Hello, everyone.

I leased a 2021 Hyundai Elantra in April 2021, and as of this writing, it has less than 7,000 miles on it.

I’m experiencing something that I’m just a little concerned about. May I tell you about it? It involves starting the car.

When I start the car, I press lightly on the brake pedal, and then press the ignition button. I never had a problem.

The past couple of days, though, whenever I start the car, the brake pedal has felt tight. It is rigid, as if it is resisting my foot. I am, however, able to press on the brake pedal and start the car.

Once the car starts, I have no problems with it whatsoever—at least, so far. The brakes work fine, I stop fine, there are no warning lights on the dashboard, and there is absolutely no fluid whatsoever of any kind under the car.

I live in central New Jersey, and we’ve had a pretty nasty heat wave the past few days. Saturday and Sunday we hit 100. Today was a bit cooler, but I still had resistance with the brake pedal when starting it.

I’m wondering if the problem is due to the heat. I made an appointment with the local Hyundai dealer where I leased the car to have it looked at, but they are booked until Saturday.

So…I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience, and if so, what caused it? Or, is anyone familiar with the issue? Is this a known, common occurrence with Elantras?

Thank you for any feedback you care to give. J. Danniel

 

Hi Dannie,

From what you described , to me , it sounds like the system lost all the vacuum assist and until the engine is started and vacuum is built up again , the brake pedal has no vacuum assist. Just speculation without actually checking physically. If you would , please let us know what the shop found , thanks.

 

Thank you for your response. Is what you described dangerous, or a safety hazard? I've had no problems driving. No issues with the brakes, no issues stopping, no warning lights on the dash. No fluid leaks of any kind.

Thank you. Jd