2017 Hyundai Elantra: Common Problems

Lauren K
Mar 5, 2021

Red 2017 Hyundai Elantra From Front-Driver Side

Finding the right car for you can be a challenge. For many, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra checks off a ton of boxes and is a great vehicle. There are some problems associated with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra, however, that you should be aware of before you purchase one.

What are some common problems with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra?

  • Vehicle stability control issues, and electronic stability control often goes out or is faulty.
  • Vehicle speed control is faulty and will not allow the vehicle to drive over a certain speed.
  • Improper braking; brake system is inadequate or faulty
  • Airbag defects, airbags do not deploy
  • Door latches do not unlock

About the Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is a great five-passenger sedan that was first introduced to the market in 1995. This was a boxy car that was a great alternative to larger sedans for those who were commuting or just needed something smaller and more economical. The Elantra has since evolved and changed and is now a super-popular car among commuters and those who drive a great deal for work and for other purposes. The current Elantras come with some great technology and are a wonderful car for road trips and for extended drives.

Vehicle Stability Control and Electronic Stability Control

Drivers have reported that the vehicle stability control goes out and that the car lunges and lurches and the check engine light goes on and off. The car also shuts off unexpectedly as a result of this defect. Another driver stated that the vehicle shuddered when they drove over 45 miles per hour and that it also stalled often for no apparent reason. At this time, there is no recall that has to do with this issue.

Vehicle Speed Control

Many drivers have stated that when they try to drive over a certain speed, generally over 60 miles per hour, their vehicle begins to shake, their check engine light illuminates, and the car then shuts off. One driver stated that even after taking their vehicle to the mechanic, there is no code associated with the problem, and the mechanic has trouble finding a problem. Still another driver stated that their engine shut off completely while they were driving, which led them to believe that it is a safety issue and may end up causing a wreck for those unaware of the potential for the engine to shut off.

Improper or Faulty Braking

Several drivers have stated that the brakes are either inadequate, they do not stop properly, or there is some other defect with the brakes. Many drivers reported that when they pressed the brake pedal, the brakes did not respond, or they responded slowly, making the driver feel as though their car was not going to be able to stop in time, even though they pressed the brake pedal well before they needed to stop. Another driver stated that they had the most trouble with the brakes when the road was wet and slick.

Faulty Airbags, Airbag Defect

Many drivers reported that the airbags are faulty as well. One driver stated that when they were in an accident in which the entire front end of the vehicle caved in, the airbags never deployed. Another driver stated that they were in an interstate accident, and the airbags never deployed, even though there was extensive front end damage. Still another driver stated that the airbag light would come on and go off at unexpected times for no apparent reason, and no code displayed when the car was taken to a mechanic for repair of the light.

Door Latches Do Not Unlock

This is a somewhat perplexing issue, but plenty of people have complained that the door latches simply stop working. They have stated that when they try to open the door, the latches will not work, they do not work with the key, they do not work with the remote, and they do not work from either outside or inside the vehicle. Drivers feel that this is a safety hazard as passengers and driver may become trapped in the vehicle and may not be able to get out. Other drivers reported that the locks would work on and off and that sometimes they would be able to get into their car, and other times they could not.

