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.
Air bags, Oct 27, 2021
My daughter was parked sitting in this car before going into work when all the airbags but the front ones deployed. The driver side one hit her arm very hard. The car was on but in park. Nothing hit the car.
Engine, Oct 27, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated on 10/15/2021, while her husband was driving 65 mph, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to exit the highway, before he saw smoke exiting from the front and rear of the vehicle. The driver was able to push the vehicle into a school parking. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her mother in law residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle first hit a pothole in the road, then crashed into a guardrail, pole and tree. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's daughter and grandson were passengers in the vehicle. The fire department had to cut the roof of the vehicle and rear passenger door, removed all of the windows and windshield in order to extract the contact's son, daughter and grandson from the vehicle. All parties were transported by ambulance to the hospital for injuries sustained. The contact's son suffered a head injury with a brain bleed and a broken right hand. The contact's grandson had a broken femur and the contact's daughter had bumps and bruises. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
Steering, Oct 26, 2021
- While driving the car, suddenly the steering became very tight. I barely managed to avoid an accident and took the vehicle to side. At this time EPS light also turned on. - Since then the issue has been random. Sometimes EPS light will turn off and steering will work properly, but then suddenly it will become very tight and EPS light comes on. It has been random. - Car is driven only ~30k miles - Took Vehicle to dealer and then diagnosed it to be issue in EPS motor and was advised whole steering column to be replaced (cost of $2800). - Contacted Hyundai and they are refusing to do anything about it other than I can replace steering column at my own cost. - This is clearly a quality issue from Hyundai and causes safety issues while driving. Noticed many other complain on web with similar issue for Hyundai vehicles
Steering, Sep 25, 2021
I was driving this car and the esc light came on and then off again but i feel the steering became hard and still the steering is hard there is a recall for this car for steering problem please let me know is it safe to drive it or not. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Sep 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact’s wife stated that while driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the torque sensor to be replaced but the vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
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 .
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated the parts were not yet available. The contact called ABC Hyundai (6825 Redwood St, Las Vegas, NV 89118, (702)706-7885) and was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Sep 5, 2021
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOOSES STEERING. YES, THAT'S RIGHT, YOU CANNOT STEER THE CAR !!!!! A EPS LIGHT COMES ON. THAT'S THE ELECTRONIC STREERING CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. I WENT ONLINE TO LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS, THERE ARE HUNDREDS.I DID GO TO THE DEALER, WHO JUST SAID, SORRY $2300.00. I CANNOT BELIEVE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY LIFETIME; NEVER LOST STEERING. GIVE ME MY 1962 CHEVY BACK, NO POWER STEERING, NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. THANK YOU, [XXX] NOT A PROUD OWNER OF A HYUNDAI ELANTRA INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 31, 2021
Jerky steering action for last month. Now EPS light has come onto dashboard.
Power train, Aug 14, 2021
I have a significant defect and safety issue with my 2010 Hyundai Elantra that should be recalled by Hyundai. There seems to be a problem with the automatic gear shifter. The first issue is intermittent where the car does not turn on or even make a clicking noise when I try to turn the key in the ignition. This might make you think the battery is dead, but that is not the case. After a while of turning the car on and off, the car will eventually start. The second issue is that the gear shifter gets stuck and will not shift from one position to another. After much difficulty in getting it unstuck and shifting, the third and most significant problem is that the indicator as to which gear the car is in is not reflecting the actual gear that the car is in. This presents a real safety issue as the indicator will say that the car is in Park, but the car will roll like it is in neutral so the only way to get this to stop is to put on the emergency break while parked. Shifting into a position that you think you’re in, but not actually in, can result in hitting a pedestrian or another car. In rare instances, the car will actually shift into the correct position indicated by the gear shifter while it is in Park. You can find numerous results if you do a google search on the internet for the issues I’ve described above in Hyundai cars. Since the gear shifter is not working properly and is getting stuck, I feel this presents a significant safety issue should I need to get out of the way quickly in either a Drive or Reverse position or if I am expecting to be in a Park position and the car keeps moving.
Steering, Seat belts, Aug 9, 2021
EPS or Electric Power Steering stoped working in the middle of the intersection when I tried to turn left. Vehicle became uncontrollable and I had to stop in the middle of the intersection. Everyone started honking and several lights changed before someone approached and helped me just to park the vehicle right after the intersection. There was no lights or any warning that this will happen. I was lucky not to get injured because of this car malfunction. I contacted Hyundai and they confirmed there was recall with that particular problem! Recall numbers 931 and 127. But since than they are very unprofessional and not interested in fixing this issue! I feel like they have 0% interest in helping their customers! Second issue that persists for longer time are seatbelts. They pop open in random moments of driving! They don’t stay locked the whole drive and I feel unsafe in my Hyundai! I called Hyundai the same day ( May 20th) I almost crashed because of well known recall on bad design EPS , and today August 10th , other than exchanging few emails, they didn’t help me at all! I’m really disappointed with Hyundai safety and customer care, and I don’t recommend to anyone to buy and own Hyundai !
