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2011 Hyundai Elantra Problems & Owner Complaints

459 NHTSA owner complaints
21 crash 9 fire 13 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~28.7 complaints per year on the road — ranking 5 of 12 Hyundai Elantra years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, cited in 96 of 459 filed complaints (21%).

Air Bags is next (81 complaints, 18%), followed by Steering (76), Suspension (67), Electrical System (52).

Across all complaints, 21 report a crash, 9 report a fire, 13 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 15 crash, 10 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 459.

Engine 96 2 crash 2 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE FAMILY GARAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. SMOKE FILLED THE HOME AND THE GARAGE DRYWALL CEILING HAD COLLAPSED AND BLACKENED THE INTERIOR OF THE GARAGE. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE SMOKE DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND FULL OF WATER. THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVER'S FRONT SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE EXACT CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AS OF YET. THE VEHICLE 'S WHOLE FRONT F…”
NHTSA complaint #11222746, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE COMING THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AFTER NOTICING SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PIAZZA HYUNDAI OF POTTSTOWN (84 AUTOPARK BLVD, LIMERICK, PA 19468 (484) 933-4074) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE LONG ENGINE BLOCK WAS NO LONGER BEING MADE BY HYUNDAI AND THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT HYUNDAI BUYING BACK THE VEHICLE.…”
NHTSA complaint #11089856, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT AND AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHED AS THE BRAKES HAD BEEN APPLIED HOWEVER, THE WHEELS SPUN UNEXPECTEDLY AND THE ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED RESULTING INTO A CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NO INJURIES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT SENT NOTIFICATION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V871000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AS OF DECEMBER 21ST, 2015 SO THE OWNER WAS NOT AWARE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIV…”
NHTSA complaint #11220632, 2019 · crash

Air Bags 81 15 crash 10 injury

“DRIVER OF OUR CAR, THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA TOURING, SLOWED TO ABOUT 20-25 MPH TO LET A CAR IN FRONT OF US TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY. DRIVER OF A HONDA CRV TRAVELING BEHIND US AT ABOUT 45-50 MPH DID NOT SLOW AND SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF US. FRONT SEAT PASSENGER HIT HER HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD RESULTING IN A BRUISE AND BLACK EYE AND WHIPLASH BECAUSE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER'S SEAT SLID BACKWARDS, LOOSENING HIS SEATBELT. HE HIT HIS HIP AND KNEE ON THE DOOR AND EXPERIENCED WHIPLASH. POLICE ON SCENE LOOKED AT SEATBELTS ON BOTH SIDES AND DETERMINED THERE WERE NO "STOP…”
NHTSA complaint #10679331, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF REGULARLY FOR SOME DAYS, THEN FINALLY IT STAYS ON PERMANENTLY. THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHTS DOESN'T COME ON WHEN I TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CAR BOUNCES AND SWAY TO THE SIDE EACH TIME I HIT A POTHOLE NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE POTHOLE IS.”
NHTSA complaint #11206161, 2018 · 2 injury(ies)

“YESTERDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH 2019, AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30 AM, MY GIRLFRIEND HAD A HIGH SPEED IMPACT (SPEED LIMIT IN THIS AREA OF ALASKA IS 65MPH) WITH A MOOSE. IT WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT ON THE BUMPER/HOOD/WINDSHIELD/ROOF, OCCURING ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON THIS INITIAL IMPACT. ADDITIONALLY, AS THE CAR LEFT THE ROAD, THERE WAS A SECOND FRONTAL IMPACT INTO A HARDENED, PLOWED SNOWBANK, IN WHICH THE AIRBAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS YEAR AND MODEL IS BELIEVED TO BE EQUIPPED WITH DRIVERS, PASSENGERS, AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, WHICH ALL FAILED TO DEPLOY. SHE IS THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11175931, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Steering 76 1 fire 2 injury

“THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF REGULARLY FOR SOME DAYS, THEN FINALLY IT STAYS ON PERMANENTLY. THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHTS DOESN'T COME ON WHEN I TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CAR BOUNCES AND SWAY TO THE SIDE EACH TIME I HIT A POTHOLE NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE POTHOLE IS.”
NHTSA complaint #11206161, 2018 · 2 injury(ies)

“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ONE OR MORE OF THE BRAKES GET ACTIVE WITHOUT USING THE BRAKES . ABS START KICKING AND THE CAR LOOSE POWER . IF I HATE THE BRAKE THE BRAKE PARKS GET REALLY SENSITIVE AND THE CAR START SHAKING . HAPPENED TOO MANY TIMES AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FINED ANY PROBLEMS . FROM MY EXPERIENCE THIS IS A USE SENSOR PROBLEM AND I SPOKE WITH HONDA OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID MY CAR AND MY VIN # HAS NO RECALL .”
NHTSA complaint #11093589, 2018 · fire

“When ever I am turning my steering wheel in either direction there is a clicking noise. It started low and now the noise became loud even when I am going over bumps on the road. I went to a reputable certified shop and I am told it is my steering column bushing and I was advised that there is a recall on it but when I further investigate my car I do not see no recall. This is a problem a lot of people are having with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra .”
NHTSA complaint #11682584, 2025

Suspension 67 1 crash

“FRONT OF ELANTRA TRAVELING AT 40 MPH HIT ANOTHER CAR ENTERING 4 LANE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.(T-BONED") THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. NONE OF THE HEAD , FRONT OR SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #10538585, 2013 · crash

“Unknown but my car shakes and makes a loud grinding noise”
NHTSA complaint #11657547, 2025

“My car was recalled by Hyundai for a critical safety issue and has been at the dealership since July of 2024 awaiting repairs due to missing parts. Despite repeated follow-ups, Hyundai has been unable to provide a timeline for the repair. Recently, they offered to buy back the car, but the offer was far below its fair market value. When I declined, they stated they would return the car to me unfixed and unsafe. This situation has caused significant inconvenience and feels coercive, as I am forced to choose between accepting an unfair buyback or taking back an unsafe vehicle. I am seeking NHTSA…”
NHTSA complaint #11638939, 2025

Electrical System 52 1 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE LEG INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND A RIGHT KNEE REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,092. UPDATED 10/8/14*CN PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON. SHE WAS INFORMED, IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A RE…”
NHTSA complaint #10629085, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUNK AND FROM THE DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SHE OPENED THE DOOR, THE AREA FROM HER DASHBOARD ALL THE WAY DOWN TO HER GEARS WAS BURNED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE ARRIVED AND BOTH FILED REPORTS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LET THE VEHICLE SMOKE OUT AND DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V393000 (EQUIPMENT) FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE 12 VOLT ACCESSORY SOCKET LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY STILL AWAITING TO BE TOWED…”
NHTSA complaint #11363593, 2020 · fire

“MY MOTHER CAME TO A STOP AND NOTICED SMOKE AND THEN FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. EVERYTHING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BURNT TO A CRISP. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10596530, 2014 · fire

Service Brakes 48 5 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT THEN CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10554665, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ONE OR MORE OF THE BRAKES GET ACTIVE WITHOUT USING THE BRAKES . ABS START KICKING AND THE CAR LOOSE POWER . IF I HATE THE BRAKE THE BRAKE PARKS GET REALLY SENSITIVE AND THE CAR START SHAKING . HAPPENED TOO MANY TIMES AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FINED ANY PROBLEMS . FROM MY EXPERIENCE THIS IS A USE SENSOR PROBLEM AND I SPOKE WITH HONDA OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID MY CAR AND MY VIN # HAS NO RECALL .”
NHTSA complaint #11093589, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD BEEN LEAKING FLUID OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED AND THE FLUID WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE BRAKE LINE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN WHERE THE BRAKE CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE EXHAUST. THE CONTA…”
NHTSA complaint #10778098, 2014 · fire

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Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 37 3 crash 2 injury

“THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF REGULARLY FOR SOME DAYS, THEN FINALLY IT STAYS ON PERMANENTLY. THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHTS DOESN'T COME ON WHEN I TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CAR BOUNCES AND SWAY TO THE SIDE EACH TIME I HIT A POTHOLE NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE POTHOLE IS.”
NHTSA complaint #11206161, 2018 · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT AND AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHED AS THE BRAKES HAD BEEN APPLIED HOWEVER, THE WHEELS SPUN UNEXPECTEDLY AND THE ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED RESULTING INTO A CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NO INJURIES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT SENT NOTIFICATION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V871000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) AS OF DECEMBER 21ST, 2015 SO THE OWNER WAS NOT AWARE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIV…”
NHTSA complaint #11220632, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING AND REQUIRED A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V871000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10862166, 2016 · crash

Unknown Or Other 36 3 fire

“My car caught on fire in the parking lot of a business while I was inside of the business. The car was not started and just parked. The abs light was on since I bought the car and I had not had it looked at. I had no clue of the recall until today when this happened. The fire started under the hood somewhere. The fire department put the fire out and nothing other than that has been done. I will have a report in a few days.”
NHTSA complaint #11480065, 2022 · fire

“AWOKE TO GARAGE FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 04/27/2020. HYUNDAI ON MY LIFT FOR REPAIRS . UPON CLEARING THE DEBRIS, THERE WAS A HOLE/HOT SPOT IN THE CONCRETE WHERE THE CAR WAS FOUND. TOTAL LOSS OF 2011 HYUNDAI,OF MY BUILDING & MY SHOP EQUIPMENT. THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED BY THE MAINE STATE FIRE MARSHALL'S OFFICE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11326424, 2020 · fire

“VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR OVER 5 HOURS. FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11218387, 2017 · fire

Power Train 25 1 crash 1 injury

“ON MARCH 07, 2014, MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE JEEP. WE TOOK OUR 17 YEAR OLD GRANDSON TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE CHECKED OUT BECAUSE OF A HEADACHE BUT OTHER THAN THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND NOW TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. MY CONCERN IS; THERE HAVE BEEN TWO (2) FRONT AXLES PUT IN MY CAR AND NEITHER WORKED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY ORDERED A THIRD (3) ONE AND IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY DID NOT INSTALL IT. NOW THEY HAVE ORDERED THE FOURTH (4) AXLE TO INSTALL, IF IT ISN'T DEFECTIVE. IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10594586, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, a fellow motorist alerted the contact that the vehicle was smoking. The contact pulled over and waited for an extensive period before restarting the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the destination while driving at a slow speed. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel since owning the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the con…”
NHTSA complaint #11605080, 2023

“CAR WILL LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING, ON OCCASION IT CAN BE JUMPED / RESTARTED, BUT IT WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AGAIN. HAVE TOWED IT 6 TIMES IN 5 MONTHS. NOW I'M LOOKING FOR AN ENTIRELY NEW ENGINE. SIDE NOTE: YOU CAN'T PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO TOW IT IF THERE IS NO POWER, SO YOU HAVE TO HOPE JUMPER CABLES WILL GET IT ENOUGH POWER TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. NO MANUAL STEERING EITHER, SO WE HAD TO USE A TOW TRUCK SEVERAL TIMES SINCE YOU COULDN'T TURN CORNERS MANUALLY AT ALL THE STEERING WHEEL JUST LOCKS, EVEN WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION.”
NHTSA complaint #11298631, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 23 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCLERATED AND CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE CONTACT WAS SEVERELY INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10470577, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ONE OR MORE OF THE BRAKES GET ACTIVE WITHOUT USING THE BRAKES . ABS START KICKING AND THE CAR LOOSE POWER . IF I HATE THE BRAKE THE BRAKE PARKS GET REALLY SENSITIVE AND THE CAR START SHAKING . HAPPENED TOO MANY TIMES AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FINED ANY PROBLEMS . FROM MY EXPERIENCE THIS IS A USE SENSOR PROBLEM AND I SPOKE WITH HONDA OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID MY CAR AND MY VIN # HAS NO RECALL .”
NHTSA complaint #11093589, 2018 · fire

“WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT OF A DRUG STORE FOR MAYBE 10 MINUTES. STARTED THE CAR AND BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE TO GO FORWARD THE CAR ACCELERATED TO A VERY HIGH SPEED AND RAN INTO TWO PARKED CARS. WITH HELP I TRIED TO BACK OUT OF THE SPACE BUT WHEN I WENT FORWARD THE CAR ONCE AGAIN ACCELERATED TO A HIGH SPEED DAMAGING MY CAR AND THE TWO OTHER CARS. SEVERAL YEARS BACK I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO MAIL A LETTER. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED AND BACKED INTO A SNOW BANK. I THOUGHT AT THE T…”
NHTSA complaint #10781991, 2015 · crash

