2010 Hyundai Elantra Problems & Owner Complaints

Steering 231 8 crash 1 fire 7 injury 1 death

“2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA (RENTED). CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WERE THERE ANY RECALLS ISSUED RELATED TO DEFECTS IN THE STEERING, ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS, SUSPENSION PROBLEMS OR BRAKE PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH. UPDATED 01/15/13 THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO STRIKE A POLE. THE CONSUMER THEN CROSSED THE MEDIAN, AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE, KILLING THE OTHER DRIVER. UPDATED 01/28/13 UPDATED 02/07/13 UPDATED 12/23/13 THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 42 MPH. WHEN THE VEHICLE SWERVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10484202, 2012 · crash · 1 death(s)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED A SECOND VEHICLE BEFORE CRASHING INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND NECK INJURIES AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT HAND AND HEAD. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…”
NHTSA complaint #11142430, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I'M REQUESTING NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE FAILURES OF SEVERAL SYSTEMS OF HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2010: SIMULTANEOUSLY FAILED/UNRESPONSIVE BRAKING, LURCHING/ACCELERATION DESPITE TRYING TO PUSH BRAKE PEDAL, &FAILED POWER STEERING CAUSING UNSAFE SITUATION AND ACCIDENT IN WHICH AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY DESPITE 2 IMPACTS TO FRONT END BUT FORM ONLY ALLOWED 3 PARTS OF CAR AFFECTED. MY HUSBAND PULLED OUT OF OUR GARAGE FRONT FIRST @APPROX. 1-2 MPH. WHEN HE TRIED TO BRAKE AT END OF DRIVEWAY/CHECK FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE ENTERING ROAD TO PARK IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE. BRAKES &POWER STEERING FAILED SIMULTANEOUS…”
NHTSA complaint #11155521, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 58 2 crash 8 fire 3 injury

“The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with an electrical shortage or the alternator. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH to her friend's house for assistance with replacing the alternator, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated upon attempting to veer to the side of the road, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted to park (P) but…”
NHTSA complaint #11479575, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“PURCHASED ELANTRA JULY 12, 2012. I CALLED MY BROTHER FOR FINANCING INFORMATION. HE CAME TO THE DEALERSHIP. MAZDA OF ORANGE. WHEN HE STARTED READING THE CONTRACT THE BECAME VERY UPSET. HE CALLED OUT THE SALESMAN FOR THE EXTRA CHARGES, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ME, BY NOT TELLING ME I DIDN'T HAVE TO ADD THESE THINGS. THE MANAGER, ASK ME TO COME TO HIS OFFICE TO CLOSE THE DEAL. I NEEDED A CO-SIGNER. A FRIEND OF MINE SAID HE WOULD CO-SIGN. WE SIGNED. THE FIRST MALFUNCTION WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL. I WAS IN THE NUMBER ONE LANE THE TRAFFIC BEGAN TO SLOW. SO I TAPPED THE BRAKE, AGAIN AND AGAIN, I…”
NHTSA complaint #10704353, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WITH MY CAR RUNNING, I WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, WITH MY LEGS AND FEET OUTSIDE THE CAR, ON A DRIVE WAY. MY CAR CAME OUT OF PARK, INTO REVERSE AND DRUG MY FEET AND LEGS UNDER THE CAR, WHILE SHOOTING BACKWARDS. MY CAR STOPPED WHEN IT CAME TO REST ON ANOTHER CAR. THE PERSON, WHOSE CAR I HIT AND THE WOMEN FROM THE HOUSE, WHERE I WAS VISITING PULLED ME OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10631680, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

