CarComplaints.com Notes: Be aware that there's a significant trend of owners complaining that the Elantra's fuel economy is significantly less than the EPA estimates.

8.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,720
Average Mileage:
80,350 miles
Total Complaints:
33 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (13 reports)
  2. short block was replaced (8 reports)
  3. replace long block (5 reports)
  4. replace engine (4 reports)
  5. repair engine (3 reports)
2012 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #33

Apr 062022

Elantra Limited 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

So this is the second Hyundai that I have had major engine problems. The first was a 2017 Santa Fe Sport that ate oil and now a 2012 Elantra with a ticking sound. I am never going to own another Hyundai vehicle. Nothing but trash.

- Steve M., Grove City, US

problem #32

Jan 132020

Elantra Limited 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

Bought this car on January 9th, 2020 and started to have issues immediately. TPMS lights were on and stayed on even after adding air to the tires. Then several times the stability control light would start to blink and the car would immediately lose power. I could only go 30mph when this happened. Would have to pull over and restart the car to get this to reset. Took it back to the dealer I bought it from who blamed the issue on low tire pressure. Tire valves were replaced and TPMS system reset. On the way home I noticed a tick coming from the engine.

After googling this issue I found this was a widespread problem with the car. There is piston slap that will eventually lead to engine failure. Took it back to the dealer who tried to get the engine replaced through Hyundai. It was denied!! Also found out the 10yr-100mi warranty only applies to the original owner so I was out of luck. The dealer felt sorry for me since this was a car for my daughter and gave me my money back minus taxes+fees+$200. So I got beat out of $900 for a car I had less than one month, thanks Hyundai for making a terrible engine. I will never buy a used Hyundai again. There is a class action lawsuit against Hyundai for this engine issue. I suggest avoiding this car at all costs.

- johncr, Wantage, US

problem #31

Feb 012020

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

A 2012 with 120,000 miles should not have engine problems where it needs to be replaced! The Hyundai dealer agreed to pay half leaving me with $3000 (yes that is my half)! I will never buy Hyundai again (NOT EVEN TO SAVE MY SOUL)! Worthless piece of junk cars! Not only do they sell junk, their integrity needs to be questioned when they are trying to overcharge for the repair! YOU SUCK, HYUNDAI!

- Carla F., Minneapolis, MN, US

problem #30

Jun 052020

Elantra GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My Elantra is making a loud ticking noise from the engine when you start it up, recently the noise has gotten louder and I am afraid the engine is going to fail soon. I recently found that a lot of Elantras are experiencing this problem and are in dire need to engine replacement or repair. $4000 to $5000 repairs is a lot to pay for a manufactures error with no reimbursement.

- detdremar, White Hall, US

problem #29

Apr 082018

Elantra GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I think there is a class action on this but I'm not entirely sure.

- Donald H., Escondido, CA, US

problem #28

Feb 012021

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

Constant knocking noise coming from the engine... has caused car to stop running... I have changed oil filter, air filter, had the timing chain replaced, timing belt replaced, sensors.....

- smke0298, Clarkton, US

problem #27

Mar 162020

Elantra GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine ticking, the dealership claimed that the sound was no an issue for two oil replacements, then let us know that it was “piston slap” and we would need to replace the engine. This has followed almost exactly the experiences out laid in the relevant class-action lawsuit that Hyundai is fighting.

- Jaden B., Lehi, UT, US

problem #26

Mar 262018

Elantra GLS 1.8L 4cl

  • Manual transmission
  • 86,000 miles

Extremely annoying. Especially in winter. Every time I start my car. I've been told about it from family, friends, co workers and even the lubes mechanics. It gets less noticeable when the car warms up. But even then it shouldn't be an issue for a well maintained vehicle.

- Jacob B., Warren, US

problem #25

Jan 182019

Elantra Limited 4 Cyc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

I started hearing ticking noise 1st thing in the morning when I started my car. Then as time went on it would tick even when I was driving during the day when it wasn't cold. I'd put up with that for a few months because I didn't time to get it looked at. I had all my service at Hyundai so my records were sufficient. When I called to schedule oil change and ticking noise they told me over the phone that they would have a loaner car for me to drive bc they need to do a cold start. Ok'... no word from them for 4 days. Do I called on the 5th day and they told me there was metal in the oil and they have turned it over to Hyundai waiting for a response. I called back a week later and the service man asked for my vehicle registration and I told him it was in glove box. Within 24 hrs he called back and said Hyundai has approved my engine replacement and they are on back order 8 weeks!!! So I am driving a 2019 sonata with 1800 miles on it until they fix my car. I am pleased they did not give me issues. I had just had my 60k service back in August which was a $1000 for everything. I will update you guys in September with out some of vehicle. I am also under the impression my mileage warranty starts over for the engine... Disappointed but happy St Charles Automotive in St Louis MO took care of me with ease. I will purchase another Hyundai some day because I have had no other issues. ♡♡♡ Actually love my Elantra..

- queensess, Madison, IL, US

problem #24

Jan 102019

Elantra GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

Just checking here ...

- Shakir S., Herndon, VA, US

problem #23

Mar 182019

Elantra L 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,565 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My wife and I live in Canada. We are the second owners of this vehicle, got it from a Hyundai dealership with 80,000 km (50,000 miles). At about 120,000 km (75,000 miles) the engine began to tick, started in the winter.

We brought it into a local shop and they recommended either having the engine taken apart costing about 1000 CAD but first to just try an oil additive to lessen the issue. If that didn't help to come back in and we'll have to foot the $1000 bill. It didn't help so we brought it in and about 2 hours later the shop calls us and says that the engine is in such a bad state that he will need to replace it, not fix it. This would cost $7000 CAD and the cars only worth maybe $8000 CAD (best guess).

The mechanic was fairly puzzled how an issue like this would occur in a vehicle that kept up with regular maintenance. So he found this website (carcomplaints) and informed us our best course of action would be to contact the dealership and see if they will extend the warranty because of this issue seems to be of recall proportions (though there is no recall, just a Technical Service Bulletin).

I found out about the issue a few days ago and wanted to research the issue as much as I could before contacting the dealership, so I will add an update about what I hear back but I am not expecting this to be resolved in a satisfying way.

Kinda late to the party but here's some links for people just finding out about this issue

Technical Service bulletin for the issue : TSB 14-20-002 https://static.superservice.com/content/pdfs/HYW/bulletin/CA/14-20-002%20%20UD%20Engine%20Knocking%20%20V2.pdf

article on class action lawsuit: https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/hyundai-elantra-engine-ticking-noise-pistons-lawsuit.shtml

In the lawsuit one of the legal teams has this page to contact them (I have no information about this but this page gave me the most hope that maybe something good will come of this)

https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/investigations/hyundai-elantra-and-kia-forte-nu-engine-failures-class-action-investigation/

- Kendel J., Winnipeg, MB, Canada

problem #22

May 012018

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

I came across this website when checking to see if my 2012 Hyundai Elantra was part of the recent recall or not. It was interesting to see how many others experience the engine ticking. I purchased the car used, when it had about 35,000 miles on it. The engine ticking started after the first oil change, when I had around 38,000 miles on it. The car actually vibrates (almost like it will stall, but it never stalls). It typically only happens when I am driving slow, right before I come to stop or right after I start up the engine.

Most of the time, the check engine light does not come on. Every once in awhile, the check engine light will go on, but I am pretty sure this relates to over-use of the air conditioner on hot days, during or after long drives.

I have had the car evaluated by a local mechanic I trust and by the head mechanic at a Hyundai dealer. The local mechanic said he doesn't know what the problem is and the computer that hooks up to the car doesn't detect any problems. The head mechanic at the dealer said the issue is common with Elantras, but he doesn't know why.

