2010 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 454 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 49 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 53 people were injured and 1 person died.
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
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
58 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 11, 2026
The EPS light started coming on intermittently back in Nov. 2025 and power steering became very difficult. I could get it to reset by turning off the car and turning steering wheel all the way to right and then left and then back to center and restart. The steering ability returned but the light eventually came back on. I had Firestone look at this in Nov. and they recalibrated but advised if problem returned that I should contact dealer due to recall for 2010 Elantras for same issue. The light came back on this weekend. I note the recall is for Elantras manufactured through April 30, 2010. My car was manufactured June 20, 2010…. 6 weeks after the dates of the recalled models. Clearly this issue is affecting my car also. I plan to call the dealer and try to get them to look at it and see if they will repair under the recall… but I wanted to report this to you also since is affecting models outside the original recall dates.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 12, 2025
I own a 2010 Hyundai Elantra that has experienced a sudden loss of power steering assist on multiple occasions. When this happens, the steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn, especially when maneuvering at low speeds or parking. The EPS light comes on and stays illuminated. This creates a serious safety hazard, particularly when driving with children or in traffic. I am aware of Hyundai Recall 127 (NHTSA Campaign 15V100000), which addresses the same issue, but my VIN is not included. I am requesting that Hyundai investigate and provide the same repair remedy for vehicles outside the initial recall VIN range that are experiencing identical failures.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 18, 2024, fire
vehicle caught on fire under apt complex carport causing extensive damage to property and 2 other vehicles.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 4, 2024
EPS fails, the steering wheel becomes very Hard.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Nov 20, 2023
My brake lights are not going off when I take my foot off of the brake pedal. I have had to start disconnecting the battery cable so it will not drain the battery. I stop lamp switch replaced when it was recalled. And the steering wheel tilt does not stay in the high spot it falls to the lowest position.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 14, 2023
ABS Module short circuit, I am aware of the current recall in effect for 2011 Hyundai Elantra's but it should be noted that my vehicle also has the same issue, short circuit causing the ABS motor to run constantly. Issue was discovered by mechanic, I opted to disconnect the ABS module, as replacement is unaffordable. Is there any plan to expand the recall to include my vehicle?
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 13, 2023
After diagnose, DTC C1604 ECU hardware error and DTc C2412 motor short or open malfunctioning, recommended replace EPS system
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 18, 2023, fire
So I was driving my vehicle like normal and all of a sudden the driver airbag light came on on the dash and as I’m getting closer to home my check engine light came on my ABS came on as well as my EPS and my TPS , was losing power to the vehicle. I made it home, put it in park and smoke started rolling. Look under the hood. There’s a fire under the hood. I’m not sure what all damage it has caused, but it appears to be coming from the ABS and the electrical I don’t know what damage was caused by the ABS catching fire, but I was unaware that there was a problem with the vehicle, I am I just bought the vehicle in May and it’s just happened August 11 of 2023
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 7, 2023
I WAS DRIVING HOME POWER STEERING WENT OUT LIGHT CAME ON EPS I HAD A PROBLEM STEERING ALMOST RUN INTO ANOTHER CAR A FEW TIMES. THIS JUST HAPPENED WED 4/5 /2023.I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALER YET BECAUSE OF A DENTAL EMERGENCY THAT SAME DAY.I CAN CALL THE INSURANCE MON 4/10 /2023. NO ONE LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE I MAY HAVE TO TOW IT NOT SURE YET. I GOT NO WARNING THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS GOING OUT. BUT THE EPS LIGHT CAME ON AFTERWARDS. POWER STEERING WAS HARD TO DRIVE THE CAR.ALSO I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE BY PHONE OR EMAIL OR REGULAR MAIL FROM NOONE. YES SOMEONE CAN INSPECT THE VEHICLE UPON REQUEST
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2022
I received a letter from Hyundai telling me to have the work done, but there are no dealerships in my area willing to schedule me for an appointment. I attempted to use the www.hyundaiUSA.com/Campaign188 website to schedule an appointment based on my zip code. Five dealerships came up. Of those five, two had scheduling greyed out and the other three went to an error screen.