Air Bags 52 27 crash 34 injury

“2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS COLLIDED WITH SUV\TRUCK AT APPROX 60 MPH AT RIGHT FRONT BUMPER AREA - SUV\TRUCK MOVED LEFT STRIKING ELANTRA IN RIGHT FRONT BUMPER THEN CENTER OF BUMPER AS RADIATOR WAS CRUSHED, BENT ELANTRA'S FRONT FRAME BOTH FRONT SIDES FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AT ABOUT 45 DEGREE ANGLE, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FROM VISUAL INSPECTION, BODY SHOP SAID THAT FRONT SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS WORKED. ELANTRA WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10479555, 2012 · crash · 5 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving downhill in the rain at 45 MPH, she failed to apply the brakes and crashed into a vehicle. The impact of the crash caused a three-vehicle pile up. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Due to the failure, his wife hit her right arm and chest on the steering column. The authorities arrived at the scene and rendered aid by the EMT. The driver of the vehicle that his wife crashed into sustained neck injuries. The contact later took his wife to a hospital where she was treated for bruising to her right…”
NHTSA complaint #11523196, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED A SECOND VEHICLE BEFORE CRASHING INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND NECK INJURIES AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT HAND AND HEAD. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…”
NHTSA complaint #11142430, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 43 10 crash 5 fire 6 injury 1 death

“2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA (RENTED). CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WERE THERE ANY RECALLS ISSUED RELATED TO DEFECTS IN THE STEERING, ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS, SUSPENSION PROBLEMS OR BRAKE PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH. UPDATED 01/15/13 THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO STRIKE A POLE. THE CONSUMER THEN CROSSED THE MEDIAN, AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE, KILLING THE OTHER DRIVER. UPDATED 01/28/13 UPDATED 02/07/13 UPDATED 12/23/13 THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 42 MPH. WHEN THE VEHICLE SWERVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10484202, 2012 · crash · 1 death(s)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH WHILE GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE, THE BAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND LOCKED AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT ENDED UP CRASHING INTO THE GUARDER RAIL. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN NECK, BACK, SHOULDER, AND KNEE INJURY AS WELL AS A FRACTURED TOE WHICH MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTICE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE M…”
NHTSA complaint #11320940, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I'M REQUESTING NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE FAILURES OF SEVERAL SYSTEMS OF HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2010: SIMULTANEOUSLY FAILED/UNRESPONSIVE BRAKING, LURCHING/ACCELERATION DESPITE TRYING TO PUSH BRAKE PEDAL, &FAILED POWER STEERING CAUSING UNSAFE SITUATION AND ACCIDENT IN WHICH AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY DESPITE 2 IMPACTS TO FRONT END BUT FORM ONLY ALLOWED 3 PARTS OF CAR AFFECTED. MY HUSBAND PULLED OUT OF OUR GARAGE FRONT FIRST @APPROX. 1-2 MPH. WHEN HE TRIED TO BRAKE AT END OF DRIVEWAY/CHECK FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE ENTERING ROAD TO PARK IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE. BRAKES &POWER STEERING FAILED SIMULTANEOUS…”
NHTSA complaint #11155521, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 34 1 crash

“WHILE INCHING INTO MY GARAGE WITH MY FOOT NOT ON THE GAS, MY 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND RAN INTO MY GARAGES BACK WALL BEFORE I COULD BREAK. *KB”
NHTSA complaint #10414039, 2011 · crash

“You did a recall for the power steering when I check to see if my vehicle is part of the recall the information said no. You need to change this because I've always had issues with my power steering locking up and being unable to turn. This has happened to me on more than one occasion. The EPS light is always on and the dealership is no help at all. I need this to be taken care of.”
NHTSA complaint #11486993, 2022

“The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, the engine continued to rev. The vehicle was shifted into neutral(N) and turned off. While driving at low speeds approaching a stop sign, the engine revved up. The contact shifted the vehicle to neutral(N) and turned the vehicle off and then shifted to park(P); however, the vehicle continued to move while the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure and the contact was p…”
NHTSA complaint #11481847, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 25 13 crash 5 injury 1 death

“2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA (RENTED). CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WERE THERE ANY RECALLS ISSUED RELATED TO DEFECTS IN THE STEERING, ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS, SUSPENSION PROBLEMS OR BRAKE PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH. UPDATED 01/15/13 THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE LEFT, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO STRIKE A POLE. THE CONSUMER THEN CROSSED THE MEDIAN, AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE, KILLING THE OTHER DRIVER. UPDATED 01/28/13 UPDATED 02/07/13 UPDATED 12/23/13 THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 42 MPH. WHEN THE VEHICLE SWERVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10484202, 2012 · crash · 1 death(s)

