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: structure
24 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Structure, Forward collision avoidance, May 27, 2026, crash
I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system, crash sensors, or airbag control module may have malfunctioned or failed to operate properly. Photos documenting the damage are available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident for potential safety defects involving: * Airbag non-deployment * Crash sensor failure * SRS system malfunction * Airbag control module defects I am also requesting review of whether similar complaints or investigations exist involving this Hyundai model or related vehicles.
Structure, Engine, Mar 12, 2021, fire
HYUNDAI ELANTRA SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. IT HAD BEEN 6 HOURS SINCE IT WAS LAST DRIVEN.
Structure, Dec 28, 2020
BACK SEAT DOOR BEHIND DRIVER WILL NOT OPEN OR SHUT. THE DOOR HANDLE BECOMES STUCK. THIS DOOR HASN'T BEEN USED MUCH SO THIS ISN'T NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS WE CAN'T ACCESS THE DOOR FOR MY CHILD.
Steering, Structure, Jan 5, 2019, crash
I EXPERIENCED A CRASH WITH THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING FAILED (AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE NHTSA CODE 15V100000). I COMMUNICATED THIS FAILURE TO HYUNDAI AT THE TIME THIS OCCURRED BUT THEY DENIED THAT THERE WAS ANY ISSUE WITH THE STEERING. HYUNDAI HAS SUBSEQUENTLY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM WITH A FORMAL RECALL NOTICE. THEIR FAILURE TO ADDRESS THIS WHEN NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM IS AN EXAMPLE OF PRODUCT NEGLIGENCE.
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.
Structure, Nov 13, 2018
THE HOOD LATCH IS INCREDIBLY RUSTY AND NOW IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE HOOD IS NO LONGER PROPERLY LATCHING CLOSED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO FLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING. WHEN CLOSED IT SOUNDS LIKE IT HAS LOCKED BUT UPON CLOSER EXAMINATION IT IS NOT LATCHING. I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM A WHILE BACK BUT WITH SOME EFFORT WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE LATCH. NOW I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO CORRECT THE ERROR AND I'LL HAVE TO GET IT REPLACED.
Structure, Service brakes, Mar 15, 2018
MY MODEL,MAKE AND YEAR HAVE HAD RECALLS TO RUST UNDER THE CARRIAGE AND UNDERSIDE. I HAD TO REPLACE MY ROTORS DUE TO RUST. I SE THAT YOU RECALLED IN DELAWARE AND I'LL. DUE TO SALT. I LIVE IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA AND WE HAVE SALT. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU WOULD CONSIDER MY ROTORS AS INCLUDED WITH THIS RECALL. I AM ENCLOSING PICTURES AND AM HOPING MAYBE TO RECOVER SOME OF THE EXPENSE THAT I INCURRED.
Structure, Jan 19, 2017
THE CLEAR COAT BEGAN TO PEEL AWAY ON MY CAR AND THEN THE PAINT STARTED PEELING. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE AND WHEN I WENT TO TRADE IN FOR A NEW MODEL I WAS TOLD THE PAINT DRASTICALLY LOWERS THE VALUE AND PUTS THE CAR IN "POOR" CONDITION. THIS IS VERY EMBARRASSING HAVING TO EXPLAIN OVER AND OVER WHY THE CAR LOOKS SO BAD. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE PICTURES IT IS ONLY THE HOOD AND GETTING WORSE OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS. THE REST OF THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL PAINT SHOP WHO SUGGESTED I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE IT APPEARS TO BE DEFECTIVE CLEAR COAT USED ON THE ORIGINAL PAINT JOB. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THERE IS NO RECALL ON IT BUT SAYS IT IS A "COMMON COMPLAINT". I JUST WANT THE HOOD FIXED, I USE THIS CAR FOR BUSINESS. *TR
Structure, Sep 9, 2016
REAR TRUNK LID FALLS WHILE CAR IS STATIONARY. BAR-TRUNK LID HINGE TORSION, LEFT & RIGHT BROKE CAUSING THE LID TO HAVE NO SUPPORT. SAME LID FELL DUE TO DEFECTIVE TORSION BAR 41/2 YEARS BEFORE CURRENT INCIDENT. WITH HEAD CONCUSSION INJURY TO ONE PERSON, AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FROM MANUFACTURER. I HAVE INVOICES, BUT AM UNABLE TO SCAM AND UPLOAD.