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with an electrical shortage or the alternator. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH to her friend's house for assistance with replacing the alternator, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated upon attempting to veer to the side of the road, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted to park (P) but the vehicle failed to respond and continued rolling. The contact heard an exploding sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated fiery particles hit the windshield and there was smoke coming in through the AC vent. The contact attempted to open the door to exit the vehicle but the door was locked and failed to open. The contact jumped out of the front driver’s side window while there was incoming traffic. The contact then heard a second exploding sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Several bystanders attempted to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers unsuccessfully. The contact stated that the vehicle burned significantly and only the frame remained. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained bruises on the abdomen when jumping out of the window. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and picked up the vehicle from the tow lot. The manufacturer opened a case. Upon investigating the cause of the failure, the manufacturer informed the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical shortage associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer informed the contact that they may provide partial assistance with paying off the loan on the vehicle. The contact stated that she had not been able to follow up with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2022
I bought this vehicle used, just three years ago. It had a little over 100k miles on it. Since purchase date, the car has died at least eight times and I've had to take it in for inspection four times. It has had three different batteries. The service techs have not been able to find anything technically wring with the car: alternator fine, engine fine, batteries fine, no reported power draws... yet I am still continuously finding myself stuck with a dead car. There was a bluetooth system in the vehicle when I bought it, but the second time it died, the service tech removed it in case that was what was drawing out power. However, it had died six times since.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 11, 2021
A few months after I purchased this car the electric power steering (eps light ) light came on and so I looked up my vin number to see if the car has ever had any recalls and that was one of the recalls . And I was told that if a car has any recalls the manufacturer if required to fix it free of charge .
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 31, 2021
Jerky steering action for last month. Now EPS light has come onto dashboard.
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the battery became inoperable overnight. There were five unknown instrument cluster warning indicator lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 12, 2021, fire
2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA: RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A VEHICLE FIRE. IT OCCURRED ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2020. . I PARKED MY VEHICLE ON THE STREET PER USUAL AND MAYBE 15 MINUTES AFTER ARRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY MOTHER BEGAN YELLING THAT WAS MY VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES! I OPENED THE FRONT DOOR AND SAW IT WAS INDEED IN FLAMES AND POPPING AND SMOKING. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 WHOM SENT OUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. AFTER THEY WERE ABLE TO DISTINGUISH THE FIRE, THEY DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE ELECTRICAL IN NATURE CONSIDERING THE BATTERY OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY GONE. I HAVE THE CASE NUMBER AS WELL. MY VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED AND RANDOMLY CAUGHT FIRE. THANKFULLY I WASNT IN IT WHEN IT HAPPENED OR THINGS COULD HAVE BEEM ALOT WORSE. BUT I AM NOW WITHOUT A VEHICLE AND ON TOP OF THAT I HAD TO PAY TO GET THE VEHICLE REMOVED FROM MY APARTMENTS PROPERTY.
Electrical system, Nov 22, 2020
MY CAR CONTINUALLY WILL NOT START. I'VE HAD TO HAVE THE BATTERY JUMPED SEVERAL TIMES VIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I COULD DRIVE IT ONE DAY AND THE NEXT DAY, ITS DEAD. I EVEN BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY THINKING THAT THIS WAS THE PROBLEM, BUT THE ISSUE PERSISTS. I THINK THIS MAY BE A MAJOR ISSUE. THE CAR WAS ALWAYS PARKED. MY CAR INSURANCE POLICY ATTACHED HAS THE RECORD OF HOW MANY TIMES I'VE HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO JUMPSTART THE CAT.
Electrical system, Nov 4, 2020
THE FRONT WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING FIRST THEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOORS STOPPED LOCKING CONSISTENTLY USING A REMOTE AND FINALLY THE ALARM WOULD GO OFF DAILY WHEN THE CAR WAS NOT ON. DIRECT SUNLIGHT WAS A FACTOR FOR THE ALARM AS THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO NOT HAPPEN ON RAINY CLOUDY DAYS. THERE WAS NO WAY TO DISABLE THE ALARM. TOOK TO THE DEALER IN ANNAPOLIS MD AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE ALL ELECTRICS IN THE DOORS, THE HOOD SENSOR SWITCH, AND THE KEY IGNITION BEFORE THE PROBLEM STOPPED. THIS WAS OVER A 2 YEAR PERIOD AND WAS FIXED IN SUMMER OF 2020.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 11, 2020
THE LIGHT EPS , (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING) RANDOMLY TURNS ON AND MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD BE STIFF AND I NEED TO PUT GREAT EFFORT TO TURN. SOMETIMES I'LL STOP AND TURN OFF AND ON THE CAR TO REMOVE THE EPS. NOW ON 10/11/2020 THE EPS LIGHT STAYS ON. I MIGHT HAVE A CAR THAT HAD A RECALL FOR 127. ITS DANGEROUS TO HAVE MY CAR LIKE THIS.
