2014 Hyundai Elantra Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems: ticking or knocking noises, high oil consumption, stalling, and in some cases engine replacement. Brake-related complaints are also common, chiefly brake lights staying on and concerns tied to an ABS recall. Many reports fall between roughly 80,000 and 150,000 miles, with engine noise often noticed first and worsening gradually.

1. 1
   Engine

   Engine ticking/knocking and oil consumption leading to

   • 95 complaints (25%)
   • median 88,500 mi at 5.9 yrs old (54 state mileage)
   • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $6,500 (median of 11 quotes)
   • filed 2014–2026

   Owners describe a ticking or knocking noise from the engine that often appears first on cold starts, along with needing to add oil between changes. Complaints say the noise worsens over time and that the vehicle may stall or shut off while driving, sometimes without a warning light. Several owners report the dealer diagnosed the engine as needing replacement, and some were told sludge or oil consumption was the cause. Most often reported between roughly 80,000 and 150,000 miles, with the noise frequently noticed first in cold weather or on cold starts.

   5 related service bulletins

   What to check: Listen for ticking or knocking on a cold start and check the oil level and condition before buying. Ask for service records showing regular oil changes and whether any engine-related inspection or software campaign was performed.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have made numerous oil changes and I was driving home one night. The car left side front tire started screeching and the car kept jerking. Then there was a loud knocking coming from the engine. I drove it the next day and was on my way home and as soon as I pulled into my driveway, the car stalled and will not crank up at all.”

   NHTSA complaint #11388768, filed 2021-01, 160,000 miles

   “My car is only 6 years old and it eats oil . My daughter in betweennoil changes had to put 2 quarts in the car. We use synthetic oil . This has been happening for some time now till I told my family and they mentioned Hyundai had a recall. I dont see one for my car but there obviously is an issue.”

   NHTSA complaint #11349806, filed 2020-08, 98,000 miles
2. 2
   Brakes

   ABS recall notice with brake fluid leak concern

   • 49 complaints (13%)
   • median 111,000 mi at 10.3 yrs old (13 state mileage)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2017–2026

   Complaints describe receiving notice of an ABS module recall but being told the parts were not yet available, sometimes waiting weeks or months for a repair appointment. Some owners describe a loose or unusual-feeling brake pedal, intermittent ABS warning light, delayed braking response, or smoke and warning lights under the hood. The recall notice describes an ABS module that may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short. Reported from about 50,000 to over 170,000 miles, often after owners received the recall notice.

   Recall 23V651000

   What to check: Ask whether the ABS recall (23V651000) has been completed on the vehicle and for documentation. Check brake fluid level and look for signs of leakage around the ABS module, and note whether the ABS light stays on.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11567015, filed 2024-01, 50,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched online and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11602777, filed 2024-07, 173,000 miles
3. 3
   Engine

   Vehicle stalls or loses power while driving

   • 80 complaints (21%)
   • median 70,500 mi at 5.4 yrs old (50 state mileage)
   • 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $5,600 (median of 6 quotes)
   • filed 2014–2026

   Complaints describe the engine shutting off at low speed or while driving, sometimes with a knock just beforehand and no check engine light. Owners report having to restart the vehicle, and some say mechanics cleaned the throttle body or replaced the catalytic converter without solving it. A few describe rough idling, sputtering on startup, or unexpected revving. Reported from roughly 60,000 to 160,000 miles, often during low-speed driving, stops, or after the engine is warm.

   What to check: Ask whether the throttle body or software was serviced and whether any stalling was reported. During a test drive, note idle quality and any hesitation when accelerating from a stop.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I got a tune up on my car then discovered that the misfire in my engine coils is a manufacturer defect. This needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Some times when I crank my car the engine will try to start but makes a constant sputter and then I cut it off I have to let it sit for an hour and then try to crank it again to seee if it will start. My battery, starter, and alternator are good.”

   NHTSA complaint #11377488, filed 2020-12, 106,271 miles

   “I boughtbmy car and anoit 1 month after it started having a ticking noise. Also the car will kinda stall when I'm getting on the highway where I can't get over 45 MPH. Also the symbol with the (!) keep coming on and then blinking really fast. And the front end kinda shakes when it does that”

   NHTSA complaint #11398280, filed 2021-02, 101,000 miles
4. 4
   Brakes

   Brake lights staying on / brake pedal stopper pad

   • 19 complaints (5%)
   • median 79,152 mi at 7.7 yrs old (15 state mileage)
   • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2014–2026

   Owners report that the brake lights remain lit after the pedal is released, and in some cases the vehicle can be shifted out of park without pressing the brake. Some say the pedal stopper pad came apart, and complaints link the symptom to a brake pedal linkage recall even where their vehicle was not included. Others mention the battery draining because the lights stayed on. Described from about 20,000 to 130,000 miles, typically noticed while parked or when the battery drained.

   Recall 17V769000

   What to check: With the pedal released, have someone confirm the brake lights go out, and try shifting out of park without touching the brake. Ask whether the brake pedal stopper pad recall (17V769000) applies to the vehicle and was completed.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “When being driven and slowing down for a stop light, car decelerates and stalls, goes to 0 MPH. Brake lights malfunction. Left signal light malfunctions.”

   NHTSA complaint #11343946, filed 2020-08, 67,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the brake lights failed to turn off. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V574000 (Exterior Lighting) however, neither the VIN nor the model year were included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.”

   NHTSA complaint #11419374, filed 2021-06, 83,000 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection focused on engine noise, oil consumption, brake function and warning lights is worthwhile on this model year. Ask for service records and confirm whether the ABS and brake pedal recalls have been completed on the specific vehicle.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.