After reading this website, I wonder if he is being honest about the "not knowing why" part...He listed a few things he has tried that sometimes seem to help, such as only using high quality oil during oil changes. I wonder if there is any possibility that lower quality oil (or the oil replacement place using the wrong viscosity weight oil) damaging the engine? I know very little about car engines, so I have no idea. It was interesting that the stalling-like noises happened after the first oil change.

I have been living with the noises since no one seems willing or able to fix it. I have to explain the situation every time I offer a ride to someone.

- ROBIN F., Corte Madera, CA, United States

problem #21

Nov 012018

Elantra Limited 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Many other Hyundai Elantra owners have complained about the ticking noise in their engines. I am experiencing the same issue and am concerned because ultimately this issue seems to end with complete engine failure. Although there were some success stories mentioned in Canada about Hyundai replacing peoples engine, dealers in the USA seems to be trying to bury the issue. I downloaded and read the Hyundai TSB 14-20-002 which flat out confirms why this is happening. There was a class action lawsuit started in July 2018. Can anyone give me any details on how to participate in that class action?

- Fred R., Glen Spey, NY, US

problem #20

Apr 132018

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

I am the 2nd owner of a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. When purchased in 2016 I bought the extended warranty. Over the last month the engine has started to make a ticking noise which seemed to get increasingly louder.

I took the vehicle in early for an oil change, and to check on the noise - to the used car dealer where I have it serviced and purchased the car. The shop indicated it was an unidentifiable engine issue. The company the warranty was purchased through requested the vehicle be towed to my local Hyundai dealer to be further diagnosed.

They tore down the engine half way and advised that it was something wrong with the pistons, but they were having a hard time showing the inspector who needed to see the issue present. The warranty company then requested the Hyundai facility tear down the engine further to determine the "root cause". Finally after the 2nd inspection they saw the problem. The extended warranty company is agreeing to pay for the replacement of the engine.

So now I have the green light for the repairs to be covered... and no engine available.. because these engines are on back order... The dealership is telling me they have SEVEN other Elantras at the dealership waiting on engines as well - one has been there for 3 months. The Hyundai dealership said they are expecting a wave of engines in late May early June - but that I will not get one of those because my name is just going on the list.

My warranty company will only cover up to 6 days of rental reimbursement as they go by labor hours, and do not take into consideration the time I will be waiting for the engine on recall.

At this point I am anticipating being without a car for up to 3 months going forward.

HYUNDAI NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE.

- melanie ct, Meriden, US

problem #19

May 012018

Elantra GLS 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

I bought this car from a Hyundai dealer with 30K miles on it. I've maintained it very well and in the 4 years I've owned it, I have only put 25K miles on the car. About a month ago I heard a ticking sound from the engine. I took it to the dealer and they said I need a new engine. Hyundai is not replacing it for me because they say I am past the warranty for a used car. They did offer to cover $1500 of the repair.

I really wish they would stand by their product and replace it for free. Lots of complaints here and online about the same problem and it being a manufacturing defect. If they don't, I will never buy another Hyundai again. This is clearly their fault and I shouldn't have to pay for this .

- Anthony S., Rahway, NJ, US

problem #18

Jan 242018

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

A ticking began in my car out with no cause. I took it to my usual repair place and they recommended that I take it to the Hyundai dealer. First, Hyundai charged me for diagnosing the problem. Just for them to look at it was $140. After assessing the noise, they called to say that there were metal shaving in the engine and that it would require a complete replacement. The estimate was $8000! They submitted the claim to Hyundai corporate for it to be covered under warranty, but the corporate office denied the claim. Because I am a second owner, the 100,000miles/10 year warranty doesn't apply. My warranty was for 60,000miles or five years. I am five month over that deadline. The local office said I should try and call customer service.

The customer service agent were pretty awful. They told me to call the dealership back with all of these questions, basically giving me the run around where in truth, they just weren't going to help me. The dealership explained that they fulfilled all of the required protocols. Eventually I was on the phone with a customer service rep that said, "There is nothing you can do. Once corporate says no, it means no". They offered to give me a P.O. Box to write a letter.