Electrical system, Aug 17, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO BE SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT GARVEY HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 271 TOM MILLER RD, PLATTSBURG, NY 12901, (518)-324-7007, HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED. THE DEALER WAS CALLED BACK AND THE MANGER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE OBSERVED FOR AN HOUR OR MORE TO TROUBLESHOOT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION DUE TO A CRACKED HEADLIGHT COVER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 15, 2020
THE AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON AND WOULD GO ON AND OFF, BUT WOULDN'T TELL ME WHETHER IT IS FOR THE PASSENGER LIGHT (WHICH HAS BECOME FAULTY SOMETIMES HAVING A FALSE POSITIVE OR FALSE NEGATIVE TO WHETHER THE PASSENGER IS THERE), BUT MOST RECENTLY HAS STAYED ON PERMANENTLY WITH THE PASSENGER LIGHT CORRECTLY READING OFF - IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THAT MEANS THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE OR IF THE DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT DEPLOY. IT IS UNCLEAR WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE AIRBAG OVERALL AND IF THE CAR HAS SWITCHED OFF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THE WARNING LIGHT HAS SWITCHED OFF A FEW TIMES SEEMINGLY INDICATING EVERYTHING IS FINE, HOWEVER IT NOW STAYS ON REGARDLESS OF WHERE DRIVEN. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2020
THE CAR ALARM KEEPS GOING OFF WITHOUT ANY ACTIVITY ( PARKED AND LOCKED IN MY DRIVE WAY). I HAVE LOOKED THE CAR OVER BUT SO FAR I SEE NO REASON FOR THE ALARM TO BE TRIGGERED.
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2019
WINDOW MOTOR FAILED AND WINDOW GETS STUCK DOWN HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2018
THERE HAVE BEEN MANY BREAK INS SINCE 2014. I GOT THIS CAR 02/2014 AND SINCE 07/2014 THERE HAVE MULTIPLE BREAK INS INTO THIS VEHICLE. CONFIRMED BY LAKELAND HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN 2016. THIS DEALERSHIP AGREED TO TAKE THE CAR FOR A DAY TO DO A THOROUGH INSPECTION TO SEARCH FOR ANYTHING THAT SHOULD NOT BE ON THE VEHICLE IF I AGREED TO PAY A FEE. I WAS ADVISED BY THIS DEALERSHIP TO TAKE IT BACK TO HOLLER HYUNDAI IN MAITLAND OR WINTER PARK, FL AND SEE IF THEY WOULD AGREE TO DO THE INSPECTION HERE WITHOUT CHARGE EVEN THOUGH YOU'RE OUT OF WARRANTY. HOLLER HYUNDAI DOES NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO DO THE INSPECTION, ONLY FEW SELECTIVE STORES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAVE THIS EQUIPMENT. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO HOLLER HYUNDAI SINCE EARLY 2015, AND THEY NEVER DID ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTOR FINANCE AT 800-633-5151 AND ALL THEY DID WAS TAKE INFORMATION DOWN ON PAPER BUT NOTHING BEYOND WAS RESOLVED. BECAUSE OF THE BREAK INS, THIS HAS AFFECTED OUR RADIO RECEPTION WHILE PARKED SITTING INSIDE THE CAR OR IN MOTION EVEN WHEN MOST OF THE TIME RECEPTION SHOULD BE CLEAR NOT CLOUDY. ELECTRICAL WIRES SEEM TO CAUSE SKIPPING, AND HOW THE CAR FUNCTIONS WHEN IN MOTION. JUST TWO DAYS, I DISCOVERED A BLACK JACKET WAS TAKEN FROM THE CAR. OTHER ITEMS MISSING FROM THE VEHICLE SINCE THEN WAS: A VERY EXPENSIVE BURGANDY HANDHELD BLOW DRYER; CLOTHES; AND OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS THAT WERE HIDDEN INSIDE THE VEHICLE WERE STOLEN. I HAVE BEEN VERY DISAPPOINTED AND UPSET WITH HOLLER HYUNDAI AND THE CAR SINCE ALL OF THIS, AND FEEL I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING FOR THIS INSPECTION. I'M NOT INVOLVED IN ANY FORM OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY NEITHER MY DAUGHTER. WE ARE THE ONLY TWO WITH KEYS TO THIS CAR AND WE DRIVE TOGETHER IN THE CAR 95% IF NOT 100% OF THE TIME.