Wheels 20 1 crash 1 injury

“ON MARCH 07, 2014, MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE JEEP. WE TOOK OUR 17 YEAR OLD GRANDSON TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE CHECKED OUT BECAUSE OF A HEADACHE BUT OTHER THAN THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND NOW TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. MY CONCERN IS; THERE HAVE BEEN TWO (2) FRONT AXLES PUT IN MY CAR AND NEITHER WORKED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY ORDERED A THIRD (3) ONE AND IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY DID NOT INSTALL IT. NOW THEY HAVE ORDERED THE FOURTH (4) AXLE TO INSTALL, IF IT ISN'T DEFECTIVE. IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10594586, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My safety was a risk on August 25th as I was driving back home from work. As I was about to make a right turn, the wheel was hard to turn for second which resulted in me making a wider turn. Thankfully no other cars were around. As I parked, the wheel would swing back and forth and make a swishing sound when touched. A couple of weeks prior to the incident, I had a family friend conduct an oil change. I had mention to him about my steering wheel problem and my tire light being on— all of these problems started at the end of July). He said the steering issue is not normal and not good at all…”
NHTSA complaint #11540972, 2023

“I HAVE ALREADY REPORTED MY PROBLEM REGARDING THE RECALL #107096 FOR SUSPENSION FRONT SPRING COIL. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 15V629000; DATE: OCT. 7, 2015 IF A FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES, IT MAY CONTACT THE TIRE, POSSIBLY PUNCTURING IT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH...AND WANTED TO UPDATE SINCE I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED HYUNDAI. THIS WAS THEIR REPLY: CAMPAIGNS AND RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC, THEREFORE, YOUR 2011 ELANTRA MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED IN THE SAME TIME PERIOD AS THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BUT AT A DIFFERENT FACTORY. NOT ALL ELANTRA'S FOR THIS TIME PERIOD WERE RECALLED. ONLY THE AFFECTED VIN'S.…”
NHTSA complaint #11402800, 2021

Tires 13

“2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-393. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SOLD WITH A COMPRESSOR THEREFORE, COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11382696, 2020

“2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TIRE MOBILITY KIT SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER ARRIVING TO THE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED, THE DEALER STATED THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11375530, 2020

“2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MANUFACTURERS REFUSAL TO REIMBURSE CONSUMER FOR LABOR COST OF FRONT COIL SPRINGS FAILURE RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD...UPDATED 05/17/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REIMBURSE THE COST OF THE COIL SPRINGS AND THE TIRES DUE TO THE SERVICE NOT BEING PERFORMED WITH THE DEALER. UPDATED 03/31/2017*JS *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10897767, 2016

Exterior Lighting 10

“Brake pedal stopper deterioration. The brake pedal stopper pad deteriorates, allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights stay illuminated, preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of "park" without depressing the brake pedal. Consequently, the risk of a crash increases…”
NHTSA complaint #11431727, 2021

“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. Upon inspection, it was discovered that all three brake lights were inoperable. The contact replaced the bulbs and the pedal switch however, the failure persisted. In addition, the traction control warning light remains illuminated while operating the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11418602, 2021

“DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS LIGHTS, DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS AT LEAST EVERY THREE MONTHS AND WHEN REMOVING THE BULBS THEY ARE HARD TO GET OUT AND THE CONNECTOR IS MELTED AND BURNT. THE TURN SIGNALS WILL SHORT OUT AND THEN WORK AGAIN REGULARLY WHILE IN MOTION AND STATIONARY.”
NHTSA complaint #11362311, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 7

“UnKnown. When financing the vehicle through Adonis Auto Group I was unaware of the unrepaired safety recall. Also I am under the impression nothing was done to the car before purchasing it, I have had to make repairs to the car only after 10,000 - 15,000 miles of driving. For example replacing the control arm, axle, brake hardware. My point is they are selling cars without repairing them and not advising the customer upon purchase. I also asked for the repair paperwork for what has been done to the car before purchase and never received it.”
NHTSA complaint #11589419, 2023

