2017 Hyundai Elantra Safety Report

2017 Hyundai Elantra Safety Analysis

750Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
85/100Reliability Score
36Crash Reports
5Fire Reports
23Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (161)Structure (104)Unknown Or Other (68)Steering (44)Latches/Locks/Linkages (44)Electrical System (24)Electrical System,Engine (22)Power Train,Engine (21)Air Bags (14)Service Brakes (14)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenHigh (4)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsHigh (750)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports41Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubEngineCompare engine issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2021Compare against the 2021 Hyundai Elantra with 122 complaints and 6 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2016Check the 2016 Hyundai Elantra before buying across this generation.

Hyundai Elantra Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Elantra years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Hyundai Elantra Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2018 Hyundai Elantra 264 0 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2016 Hyundai Elantra 278 1 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2019 Hyundai Elantra 229 1 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2015 Hyundai Elantra 254 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2020 Hyundai Elantra 218 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2021 Hyundai Elantra 122 6 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Hyundai Elantra, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Engine

161 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine issues Hyundai only

Structure

104 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Structure issues Hyundai only

Unknown Or Other

68 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai only

Steering

44 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Steering issues Hyundai only

Latches/Locks/Linkages

44 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Hyundai only

Electrical System

24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System issues Hyundai only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

The 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has accumulated 750 complaints and 4 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Among the complaints, 36 involved crashes and 5 involved fires. There have been 23 reported injuries and 0 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are engine (161 complaints), structure (104 complaints), unknown or other (68 complaints). Steering issues: The electric power assist system can fail, causing the steering wheel to lock or the vehicle to hesitate and stall. Airbag malfunctions: The driver's frontal airbag may not activate reliably, posing a risk in the event of a collision. Key known issues to be aware of include Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Motor Connector, Driver's Frontal Airbag, Service Brakes. Be cautious of steering and airbag issues. Ensure regular maintenance and address any recalls promptly.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★☆
4/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★☆
4/5
Side Crash
★★★★☆
4/5
Rollover
★★★★☆
4/5

Known Issues for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electronic Power Steering (Eps) Motor Connector
Recalled due to potential failure of the EPS motor connector, which can cause the steering wheel to lock or the vehicle to hesitate and stall.
Medium Rare 30k-60k miles
Driver'S Frontal Airbag
May not activate reliably, increasing the risk of injury in a collision.
Medium Rare 0-100k miles
Service Brakes
Hydraulic power assist system can fail, leading to reduced braking performance.
Medium Rare 0-100k miles
Engine Knocking Noise
Engine may start knocking with no warning, leading to multiple warning lights and potential engine damage.
Low Occasional 0-100k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra:

Steering 23% of complaints

Issues with the electric power assist system can cause the steering wheel to lock or the vehicle to hesitate and stall.

Airbags 18% of complaints

Driver's frontal airbag may not activate reliably, posing a risk in the event of a collision.

Service Brakes 15% of complaints

Hydraulic power assist system can fail, leading to reduced braking performance.

Recall Details for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra by NHTSA:

Steering:Electric Power Assist System
Campaign #17V213000 28/03/2017

Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.

Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Hydraulic
Campaign #17V063000 26/01/2017

Summary: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.

Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Campaign #16V956000 30/12/2016

Summary: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Air Bags:Frontal
Campaign #16V232000 21/04/2016

Summary: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will ...

Consequence: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 involved fires.

Crash Reports: 1 Fire Reports: 2
Electrical System,Engine
03/20/2026

I am filing a formal complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle is currently experiencing severe safety issues, including unexpected engine stalling and loud mechanical rattling, alongside a P0014 diagnostic code. These symptoms align directly with the defects described in Recall 203 (NHTSA 21V301000) involving improper piston ring heat treatment and Service Campaign...

ODI #11725959
Unknown Or Other
03/17/2026

Subject: Escalation of Unresolved Case – Request for NHTSA Assistance Dear NHTSA, For several months, I have been dealing with an unresolved issue regarding my Hyundai vehicle. On February 18th, I was told the supervisor of my case manager at Hyundai Motor America would contact me within 5 to 10 business days. Today is March 16th, and despite repeated requests, no supervisor has reached out. As...

ODI #11724833
Unknown Or Other
03/16/2026

The paint keeps chipping off the nose of the hood as well as areas above the doors. I have had it repainted one time and it is chipping off again.

ODI #11724762
Air Bags
03/09/2026

The passenger airbag is not activating reliably. There was not an accident but the light indicating airbage is active does not light up when passenger sits in front.

ODI #11723083
Engine
03/08/2026

Car was constantly losing power, called Hyundai dealer about the OBI system thinking that could be the cause they told me no, and then in 2 years ago the car started stalling when you slowed down and on the way home from work it completely died. Car still turns over but car will not go, engine and transmission are completely done. It’s been at my house sitting since. Hyundai dealer is a joke a wou...

ODI #11722815
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting
02/28/2026

1: Driver’s window: don't go up or down, it doesn't respond to control. 2: Headlight warning lights is on all the time because bulbs are burn out so soon after replacement .

ODI #11721176
Unknown Or Other
02/24/2026

I have been having this issue for several months. First, it was the steering wheel being locked. I believe at one point and time on the past they updated the computer on that vehicle. But this time the dealer told me there is nothing they can do. As of today, the car won’t start. How can I go to work? There is no Safety Recall for this, but I didn’t brake the car’s computer, I don’t even know ...

ODI #11720310
Engine
02/12/2026

After no previous issues, car stalled out multiple times on short drive to work. No warning lights and no subsequent diagnostic codes were reported. Upon final restart, engine started knocking severely. Upon investigation, the oil stick showed no oil in the pan. Vehicle was towed to trusted, licensed mechanic for evaluation where we were informed about the potential of a failure due to rapid oil ...

