2004 Hyundai Elantra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,597miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Hyundai Elantra, 3% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,597 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on the highway and suddenly the oil light came on. At the same time, there was a loud noise so I pulled over and turned off my car. Minutes later I tried to turn it on but no life whatsoever. Got out of car and saw big oil spill along the side up to where I drove to. Drove car to mechanic. Engine had hole in the engine block.”
NHTSA complaint #10495085, filed 2013-01, 67,050 miles“Have 2004 Elantra w/ 77,000 miles. Check engine light came on while starting car in am. Car has no symptoms of bad plugs,02 sensor, or catalytic conv. Issues. Runs fine, no different. I have the car checked diagnostically and they said the 02 needed changing and new p;lugs / wires. The wires/ plugs arent due for another 30k miles we thought, and the car running fine! Was waiting to have this service done as we were given a $613.00 quote! In meantime the check light went off and car running fine! It had just had theoiil changed and a new air filter when this occured, and new gas. …”
NHTSA complaint #10579323, filed 2014-04, 77,000 miles“From stop sign proceeded to cross intersection, was struck on front end of drivers side panel and bumper, spun around and hit again on driver back side panel and rear wheel, ripped half of the front bumper and crushed drivers front side against engine , no air bag deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10575486, filed 2014-03, 99,597 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an increase in engine rpms as the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 133,800.”
NHTSA complaint #10555664, filed 2013-12, 133,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 14% |
| 2024 | 8 | 14% |
| 2023 | 20 | 20% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 13 | 10% |
| 2020 | 109 | 43% |
| 2019 | 134 | 53% |
| 2018 | 142 | 50% |
| 2017 | 291 | 38% |
| 2016 | 111 | 38% |
| 2015 | 92 | 35% |
| 2014 | 166 | 43% |
| 2013 | 233 | 18% |
| 2012 | 139 | 21% |
| 2011 | 92 | 21% |
| 2010 | 15 | 4% |
| 2009 | 13 | 5% |
| 2008 | 24 | 8% |
| 2007 | 12 | 4% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2004 Hyundai Elantra
114 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology