2009 Hyundai Elantra

What owners report most often

1. Steering144
2. Air bags50
3. Service brakes29
4. Electrical system28
5. Vehicle speed control21
6. Engine14
7. Structure13
8. Other or unspecified12

Recalls and investigations

1. Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleFeb 4, 2020

   Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

   An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

   Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.

   Campaign 20V061000 on NHTSA.gov

2. Steering, electric power assist systemFeb 23, 2015

   Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist.

   If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127.

   Campaign 15V100000 on NHTSA.gov

3. Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013

   Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

   Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

   Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

   Campaign 13V113000 on NHTSA.gov

4. Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveMar 15, 2011

   HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2008. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS IN THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A WEIGHT SENSOR DESIGNED TO DEACTIVATE THE RIGHT FRONTAL AIRBAG WHEN OCCUPANTS OF CERTAIN WEIGHTS OCCUPY THE SEAT. THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE WEIGHT SENSOR IS LOCATED UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE, BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE CONNECTOR COULD BECOME CONTAMINATED AND MALFUNCTION SUCH THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY REGARDLESS OF THE WEIGHT OF THE OCCUPANT.

   THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY IN CRASHES IN WHICH IT SHOULD NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT FROM THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG.

   DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE WEIGHT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CONNECTOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTING TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

   Campaign 11V143000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints

285 reports, newest first.

1. Steering, Sep 22, 2026

   The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated during the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to continue driving, although the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, the mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

2. Steering, Sep 3, 2026

   I am reporting Hyundai’s failure to complete open Campaign 127/NHTSA Recall 15V-100 on my 2009 Hyundai Elantra. I acquired the vehicle from a family member in late July 2026 after the previous owner died and the vehicle was delayed in probate. I sought recall service immediately after legal transfer. Component/system: The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failed. Power steering assist is completely unavailable. The EPS warning lamp is illuminated and the EPS module reports DTC C1604. The vehicle and EPS system remain at [XXX] Hyundai in [XXX] and are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle was driven from [XXX] to [XXX] during transportation during its transfer to me, and the power steering failed en route. Loss of steering assist substantially increased steering effort suddenly& created a safety risk to the driver, passengers and other motorists. Dealer confirmation: Yes. The condition is recognized by [XXX] Hyundai. I presented the vehicle on XXX specifically for the open EPS recall, and it has remained there since. This is the second area Hyundai dealer that attempted to decline recall service. [XXX] states it cannot perform the prescribed software update because the required Hyundai tablet/programming equipment is no longer available. The dealer has also pressured me to retrieve the unrepaired vehicle and attempted to charge for diagnostics. Other inspections: Hyundai Consumer Affairs is involved under case #XXX. No police or insurance representative has inspected the vehicle. Hyundai’s latest update is that it is attempting to source either the required computer or part, but no remedy or completion date has been provided. Warnings/symptoms: When the EPS failed, the EPS warning lamp illuminated and steering assist was lost. OBD-II/EPS diagnostics subsequently identified C1604. The vehicle has been continuously available for recall repair since XXX. Thank you for your review & assistance with this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

3. Steering, Aug 29, 2026

   Power steering assist motor stopped working, leaving the car with hard manual steering. Dealer inspection confirms the issue across several year models, inclding my 2009. There were 2 other year models with the same issue in their shop with mine that day. One was 2018. One was a 2023. Car is very difficult to steer around curves at any speed. Warning lamp on dash says "EPS".

4. Forward collision avoidance, Aug 4, 2026, fire

   My ABS system started smoking while the vehicle was in the off position. Police and fire department showed up. Police report number is 2026151090. I was called outside from the establishment and the emergency services were waiting on me. Corporate is now trying to get me to pay the tow out of pocket. I called the NTSHA holiness but was unable to mention this issue about the towing. Also corporate has stated they will likely not service the vehicle.

5. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 4, 2026

   The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the TPMS and powertrain warning lights illuminated, but the vehicle drove normally. The contact stated that a month later, while the vehicle was parked and turned off, a pedestrian saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact arrived at the scene, and the Police and Fire Department were already on scene. The contact stated that a fireman entered the vehicle and opened the hood, and disconnected the battery. A Police report was filed. The contact inspected the vehicle, reconnected the battery, and there was smoke coming from the ABS module inside the engine compartment. The contact then disconnected the battery. The battery was later reconnected, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact arrived at the residence and removed the ABS fuse, and the smoke ceased. The vehicle was taken to an auto shop where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P0441 (EVAP system incorrect purge flow). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.