“There's a piston slap ,the engine block is damaged to the risk pin bushing ,connecting rods needs replacing the piston slap noise is in the upper end of the engine ,the gas tank want hold gas”
NHTSA complaint #11529486, 2023

“MY VEHICLE DOESN'T FEEL SAFE AND THIS IS THE SECOND REPORT I MAKE. PLEASE CONTACT ME ABOUT THIS MATTER. THANK YOU!”
NHTSA complaint #11390995, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 7

“The front power window motors on both the driver and passenger have both failed twice. This leaves the widow in the down position until it can be repaired which caused a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11583741, 2024

“DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUN VISOR HINGE BROKEN. WON'T STAY UP. HANGS DOWN IN THE DRIVERS FACE AND HINDERS DRIVERS ABILITY TO SEE.”
NHTSA complaint #11000093, 2017

“THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FLEW OFF OF MY CAR DURING A RAIN STORM WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS TOLD BY THE PLACE THAT REPAIRED IT THAT THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T FASTEN THEM ON CORRECTLY. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID HE FIXED MY RECALL AS WELL - THE CAR NEVER HAD A RECALL REPAIR NOTICE ! AIR CONDITIONER DOES NOT WORK - WHEN SERVICE DID OIL CHANGE THEY TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS GOING TO BE 415 DOLLARS TO FIX THE AIR BECAUSE THE DISCHARGE HOSE IS LEAKING. THE DISCHARGE HOSE COSTS 11.00 ON THE INTERNET & VALVOLENE INSTANT OIL CHANGE WILL REFILL THE FREON IN YOUR CAR FOR…”
NHTSA complaint #10980774, 2017

Structure 6 2 crash 1 injury

“ON MARCH 07, 2014, MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE JEEP. WE TOOK OUR 17 YEAR OLD GRANDSON TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE CHECKED OUT BECAUSE OF A HEADACHE BUT OTHER THAN THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND NOW TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. MY CONCERN IS; THERE HAVE BEEN TWO (2) FRONT AXLES PUT IN MY CAR AND NEITHER WORKED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY ORDERED A THIRD (3) ONE AND IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY DID NOT INSTALL IT. NOW THEY HAVE ORDERED THE FOURTH (4) AXLE TO INSTALL, IF IT ISN'T DEFECTIVE. IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10594586, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“FRONT OF ELANTRA TRAVELING AT 40 MPH HIT ANOTHER CAR ENTERING 4 LANE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.(T-BONED") THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. NONE OF THE HEAD , FRONT OR SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #10538585, 2013 · crash

“FROM PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE IN 2 PIECES AS I PRESSED HANDLE TO OPEN MY 2011 HUNDAI ELANTRA. THIS IS DOOR I RARELY USE. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SAME ISSUE OCCURS TO DRIVER SIDE DOOR? I BELIEVE MATERIALS ARE DEFECTIVE FOR PURPOSE. THE PRESENTS BIG SAFETY ISSUE IN EMERGENCY EGRESS SITUATION. ONLINE SAW OTHER HUNDAI VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM. CAR WAS PARKED UNDER CARPORT AT TIME AT MY RESIDENCE.”
NHTSA complaint #11297776, 2019

Engine And Engine Cooling 5 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD BEEN LEAKING FLUID OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED AND THE FLUID WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE BRAKE LINE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN WHERE THE BRAKE CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE EXHAUST. THE CONTA…”
NHTSA complaint #10778098, 2014 · fire

“2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. LAWYER WRITES REGARDING NOTICE OF CLAIM UNDER THE LEMON LAW ON BEHALF OF CLIENTS *TGW THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM, THEY DAMAGED THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT START. THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE ECM. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WOULD BLINK OFF AND ON RANDOMLY. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS NO WAY FOR THE CONSUMER TO KNOW IF THE OIL PRESSURE, RPM'S, TIRE PRESSURE OR ENGINE TEMPERATURE WERE WITHIN SAFE LIMITS. THE CRUISE CONTROL AND MI…”
NHTSA complaint #10437015, 2011

