Imagine agreeing to $3,200 in repairs, only to find out your car is still overheating. One Hyundai owner faced that exact problem after months of waiting for a dealership to get their car running again.
The car is a 2017 Hyundai Elantra with 97,056 miles. According to the owner, it’s been stuck at a Hyundai dealership since August 12, 2026.
Back in October 2025, the Elantra had work done on its engine, starter, and radiator hose. Less than a year later, it needed another engine replacement. A Hyundai dealership installed a refurbished engine under warranty, but the repair list didn’t stop there.
Meanwhile, the owner still needed a way to get around. With no loaner available from the dealership, Uber rides and rental cars were adding up fast. By October 12, those costs had reached nearly $900. Fed up, the driver turned to Reddit to ask whether it was time to give up on the Hyundai.
Still Running Hot
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Trade in or keep 2017 Hyundai Elantra
by
u/IndependentFalcon945 in
whatcarshouldIbuy
In an October 12 Reddit post, the owner explained that the second engine came with a warranty lasting 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever came first.
The replacement engine was covered under warranty, but the dealership said the cooling system needed work, too. The repair list included a radiator, thermostat, heater core, and upper and lower coolant hoses.
The additional work came to $3,200. According to the owner, the dealership wouldn’t run the replacement engine until those repairs were completed, so the driver approved the work.
On October 9, the owner called the dealership for an update. The work was finished, but the Elantra was still overheating. The owner didn’t explain what was causing the problem or whether they’d already paid the repair bill.
Time to Go?
After nearly two months without the Elantra, the owner started looking at other cars. And instead of another Hyundai, they had their eye on a Toyota Corolla.
Two used 2024 Corolla LE sedans caught their attention. Both were listed for $21,000, but their mileage differed significantly. One had 59,000 miles, while the other had just 36,000 miles.
The owner was considering financing through a credit union without a down payment. Of course, that would mean taking on a monthly car payment. But it would also mean having something to drive instead of paying for more rentals and Uber rides.
As of the October 12 post, the owner hadn’t decided what to do next. There was no word on whether the dealership had figured out the overheating problem, either.