2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT Complaints

The vehicle is experiencing engine-related excessive oil consumption, which has led to failure of the catalytic converter and emissions system. The root issue appears to be an internal engine defect causing oil to burn during operation. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request, including the engine and catalytic converter components. The excessive oil consumption creates a risk of engine damage or sudden engine failure while driving, which could lead to loss of power in traffic. Additionally, a failing catalytic converter can cause reduced engine performance, stalling, or overheating, increasing the risk of unsafe driving conditions, especially on highways or in heavy traffic. Yes, the issue was previously reported to a dealership, including concerns about excessive oil consumption. The problem has continued and worsened over time, now resulting in a check engine light and catalytic converter-related fault codes, confirming the ongoing condition. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership service department in the past regarding oil consumption concerns. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Further inspection by the manufacturer or authorized dealership can be conducted upon request. Yes, symptoms began with excessive oil loss requiring frequent top-offs, followed by the appearance of a check engine light. The issue was first reported approximately one year ago and has progressively worsened, ultimately resulting in catalytic converter-related fault codes and continued oil consumption.

Engine consumes large amount of oil requiring oil refill every week, without turning on check engine and/or engine oil light. Raising the chances to cause accidents due to engine failure while driving, and requiring mechanical intervention to rebuild the engine or a total engine swap. There are over 40 other complaints about this same issue, and it needs to be addressed.

I've contacted Hyundai to try and do a recall repair on my Hyundai Elantra GT 2018 both through a local dealership (Planet Hyundai in Golden, CO) and Hyundai corporate. The engine is stalling and knocking very bad to the point where it's no longer drivable. It's burning oil non-stop and I am constantly adding oil to it. I'm getting pushback from Hyundai saying I never fixed the recall when I was actually not notified to begin with. I'm the 2nd owner of the car so if I was never notified, how can I be responsible for something I was never told about? Now they are saying this little sensor was supposed to help let you know there's a problem with the engine (sounds like a check engine light?). Hyundai has known about their engines being faulty for quite some time. I need this vehicle to get to and from my job as well as taking my grandson to multiple doctor's appointments each week because he has a disability (he's only [XXX] old). They need to take responsibility for this. Is there anything the NHTSA can do? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I purchased the car on April 7th, 2022 with roughly 115k miles on it and got a blinking CEL shortly after. The engine was listed as a recall and was swapped with 115,610 miles on it directly after the swap. During this, the Hyundai dealership representative called Hyundai's engineer department twice, trying to get this taken care of by Hyundai/paid for by them and they denied it twice, causing me to have to pay half of what the company I got the car from covered. I was told it was denied due to being the 2nd owner and for high mileage/being out of warranty because of this mileage. I submitted all repair invoices and proof of payment through the Hyundai Campaign Reimbursement Portal, got ignored for about 3 months, then when I followed up, I was denied for the same reason, approximately around September 30th, 2025. The settlement terms for these engines typically cover all subsequent owners and do not have a mileage cap for the lifetime warranty, yet I was still illegally denied. As seen, That you have already exhausted Hyundai’s internal rebuttal process without success. I would appreciate any and all help in receiving the money paid rightfully given to me due to Hyundai's non compliance on this matter, thank you very much.

Car was being driven home when car started shaking heavily and check engine light started flashing. Car had been needing 1qt of oil every 600-800 miles, depending on drive (highway would go longer). Pulled off to the side and plugged in code reader - found that cylinder 3 misfired and catalyst system below threshold. Was able to get the car home. Towed it to Hyundai dealership the following week once they were available and they found a bad cylinder head and leaking cylinder. Assumption is the amount of oil it was using ended up backing up carbon buildup. Car has less than 100,000 miles on it and even with maintenance it needs a new engine.

In mid-2024, the vehicle experienced a flashing check engine light. I brought it to Murfreesboro Hyundai (TN), where they confirmed the oil was low and started an oil consumption test. A bearing clearance test (BCT) was also performed and passed. After back-and-forth over several weeks, I was told the oil consumption was within spec, but the dealership stated Hyundai would cover all necessary repairs, including a combustion chamber cleaning, under warranty. I was told this work was completed and the vehicle was returned to me. In July 2025, the exact same flashing CEL returned. I brought the car back to the same dealership, where they again found the oil was 2.5 quarts low. However, this time they claimed no previous combustion cleaning or repairs had been done, and that I would now need to pay over $1,100 out of pocket for the same cleaning that was supposedly already performed — and which they had told me would be covered under warranty. This indicates that the dealership misrepresented completed service work, failed to address a recurring defect, and is now trying to shift the financial burden to me. Hyundai’s claim that oil consumption is not “high enough” to warrant coverage is concerning, especially when the condition continues to damage the engine and cause driveability issues. This appears to be part of a broader known defect affecting Hyundai 2.0L engines. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s handling of oil consumption, engine misfire, and warranty practices related to the 2018 Elantra GT and similar models.

It uses a lot of oil with no visible leak or reason. I put new oil in all the time. All the time! For two years since buying it used. Warning light does not come on till it's out. Car is hot, of course, and stops running in the middle of the road. I see there is a recall on some elantras for oil piston seals but not this car. Seems it should be.

when i was in the rear seat and closed left side door, i found myself stuck. the window would not go down from switch as well so i could not use outside handle for exit. after climbing to other side of backseat with my physical impairment (difficult in tight space backseat) i exited and checked outer handle the door opened. i then checked child saftey lock switch and it was not in child safety position. i checked the window power switch at driver door main control and window went down but not back up.

when moving during heavy traffic the car, when braking, will suddenly stop or stop heavily at slow speeds. this causes passengers to be jolted as well as following cars. possible rear end collision is the effect as well. passenger safety of accident is a concern. no warning or indication has been shown at dash.

On 6/27/24 while starting my car in the morning an ABS failure light came on, various other system failure lights came on and have stayed on since that day including Cruise Control and Auto Hold. My car only had 33,250 miles on it! I purchased for an OBDII Reader hoping the failure was just a Wheel Speed Sensor. Unfortunately, the error code registered in the ECU was C240201 “Motor Failure” I brought in my car to a very reputable Auto repair shop, and for a $139 diagnosis fee, they confirmed that the ABS Motor / Pump had failed. The owner of the Repair Shop HAD NEVER seen a car of this age and such low milage have this failure previously. The estimate for repairs was over $2,000 as Hyundai is asking for $1300 + tax for just the part. I have read from on-line forums other Elantra GT 2018-2020 owners having the same failure and thought it should be reported.