2011 Hyundai Elantra engine problems
92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2011 Hyundai Elantra — 21% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I have a Piston/Engine Defect according to the mechanic at the car shop. Any time any acceleration is applied you can hear the knocking. I believe it should be covered through the class action alleged that 2011-2016 Elantras engines (including the Limited trim) have a piston defect leading to…”
filed Feb 10, 2026
“Car stop working once I got home I notice while I was driving the car kept back firing and Jurking while driving .had a mechanic look at the car he tried to start it but it started and shut off..he even tried to jump start the car with the jumping cables but it will not start..he told me it was…”
filed Apr 16, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Elantra years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Elantra | 3 | 14% |
| 2024 Elantra | 8 | 15% |
| 2023 Elantra | 16 | 18% |
| 2022 Elantra | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 Elantra | 13 | 10% |
| 2020 Elantra | 101 | 42% |
| 2019 Elantra | 128 | 52% |
| 2018 Elantra | 139 | 50% |
| 2017 Elantra | 286 | 38% |
| 2016 Elantra | 109 | 38% |
| 2015 Elantra | 90 | 35% |
| 2014 Elantra | 162 | 43% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2011 Hyundai Elantra
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.