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, Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while his daughter was driving the vehicle at approximately 45 MPH, the "Electronic Power Steering assist" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter was able to safely drive the vehicle to her residence where the vehicle remained parked. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Steering, Feb 8, 2022
*Power steering. Yes. *Very difficult to turn the steering wheel causing delay in timing. *No. There is a significant amount of reports, etc. regarding this recall on the internet. However, it does not appear to be associated with my VIN #. *No *No
Structure, Jan 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the rear frame had disconnected from the body and landed on the ground. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Steering, Dec 12, 2021
At random times while driving (operating vehicle while in motion on public roads) the EPS light turned on and power steering stopped working. I pulled over on the side of the road and would shut off the engine and restart the vehicle and the power steering would restart. Sometime it would take several times to stop and start the vehicle for the power steering to start working again. The power steering shutting off has occurred four times within the past 18months while driving on public roads. The car has only 78,613 miles and the electronic power steering is malfunctioning.
Air bags, Nov 11, 2021
While driving smoothly, suddenly the dash airbag warning light came on and has stayed on now for some time. That apparently signals that airbag will not deploy in an accident and is a clear safety issue. This should be a recall issue. RG
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
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2021, crash
UNKNOWN; My car moved from pavement to dirt rode. I pressed the break and attempted to turn left. The car did not slow down or turn. I went straight off the curve and hit a tree. Upon impact broke 4 bones(hip, ribs, arm, shoulder shoved into my chest) , lacerated 2 organs, and major concussion. I go for a secondary hip surgery to correct the failed device inside my body now.
Steering, Service brakes, Aug 11, 2021
I have a 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring with 2 recalls. I first noticed a problem on 7/25/21 when my Power Steering stopped working all of a sudden. So I Googled the info & discovered that it was a recall: #127 - EPS And, then discovered the other recall: #188 - ABS I contacted Hyundai on Mon 7/26/21 & spoke w/ Tiffany & she started a claim: #18490296. I was told my car would be picked up within 2-3 days & taken to the Hyundai Dealership & all repairs would be done FREE OF CHARGE. As of 8/11/21 it has been a total of 16 days since starting the claim & I have made phone calls every day & documented who I have spoken to. I am getting the runaround & no one can tell me when my car will be picked up & taken to be fixed. (Cust Svc Reps agreed that it shouldn't be taking this long!) I am fed up, frustrated & I don't know what to do from here. I have read that with the recalls, it isn't safe to drive my car & because of these issues. It is costing me time & money being out of work! This is so un-acceptable & I need answers as to what to do & how I'm ever going to get my car repaired?! I'm glad I found your website & I just hope someone can give me some feedback & help in getting this problem resolved! I desperate! So whomever reads this message, I'm begging you Please help me?! Thank You very much!
Steering, Aug 11, 2021
in a recent drive i realized that i had suddenly lost control of my steering wheel. the steering wheel was moving and responding much more quick than normal, but without any of the normal tension.
Steering, Aug 10, 2021
today my steering wheel was very "loose" to the touch. in other words it was far easier to turn the steering wheel than usual. it seemed that i was required to turn the steering wheel much more than usual to even make the simpliest of turns. i recently had air conditioning work done by a local auto shop. it seems very coincidental that all of a sudden my steering mechanism is working so poorly that my life may be in danger.
Steering, Jun 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer to have her A/C unit serviced; but upon return of the vehicle, the contact stated that her EPS(Electronic Power Steering) warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her steering wheel would jerk upon turning the steering wheel in either direction. The dealer was notified of the matter and informed her that the warning light was illuminated prior to service. The contact contested that claim and stated that she would have brought the warning light to their attention if the light had illuminated prior to service. The manufacturer was notified of the matter and gave the contact a case number. The contact was also notified that her vehicle was placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000(Steering) back in 2015; however, the recall was serviced that same year. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Steering, May 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle lost power steering assist and it became difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the power steering needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and declined to offer any additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,900.
Electrical system, Service brakes, May 14, 2021
THE ABS MODULE JUST STARTED SMOKING TODAY. SMELL OF BURNING BREAKS. WE WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY AND STOPPED AT A MALL AND NOTICED THE SMOKE COMING FROM BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL.
Steering, Apr 14, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA TOURING. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, AN EPS MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO MAKE THE TURN. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE BACK TO THE RESIDENCE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER SOUTH POINT HYUNDAI (4610 S IH 35 FRONTAGE RD, AUSTIN, TX 78745) AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MDTS COMPUTER ERROR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Steering, Mar 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHCILE WAS RESTARTED AND WORKED AS DESIGNED. THE EPS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHECKERED FLAG HYUNDAI WORLD (3700 SENTARA WAY, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23452, (757)497-7777) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,724.
