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
285 reports, newest first.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 20, 2023
For the past month I have broke down multiple times. Used all my aaa tows. Everything turns off while driving 60mph with kids in the vehicle. Absolutely no power steering. I haven’t had interior lights, radio etc in 6 months. 8 belts since March. I’m a single mother stranded again freezing
Steering, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the red "EPS" and "EST" warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electric power steering assist had failed, and that the EPS module needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic about NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) which was associated with the VIN, and to take the vehicle to a dealer for the recall repaired. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the EPS module needed to be updated; however, the recall was only for an update to the EPS not a replacement. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Steering, Oct 27, 2023
When driving my eps has gone out over two dozen times. It is random. I could be driving for 2 hours or it could happen when I start the car. Issue is resolved temporarily when I turn off my car for a few minutes and restart. I brought it to my normal shop and at first they had no idea what it was and realigned the column. This worked for a couple weeks and the issue started again. They believe it may be the motor now and I have to go to a dealership. This started completely random, my car drives fine until it comes on. The eps light clicks and comes on, making it hard to steer. I can't drive in the highway for my safety and the safety of others. I've had my power steering go out mid turn, in the rain. It's unpredictable. This initially started on 08/20 and is ongoing despite an attempt to fix it.
Steering, Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the steering wheel seized and became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Steering, Sep 12, 2023
The EPS light is staying on flashing sometimes and now I can't steer to the left with assisted power steering..the steering is now locking up at times ..there was a recall I saw but now it's not showing up on my car..it's a 2009 hyundai elantra .I have pictures to show that it said my car is effected with this recall but now it's coming up on all systems as no recall open to it..I just bought this cat from someone in the month of July 2023 and this is now happening to me..I have put all I have into purchasing this car and contacted dealership in florence ky..they claim there's no open recall n I have provided the proof needed to show them that this was on recall..
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 3, 2023
Drove about 1 hour using cruise control part of the time. Don't usually use it, but used it 2 months ago with no problem. After 1.5 hour visit, drove home. Did not use cruise control, but at last 10 minutes acceleration issue started where car would "rev" even though I was not accelerating. Able to manage it with brake and normal driving. Tried to reset cruise (turn on/off), but car still had episodes of "revving". Did not accelerate to dangerous level and controllable. After car sat in garage for 2 hours, I drove out of neighborhood to empty stretch of road and accelerated to 50 with no problems and no revving of engine. Service check scheduled.
Steering, Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon servicing the vehicle at the dealer, he was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,500.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2023
The original car jack supplied with the vehicle failed. The jack is intended to be used in an emergency where the tire needs to be removed and replaced by the driver. The jack almost folded in half. The jack was installed correctly under the car. I had removed the damaged tire, and suddenly that end of the car had fallen. If I had been in the act of installing the spare tire I could have been severely injured by the falling car. I have the car jack and it can be inspected if you need it to be.
Steering, Jul 23, 2023
the power assisted steering quit. You cant hardly steer it
Steering, Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became firm, and the ESP warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Steering, Feb 24, 2023
On two separate occasions the electronic power steering turned off while driving the car. The red EPS dashboard indicator turned on and the steering felt very heavy. The power steering came back on after the car was turned off and on again. The car's software was already up to date and Hyundai's recall "fix" did not prevent the problem. This problem is intermittent and has only happened twice. It occurs while driving, leading to a potentially unsafe situation. There are no warnings or symptoms before the problem occurs.
Air bags, Feb 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the passenger's side air bag light failed to illuminate while a passenger was seated in the passenger's side front seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic, where the air bags software was reset; however, the failure recurred. The dealer confirmed that the air bags were Takata brand air bags. The independent mechanic determined that the air bag sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Air bags, Jan 23, 2023
My car is having the same problem that the 2009 Elantra Sedan is having. My air bag warning light recently came on while I was driving and does not go off. I am concerned that my air bags will not go off in an accident.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 1, 2022
Premature brake failure due to rusted parts. In April 2022 the front brakes seized at 105,717 miles, ruining the rotors. I skidded to a stop at a busy intersection and had the car towed. The front brake pads had aprox 20,000 miles on them and had recently been checked for safety. The rear brakes failed at 109,540 miles after a rusty caliper seized. Calipers, rotors and pads were replaced. Undercoating and rustproofing had been applied to this car at 76,988 miles.