“I'M REQUESTING NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE FAILURES OF SEVERAL SYSTEMS OF HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2010: SIMULTANEOUSLY FAILED/UNRESPONSIVE BRAKING, LURCHING/ACCELERATION DESPITE TRYING TO PUSH BRAKE PEDAL, &FAILED POWER STEERING CAUSING UNSAFE SITUATION AND ACCIDENT IN WHICH AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY DESPITE 2 IMPACTS TO FRONT END BUT FORM ONLY ALLOWED 3 PARTS OF CAR AFFECTED. MY HUSBAND PULLED OUT OF OUR GARAGE FRONT FIRST @APPROX. 1-2 MPH. WHEN HE TRIED TO BRAKE AT END OF DRIVEWAY/CHECK FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE ENTERING ROAD TO PARK IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE. BRAKES &POWER STEERING FAILED SIMULTANEOUS…”
NHTSA complaint #11155521, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE MY WIFE, LINDA, WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 1-2 MPH, TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE ENGINE STARTED RACING AND LEAPED FORWARD. HITTING THE BRAKES HAD NO EFFECT ON STOPPING THE VEHICLE. SHE DESPERATELY TURNED THE WHEEL TO MISS PARKED CARS, A STEEL POLE WAS HIT AND TORN OUT OF THE GROUND BY THE RUNAWAY VEHICLE. FINALLY THE CAR CAME TO REST AFTER HITTING A LARGE CONCRETE LIGHT POLE, WHICH MUST HAVE STALLED OUT THE ENGINE. MY WIFE WAS IN A STATE OF SHOCK AND HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TESTS / XRAYS. EVEN WITH THE SEAT BELT ON, SHE RECEIVED MAJOR IMPACT FROM THE STEERING WHE…”
NHTSA complaint #10911295, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 24 3 crash 1 fire 8 injury

“SITTING IN TRAFFIC ON 405 FREEWAY NEAR EXIT 52 GOING SOUTH TO WORK WHEN I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A 2013 NISSAN. BACK AND FRONT OF CAR FOLDED UP, I WAS EJECTED FROM THE SEAT BELT (OPENED UP AND FLEW INTO PASSENGER SEAT) AND NOT ONE AIR BAG OPENED. I COULD NOT MOVE, MY FOOT WAS FRACTURED, STOMACH HURT, NECK, BACK AND ARMS IN PAIN. CHP ON THE SCENE. CAR THAT RAN INTO THE BACK OF ME PUSHED ME INTO A LARGE TRUCK AND PUSHED THE TRUCK INTO A CAR. 4-CAR ACCIDENT. CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED AND I AM REPORTING THE FAILURE AND DEFECT WITH THE SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAGS. MA 10/5 UPDATED 11/06/2017*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10731836, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“REAR TRUNK LID FALLS WHILE CAR IS STATIONARY. BAR-TRUNK LID HINGE TORSION, LEFT & RIGHT BROKE CAUSING THE LID TO HAVE NO SUPPORT. SAME LID FELL DUE TO DEFECTIVE TORSION BAR 41/2 YEARS BEFORE CURRENT INCIDENT. WITH HEAD CONCUSSION INJURY TO ONE PERSON, AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FROM MANUFACTURER. I HAVE INVOICES, BUT AM UNABLE TO SCAM AND UPLOAD.”
NHTSA complaint #10904966, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE PLASTIC CHROME ON THE INSIDE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE IS "DELAMINATED" AND A RAZOR SHARP EDGE IS EXPOSED. WHEN I REACHED ACROSS THE SEAT (FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE) TO OPEN TO PASSENGER DOOR, THE SHARP EDGE DEEPLY CUT MY FINGER WHICH HAD TO HAVE PRESSURE FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS BEFORE IT WOULD STOP BLEEDING. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 27K MILES AND RARELY SEES SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SO THIS IS NOT DUE TO EXTENSIVE USE AS STATED IN PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. IF THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AND RECALLED IN 2009 THEN WHY IS IT STILL A PROBLEM IN 2014? THIS CAR WAS IN FOR SERVICE AND A NON-RE…”
NHTSA complaint #10664774, 2014 · 1 injury(ies)