Air bags, Feb 28, 2021
MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2021
THE SENSITIVITY ON THE ALARM SYSTEM IS WAY OFF. I CAN'T EVEN SET THE ALARM BECAUSE IF A SEMI DRIVES PASSED IT, THE ALARM GOES OFF. IF A CAT JUMPS ON IT, THE ALARM GOES OFF. IF A STRONG BREEZE GOES BY AND A TWIG DROPS, IT GOES OFF. EVEN THOUGH THE LOCAL HYUNDAI REPAIR PEOPLE KNOW WHAT IS WRONG, THEY STILL WANT TO CHARGE AN ARM AND A LEG. FOR SOMETHING THAT ISN'T MY FAULT. JUST RECALIBRATE YOUR EQUIPMENT. YOU HAVE THE COMPUTERS TO DO SO BECAUSE YOUR EQUIPMENT HAS DONE IT BEFORE. MAYBE FIX IT?
Steering, Feb 12, 2021
EPS BULB TEST REMAINS ON AFTER IGNITION AND ENGINE RUNNING. NO POWER STEERING PRESENT. RECALL # 127 PERFORMED IN 2016, HOWEVER PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. VEHICLE HAS 51500 MILES, 2009 HYUNDAI TOURING. HYUNDAI USA DID NOT AUTHORIZE DEALER TO REPAIR THIS RECALL AS A CAMPAIGN CODE 02/11/2021. DESPITE ISSUANCE OF HYUNDAI CASE # 17688862 THE CASE MANAGER HAS NOT RESOLVED THIS ISSUE FOR ME TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED. I AM INFORMING THE NATIONAL HWY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN., HEREIN ON THIS DAY 02/12/2021 AS CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS IN DANGER OF CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT.
Steering, Jan 31, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, COMPLETELY LOST POWER STEERING. TRIED TO TURN DOWN THE STREET WHERE I LIVE AND ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE THE TURN. THE EPS LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF, THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. I LET THE CAR SIT IN THE DRIVEWAY OVER THE WEEKEND, STARTED IT UP AND THERE IS STILL NO POWER STEERING.
Steering, Jan 8, 2021
POWER STEERING KEEPS TURNING OFF EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING IN PARK. HAVE TO KEEP PULLING OVER TO TURN CAR OFF TO RESET IT. I TRAVEL MAJOR HIGHWAY ON A DAILY BASIS AND FEAR I WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO STEERING LOCKING UP.
Steering, Dec 15, 2020
STEERING WHEEL IS CLUNKING AND THE EPS LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. IT INITIALLY BLINKS WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED ON AND THEN STAYS ON SHORTLY AFTER. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHER RECALLS REGARDING STEERING WHEEL EPS RELATED FAULTS AND THE STEERING SUDDENLY STIFFENING UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE EITHER ON LOCAL ROADWAYS OR EVEN ON THE HIGHWAYS (NOT ONLY ON THE ELANTRA, BUT ALSO ON SONATA MODELS FROM THIS MANUFACTURER.)
Air bags, Oct 26, 2020
I WAS DRIVING FROM WORK AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON SO I GOT IT TESTED AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY PASSENGER SEAT IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE MY CAR
Steering, Oct 15, 2020
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY TURNS AND STAYS OFF UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND IS ALLOWED TO SIT FOR A WHILE (HOUR OR MORE). THIS MAY PUT ME IN DANGER. IT HAS HAPPENED A NUMBER OF TIMES. IF I AM TURNING OR DRIVING ON A CURVE (HIGHWAY OF CITY STREET) THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SUDDENLY WANT TO GO STRAIGHT. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR BUILT INTO THE EPS COLUMN ASSEMBLY IS AT FAULT AND TO FIX IT THE WHOLE COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Service brakes, Oct 15, 2020
I WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR THE ABS BREAKS STATING THAT THERE COULD BE A SHORT CIRCUIT ISSUE AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I CALLED HYUNDAI IN LATE JULY 2020, SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BROKEN WINDOW AND RECALL. UPON LEAVING THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AND NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. IT IS NOW OCTOBER 15, 2020 AND THE PART HAS STILL NOT ARRIVED. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE STATED THAT THEY HAVE APPROXIMATELY 20 PEOPLE WAITING FOR THIS PART AND THEY HAVE ONLY RECEIVED 5 PARTS. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 3 MONTHS. I BELIEVE THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS DONE EVERYTHING THAT THEY CAN BUT HYUNDAI IS LAGGING. I REALLY HOPE THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY CAR DOESN'T CATCH FIRE.
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.