2009 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 285 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 28 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 24 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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: engine
14 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Engine, Oct 12, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked she was notified that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that flames were coming from under the hood and the fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The fire department report was filed. The contact stated that prior to the failure the ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that he could not determine why the brake light was illuminated but advised that the failure could be related to a wire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who was unable to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the independent mechanic advised her that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that she did not receive a recall notice. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 6, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. WHEN I TURNED THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. IN FACT, THE CAR INCREASED IN SPEED EVEN WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL COMPLETELY OFF. I STEPPED ON THE BREAKS AND IT SLOWED DOWN A BIT, BUT AS SOON AS I STEPPED OFF THE BREAK THE CAR WOULD START TO ACCELERATE. I MADE MY WAY OFF THE EXIT AND PRESSED THE BREAK HARD AND WITH THE HELP WITH EMERGENCY BREAK, I WAS ABLE TO STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE EXIT AND WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE CAR. AS SOON AS I STARTED UP THE CAR AGAIN, THE ENGINE REVVED REAL HIGH. I OPENED THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND SAW THAT PLASTIC ENGINE COVER HAD SPLIT AND THE BROKEN PIECE WAS JAMMING THE THROTTLE CABLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HIGHLY DANGEROUS ISSUE. I'VE INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE BROKEN PART AND WHERE THE BROKEN PART WAS TOUCHING THE THROTTLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Feb 7, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS SON HAD THE VEHICLE PARKED IN A GARAGE, HE SMELT SMOKE AS FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS SON WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITH NO INJURIES BEFORE IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED RECENTLY RECEIVED EMAIL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Engine, May 14, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS EXITED AND PARKED IN THE OWNERS GARAGE, A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. A NEIGHBOR ALERTED THE CONTACT, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND PROVIDED AN INSPECTION REPORT. A DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS TO INVESTIGATE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE SO THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE MAY BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL PARKED AT THE OWNERS RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED TO DETERMINE IF THEY MAY INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 27, 2019
WAS DRIVING HOME ON INTERSTATE AND ALL OF SUDDEN ALL MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON WITHOUT WARNING, CAR DIED. PULLED OVER AND PARKED IT . DIDN'T OVERHEAT OR ANYTHING. I'M CONFUSED WHY NOW MY CAR WON'T START . OR ATTEMPT TO TURN OVER . HELP!!
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 12, 2019
ENGINE START VIBRATING AT LOW SPEED
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Dec 21, 2018, fire
STARTED THE CAR AND MOTOR/ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. IT WAS THE MORNING OF 12/18/18. IT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY MOMS HOUSE (ON THE STREET).
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Oct 17, 2018, fire
ON 09/17/2018 I WOKE UP AROUND 5 AM TO FIND THE ELANTRA FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN THE FRONT END. IT WASN'T RUNNING, NOTHING LEFT ON, IT HAD NOT BEEN RUN FOR 4 HOURS SO THE ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN COLD. NO DRIVABILITY PROBLEMS BEFORE. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED, PUT THE FIRE OUT AND STATED THAT THEY SAW NOTHING SUSPICIOUS ABOUT THE FIRE AND THAT I SHOULD CHECK ON PROBLEMS WITH HYUNDAI. THIS CAR ONLY HAD 70000 MILES ON IT WITH A 10 YEAR 100000 MILE WARRANTEE .I WENT TO THE DEALER, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT COVERED WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT. THIS CAR WAS COLD, PARKED, NOTHING ON, NO KEYS IN IT, I DON'T SEE ANY REASON IT SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THANK YOU.
Engine, Jan 31, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Engine, Feb 4, 2016
RECEIVE SERVICE CAMPAIGN NOTIFICATION TO APPLY RUST-PROOFING MATERIALS TO UNDERBODY TO ARREST THE CORROSION PROCESS. TOOK CAR TO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER FOR RUST-PROOFING AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL PAN IS RUSTED AND NEEDS REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OVER $600 - I HAVE WRITTEN ESTIMATE FROM HYUNDAI DEALER. INFORMED THAT OIL PAN NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE IF IT FAILS THAT OIL WILL LEAK OUT AND DAMAGE\RUIN ENGINE. TOLD HYUNDAI WOULD NOT COVER OIL PAN REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY AS I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER EVEN THOUGH MILEAGE WAS UNDER 100,000 AT TIME OF SERVICE. IF I WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER, THEN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE 100,000 MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER COVERAGE. I ALSO HAVE A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA THAT RECEIVED SAME SERVICE CAMPAIGN NOTICE FOR RUST PROOFING UNDERBODY AND OIL PAN IS LOOKING ITS LIKE HEADING INTO SAME DIRECTION IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT DUE TO RUST. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO THE OIL PAN EVEN AFTER 10 YEARS OF AGE.
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Jan 15, 2016, crash
I HIT A DEER ON HIGHWAY 890 IN ROTTERDAM NY, SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT THE GUARDRAIL, CAR HAD DAMAGE ALL AROUND, THE MOST DAMAGE WAS IN THE FRONT RESULTING IN A TOTALED VEHICLE, MY WHOLE FRONT END IS GONE, AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, WE WERE TRAVELING DOING ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 19, 2014
SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN SLOW TRAFFIC. SEEMED LIKE IT WENT FULL RPM. I HELD THE BRAKES AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. RPMS CAME DOWN AND I DRIVE OFF. KINDA SCARY THOUGH. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Engine, May 20, 2014, crash
MY VEHICLE THE ELANTRA ( APROX SP 40MPH) REAR ENDED A CHEVY TAHOE( APRX SP 30MPH) MY ELANTRA WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND MY LOWER BACK WAS INJURED AS WELL AS MY RIGHT HAND. I HAD TO BE TAKEN FROM THE VEHICLE FROM EMS AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE OCCUPANT OF THE TAHOE DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY INJURY. THIS IS THE SECOND ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY . IN 2011 MY VEHICLE MOVING APROX 55MPH STRUCK 3 DEER AT ONCE ON THE PASSENGER FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, MY SON EXPERIENCE A SHOULDER INJURY WHO WAS MY PASSENGER. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 4, 2013
CAR ALARM ACTIVATES AT RANDOM WHEN PARKED, INCESSANT NOISE AND WORK PROBLEM. CAR GEAR STUCK-STOP LAMP SWITCH REPAIRED-LATER RECALL, CD MALFUNCTION-ATE DISC, DOOR SENSOR INDICATOR LIGHTS STUCK ON, BATTERY DIES DESPITE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS ON BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR REVEALING NO PROBLEMS. *TR