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 21 2 crash 1 injury

“PURCHASED ELANTRA JULY 12, 2012. I CALLED MY BROTHER FOR FINANCING INFORMATION. HE CAME TO THE DEALERSHIP. MAZDA OF ORANGE. WHEN HE STARTED READING THE CONTRACT THE BECAME VERY UPSET. HE CALLED OUT THE SALESMAN FOR THE EXTRA CHARGES, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ME, BY NOT TELLING ME I DIDN'T HAVE TO ADD THESE THINGS. THE MANAGER, ASK ME TO COME TO HIS OFFICE TO CLOSE THE DEAL. I NEEDED A CO-SIGNER. A FRIEND OF MINE SAID HE WOULD CO-SIGN. WE SIGNED. THE FIRST MALFUNCTION WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL. I WAS IN THE NUMBER ONE LANE THE TRAFFIC BEGAN TO SLOW. SO I TAPPED THE BRAKE, AGAIN AND AGAIN, I…”
NHTSA complaint #10704353, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT WHEN I WAS MAKING A TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE AND THE EPS LIGHT CAME ON. I STRUGGLED TO PARK THE CAR AND AFTER MY DR. APPOINTMENT CALLED MY HUSBAND AND HE DROVE THE CAR TO BRANDON HYUNDAI WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR THEY TOOK THE CAR IN AND WE GOT A RENTAL CAR. THEY REPLACED COLUMN & SHAFT ASSY-STEERIN 56310-2H250 AND BOLT-SAFETY LOCK 81919-31000 QTY 2 WORK ORDER SAYS FOUND STEERING COLUMN SHORTED OUT REPLACE MODULE, TEST OK…”
NHTSA complaint #10683215, 2014 · crash

“THE LIGHT EPS , (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING) RANDOMLY TURNS ON AND MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD BE STIFF AND I NEED TO PUT GREAT EFFORT TO TURN. SOMETIMES I'LL STOP AND TURN OFF AND ON THE CAR TO REMOVE THE EPS. NOW ON 10/11/2020 THE EPS LIGHT STAYS ON. I MIGHT HAVE A CAR THAT HAD A RECALL FOR 127. ITS DANGEROUS TO HAVE MY CAR LIKE THIS.”
NHTSA complaint #11363840, 2020

Unknown Or Other 19 3 crash 2 fire 4 injury

“The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle first hit a pothole in the road, then crashed into a guardrail, pole and tree. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's daughter and grandson were passengers in the vehicle. The fire department had to cut the roof of the vehicle and rear passenger door, removed all of the windows and windshield in order to extract the contact's son, daughter and grandson from the vehicle. All parties were transported by ambulance to the hospital for injuries sustained…”
NHTSA complaint #11438263, 2021 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“Upon arriving at my condo after work, pulled into the driveway that goes to 2nd floor underground. Had my foot on the brake and when the garage door started to rise, I put foot on gas pedal to inch forward and the gas pedal went all the way down. Braking did not stop the car. The car crashed through the garage door but that did not stop car. It continued till the car hit a cement boulder which finally stopped it. After car hit the cement boulder it continued to try and run. Obviously a huge risk factor when your car accelerates and can't be stopped. If that had happened on the street, I ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11738725, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“So I was driving my vehicle like normal and all of a sudden the driver airbag light came on on the dash and as I’m getting closer to home my check engine light came on my ABS came on as well as my EPS and my TPS , was losing power to the vehicle. I made it home, put it in park and smoke started rolling. Look under the hood. There’s a fire under the hood. I’m not sure what all damage it has caused, but it appears to be coming from the ABS and the electrical I don’t know what damage was caused by the ABS catching fire, but I was unaware that there was a problem with the vehicle, I am I just boug…”
NHTSA complaint #11539446, 2023 · fire

Engine 17 2 crash 3 fire

“vehicle caught on fire under apt complex carport causing extensive damage to property and 2 other vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11631397, 2024 · fire

“The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated on 10/15/2021, while her husband was driving 65 mph, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to exit the highway, before he saw smoke exiting from the front and rear of the vehicle. The driver was able to push the vehicle into a school parking. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her mother in law residence. The contact called the local…”
NHTSA complaint #11438375, 2021 · fire

“HYUNDAI ELANTRA SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. IT HAD BEEN 6 HOURS SINCE IT WAS LAST DRIVEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11402621, 2021 · fire

Suspension 15

“Rear lower control arm detached from subframe while highway driving. Lost control of vehicle. The problem has been an issue for Sonata and Azera however not for Elantra when the same thing happened. The component has not been inspected yet. There were no warning lights. Happened suddenly. Is available for inspection. Subframe became corroded from road salt. VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA,…”
NHTSA complaint #11670947, 2025

“On July 25, 2023, I was driving in our town when I heard a noise coming from the rear of the car. I was very close to a repair facility that I sometimes use, so I slowly drove there. They looked at the car and showed me that the rear driver-side wheel was about to fall off. They then raised the car in the shop and told me that the rear upper-control arm had rusted through and broken, causing the wheel to break off. They showed me a photo of this. I was also told that had this happened on a highway at a higher speed, there could have been fatalities because control of the car would have be…”
NHTSA complaint #11553960, 2023

“Turning onto my street and continued two hundred feet to my driveway I had to turn the steering wheel one quarter to the left to keep the car straight on the road. On inspection of the vehicle I noticed the left rear wheel was at an angle. Further inspection showed the suspension had departed.”
NHTSA complaint #11492666, 2022

Wheels 9 1 crash

“TIRE BLEW INTO SHRED'S CAUSING VEHICLE TO HIT CURB AND ME TRYING TO SWERVE TO AVOID IT COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL FAST ENOUGH $10,100 LATER IN DAMAGES AT MY OWN INSURANCE COST A HURT SHOULDER THAT I CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10499242, 2013 · crash

“On July 25, 2023, I was driving in our town when I heard a noise coming from the rear of the car. I was very close to a repair facility that I sometimes use, so I slowly drove there. They looked at the car and showed me that the rear driver-side wheel was about to fall off. They then raised the car in the shop and told me that the rear upper-control arm had rusted through and broken, causing the wheel to break off. They showed me a photo of this. I was also told that had this happened on a highway at a higher speed, there could have been fatalities because control of the car would have be…”
NHTSA complaint #11553960, 2023

“THE TIRES WEAR OUT ON THIS VEHICLE, EVEN AFTER BEING PROPERLY ALIGNED! I HAVE HIM THROUGH 4 COMPLETE SETS OF TIRES AND HAVE 110,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE KEPT THE AIR PRESSURE AS IT SHOULD BE AND HAVE ROTATED THE TIRES EVERY 3000 MILES. ALL 4 SETS OF TIRES WORE OUT THE EXACT SAME WAY, WHICH WAS INNER EDGE TREAD WEAR. THE ALIGNMENTS WERE DONE BY HYUNDAI TWICE AND TWO SEPARATE BUSINESSES AFTER THAT. ALL SAID THE ALIGNMENT WAS WITHIN FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THERE ARE NO ADJUSTMENTS FOR CASTER AND CAMBER ON THIS VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM CAN APPARENTLY BE REMEDIED WITH AN AFTERM…”
NHTSA complaint #11014192, 2017

Seat Belts 7 2 crash 2 injury

“SITTING IN TRAFFIC ON 405 FREEWAY NEAR EXIT 52 GOING SOUTH TO WORK WHEN I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A 2013 NISSAN. BACK AND FRONT OF CAR FOLDED UP, I WAS EJECTED FROM THE SEAT BELT (OPENED UP AND FLEW INTO PASSENGER SEAT) AND NOT ONE AIR BAG OPENED. I COULD NOT MOVE, MY FOOT WAS FRACTURED, STOMACH HURT, NECK, BACK AND ARMS IN PAIN. CHP ON THE SCENE. CAR THAT RAN INTO THE BACK OF ME PUSHED ME INTO A LARGE TRUCK AND PUSHED THE TRUCK INTO A CAR. 4-CAR ACCIDENT. CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED AND I AM REPORTING THE FAILURE AND DEFECT WITH THE SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAGS. MA 10/5 UPDATED 11/06/2017*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10731836, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS STOPPING MY 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ON GRAVEL ROAD-MY RIGHT FOOT ON BRAKES THEY LOCKED AND CAR JUMPED TO ACCELERATION AND LANDED IN BUSHES KNOW DOWN PORTO POTTY WITH THE TOWN GOV.'T. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10448260, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“When I am driving with my seatbelt on for no reason at all my seatbelt comes undone doesn't happen all the time but Several times it has happened to me. And then there is something wrong with the transmission. Doesn't shift right away so it like jerks or lunges when it finally goes into gear. I have noticed both of these problems since 2/28/2025”
NHTSA complaint #11655779, 2025

