Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2023 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the middle console became extremely hot, and the contact was unable to touch the console or the contents for fear of being burned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that heat from the exhaust was permeating into the interior of the vehicle. The contact was informed that a heatshield sleeve needed to be added to the exhaust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a full stop, the brake pedal was released, and the vehicle surged forward before the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cause of the failure was due to faulty motor mount bushings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 290.
On July 28th 2024, I took my new 2023 Hyundai Elantra to its first oil change at a Take 5 oil change center. They replaced the oil, filter, checked the fluid levels in my car, and topped the fluids off. That evening, I noticed there was a liquid leaking from behind the passenger side tire, and at first thought it was water from the A/C, but in the morning, I noticed a puddle of liquid was under the car. I went back to Take 5 on August 5th and informed them that I believed there was coolant leaking from the vehicle following my oil change. The worker checked and said my coolant reservoir was completely empty, and he refilled the coolant and told me to take it to be diagnosed at a full service auto center. …
2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL. Car has been slow to start this week. When I depress the brake pedal and push to start, it will start then shut off in the middle of starting then I have to try again or it will sputter then fully start but every safety alert and electrical alarm will go off in my car and nothing clears it until I drive for about 5 minutes then they all clear. I went to AutoZone and they said my battery was normal health. When this slow start happens I also notice that my vehicle doesn't accelerate as well and it feels like it's trying too hard to the point it will jerk forward even when I'm only lightly pressing the accelerator. I noticed this, 2 winters ago (2024) as well and I thought it was due to the very cold weather we had. Brought it to my sister's fianc e and he couldn't find any DTC's but agreed something felt off. …
Vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to vibration when braking caused by warped rotors, a vehicle that pulls to one side with an off-center steering wheel, abnormal tire wear including a bald tire with a sidewall bubble, and a transmission that has twice failed and recently felt like it was going to stall while accelerating. The wheel bearing/suspension noise was confirmed by an independent repair shop (Firestone) using a listening device at highway speed; however, the dealership's own inspection gave a conflicting finding of no issue. The transmission issues have been reproduced by the dealership in the sense that two replacements were performed; however, the most recent stalling sensation has not yet been independently confirmed. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance. …
*The engine began sputtering really bad and the check engine light came on. I brought the vehicle to the dealership that I purchased it from and they recommended a fuel system flush and change the spark plugs. I had them change the spark plugs and the check engine was cleared but still sputtered a bit. So I brought it to my mechanic who does most of my work and his diagnosis was that oil was blowing by and to not drive it and have towed to Hyundai cause they've been seeing all kinds of engine problems on Hyundai's and that they since the warranty was 100k miles and I had just reached 104k miles that they may fix it. It is currently at Hyundai dealership being diagnosed. *I was driving on the interstate when engine began shaking in the middle of rush hour traffic making it difficult to pull over to see if I could see anything. …
On two occasion vehicle abruptly shuts down leaving me with no control of vehicle. 1st incident , i was turning corner when car made a loud screeching noise and completely shut down ,i had no control over breaks or steering. Car sat for several hours before i could start it up, i did attempt to drive it down the street. I called to have vehicle looked at by dealership. They were unable to duplicate what happened . I received car back drove it for 2 weeks and then same thing happened, this time I was on a busy road when it shut down making loud screeching noise . I let vehicle roll while i struggled to pull over . I had no control over vehicle something is triggering vehicle to shut down . I am very concerned this will continue happening and it could result in a serious injury or fatality . …
I was on a delivery yesterday when this first occurred. I put my car into reverse and proceded to back up when my engine cut off suddenly and a loud warning came on , on my dash by the steering wheel it said ... engine off, shift to neutral and restart. That is what I did and it restarted and I continued on with my deliveries. Then the exact same thing happened again today so I called the dealership and they said there is a recall with the isg system that could be the issue but no resolution yet so there's nothing they can do. In the meantime time I can't use my vehicle for work as im a full time food delivery driver and I have to back up into roadways multiple times a day going in and out of driveways and I can't risk my safety or other drivers safety as my car may turn off in the roadway.
This has happened twice. I brought it to Hyundai in Syracuse and they said they could not find a problem. The problem: While driving the car loses power, when pressing the gas pedal the car stops propelling forward. Safety: The car randomly loses power while driving. This could happen when pulling out onto a highway or railroad tracks etc. Problem been reproduced: It has not been reproduced by a dealer. It's happened twice randomly in the 2 years I've had the car. I did bring it to Hyundai in Syracuse NY but they said they didn't find an issue. Inspection: Hyundai in Syracuse NY checked the car for an issue. No police or insurance. Warning/messages: There were no messages or warnings before it lost power.
Engine complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, 21% of the model year's 100 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2023 Hyundai Elantra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2023 Hyundai Elantra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 8,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.