Air bags, Seat belts, Structure, Jul 2, 2015, crash
SITTING IN TRAFFIC ON 405 FREEWAY NEAR EXIT 52 GOING SOUTH TO WORK WHEN I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A 2013 NISSAN. BACK AND FRONT OF CAR FOLDED UP, I WAS EJECTED FROM THE SEAT BELT (OPENED UP AND FLEW INTO PASSENGER SEAT) AND NOT ONE AIR BAG OPENED. I COULD NOT MOVE, MY FOOT WAS FRACTURED, STOMACH HURT, NECK, BACK AND ARMS IN PAIN. CHP ON THE SCENE. CAR THAT RAN INTO THE BACK OF ME PUSHED ME INTO A LARGE TRUCK AND PUSHED THE TRUCK INTO A CAR. 4-CAR ACCIDENT. CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED AND I AM REPORTING THE FAILURE AND DEFECT WITH THE SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAGS. MA 10/5 UPDATED 11/06/2017*CN
Structure, Apr 21, 2015
IN FEBRUARY 2014 A FRIEND TRIED TO ENTER THE CAR AND THE DOOR HANDLE PULLED OFF IN HER HAND. THE DOOR WAS NOT LOCKED WHILE SHE WAS TRYING TO OPEN IT. THE CAR HAD APPROX. 31,000 MILES ON IT. THIS WAS A FRONT DOOR HANDLE. ON APRIL 20, 2015 (THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 45,000 MILES ON IT) MY DAUGHTER WENT TO REMOVE HER CHILD FROM THE REAR CAR SEAT. THE DOOR WAS NOT LOCKED AND THE REAR DOOR HANDLE PULLED OFF IN HER HAND. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE NEWS WERE SOMEONE IS PULLING A PASSENGER OUT OF A BURNING CAR AFTER AN ACCIDENT OFTEN. IF THE DOOR HANDLE WOULD HAVE PULLED OFF DURING THESE INCIDENTS, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS WOULD HAVE BEEN BURNT ALIVE. *TR
Structure, Dec 17, 2014
THE PLASTIC CHROME ON THE INSIDE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE IS "DELAMINATED" AND A RAZOR SHARP EDGE IS EXPOSED. WHEN I REACHED ACROSS THE SEAT (FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE) TO OPEN TO PASSENGER DOOR, THE SHARP EDGE DEEPLY CUT MY FINGER WHICH HAD TO HAVE PRESSURE FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS BEFORE IT WOULD STOP BLEEDING. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 27K MILES AND RARELY SEES SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SO THIS IS NOT DUE TO EXTENSIVE USE AS STATED IN PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. IF THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AND RECALLED IN 2009 THEN WHY IS IT STILL A PROBLEM IN 2014? THIS CAR WAS IN FOR SERVICE AND A NON-RELATED WARRANTY FIX LAST MONTH AND NOTHING WAS SAID ABOUT THIS PROBLEM (AND SUBSEQUENTLY, THE DEALER WAS NOT INSPECTING FOR THIS PROBLEM). *TR
Structure, Dec 8, 2014
THE CHROME COVERED INTERIOR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE CRACKED AND THE JAGGED METAL EDGE CUT MY PASSENGER'S HAND. MY PASSENGER PULLED THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, THE HANDLE CRACKED, AND THE METAL CUT HIS HAND. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS SIMILAR (PERHAPS IDENTICAL) TO THAT IDENTIFIED IN THE 2002-3 SONATA WHICH PROMPTED A RECALL, BUT I COULD NOT FIND A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY CAR. *TR
Structure, Aug 1, 2014
THE METALLIC COVERING ON BOTH FRONT INNER DOOR HANDLES HAS RIPPLED AND STARTED PEELING. THE METALLIC SHEET COVERING BOTH HANDLES IS VERY SHARP AND HAS CAUSED ME TO SLICE MY HANDS/FINGERS MULTIPLE TIMES AS I ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE DOOR. IT'S STURDY ENOUGH THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO JUST PEEL OFF, SO I AM CONSTANTLY BEING CUT BY MY HANDLES AND AM WORRIED THIS MAY SOON HAPPEN TO MY PASSENGER(S) AND/OR CHILDREN. *TR
Structure, Dec 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES WERE FRACTURED AND BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Nov 25, 2013