“AT MY NEXT SCHEDULED SERVICE (6K), I AM GOING TO MENTION THIS WHILE MY CAR IS AT THE DEALER, BUT IT'S HAPPENED QUITE A FEW TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT MY 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN APRIL. I LIVE IN FLORIDA, AND AS IT'S SUMMER I'VE BEEN USING MY BRAND NEW A/C QUITE A LOT. HOWEVER, WHEN IT IS ON AND I AM AT A STOPLIGHT (ONLY AT A STOPLIGHT OR WAITING AT IDLE WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE), WHENEVER THE COMPRESSOR CYCLES ON/OFF, MY CAR WILL SLOWLY MOVE FORWARD (AND BRAKE PEDAL SINKS A LITTLE). I HAVE TO PUSH ON THE BRAKES EVEN HARDER TO KEEP THE CAR FROM MOVING. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW TIMES WHEN I'VE ALMOST HIT THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10419379, 2011

Equipment 4

“The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V393000 (Equipment) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #11466808, 2022

“NO SPARE TIRE, JACK, OR LUG WRENCH WAS SUPPLIED WITH THIS CAR. APPARENTLY SEVERAL OTHER MANUFACTURERS ARE DOING THE SAME, OSTENSIBLY TO SAVE ON WEIGHT AND ACHIEVE A HIGHER MPG RATING. THIS AUTOMOBILE WAS SOLD TO MY 21 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO HAD A BLOWOUT. HAD SHE BEEN IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION IT COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN ASSAULT AND/OR DEATH FROM A CRIME OF OPPORTUNITY. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY AND WITH HYUNDAI. PLEASE STOP AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS FROM PRACTICING THIS POTENTIALLY CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT SALES PRACTICE IMMEDIATELY. [XXX] INFORM…”
NHTSA complaint #10525113, 2013

“SAFETY ISSUE DRIVER FLOOR MAT KEEPS GETTING ENTANGLED WITH GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS. THE HOOKS DESIGN BY HYUNDAI FOR THERE 2011 SONATA FAILS TO KEEP THEM IN PLACE. *UPDATED 12-20-12 SMCH *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10489096, 2012

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“Urgent safety recall (251) for fire risk was started 3 months ago. As of 12/13/2024 there is no remedy or any timeline for remedy. owners in snow conditions (Ohio) can't be reasonably told to park their Hyundais outside in winter. Maybe I don't understand the word urgent...”
NHTSA complaint #11559840, 2023

“I have been forced to park my car outside in case it catches on fire due to the faulty brake system that cannot be fixed. This puts my car in danger of vandalism and harsh winter conditions. This is unacceptable that Hyundai has not yet found a way to fix the dangerous brake system!!”
NHTSA complaint #11557615, 2022

“Steering wheel clunking noise, the car tries to change direction by itself especially on wet roads, and I always trying to keep it in the same lane, the problem has been reproduced 2 weeks ago, there’s no warning lamps actually either before, I had not inspected this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11481678, 2022

Seat Belts 3 1 crash 2 injury

“DRIVER OF OUR CAR, THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA TOURING, SLOWED TO ABOUT 20-25 MPH TO LET A CAR IN FRONT OF US TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY. DRIVER OF A HONDA CRV TRAVELING BEHIND US AT ABOUT 45-50 MPH DID NOT SLOW AND SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF US. FRONT SEAT PASSENGER HIT HER HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD RESULTING IN A BRUISE AND BLACK EYE AND WHIPLASH BECAUSE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER'S SEAT SLID BACKWARDS, LOOSENING HIS SEATBELT. HE HIT HIS HIP AND KNEE ON THE DOOR AND EXPERIENCED WHIPLASH. POLICE ON SCENE LOOKED AT SEATBELTS ON BOTH SIDES AND DETERMINED THERE WERE NO "STOP…”
NHTSA complaint #10679331, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Our car failed inspection due to a safety issue. Two seats belt are frayed. The photo shows the center belt is frayed where it enters the back seat. The Hyundai dealer wanted more than $1,000 to replace. I went to a local auto wrecker for a used replacements. He had two 2011 Hyundai Elanrtas. Both had the same seat belt damage on the center seat belt. The center belt has been used very little over the life of the car. Since all three vehicles had the same damage it appears that this is not due to normal wear and tear. I feel that Hyundai should replace the seat belt at no cost”
NHTSA complaint #11599530, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT TEST DROVE A 2011 HYNUDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT WAS PLACED IN THE REAR CENTER SEAT AND THE SEAT BELT WEBBING WOULD NOT REMAIN TIGHTENED TO SECURE THE CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 10. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10400064, 2011

