Why is my 2014-2016 Hyundai Elantra GT engine knocking or burning oil?

Short answer: A knock that gets louder with speed on a 2014-2016 Elantra GT is often a failed rod bearing, and many of these engines burn oil. Check the oil now. Then ask a Hyundai dealer whether your VIN has the KSDS software and extended engine coverage before paying for an engine.

Symptom: A knock that gets louder with speed, very low oil, burning oil, rough running, or a clogged catalytic converter.

What to check first

1. Check the oil level right away and top it off.
2. If it knocks, stop driving and have it towed.
3. Ask a Hyundai dealer whether your VIN is covered for rod bearing or engine failure and whether KSDS software is installed.
4. Ask what the inspection fee is and whether it's refunded if covered.
5. Keep oil change records.

Likely causes

1. Worn or spun rod bearing. Rod bearings are thin metal shells between the crankshaft and the connecting rods. When one wears out, the engine knocks louder with speed. Usually it needs a new engine.
2. Oil burning and low oil. Owners reported burning about 2 liters per 1,000 miles. Running low on oil speeds up bearing wear.
3. Clogged catalytic converter from oil burning. An engine that burns oil can clog the catalytic converter, which cleans the exhaust.

What it usually costs

One owner was quoted about $5,500 for a replacement engine and paid about $200 for a dealer inspection.

Is it safe to keep driving?

No, if it's knocking. A spun bearing can lock up the engine. Check the oil often if it burns oil.

DIY or shop?

Checking oil is DIY. Engine replacement is a shop job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall(s) for the Hyundai Elantra GT in these years, and none is for this problem. NHTSA lists recall 26V307000 for a driver's air bag inflator on certain 2016 Elantra GTs, which is unrelated but worth checking. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 445 keyword-matched complaints for Hyundai Elantra GT 2014–2016 (of 893 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-05; keywords: knock, rod, bearing, engine, oil, stall, seiz) (NHTSA returned no data for 2 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2015 Elantra GT Engine Issues on Reddit r/Hyundai, a 2015 Elantra GT owner at 135k miles said the engine burned about 2 liters of oil per 1,000 miles, clogged the catalytic converter and ran rough. One reply said rod bearing failures have extended coverage but oil burning alone doesn't. Another 2015 owner got a new engine and transmission and still had to add oil every two weeks.
• In Elantra GT 2015 - Rod Bearing on Reddit r/Hyundai, a third owner of a 2015 Elantra GT was told by two mechanics the engine had a bad rod bearing and needed replacing, about $5,500. A mechanic mentioned Hyundai's extended coverage tied to the KSDS (knock sensor detection system) software, and the dealer charged about $200 to inspect it first.
• In My 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT Started Knocking Out Of Nowhere on Reddit r/MechanicAdvice, a 2014 Elantra GT owner heard a knock that got louder with speed and found the dipstick almost dry. Adding oil didn't stop it. A reply said their Elantra developed rod knock and Hyundai replaced the engine free at about 270k km even though it wasn't officially in the recall.

Quick tip

Ask about coverage before paying anything. Some owners got engines replaced even outside the official program.

Vehicle focus: Hyundai Elantra GT 2.0L GDI, 2014-2016.

Safety / mechanic note

An engine that seizes can leave you stranded or stall in traffic. Verify with a mechanic.