Tires 6 1 crash

“TIRE BLEW INTO SHRED'S CAUSING VEHICLE TO HIT CURB AND ME TRYING TO SWERVE TO AVOID IT COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL FAST ENOUGH $10,100 LATER IN DAMAGES AT MY OWN INSURANCE COST A HURT SHOULDER THAT I CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10499242, 2013 · crash

“I BOUGHT 4 MICHELIN TIRES ON 11/02/2012. A 90,000 MILE TIRE. < 40,000 MILES 2 OF THE 4 TIRES HAVE UNEXPLAINED WEARING AND 1 TIRE HAS A BUBBLE. MICHELIN DEFENDER XT 195/65R15 (GREEN X)90,000 MILE WEAR. THE CAR AND TIRES ARE SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10588816, 2014

“STEM ON TPMS SENSOR BROKE TIRE WENT FLAT IMMEDIATELY . THE STEM IS MADE OUT OF ALUMINUM, ROAD SALT WILL EAT INTO IT AND CAUSE IT TO BREAK . WHEN I HAD IT REPLACED I WAS TO TOLD THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THAT TYPE OF STEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10488983, 2012

Visibility 6

“FAILED 2 INSPECTIONS, STILL UNDER LEMON LAW RIGHTS, GIVEN FALSE VIN # AT 1ST, CAR DIED ON ME 9/18, GOT JUMPED BY TOW CO, CRACK IN WINDSHIELD (PRESTIGE AUTO TOLD ME TO GET IT FIXED MYSELF)- CAR HESITATES WHILE DRIVING- GIVEN TWO DIFF DATES OF SALE (TWO DIFF SLIPS - CAR PURCHASED 9/24 - SERVICE TOLD ME 9/15- I PUT DOWNPAYMENT $200 ON9/15 ONLY-PD IN FULL & TOOK CAR 9/14 - SIGNED FOR CAR 9/24/16 DROVE OFF LOT. I WANT MY ALL OF MY MONEY BACK - I DO NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE - I DO NOT TRUST THAT IT WILL WORK EVEN 2 WKS FROM NOW- I NEED RELIABLE VEHICLE! I PAID $8092.69 ALL OF $$ THAT I HAD LEFT FROM MY…”
NHTSA complaint #10917398, 2016

“WHILE MY CAR WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY THE BACK GLASS SHATTERED. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND NO ONE WAS AROUND. I HAD JUST WENT OUT AND OPENED THE BACK DOORS AND WALKED AROUND THE BACK OF THE CAR AND GONE BACK INTO THE HOUSE FOR A MINUTE AND WHEN I CAME BACK IT WAS SHATTERED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10714693, 2015

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY HEARD A LOUD BANG, AND WAS COVERED IN SHATTERED GLASS AS THE SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR NO REASON. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10693164, 2015

Engine And Engine Cooling 5

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10454679, 2012

“HAD BEEN LOSING MPG FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS (WENT DOWN FROM AVERAGE 28 TO 21) AND DEALER SAID COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. FINALLY, ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND BROUGHT CAR BACK TO DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED A FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR. DEALER ORDERED PART AND REPLACED SENSOR COUPLE DAYS AGO. ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF BUT IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS TO CHECK THE MPG. IMPROVEMENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10445449, 2012

“BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH 18,000 MILES, NO WARNINGS, FIRST SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING THEN NOTICED ENGINE COVERED WITH OIL AND OIL DRIPPING TO THE GROUND, DID NOT OVERHEAT. THE GASKET WAS REPLACED AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE GASKET WAS POROUS IN AN AREA (ON THE CORNER) AND THIS IS WHERE THE OIL WAS COMING OUT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10405402, 2011