What to Do Before You Buy

When it comes to buying your vehicle, it is always best to take the time to do some research. With the right resource like Vehicle History, you can find a compilation of common problems and issues that other drivers have had as well as find out benefits and suggestions. The right vehicle is waiting for you; you just have to be willing to look for it.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Hyundai's have poor value. on May 2, 2021
Hyundai's have poor value.
My car is very nice looking. It is sleek, efficient, and drives nice when you buy it new. After 2 years of having my car, it has started to overheat and have issues. It is very loud when I start it up and shakes as well. I have had 3 Hyundai's over the past 8 years and after a few years, they all have the same issues. The quality of these cars are not great and they lose value quickly as well. I would not recommend anyone to buy a Hyundai. If you are leasing it for 2 years, maybe. But I will never purchase another Hyundai ever again.
accountCircle Jackie wishing on July 5, 2021
Worst car I’ve ever had
I have had engine troubles after 1 1/2 years of owning it. 2 coils in the engine went bad and when coils go bad your engine light comes on but doesn’t stay on so they can’t fix it unless they get a code. I wonder how many more will soon go bad. The combination switch for the lights/ tirn signal is now bad. Ive never spent so much time at a service station in my life. All the bells and whistles that it has is great but not worth the hassle of having a bad engine.
accountCircle Brittany W on June 24, 2021
My overall opinion of the car and it is material.
I feel like there is a lot of plastic on this car. My front bumper has cracked and the paint is chipping. I have issues with the buttons on my driver side window. Overall the car is too light, again another problem with plastic versus metal. Does have good gas mileage which I am thankful for but if I had to do it all over again I would buy a Honda.
accountCircle Colleen R on September 14, 2021
Good car, but glitchy sometimes.
I love my car, but I have had a couple of issues with the check engine light coming on related to misfires, etc. It took months and several shops to get it fixed and only did because I googled the issue and other owners have had it. Otherwise, handles great and great gas mileage.
accountCircle Shante D on July 15, 2021
Sport mode is great best features yet.
Beside the sport mode which I love, theirs small issues with my headlight going out every week also I am having problem with the power. Even my heater and air conditioner will work when it wants to work. I also gotten that fix many times. I also have an issue with the battery.
accountCircle Amethyst L on August 20, 2021
You get what you pay for and the bottom-of-the-line model sure leaves a lot of amenities to be desired.
I like the satellite radio. I dislike the AC because it takes too long to get going. I dislike the fact that it does not have heated seats like the Sonata. I dislike the the non-automatic seat adjusters. I dislike that the headlights are not automatic.
accountCircle Tom T on August 17, 2021
A great car, but watch your trunk.
The Elantra is a reliable, comfortable, economical car that is fun to drive. Well engineered and well built. We had one issue with the remote key fob being too sensitive, causing the trunk to open randomly, but the issue was dealt with by the dealer.
accountCircle ashley h on July 26, 2021
It gets great gas mileage and get so much for your money.
I love the sporty look to my vehicle. It gets great gas mileage and able to drive to the beach 5 hours away on less than one tank of gas. The only thing I dislike is the power, not the most powerful vehicle but prefer the gas mileage instead.
accountCircle Erica S on September 11, 2021
It gets amazing gas mileage!
The passenger side back door does not open due to the lock mechanism being stuck, the visor on the passenger side fell off, and it gets great gas mileage. I love it I just wish these cosmetic issues were not happening.
accountCircle Veronica I on July 23, 2021
Convertible car seat problem
Love my Hyundai Elantra. Only thing I dislike is that it's not very roomy in the back seat for my daughters convertible car seat. It fits, but that means I need to scoot the front seats up a bit.
accountCircle David A on May 27, 2021
Very reliable transportation, and fun to drive on the open road
Like the fuel economy - 38 to 40 mpg highway Like the 6 speed manual transmission Dislike the paint job - less than 20000 miles and the leading edge of the hood is starting to peel in places
accountCircle Mark H on September 15, 2021
It gets almost 40 mpg when driving conservative.
I love the standard features and the fuel economy with the Eco mode. I also love how quiet and comfortable it is. One thing I dislike is the steering which feels a little numb.
accountCircle Paula R on May 22, 2021
Make sure motor is not defective because that's what happened with mine.
I hate it because motor went out at only 40,000 miles and I had it for less than a year. I had paid for extended warranty and the company would not cover the motor replacement.
accountCircle jayna g on July 11, 2021
My Hyundai is a great running car, its small, you definitely will pay less for gas
I like the appearance, the tinted windows, it runs great. I dislike how there's no remote entry. I dislike the beige color on the inside. Also speakers aren't loud enough.
accountCircle Ashley on September 12, 2021
My car is over two years old and I have over 50,000 miles on it. The car has been taken all over the United States
I love that it has heated seats. I love the size of the car. It is the limited version. I dislike how hard it is to see the front of the car though. No other complaints.
accountCircle Phillip M on June 10, 2021
I wouldn't recommend buying a Hyundai due to the fact mine has been in the shop several times getting stuff fixed and has less than 25000 miles on it
It has blind spot sensors and heated seats and apple play. What I dislike is it has really low profile tires so every time I hit a pothole in the road I get a flat.
accountCircle Anna Z on May 9, 2021
It has a touchscreen console and is easy to connect phone to the car.
The only problem I have with the car is that the front is lower so I scrape it a lot. The car is very good on gas, not the best in the snow.
accountCircle Chloe R on July 29, 2021
You cannot drive with the back windows down because it will hurt your ears.
I like the looks of my vehicle and the gas mileage. I dislike the way it handles bumps and the noise with the back windows down.
accountCircle Jeff K on September 16, 2021
It is great on gas and provides a very comfortable ride.
I like the Elantra's features and ride. I wish it had more HP. I am having electrical issues.
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