6. Steering, Jul 28, 2026

   The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown recall with a similar description of the failure was completed in 2023. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

7. Steering, Mar 31, 2026

   Vehicle has a major problem steering down the road as I am traveling, its also makes loud clicks while turning left or right, also if freezing up and getting stiff along the way, The item that's causing this problem is call EPS , my light will not go out on its own, My local dealership will not honor the warranty or the recall stated it was repair ed I am the 2 or 3 owner of said vehicle, I can see where it show data update March 30 2026 , , It was never fix and Bentley Hyundai in Huntsville Alabama, will not honor this recall for my vehicle,

8. Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 19, 2026

   NHTSA 20V-061 (Hyundai 188): ABS/HECU Module NHTSA 15V-100 (Hyundai 127): Electric Power Steering (EPS) NHTSA 13V-113 (Hyundai 110): Brake Light Switch

9. Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2025

   Taylor Hyundai of Findlay FAILED too complete these recalls. X3 times !

10. Electrical system, Aug 25, 2025, fire

    Got in the car to come home put the key in ignition turned it and battery was dead went to turn off and something popped and cloud of smoke started rolling out from underneath the hood once hood was up the smoke got stronger from behind the motor the battery we had to get the battery unplugged and pulled out to get the electricity out the vehicle because of the battery being dead but sill plugged up at the time it would continue smoking more and more and thicker thicker so My husband pulled the battery out immediately as doing so we both inhaled some smoke but we was more concerned about it catching on fire so we pulled through it . We are confused on how or why this happened nothing has broke or went wrong with my vehicle but serpentine belt brake and tire ware my mother had car inspected and service back in May nothing was said that there is or will be wrong with my car. We had no idea that there was anything wrong no warning lights no signs of any problems up to this incident.

11. Seat belts, May 15, 2025, crash

    During a car accident yesterday. Upon impact at about 30 mph the seatbelt ripped and provided no deceleration during a head on collision. If it wasn’t for the airbag I would have been very seriously injured. It has not yet been inspected by insurance but I have a few videos of the failure for the seatbelt to work.

12. Steering, Nov 9, 2024

    About 3 years ago the EPS light came on. Brought it to the dealer who said it needed 3500.00 dollars worth of work to replace the steering column. Refused the work and they reset the light. Now after checking i see this was part of a recall 127 . My car was checked and stamped fine so out of luck. Car works good for 3 years now it is doing it again. Just driving straight down the road and power steering stops working, then starts working. Right now steering is fine and the PS light is on all the time. Any help would be appreciated. Car only has 120,000 miles and is in great shape except forthe steering.

13. Steering, Oct 30, 2024

    I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THAT IT INDICATES A PLROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING SYSTEM. I HAVE SHARCHED AND READ THAT THERE WAS A RECALL. ON MY 209 HYUNDIA ELANTRA BUT WHEN I VIN IT SAYS NO OPEN RECALLS. DOES THIS MEAN IT HAS BEEN FIXED BEFORE OR IS MINE NOT COVERED UNDER ECALL. MY VIN IS [XXX] ANY HELP WOULD BE HELPFUL. I AM A DISABLED MAN. THAT THIS IS MY ONLY CAR TO TAKE CARE OF MINE AND MY DISABLED SON NEEDS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

14. Structure, Oct 12, 2024

    I previously brought my car in for a recall in 2014 for underbody corrosion and it was repaired; however, now there has been severe corrosion of the underbody, not just the components listed in the recall but nearly the whole underbody is severly rusted and corroded (see pictures below). My mother was driving my car in July 2024 when the rear subframe completely snapped near the control arm while she was driving. Luckily she did not get injured or hurt, but it could have been potentially fatal especially with this happening. I reported this to Hyundai Motor America and towed my car to the dealership. The dealership has submitted a goodwill request to cover the repairs of the recall not the other ones; however, I raised a potential oversight for the previous recall whereby the corrosion of other components not explicitly named in the campaign such as the sway bars and backing plates which could also directly impact the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety if corroded. The omission of ALL of the components that would be subject to corrosion in the recall campaign could have been an oversight and the recall should have covered all critical underbody components prone to corrosion, not just the ones explicitly listed in the recall. Other parts corrosion are a direct consequence of the same environmental factors that led to the corrosion of the subframe and control arms. Since these components are interconnected, and since Hyundai has acknowledged the issue with the crossmember corrosion through the recall, it stands to reason that the other components’ damage should also be addressed as part of the overall remedy. These additional parts would have been exposed to the same environmental factors (e.g., road salt, moisture) that caused the other components to corrode. Since Hyundai acknowledges that these environmental factors led to corrosion in the subframe and control arms, it stands that the other components would also be affected too.

15. Air bags, Oct 1, 2024

    I backed into my driveway, placed the vehicle in park and as I was setting the parking break the drivers side airbag deployed. The vehicle was still running.

16. Electrical system, Sep 29, 2024

    The radio turns on and off in its own heat blows threw the vent when heater is off abs lock showed not working when inspection then showed as it was working air bag light always on none of the dash board lights work lock buttons work when it wants to

17. Steering, Sep 25, 2024

    This vehicle is part of RECALL CAMPAIGN 127. This vehicle had a software update to "Fix" problem but is now recurring. The dealership says they will not fix it.