Exterior Lighting 5 1 crash 1 injury

“I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON I85 SOUTH APPROACHING THE EXIT 17 WHERE I HAD PLANNED TO EXIT, AS I BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKE THE ENGINE WAS RACING, AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE, I TURNED RIGHT ONTO THE EXIT, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN, I COULD NOT MAKE THE COMPLETE TURN, I FRACTURED MY LEFT THUMB, AND BROKE THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TRYING TO AVOID CRASHING INTO SOME TREES THAT WERE IN THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE, I CONTINUED TO TRY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT IT KEPT GOING; I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO AN EMBANKMENT JUST A COUPLE OF FEET OFF OF THE RAMP ROAD ON I85 NOR…”
NHTSA complaint #10466316, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My brake lights are not going off when I take my foot off of the brake pedal. I have had to start disconnecting the battery cable so it will not drain the battery. I stop lamp switch replaced when it was recalled. And the steering wheel tilt does not stay in the high spot it falls to the lowest position.”
NHTSA complaint #11556059, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT GARVEY HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 271 TOM MILLER RD, PLATTSBURG, NY 12901, (518)-324-7007, HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED. THE DEALER WAS CALLED BACK AND THE MANGER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE OBSERVED FOR AN HOUR OR MORE TO TROUBLESHOOT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE W…”
NHTSA complaint #11342987, 2020

Fuel System 4 1 crash

“VEHICLE STALLED I HAVE HAD 7 TIMES THAT THIS HAPPEN, STARTING ON MAY 27, MAY 28, JUNE 3 THEY KEPT THE CAR TILL JUNE 8 THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS GOOD ,AS I WAS DRIVING WITH MY KIDS INSIDE IT STALLED AS I WAS DOING 70 MILES PER HOUR ON M 53 ON JUNE 9 THEY KEPT THE CAR AGAIN GOT IT BACK ON JUNE 14 ,AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DEALERSHIP AGAIN IT STALLED THEY TOLD IF I COULD BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY ON THE 15 OF JUNE AS I WAS GOING TO BRING THE CAR BACK IT STALLED AGAIN . THEY KEPT MY CAR TILL JUNE 25 . THEN I SEPT,4 THE CAR STALLS LOST ALL POWER AGAIN THIS I HAD TO SWERVE AND TURN MY STE…”
NHTSA complaint #10383453, 2010 · crash

“I WAS APPROACHING HIGHWAY FROM CITY ROADS AND I HAD TO ACCELERATE TO GET IN THE FLOW. SUDDENLY, I FELT THAT EVEN THOUGH I WAS ACCELERATING, CAR DID NOT GAIN SPEED. I CHECKED RPMS AND IT WAS QUITE HIGH FOR THE SPEED THAT CAR WAS MOVING. IT LOOKED TO ME AS IF CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL GEAR BUT IT WAS NOT. THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT MY CAR BECAUSE THE DRIVER WAS EXPECTING MY CAR TO MOVE FASTER. I HAD TO STOP ON SHOULDER TO CHECK WHAT IS HAPPENING. I HAD THIS KIND OF EXPERIENCE BEFORE TOO BUT NOT LIKE THIS ONE. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHEN I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS BACK IN CITY TRAFFIC. WHAT MY OB…”
NHTSA complaint #10584207, 2014

“WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR AND THE RPMS GO SKY HIGH AND THE CAR RUNS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. I HAVE TO TAP THE BRAKE BEFORE IT WILL ADJUST AND GO BACK INTO GEAR. THIS SEEMS TO BE A BIGGER PROBLEM WHEN CARRYING PASSENGERS. THE ADDED WEIGHT APPEARS TO BE A FACTOR. IT'S RATHER DANGEROUS SINCE IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING AND HAPPENED JUST THIS PAST WEEKEND WHEN DRIVING IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. MILEAGE REPORTED IS ESTIMATED FOR WHEN I FIRST NOTED THIS PROBLEM APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO. NOT KNOWING A LOT ABOUT CARS, I DIDN'T THINK T…”
NHTSA complaint #10583436, 2014

Latches/Locks/Linkages 4 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD LATCH DISCONNECTED AND CAUSED THE HOOD TO OPEN AND CRASH THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10638711, 2014 · crash

