Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

2017 Hyundai Elantra brakes problems

severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$450
6crashes
4injuries

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 17V063000 January 26, 2017

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles

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

Fix: 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.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin 21-BR-002H Mar 2021

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 20-BR-002H Nov 2020

This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 20-AT-012H Mar 2020

If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a (Check Engine Light on) and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the input/output speed sensor and oil pressure harness.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

Owners report brake failures that range from total loss of stopping power to stiffness and mushy pedal feel. In the most serious cases, the brake pedal went to the floor with no vehicle deceleration, causing collisions at speeds from 2 mph to 45 mph. At least two owners experienced injuries—whiplash requiring medical attention and moderate abrasions—and other vehicles were damaged or occupants transported to hospital.

The brake system frequently fails without warning lights. Owners describe having to pump the pedal repeatedly 5–10 times before brakes would engage, followed by grinding noise and eventual restoration of normal braking. One owner reported the brake assist system failing on nearly 10 occasions despite four separate dealer visits.

Dealers and owners have replaced brake pads, rotors, fluid, the brake booster (under NHTSA Campaign 17V063000), rear brake pistons, the ABS modular, and the brake circuit error switch. Failures recurred after these repairs. One owner reported a recall on his vehicle for brake booster replacement under Hyundai recall number 157 and NHTSA campaign 17V063000, though some owners' VINs showed they were not included in the recall despite identical symptoms. One owner experienced grinding, pulsation, and extended stopping distance; another lost brake control during curves when the traction control light flashed.

Same Hyundai Elantra brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015

Failure modes owners describe

Complete brake failure / no stopping power

Vehicle fails to stop or slows dramatically slower than expected when brake pedal is depressed, sometimes requiring multiple pedal pumps to restore braking. Failures occur without warning lights.

When: Various mileages: 5,500 to 63,000 miles; some within first 2 months of ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to floorboard without stopping vehicle; Extended stopping distance at highway and low speeds; Loss of braking power followed by normal function returning after pumping pedal; Rear-end and front-end collisions resulting from brake failure

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report multiple failed repair attempts including: brake pad and rotor replacement ($567.65 reported on one vehicle), brake fluid flush, brake booster replacement (NHTSA Campaign 17V063000), rear brake piston repair, ABS modular replacement, and brake circuit error switch replacement. Despite multiple repairs, failures recur.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V063000 (Brake Booster); recall performed but failures continued. Some owners report VIN showed not affected by recall despite experiencing identical failures. Manufacturer opened cases; investigation results delayed.

Brake pedal stiffness / loss of pedal feel

Brake pedal becomes abnormally stiff or hard, requiring aggressive or repeated pressing to activate brakes or engage brake assist. Feels unresponsive or mushy on initial depression.

When: At 18,646 to 63,000 miles; intermittent from early ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Pedal stiffens and requires 5-10 aggressive presses before brake assist engages; Pedal feels loose or goes soft before tightening; Very hard pedal requiring excessive foot pressure; No feedback or response on initial depression

Repairs/costs cited: Brake circuit error switch replacement at dealership; symptom recurred after repair. Some owners attempted repairs at dealer; others did not pursue due to cost or dealer inability to diagnose.

Brake grinding and pulsation with extended stopping distance

Grinding noise occurs when braking; pedal pulsates or jerks; braking distance extends. Suggests rotor or pad degradation and possible ABS malfunction.

When: At 55,428 and 60 mph highway speeds

Symptoms owners cite: Heavy grinding noise when brake pedal depressed; Brake pedal pulsates and jerks; Extended braking distance despite pedal input; Vibration and wobbling of vehicle during braking event

Repairs/costs cited: One owner told brake rotors needed replacement; vehicle not repaired. Another replaced pads and rotors prior to failure.

Intermittent brake loss with traction control engagement

During left-hand curves, traction control light flashes and brake control is lost, creating sensation of hydroplaning. Occurs randomly without operator action triggering it.

When: Random occurrences during normal driving

Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light flashing during curves; Loss of brake control without reason; Sensation of hydroplaning; Vehicle unresponsive to brake input

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership suggested tires were cause; owner replaced tires; issue persisted.

Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had brakes trouble with your 2017 Hyundai Elantra? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the brakes problem on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra?

It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.

At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?

Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 20,000 and 52,900 miles, with the median around 36,853. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 52,900. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to brakes?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Hyundai/Elantra. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.