8][20][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rated the four-door sedan 4 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crashes and 4 stars for rollover[24][25]. Side crash is rated 5 stars in one listing and 4 stars in the other[24][25]. Rollover risk is 10.7%[24][25].

The Elantra GT hatchback is rated 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover[9]. Its rollover risk is 10.9%[9].

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for this model year: a 1.4L four-cylinder rated 128 hp[26], a 1.6L four-cylinder rated 201 hp[27], and a 2.0L four-cylinder rated 147 to 173 hp depending on version[28].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[29][30].

Sedan Elantra GT hatchback
Length[29][30] 180 in 169 in
Width[29][30] 70 in 70 in
Height[29][30] 55 in 57 in
Wheelbase[29][30] 106 in 104 in
Curb weight[29][30] 2,811 lb 2,855 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

1995: 112 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 100 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 115 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 55 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 128 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 197 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 315 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 342 complaints, 6 recalls2003: 234 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 182 complaints, 5 recalls2005: 137 complaints, 4 recalls2006: 155 complaints, 1 recalls2007: 267 complaints, 6 recalls20072008: 315 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 286 complaints, 4 recalls2010: 455 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 462 complaints, 8 recalls20112012: 676 complaints, 5 recalls2013: 1,345 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 396 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 263 complaints, 3 recalls20152016: 300 complaints, 2 recalls2017: 795 complaints, 4 recalls79520172018: 335 complaints, 1 recalls2019: 266 complaints, 1 recalls20192020: 262 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 161 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 159 complaints, 8 recalls2023: 169 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 62 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 34 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 4 complaints, 2 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Elantra model year. The 2017 is highlighted[7].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951121
19961003
19971153
1998550
19991282
20001971
20013156
20023426
20032345
20041825
20051374
20061551
20072676
20083157
20092864
20104554
20114628
20126765
20131,3454
20143962
20152633
20163002
20177954
20183351
20192661
20202623
20211617
20221598
20231694
2024622
2025342
202642

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide. With that in mind, 2017 has 795 complaints[7]. Among the Elantra model years NHTSA lists, only 2013 has more, with 1,345[7]. The next highest after 2017 is 2012, with 676[7]. The years on either side are far lower, with 300 for 2016 and 335 for 2018[7].

Recalls are a different picture. This year has 4 recalls[7], while 2011 and 2022 each have 8[7].

Should you buy a used 2017 Elantra?

This model year has a higher complaint count than the years right around it, led by engine reports[1][2][7]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so they point to what to check rather than prove a pattern[1]. Before buying, run the VIN for open recalls, since the steering, brake and air bag repairs are free at a dealer[3][4][5][6]. Ask for service records, and test for stalling, a slow-warming heater and doors that stick[2][10]. Fuel economy is solid at 25 to 35 combined MPG depending on the version, and the sedan earned 4 stars overall from NHTSA[8][21][24].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra?
Engine is the largest complaint group with 313 of 795 complaints[1][2]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 7 describe stalling or power loss[2]. Structure, with 134 complaints, and electrical system, with 114, are also among the larger groups[10][12].
Does the 2017 Elantra have recalls?
Yes, four. They cover the power steering connector (17V213), brake booster (17V063) and two driver air bag issues (16V956 and 16V232)[3][4][5][6]. All list a free dealer repair.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Elantra get?
EPA combined ratings run from 25 to 35 MPG depending on engine and transmission[8][21]. The 1.4L turbo with Automatic (AM7) is highest at 35 combined[8].
How safe is the 2017 Elantra?
NHTSA gives the sedan 4 stars overall[24][25]. The Elantra GT hatchback gets 5 stars overall[9].
Is 2017 a bad year for the Elantra?
It has the second-highest complaint count of the model years NHTSA lists, at 795, behind 2013 at 1,345[7]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so this is a warning to inspect carefully[1][7].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 795 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra (37 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 24 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 313 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 6 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,650). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 17V213, filed March 28, 2017: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 17V063, filed January 26, 2017: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 16V956, filed December 30, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 16V232, filed April 21, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  7. Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Elantra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Elantra, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 32 city / 40 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 134 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,749). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 131 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 114 complaints name the electrical system component group (6 crashes, 2 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 72 complaints name the steering component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 67 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,731). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 53 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 51 complaints name the brakes component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. EPA rating for Elantra SE, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 38 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Elantra, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 37 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Elantra, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Elantra, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Elantra, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Elantra GT, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Elantra GT, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Hyundai Elantra with 1.4L 4-cylinder: rated 128 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Hyundai Elantra with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Hyundai Elantra with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 147 to 173 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,811 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA GT 5DR HATCHBACK: length 169 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,855 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.