Is the 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA reliable?

The 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA has 1065 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA?

Top problems: ENGINE (288 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (132 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (129 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Contact any Hyundai dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA?

The 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA gets 30 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1600. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA often stolen?

The Hyundai ELANTRA was the #1 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 21,732 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: very-high. Pre-2022 models are affected by the Kia Boys challenge — verify your VIN has the manufacturer security update.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA is approximately $1,953/year (sedan-compact class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Hyundai ELANTRA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA has 1065 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.8x the segment average of 386. The most common issue is engine problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2017 hyundai elantra. the contact stated that there was a strong chemical odor inside and near the front end of the vehicle. the contact stated that the odor caused headaches, burning eyes, excessive coughing, burning nostrils, a burning throat, and severe fatigue. the contact. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 9 fire reports filed.

9 fire reports 36 crash reports 23 injuries

1065

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

2.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

288 complaints

27%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG CHEMICAL ODOR INSIDE AND NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR CAUSED HEADACHES, BURNING EYES, EXCESSIVE COUGHING, BURNING NOSTRILS, A BURNING THROAT, AND SEVERE FATIGUE. THE CONTACT
• WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IT SUDDENLY STALLED RENDERING THE BRAKES AND STEERING USELESS. MANAGED TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP. PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR. MOST IF NOT ALL OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON BUT NO ENGINE SOUNDS. ALSO THE CAR WAS NOW STUCK IN PAR
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 6 fire reports💥 4 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG CHEMICAL ODOR INSIDE AND NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR CAUSED HEADACHES, BURNING EYES, EXCESSIVE COUGHING, BURNING NOSTRILS, A BURNING THROAT, AND SEVERE FATIGUE. THE CONTACT”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA

Based on 414 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 41K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

132

30-60K

140

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Reported earliermedian 30K mi · 29 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Reported earliermedian 32K mi · 29 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Reported earliermedian 41K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Reported earliermedian 24K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

Reported earliermedian 27K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

Reported earliermedian 22K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM28/03/2017

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.

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

Fix: 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.

Very high theft risk

#1 most stolen in 2025

The Hyundai ELANTRA was the #1 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 21,732 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Kia Boys / TikTok theft vulnerabilityModel years 2010-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers were widely targeted starting in 2022 after a viral TikTok exploit. If you own this vehicle, verify it has an ignition immobilizer or install a security upgrade. Hyundai and Kia both offered free software updates and steering-wheel-lock programs for affected models.

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,600

Per month

$133

Per mile

13.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,200/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,953

Full coverage / month

$163

Liability only / year

$589

vs US avg

+17%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-compact)0.93x

× theft risk1.28x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1953

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai ELANTRA Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / unlimited mi

10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner

These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2017 ELANTRA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1065 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG CHEMICAL ODOR INSIDE AND NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR CAUSED HEADACHES, BURNING EYES, EXCESSIVE COUGHING, BURNING NOSTRILS, A BURNING THROAT, AND SEVERE FATIGUE. THE CONTACT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVNG VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE'S TRUNK OPENED WITHOUT WARNING ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE DEALERS TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE M
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: DATE: 14 JAN 2017 ODOMETER: 1214 MILES PROBLEM: CHEMICAL SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT: -- NOT SURE, BUT MIGHT BE ENGINE OIL -- CAUSED SEVERE, LONG-LASTING HEADACHE, NAUSEA AND DIZZINESS. PROBLEM: WHEN ENGINE IS COLD: -- CONTINUOUS CLICKING SOUND COMING F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: THE CAR HESITATES, JERKS AND PULLS AT THE ACCELERATION MOMENT WHEN STOPED. FOOR INSTANCE IM LIGTHS OR TRAFFIC JAMS. IT CAUSES A COMPLETELY LOST OF POWER AND TERRIBLE SHAKING. THIS HAPPENS AFTER 20MINS DRIVE AND THE GOES FOR THE REST OF THE DAY, IT IS MORE EVIDENT DRIVING IN CITY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)