Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (37.5% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Engine complaints here are 3.0× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 285 · 37.5% | Investigation closed | DP22003 |
| Structure:body | 126 · 16.6% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 107 · 14.1% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 71 · 9.4% | Recalled | Recall 17V213000 |
| Power Train | 62 · 8.2% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 44 · 5.8% | Recalled | Recall 17V063000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 759 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 17V213000 · 2017 · reported 03/28/2017
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V956000 · 2016 · reported 12/30/2016
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 17V063000 · 2017 · reported 01/26/2017
A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V232000 · 2016 · reported 04/21/2016
An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON…”NHTSA complaint 11183249 — filed 02/28/2019 · ENGINE
“THE CAR IS SLOW ACCELERATE LIKE SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH IT. IT STARTED THE YEAR 2018. THE CARE WAS PURCHASED 2/17/17 WITH 25 MILES ON…”NHTSA complaint 11166800 — filed 01/14/2019 · ENGINE
“34000 MILES, EQUIPPED WITH SMART KEY. KEY WAS FUNCTIONING, ALLOWING ENTRANCE AND UNLOCK/LOCK/ALARM FUNCTIONALITY, BUT CAR WOULD NOT START. USED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO HAVE TOWED…”NHTSA complaint 11144499 — filed 10/31/2018 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 285 of 759 NHTSA complaints (37.5%), followed by unspecified/other issues (130), structure:body (126), electrical system (107). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
759 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 36 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 23 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 17V213000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