DOOR HANDLE COATING CRACKED AND I CONSTANTLY AM CUTTING MY HAND ON IT. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY A 2010 AND TO HAVE THOSE DEFECTS IS RIDICULOUS!! *TR
Structure, Oct 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE, SHE SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FINGERS FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Structure, Jun 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK POPPED OPEN SUDDENLY AND INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED OVER FIFTEEN TIMES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE A PROBLEM WITH THE LATCH. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,500. *TR
Structure, May 10, 2013
REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE WHEN EXTERIOR TEMPERATURES SOAR. A DOOR COMPONENT SEEMS TO SWELL. *TR
Structure, Apr 23, 2013
THE DOOR HANDLE CUTS MY FINGER WHEN OPENING MY DOOR, FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Mar 21, 2013
WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR ON THE 23 OF FEBRUARY THE SALESMAN ASSURED ME NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THIS CAR HAD ONLY HAD ONE OWNER NOTICED THAT IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR THERE WERE WATER RINGS AND A MOLD SUBSTANCE SALESMAN ASSURED IT WAS NOT MOLD TOOK IT BACK 2 DAYS LATER THEY REPLACED STRUTS AND AGAIN VOICED MY CONCERN ABOUT MOLD WAS ASSURED AGAIN IT WAS NOT TOOK IT BACK ON 13 OF MARCH THE OWNER CALLED AND ADVISED ME TO PICK UP CAR STATED THEY HAD SOME ONE COME OUT AND INSPECT THE CAR AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS NOT MOLD WHEN ASK FOR A COPY OF DOCUMENT WAS TOLD INSPECTOR REFUSED TO LEAVE ONE. ESC LIGHT KEPT COMING ON SALES MANAGER INSTRUCTED SERVICE DEPT NOT TO TOUCH MY CAR GOT TEST RUN TO CHECK FOR REPORTS ON ESC IT CAME BACK WITH 2 CODE C1260(STEERING SENSOR)THE OTHER B1322(AIRBAG CONTROL)WAS TOLD IF IT CAME BACK ON TO BRING IT BACK.I HAVE TRIED TO GET THESE ISSUES CORRECTED ON MORE THAT 4 OCCASIONS THE OWNER DIDN'T SEE A PROBLEM WITH THE WAY I WAS TREATED .MOLD IS A HEALTH HAZARD I USE MY CAR FOR WORK. I AM IN HOME HEALTH AND DRIVE THE ELDERLY AROUND THIS IS VERY UNHEALTHY AND I THINK THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD CORRECT THIS AT THEIR COST. *TR
Steering, Structure, Apr 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD GET SHOCKED WHENEVER HE WOULD OPEN THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT DECIDED TO PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT TO TEMPORARILY REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 28, 2010
AM THE OWNER OF A 2010 ELANTRA WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW IN THE SPRING AND HAVE EXPERIENCED MY TRUNK OPEN SUDDENLY MANY TIMES OVER THE PAST 10 MONTHS - EITHER WHILE DRIVING AND/OR IN THE GARAGE. ONCE WHERE IT WAS PARKED FOR 4 DAYS AND RESULTED IN THE BATTERY DISCHARGING FULLY BECAUSE THE TRUNK LIGHT WAS LEFT ON. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT I MUST SOMEHOW BE PRESSING THE FOB BUTTON TO OPEN THE TRUNK, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN THE CASE. THE ACTUAL FOB BUTTON REQUIRES A LOT OF PRESSURE TO OPEN THE TRUNK. *TR
Structure, Oct 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LIFT GATE CAME OPEN. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO IMMEDIATELY STOP IN THE STREET AND CLOSED THE LIFT GATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS. THE FAILURE HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST FOUR TIMES AND THEY REPLACED AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT WHICH THE CONTACT COULD NOT IDENTIFY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,400.