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
454 reports, newest first.
Steering, Dec 18, 2023
Electronic Power Steering failure on a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. There is a recall bulletin issued for this defect on my same year and model, but Hyundai will not comply with it because my vehicles vin is not affective.
Steering, Dec 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the steering wheel was vibrating. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more frequently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
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
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Nov 7, 2023
On July 25, 2023, I was driving in our town when I heard a noise coming from the rear of the car. I was very close to a repair facility that I sometimes use, so I slowly drove there. They looked at the car and showed me that the rear driver-side wheel was about to fall off. They then raised the car in the shop and told me that the rear upper-control arm had rusted through and broken, causing the wheel to break off. They showed me a photo of this. I was also told that had this happened on a highway at a higher speed, there could have been fatalities because control of the car would have been seriously affected. I contacted Hyundai about this and they told me to take to a dealer to be looked at. I refused to pay for this inspection and I now do not trust Hyundai.
Steering, Oct 26, 2023
The steering column makes clicking sounds when turning either way. Started approximately June. No lamps on. Noted previous recall on steering coupler. The contact stated after being told the coupler in steering column was replaced once records were picked up from dealership there was no mention of it. The dealership refused to fix problem and had to pay elsewhere for replacement.
Air bags, Oct 5, 2023, crash
On Sept 12th of this year I was involved in a multiple rollover with my Hyundai elantra and not one single airbag deployed nor did my seatbelt tighten up to keep me from moving around as much. Due to this I suffered a fractured vertabrae.
Steering, Service brakes, Sep 25, 2023
As I was driving, the steering wheel and brakes locked up so I couldn't steer nor brake. Luckily I was in a parking lot so I cruised the vehicle to a stop without crashing. If I had been on a road or turning, I would have crashed. No indicator lights went on. I took the car to a Hyundai dealership where they couldn't find any problems and recommended I replace the steering column. I searched online and several others have reported a similar issue. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 27, 2023
MY DEALER ALLEDGELY FIXED THE RECALL IN 2021 ALONG WITH 2 OTHER RECALLS. AT THAT TIME I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH MY STEERING. NOW 2 YEARS LATER MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN IN A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION AND HASN'T WORKED SINCE. THE DEALER WOULD NOT FIX BECAUSE THEY SAID MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HYUNDAI USA ALSO REVIEWED AND DENIED ME. ON THEIR WEBPAGE, IT DOES NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT A TIME LIMIT ON THEIR RECALL. IT IS A RECALL AND NOT A WARRANTY CONCERN. BELOW I SEND 2 PICS TAKEN OFF THEIR WEBPAGE. PLEASE HELP ME. THANK YOU.
Steering, Aug 21, 2023
My power steering just stopped working. There was a safety recall on my car. i did not receive a warning notice. On Hyundai's website i entered my vin # and it said my car was affected and would be fixed free of charge or if I had already paid I would be reimbursed. The dealership refused to honor the recall. I called several times to HyundaiUSA and finally they said my car was out of warranty. No where online did it say the recall had to be fixed before the warranty ended. They just refused me and told me to take it up to someone else. I have a 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring. I did not cause this problem, they admit in the recall that there is a problem but are looking for a loop hole to get out of fixing it. Please help. Thank you. vin # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) warning light illuminated, and the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the power steering assist functionality returned. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and was initially informed that the VIN was under recall; however, later the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Air bags, Jul 26, 2023
I have a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. On Saturday, July 22, 2023, after the car was put into park in my fathers driveway and the emergency brake put on, the front driver and passenger bags deployed. The force of it's deployment cracked the windshield in several places on the passenger side. There were no warning lights or indications that this would occur. The car was in park. The seatbelts are in a locked (not able to retract) form, so the car is not drivable. The two individuals in the front seat were disoriented for a short time. All 4 passengers in the car experienced ringing in the ears for approximately 3 hours, but are ultimately, physically alright, however, not mentally. If this had occurred in another setting, the risk of accident or other safety measures would have been grand, but luckily it happened at the home of a family member. The airbag malfunction needs to be eligible to be fixed and not at the expense of me the owner. The car has a camera located in it and it captured all items listed above. The video may be provided. The Hyundai corporate office has been contacted and an incident file opened. The insurance company has been contacted, as well. Nothing has been done with the car, as the corporate office noted that they may need to see it in it's original state.
Steering, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the steering wheel chanel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000. The mechanic stated this is a factory recall and they should fix my car for free. When the consumer informed the company and repair dealer (Key Hyundai)about this the dealer stated they already fixed that recall previously. The contact stated the dealership fixed the vehicle.
Steering, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he attempted to complete a turn and the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer. The EPS and ECU warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to a local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000
Air bags, May 22, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving downhill in the rain at 45 MPH, she failed to apply the brakes and crashed into a vehicle. The impact of the crash caused a three-vehicle pile up. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Due to the failure, his wife hit her right arm and chest on the steering column. The authorities arrived at the scene and rendered aid by the EMT. The driver of the vehicle that his wife crashed into sustained neck injuries. The contact later took his wife to a hospital where she was treated for bruising to her right arm and chest. A police report was filed(2023-17095). The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer nor the dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Steering, Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel made abnormal clicking sounds and was slightly resistant. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the steering coupler was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 21, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the accelerator pedal and brake pedal failed to respond. The vehicle began spinning and crashed into an embankment. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her residence. There were no reported injuries: air bag deployment, police report or fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
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
Steering, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Apr 7, 2023
Clockspring has failed . Hyundai has extended the clockspring warranty for 2011 to 2014 Elantras to a 15-year unlimited mileage but has excluded the 2010 models for some reason. I would like Hyundai to extend the warranty to all affected vehicles as it is a safety hazard.
Steering, Apr 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the EPS warning light illuminated, and the power steering became disabled; causing the steering wheel to be difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the power steering operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering column was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) in 2015. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Steering, Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. Additionally, the EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a module and steering motor sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Mar 8, 2023
My Daughter was driving the car and thought it felt "wobbly", she arrived at my home and parked on the driveway. When she went to move her car, the steering wheel no longer worked. The steering wheel just spins in circles around and around without any resistance. The front wheels do not move when the wheel is being turned. I have a video but it is too large to submit
Steering, Feb 27, 2023
There is a popping noise in the steering column when turning the steering wheel back and forth. How is it safe to have a plastic gear in the middle of a steering column where the upper and lower shaft meet? The ends that are seen are splined metal shafts.