“THE REAR PASSENGER AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK HAS STOPPED WORKING. IT HAS TO MANUALLY UNLOCKED AND LOCKEDFROM INSIDE THE CAR! I WONDER WHAT THIS WILL COST??? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10595791, 2014

“TRUNK LID OPENS BY ITSELF EITHER WHEN DRIVING OR WHILE PARKED. HAD MY 2010 ELANTRA TOWED TO DEALER SATURDAY 03/05/11 AFTER HEARING A LOUD SOUND UNDER REAR OF CAR AS IF SOMETHING METAL HAD BROKEN, THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING UNDER THE REAR OF THE CAR HAD DROPPED, THEN A LOUD SCRAPING NOISE OCCURRED, THIS HAPPENED WHILE TURNING RIGHT INTO MY PAVED DRIVEWAY. I STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR, THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD OR MY DRIVEWAY. AS I PULLED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY LOUD RATTLING AND SCRAPING SOUNDS AND SOUNDS OF SPRINGS STRETCHING AND BREAKING WERE COMING FROM THE LEFT REA…”
NHTSA complaint #10386800, 2011

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“CAR SLAMS AND SHIFTS TO 3RD GEAR OVER 60 MILES IN MOTION AND FREEZES AT THAT SPEED. ADVANCED TESTS HAVE BEEN DON FULL TRANSMICION AND OTHER TESTS HAVE BEEN TESTED AND NO CAUSE HAS BEEN FOUND DIFFERENT CODES COME UP LIKE 734, ALL PIECES WORKING PROPERLY AND I CHANCHED TO NEW ONES AN ISSUE CONTINUES”
NHTSA complaint #11140784, 2017

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON UPON RESEARCH I FOUND OUT IT COULD BE THE EVAP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM PRES SENSOR LOW IT IS UNKOWN AS TO WHAT ELSE THIS ENCOMPASSES”
NHTSA complaint #11002650, 2017

“WHILE MAKING A TURN ONTO A BYPASS, VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD FASTER THAN SPEED APPLIED AND THEN RESUMED NORMAL. HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENLY WHILE DRIVING 30 TO 40 MILES AN HOUR OTHER TIMES. DOES NOT HAPPEN OFTEN. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10703717, 2015

Forward Collision Avoidance 2 1 crash

“I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system,…”
NHTSA complaint #11740444, 2026 · crash

“ABS Module short circuit, I am aware of the current recall in effect for 2011 Hyundai Elantra's but it should be noted that my vehicle also has the same issue, short circuit causing the ABS motor to run constantly. Issue was discovered by mechanic, I opted to disconnect the ABS module, as replacement is unaffordable. Is there any plan to expand the recall to include my vehicle?”
NHTSA complaint #11555175, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 2

“THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR NO LONGER STAYS UP AND IS A VISIBILITY HAZARD. LOOKING ON LINE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND SOME MODELS ARE ALREADY LISTED FOR THE RECALL HOWEVER NOT THE 2010 ELANTRA TOURING. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY TIME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY IN MOTION ETC.”
NHTSA complaint #10861050, 2016

Interior Lighting 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR OVERHEAD DOME LIGHT FAILED TO TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-633-5151 AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 10339622. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10995827, 2017

Seats 1

“AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON WHILE DRIVING ON ROUGH ROAD ON HWY APPX. 59K MILES. HAD PASSENGER IN CAR APPX 200 LBS. TOOK TO DEALER AT 60,500 MILES. IS EITHER A FAULTY SEAT BRACKET $2500+ TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT OR DAMAGED SRS MODULE $1000+, OR POSSIBLY BOTH. DEALER RECOMMENDS BRING CAR IN FOR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TO REMOVE SEAT AN CENTER CONSOLE $300+ IN LABOR JUST FOR THAT. MY WARRANTY CONVENIENTLY EXPIRED AT 60K. DEALER COULD NOT GUARANTEE A 500 MILE EXTENSION TO MY WARRANTY SO I WILL NOT BE PROCEEDING WITH REPAIRS. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICE FROM HYUNDAI, I DID NOTHING WRONG TO MY…”
NHTSA complaint #10863727, 2016