I am so frustrated. The repair team conceded that this is likely a production problem and that it hasn't become a recall yet. Sounds like there are a lot of others out there with a similar experience. Any solutions? Class action suit to force a recall?

- Alexis K., Minneapolis, MN, US

problem #17

Jan 082018

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

My 2012 Hyundai Elantra started making a ticking/knocking noise. Took it in to the dealership and I was told the short block needs to be replaced. This problem seems to be very common, why hasn't Hyundai done a recall on this model?! The dealership submitted a claim to Hyundai Canada to approve to the replacement but I am still waiting to hear back from them. I don't have all of the receipts for my oil changes and maintenance and I'm sure it will get denied just for that reason.... DON'T EVER BUY A HYUNDAI!! Never again..

- Tefanny H., Edmonton, AB, Canada

problem #16

Dec 202017

Elantra GL 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,876 miles

My wife and I bought a 2012 Elantra (after my brother had great success with his 2002 Elantra getting over 300000km on it). We have loved our car. It has been reliable (always starts...even when it is -30 outside!). But, unfortunately we have been struck with the infamous engine tick. It did start when we were going through a brutal cold snap.

I brought it into the dealer while we were on vacation thinking it might be a simple one or two day fix. I also thought that it might simply be a lifter tick or timing chain slap. I was surprised to get the news that I needed a new engine. When I asked the service department to explain when we returned home "How could it need a new engine?" he replied that "This is a common problem" and already had 10 cars waiting for their new engines.

He even went on to say the engines were back ordered by about 800 engines as many other dealerships were having the same problem, and that we were lucky to get the 170,000km on it that we got. We did have plans already to buy another vehicle as our daughter is getting her license and was going to use the Elantra. So at the time, we decided to just buy another car and purchased a 2018 Santa Fe XL (we are hoping we do not run into the same engine issues now with this car!). We opted not to replace the engine in the Elantra at that time as beside the tick, it was still running fine, and everything else on the car is still in great shape.

Since having the car home I began to do some research on the engine. I was very surprised to find out that many other people have had the same issues with their Elantras (and also felt lucky ours made it to 170,000km before the ticking happened). I'm not sure at this time how I should proceed, but 170,000km is a far cry from the 300,000km my brother had with his older Elantra.

We have treated the car well to ensure we could pass it down to our daughter. Now, it's a giant paperweight! Hopefully Hyundai is honorable enough to correct this issue and not let it become a class action lawsuit. Thanks for reading :)

- Ben B., Everett, ON, Canada

problem #15

Dec 042017

Elantra Limited 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,259 miles

Specific Labor Description- From Mechanic dated 2/16/2018

CHECK LOUD ENGINE NOISE, OIL LEVEL OK. SUSPECT PISTON SLAP ISSUE OR WRIST PIN RELATED. DID SCAN COMPUTER TO SHUT DOWN EACH CYLINDER TO VERIFY PROBLEM IS IN CYLINDER 1. NOISE DIDN'T GO AWAY BUT DIMINISHED GREATLY WEEN SHUT DOWN CYLINDER 1. WOULD NEED TO TEAR DOWN TO VERIFY EXACT CAUSE.

- Gary S., Brimfield, MA, US

problem #14

Jan 082018

Elantra GLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,389 miles

Fellow Elantra owners,

Unfortunately I can now relate. My 2012 Elantra with 65 000 kms now needs a short block replacement. The engine started ticking when running after a cold snap here in Edmonton. It was -30 for a couple of days before it began knocking if that makes any difference. I stopped driving it and took it to the dealership where I have now been told I need a short block replacement.

I am the second owner and have only driven the vehicle myself for 15 000 kms so I am quite upset with this. The dealership is currently in talks with Hyundai Canada regarding the issue to determine whether or not Hyundai will pay to fix this issue. Hoping for the best, fingers crossed. It just seems like such a joke to me that a car with only 65 000 kms has such major engine issues.

- Sara H., Edmonton, AB, Canada

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