# Hyundai Elantra check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 317 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (125) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 317 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Hyundai Elantra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (125). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Hyundai Elantra check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 23 | 262 | 9% | | 2016 | 30 | 293 | 10% | | 2017 | 125 | 770 | 16% | | 2018 | 47 | 284 | 17% | | 2019 | 32 | 252 | 13% | | 2020 | 40 | 255 | 16% | | 2021 | 6 | 162 | 4% | | 2022 | 6 | 142 | 4% | | 2023 | 3 | 101 | 3% | | 2024 | 4 | 56 | 7% | | 2025 | 1 | 28 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Hyundai Elantra recalls related to the check engine light **[24V308000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V308000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-05-01): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. **[23V526000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V526000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-07-27): An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. **Remedy:** Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Hyundai Elantra owners report - "Car was operating fine, then when we got on the highway, we noticed the check engine light had come on but were unable to get off the highway. The vehicle then began slowing down despite pressing down on the gas pedal. Vehicle continued to slow to about 15mph and we were hit by another car." -- owner of a 2025 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2026 - "Check engine light did come on with a warning from the vehicle stating a possible issue with our Engine Control System. Shortly after, while ON the roadway, at about 35-40 mph, the car completely shut off. Luckily my wife was going to a church and the church men were able to push her car safely, with our kids..." -- owner of a 2024 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2024 - " 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..." -- owner of a 2023 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Hyundai Elantra check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (24V308000, 23V526000) covering 2023-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Hyundai Elantra years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2020 Elantra model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 125 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Hyundai Elantra with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Hyundai Elantra has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Hyundai dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Hyundai Elantra warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/hyundai-elantra): 12 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/hyundai-elantra): 24 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 72 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-elantra): 67 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 20 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-elantra): 24 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Hyundai Elantra - [Hyundai Elantra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-elantra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-elantra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.