18. Steering, Aug 12, 2024

    On several occasions, starting in the Fall of 2023 and occurring most recently on 8/9/24, I observed my Elantra's red EPS warning light turn on, and the steering wheel became very "stiff" while driving. Power steering was instantly disabled, resulting in momentary loss of control of the rate of turning in the vehicle. These symptoms are in accordance with Hyundai Recall Campaign 127, but a VIN search revealed the vehicle has been serviced for the recall. I have reached out to Hyundai customer service and a dealership, neither of which attempted to fix the issue.

19. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 30, 2024, fire

    The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that on one occasion when the vehicle was turned on, the brake and ABS warning lights illuminated. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied for approximately 5 days, there was smoke coming from the front of the hood of the vehicle. The department extinguished the fire and a fire report was filed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. A dealer was contacted and confirmed there were no recalls associated to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

20. Air bags, Vehicle speed control, May 25, 2024

    Air bag light is on as soon as car power on until it turns off passenger airbag is off I dont know if my airbags will deploy if I get in an accident . While driving steady speed of 50-60 mph while pressing gas sometimes it doesn’t increase speed but instead jerks until I let go of the gas and then depress it again it happenes maybe 2-3 times during a drive .

21. Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2024

    February, 2024 - brakes "soft" at times, seems not catching unless stepped on almost to the floor. I brought it to the dealership same day. Since I did not have an appointment, a test drive was done and was told it was working fine and let them know if the brake warning lights will turn on. No record of this was noted. March, 2024 - I had to bring it back because the brakes feel like it will quit as I have to really step on the pedal to the floor before the car will slow down. The master cylinder was changed. Multi-point inspection was done. I got the car back March 14, 2024. April 12, 2024 - I had to bring it back because of the brake and ABS lights on the instrument panel lighted up. I was told it's the HECU that's the problem. I had to drive back the car to home because of the quoted cost of $3,266.58 estimate that I have to make a decision of. This was on April 23, 2024. I was told that the ABS module may not work in event of inclement weather or quick stops. A multi-point inspection was done prior to release of vehicle. I never received a recall on the Hyundai HECU. It was only when I researched it after I got the car back. I made it known that I want to be sure I will not get in an accident due to the brakes not working. I was informed that I can drive it but be mindful of the ABS module not working in cases as noted, that the lights were alerts but could be a problem later on. What is my recourse since I did not receive any recall notice? I was trying to fill up the complaint form and it said that the car is impacted by the HECU complaint. it will not let me complete the form. It was frozen on the reimbursement requested. The dealership never did inform me of the recall. I bring this car to this dealership for maintenance and repairs.

22. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 19, 2024, fire

    The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at their home, the engine of the vehicle caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the Horry County Fire Rescue Station. A fire report was filed but not provided to the contact The contact stated that no injuries occurred, and no police report was filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to repair was unavailable. The vehicle was currently at the contact's residence. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when the part was to become available. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

23. Air bags, Apr 10, 2024, crash

    March 26, 2024 Hello; Re: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring VIN# [XXX] On [XXX], I while driving on a very icy slippery road to do low temperatures and the city not salting the roads like they should have! I was going approximately 22 mph & somehow I lost control of my car & slammed into a light pole & the whole entire front end of my car was destroyed! Meanwhile, none of the airbags deployed & I slammed into the steering wheel! I had my seatbelt on & it immediately locked up on me & someone had to cut me out of the seatbelt! I was transported to the hospital emergency, while my car was towed to "E. End Auto" @ 64 10th Ave. Dickinson, ND I suffered severe injuries such as back & neck injuries, 4 bruised ribs & horribly severe bruises to my left eye & scars! As soon as I possibly could I contacted "E End Auto" to find out what to do next & they informed me that the tow charges were approximately $700 & that was less than a 2-mile tow! Additionally each day the car sat in their storage lot it was $75 per day! It took me a few days to get a ride to get to my car due to pain and suffering, which I'm still experiencing terribly!! So, by the time I got to my car it had been there approximately 3 to 4 days & my bill was over $1,000! I spoke with the owner & pleaded & begged him if he could possibly offer me something for my car since it was obviously totaled out! He said absolutely no & that if I gave him the title to my car he would zero out the bill! So unfortunately hesitantly I had no choice, so I signed over the title! This business used to take vehicles that were wrecked & part them out. Unfortunately, they do not do that any longer & my car would soon be transferred to the salvage yard & be crushed! I don't understand what could have happened! I'm asking with all due respect and consideration if this matter can be looked into please?! Thank You INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

24. Steering, Mar 1, 2024

    The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the electric power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel but was unable to do so. The contact stated there were other unknown warning lights illuminated, that were unrelated to the failure. The vehicle was at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 311,500.

25. Steering, Feb 21, 2024

    I purchased this vehicle in December of last year and the steering was fine. The next day I took it to the Waco Hyundai dealership and was told they didn't have the software to do the EPS recall. A few days later, the power steering went out. I called Killeen Hyundai and made an appointment two weeks out to have them look at it. Long story short, after almost 2 months of them having my vehicle they were unable to update the recall. I was told I had 24 hours to pick it up. Where do I go from here?