ODI #11717588
Electrical System
02/12/2026

There was a recall Electronic Power Steering (EPS) motor connector that was being done for 2017 hyundai elantras and my car is affected by it. Hyundai is saying my car is not affected by the recall that they put out for this issue.

ODI #11717568
Engine
Fire 02/06/2026

Driving on the highway in the far left lane. Check engine light came on, car stopped accelerating. Car came to a stop, car shut off. Smoke was coming out from under the hood and flames were seen underneath the car. Police and fire department arrived. Report states an electrical fire. Had car towed to Hyundai. Hyundai stated that the engine seized followed by the starter catching on fire. Car was o...

ODI #11716106
Engine
02/03/2026

With no 'low oil' warning, the car's engine started may a knocking noise. Then, all kinds of warning lights started. Parked the vehicle and checked the oil the next day and there was NO OIL in the engine. This should not have been the case considering this car gets regular oil changes. Also, there was no oil spots or stains on the driveway to also indicate an oil leak. This happened to my son w...

ODI #11715210
Unknown Or Other
01/30/2026

PROBLEM: DEALER CREATES FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO RECALL COMPLETION I am reporting systematic barriers to recall completion created by Hyundai's authorized dealer that forced me to incur $834.60 in transportation costs for what should be a "no charge" recall repair, potentially discouraging recall compliance. THE BARRIER: UNCONSCIONABLE LOANER TERMS PREVENT RECALL COMPLIANCE How Dealer Creates Recall...

ODI #11714601
Power Train,Electrical System,Engine
01/23/2026

While driving, pressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. No warning lights came on until after I attempted to turn the vehicle back on then the check engine light and low oil light were illuminated. My vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and I was informed that the engine was blown and to tow my car to a Hyundai dealership as I was still under the 10 year/100k mile warra...

ODI #11713030
Electrical System,Structure,Engine
01/15/2026

to whoever it is that can help, I am reaching out to submit a formal complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Elantra due to ongoing mechanical and structural issues that began very shortly after I purchased the vehicle, which have progressively worsened. I made the purchase in January 2024 for approximately $13,000 with 60,000 miles. The vehicle now currently has approximately 108,000 miles. Sin...

ODI #11711291
Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper
01/09/2026

I bought a car in Hyundai ELANTRA2024 at drivers Mart in Orlando, Florida. About a month after I bought the car I brought it back for something to service dealership area and let them know that the paint was coming off my car. I did notice that there was a tiny little spot that someone putcover paint about a half inch to an inch. The service people the dealership told me that there was a known cl...

ODI #11709904
Steering
01/06/2026

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The mechanic adv...

ODI #11709071
Structure
01/03/2026

Year/Make/Model: 2017 Hyundai Elantra ________________________________________ Component or System Involved Exterior paint and primer adhesion on multiple body panels. Affected areas are available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem This vehicle has experienced progressive paint peeling and delamination over approximately five years. The issue was first reported to Hyundai at a...

ODI #11708521
Engine
01/03/2026

Component or System Involved Engine and internal lubrication system. The engine and related components are available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem In January 2025, this vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure and seized. An independent repair facility inspected the engine and reported metal fragments in the engine oil, indicating internal engine damage. The veh...

ODI #11708512
Engine
Crash 12/27/2025

Excessive oil consumption/ vehicle dies while driving.

ODI #11707284
Engine
12/12/2025

The contact owns 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The check engine warning light and the low coolant level warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that a bystander assisted in pushing the vehicle into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determ...

ODI #11704666

Showing 20 of 750 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.

Loss of Motive Power
NHTSA DP22003 Closed

Component: Engine

Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

Has the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA been recalled?

Yes, the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA have?

The 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has 750 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 36 involved crashes. 23 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?

The 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 4/5. Rollover: 4/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA involve engine (161 complaints), structure (104 complaints), unknown or other (68 complaints). Other affected components include steering, latches/locks/linkages, electrical system.

How many crash reports does the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA have?

There are 36 crash reports associated with the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA out of 750 total complaints (4.8% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA have?

There are 5 fire reports for the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA out of 750 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA.

How many injuries are reported for the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?

23 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA is proceed with caution. It has 750 complaints, 4 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?

The components with the most failures on the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA are: 1. ENGINE (161 complaints), 2. STRUCTURE (104 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (68 complaints), 4. STEERING (44 complaints), 5. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (44 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 161 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?

Be cautious of steering and airbag issues. Ensure regular maintenance and address any recalls promptly. The 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has 750 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).

How reliable is the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?

The 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 750 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 41 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Motor Connector and Driver's Frontal Airbag.

What are the known issues with the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?

Known issues with the 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA include: Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Motor Connector, Driver's Frontal Airbag, Service Brakes, Engine Knocking Noise. These are based on patterns found across 750 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

Can the steering wheel lock in my 2017 Hyundai Elantra?

Yes, there have been recalls due to issues with the electric power assist system that can cause the steering wheel to lock.

Is the driver's airbag reliable in my 2017 Hyundai Elantra?

There have been reports of the driver's frontal airbag not activating reliably, which can be dangerous in a collision.

What should I do if I experience issues with my 2017 Hyundai Elantra?

Contact Hyundai immediately to address any known issues and ensure your vehicle is up to date with recalls.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering and airbag issues. Ensure regular maintenance and address any recalls promptly.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Hyundai Elantra

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The data includes 750 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 36 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 23 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Hyundai Elantra an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 4 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16