Steering, Nov 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering with the EPS warning light illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer replaced the tie rods, spark plugs, wiper blades, cabin air filter, driveline belt, transmission coolant, throttle, oil plug, struts, and control arms, and performed an alignment; however, the failure recurred with the EPS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who ordered the EPS sensor and was awaiting the replacement part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) associated with the VIN; however, the contact had not yet received the recall notification. The failure mileage was 87,123.
Steering, Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the power steering assist failed as the EPS (Electric Power Steering) warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a power steering assist failure which was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The vehicle was then towed to dealer where she was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Steering, Sep 9, 2022
EPS (Electronic Power Steering) light comes on on the dashboard . This prevents steering the vehicle from a dead stop or turning the vehicle is extremely hard. Vehicle has to be shut down and restarted, sometimes 1 to 2 times to eliminate the EPS light . Problem is repeatable every morning. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127. However at initial recall appointment only SW was updated. Per recall EPS unit may need to be replaced.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2022
On June 20th, 2022 my daughter was pulling into a parking space in the King of Prussia mall in Pennsylvania. Just before she turned the ignition off, both the driver's and passenger's side airbags deployed. THERE WAS NO COLLISION INVOLVED. Attached photos were taken immediately after to prove this. The vehicle was inspected by an independent inspector hired by Hyundai approximately 3 weeks later. According to Hyundai, there was front frame damage (this may have been from a February 2018 collision). Hyundai is covering up a serious potential safety issue by taking this position. Why frame damage from a 2018 collision be a material factor to this mishap? If this uncommanded airbag deployment happened while my daughter was driving at speed, she could have been in a serious accident. This vehicle is untouched and it is available for inspection. I encourage a NHTSA inspector to come look at the vehicle. Hyundai's refusal to take responsibility to find the root cause of this mechanical failure is reprehensible.
Air bags, Aug 19, 2022
Just bought this used 2009 Hydunai Elantra. Dealer asking for 1400 to replace Airbag module. Car was never in an accident. Is there any compensation for this or can it be reset Also brought car over to Lester Glenn Toms River nj for recall on antilock brakes. They didn’t have part which means tying up car again. Why don’t they have recall parts readily available. Can u make an suggestion can’t afford that air bag module
Steering, Aug 13, 2022
I bought the car for my mom about a year and a half it drove fine to just recently the eps light came after She turn on to the road and the steering got real tight and was hard to merge to the side road luckily She was going at a low speed to get over. So I done some searching to find that there was a recall 127 for that problem in 2015 so I called the dealership and they requested to have the car scan and said it was a software update . So I got the update and the angle sensor calibration it drove fine for 2 months now it’s getting worst. So they said the electric motor andsteering colmun has failed but they can’t replace because the recall is not active anymore .so I’m not sure what to do
Steering, Jul 28, 2022
Steering column has alot of play. Pops as you turn the steering.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 9, 2022
The front sub frame of my 2009 Hyundai Elantra is completed rusted and rotted. It looks like the control arm is about to drop out of the frame. After an inspection by my mechanic he insisted the car is no longer safe to drive and suggested I do not put any money into the other problems we were having with it ( the reason it was at the shop).
Steering, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist, with the EPS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Service brakes, May 22, 2022
ABS HECU unit has failed, thus posing a safety risk. All brake lights (ABS and warming brake lights), in addition to Check Engine light are illuminated on dash. Faulty relay recall was taken care of in timely manner (recall 188), but now fires are starting in other vehicles due to failed HECU unit (which dealership and independent mechanic has confirmed that I have). More recalls for earlier Hyundai years need to be included in recall 218 or a new recall implemented to avoid cars catching fire due to failed HECU (my car has not caught fire as of the time of this report).
Service brakes, Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.