Fuel System 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE HOSE, CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,300.”
NHTSA complaint #10423902, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, THE NOZZLES AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF DEVICE FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND AS A RESULT, FUEL LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND. IN ADDITION, FUEL ALSO LEAKED INTO THE REAR TRUNK AREA. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE AS WELL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,800.”
NHTSA complaint #10417919, 2011

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“SAFETY ISSUE DRIVER FLOOR MAT KEEPS GETTING ENTANGLED WITH GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS. THE HOOKS DESIGN BY HYUNDAI FOR THERE 2011 SONATA FAILS TO KEEP THEM IN PLACE. *UPDATED 12-20-12 SMCH *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10489096, 2012

Lane Departure 1

“THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE ARE MANY. WHEN IM DRIVING IT THROWS ME TO THE SIDE FOR ANY DENTS THE STREET HAS, BAD CONTROL. THE COILS ARE BAD. THE ENGINE BLOCK HAS A NOISE THAT GETS LOUDER AND LOUDER EVERY TIME I TURN THE CAR.IM NOT A MECHANIC BUT I KNOW SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY CAR CONTROL SYSTEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11373581, 2020

Seats 1 1 crash 2 injury

“DRIVER OF OUR CAR, THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA TOURING, SLOWED TO ABOUT 20-25 MPH TO LET A CAR IN FRONT OF US TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY. DRIVER OF A HONDA CRV TRAVELING BEHIND US AT ABOUT 45-50 MPH DID NOT SLOW AND SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF US. FRONT SEAT PASSENGER HIT HER HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD RESULTING IN A BRUISE AND BLACK EYE AND WHIPLASH BECAUSE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER'S SEAT SLID BACKWARDS, LOOSENING HIS SEATBELT. HE HIT HIS HIP AND KNEE ON THE DOOR AND EXPERIENCED WHIPLASH. POLICE ON SCENE LOOKED AT SEATBELTS ON BOTH SIDES AND DETERMINED THERE WERE NO "STOP…”
NHTSA complaint #10679331, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Traction Control System 1

“DRY DAY, NORMAL ACCELERATION, TRACTION CONTROL KILLED POWER UPON ENTERING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC LEAVING US SITTING IN 50-55 MPH TRAFFIC, THEN CLEARED UP, TWICE WITHIN 3 HOURS. ALSO ON SAME DAY, 60 MPH ON A TWO LANE ROAD THE SKID CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND APPLIED THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE PULLING ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I REACTED QUICKLY AND BROUGHT AUTO BACK TO MY LANE AND TURNED OFF SKID CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE.FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC. THE SKID CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON THEN WENT BACK OUT BOTH TIMES. ONE FAILURE SEEMED TO BE THE TRACTION CONTROL, THE OTHER WAS THE SKID CONTROL. I SUS…”
NHTSA complaint #10410752, 2011

Visibility 1

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 5 PM ON A PARTLY CLOUDY DAY THAT WAS NOT PARTICULARLY HOT (~94F) FOR THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY. I HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS WHEN I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD "BOOM" SIMILAR TO A SHOTGUN BLAST COME FROM THE ROOF OF MY CAR. I MADE MY WAY OFF THE INTERSTATE ONTO THE FEEDER ROAD AS QUICKLY AS I COULD. UPON GETTING OUT OF THE CAR I FOUND THAT MY SUNROOF HAD SEEMINGLY EXPLODED. ABOUT 75% OF THE GLASS WAS GONE. SOME GLASS FRAGMENTS WERE LAYING ON THE SUN VISOR (AS I HAD THE SUN VISOR CLOSED AT THE TIME), BUT MOST OF THE GLASS WAS PRESUMABLY…”
NHTSA complaint #10630650, 2014

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra draws about 28.7 complaints per year on the road, ranking 5 of 12 among the Hyundai Elantra model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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