Steering, Aug 4, 2021
I took the car to the dealer to perform the recall repair for recall 127 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 in April 2020. The recall required replacement of the power steering motor controller 56300-2H250 with 56310-2H250QQH. In August of 2020, I removed the steering column and inspected the power steering motor controller that is currently in the car. The motor controller is still 56300-2H250, see attached photo. This should have been replaced with the recall, but the dealer did not replace it as per the attached TSB.
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.
Steering, Jun 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving out of the driveway, the steering wheel was difficult to steer and the EPS warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there were no open recalls associated with the Vin. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Steering, Jun 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the power steering assist intermittently failed with an unknown warning light displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occurred at slower speeds at approximately 30 mph. The steering operated manually. The vehicle was pulled over and restarted and regained power steering functionality after several attempts. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 15V100000 (Steering) however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Steering, Jun 2, 2021
The contact's daughter owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact’s daughter received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) warning light illuminated. The contact’s daughter took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the EPS needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,400.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he had the brake booster and brake master cylinder replaced. The contact then stated that when the engine was off, the ABS system remained activated as the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic and was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and the recall repair was performed however, the failure persisted. The contact then called the manufacturer and was referred to another dealer. The contact took the vehicle to Greenway Hyundai Orlando (4110 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808) where he paid for a diagnostic test and was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. He was also informed that the recall was serviced and that he would be responsible for any additional repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Steering, May 27, 2021
My 2010 Elantra was recalled for defective steering coupler. About 2 months ago the steering collar started to click when the steering wheel was turned. I checked and there was a recall for this. When I went to Delray Hyundai in Delray Beach, Fl I was told I would have to pay approximately $440 to have the collar replaced. I don't understand why I should pay for a recalled item that just failed the previous week. I feel I should be entitled to a full refund from Delray Hyundai for the repair. I had no choice in paying since they had the car and I didn't want my wife to drive it in this condition.
Steering, May 18, 2021
In February of 2021, I took my Hyundai in for several recall services, including 15V100000. || In the following months, my car began to lose power steering capabilities either on ignition or while driving. Losing power steering while driving was extremely dangerous and the risk of an accident was obvious, requiring me to pull off of the road or take an exit several times. The power steering eventually failed entirely on 5/5/2021. || At this point, I ran diagnostic scan that returned the code C1604, with a definition of "ECU Hardware Error". || I scheduled an appointment with the same dealership that did the recall service and they determined that the issue was that the "power steering has [an] internal failure." This leads me to believe that they are referring to the electric power steering torque sensor, a key component identified in the 15V100000 recall. However, they were unwilling to cover the cost of repair ($2,990 + tax) because I had already completed the recall service. || Investigating online forums (https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/elantra/2010/steering-problems.php) showed me that there are a considerable number of people having the exact same, often life-threating, issue and are also being told by Hyundai that there is no coverage because they had the recall service completed. This is asinine as the issue only occurred for me after their recall service was completed, meaning the service either doesn't avoid or doesn't resolve the issue that lead to the 15V100000 recall in the first place. || As far as I can understand, the torque sensor was faulty as a result of Hyundai's manufacturing and the 15V100000 recall did not provide a solution to the problem. It was a false prescription and, in my opinion, the real issue would cost Hyundai too much money to fix so they are attempting pull their life-endangering vehicles off of the road by unfairly gouging their own customers.
Steering, May 11, 2021
THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE HAS DISABLED DURING DRIVING, MAKING STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. AT THE TIME DRIVING WAS DONE ON CITY STREETS AND THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH. ONE OTHER TIME, THE EPS WAS DISABLED WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. I DROVE AROUND THE BLOCK AND STOPPED, THEN TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR 10 MINUTES LATER, THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING AGAIN. THIS WAS THE ISSUE COVERED IN THE 2015 RECALL AND I HAD IT TAKEN CARE OF BY A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE.
Steering, May 11, 2021
STEERING WHEEL CLICKING NOISE STARTED IN APRIL 2021. LOOKED UP AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR STEERING COLLAR ON 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA.. I WENT TO DELRAY HYUNDAI FOR RECALL AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO CHARGE ME(OVER $400) TO REPLACE STEERING COLLAR THAT WAS RECALLED.
Power train, May 3, 2021
THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND ON INCLINES - LOSING POWER TO THE WHEELS (FEELS LIKE YOU ARE IN NEUTRAL, AND THE RPM'S GO WAY UP). A VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS FEELING WHEN MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY FOR INSTANCE. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACED PER SCHEDULE. AS SEEN FROM OTHERS, THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT FOR THIS VEHICLE. NHTSA SHOULD ORDER A RECALL. HAVE ALSO NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN COMING TO A HARD STOP.
Air bags, Apr 20, 2021
MY 2010 ELANTRA HAS A FAULTY AIRBAG MODULE. MY AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED AND I ONLY HAVE AROUND 47,000 IN MILEAGE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME I HAVE A CODE B1620. THEY SAID IT WOULD COST ABOUT $1100 TO FIX, WHICH SEEMS LIKE AN OUTRAGEOUS COST TO ME FOR A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CAR. MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I BELIEVE AN ISSUE LIKE THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.
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.