2011 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 461 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 21 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electricalJul 2, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
Campaign 20V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Electronic stability control (ESC)Dec 23, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.
Campaign 15V871000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, springs, coil springsOct 7, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.
Campaign 15V629000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Campaign 13V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
81 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Feb 9, 2019, crash
YESTERDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH 2019, AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30 AM, MY GIRLFRIEND HAD A HIGH SPEED IMPACT (SPEED LIMIT IN THIS AREA OF ALASKA IS 65MPH) WITH A MOOSE. IT WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT ON THE BUMPER/HOOD/WINDSHIELD/ROOF, OCCURING ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON THIS INITIAL IMPACT. ADDITIONALLY, AS THE CAR LEFT THE ROAD, THERE WAS A SECOND FRONTAL IMPACT INTO A HARDENED, PLOWED SNOWBANK, IN WHICH THE AIRBAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS YEAR AND MODEL IS BELIEVED TO BE EQUIPPED WITH DRIVERS, PASSENGERS, AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, WHICH ALL FAILED TO DEPLOY. SHE IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAS NO OTHER ACCIDENTS OR REPAIRS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. WE DO NOT KNOW AS OF YET IF A STATE TROOPER REPORT WAS FILLED, WE WILL BE CHECKING MONDAY. HOWEVER, WE HAVE PHOTOS THAT WILL BE ATTACHED THAT CLEARLY SHOW THE,AIRBAG FAILURE.
Air bags, Feb 8, 2019
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF
Air bags, Feb 1, 2019
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. NO ACCIDENTS, NOTHING HAS HAPPENED TO CAR IT JUST RANDOMLY TURNED ON AND HAS STAYED ON. VERY UNSAFE TO BE DRIVING IN A CAR WITH MY FAMILY WITH THE CHANCE THE AIRBAGS WOULDN'T DEPLOY IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT. SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2019
WHILE DRIVING MY AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING AND MY HORN STOPPED WORKING. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT IT IS RELATED TO THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE PART THAT IS DEFECTIVE IS CALLED A CLOCK SPRING? THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY RECALL?
Air bags, Jan 1, 2019
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WONT TURN OFF.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Dec 26, 2018
TAKATA RECALL: WE HAVE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO GET INSPECTED DUE TO ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF AND HAVE HAD TO MAKE PAYMENTS ABOUT DIFFERENT FIXES THAT WOULD APPARENTLY HELP ONLY TO NOTICE NO CHANGE AND THE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK WITHIN DAYS OR WEEKS AND COME ON AND OFF . THERE IS A SUDDEN CHANGE IN THE WAY THE VEHICLE DRIVES AFTER THE LIGHT COMES ON, AND THEN GOES AWAY. THIS NORMALLY HAPPENED IN FREEWAYS.
Air bags, Dec 24, 2018
TAKATA RECALL MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY AND IT SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUES YBAT IS COVERED BY WARRANTY ALTHOUGH MY DEALER QUOTED ME $385
Air bags, Nov 3, 2018
MY 2011 ELANTRA HAS NO ANY ACCIDENT, BUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEP ON.
Air bags, Oct 28, 2018
AIRBAG IS ON I RECEIVE A LETTER SAYING THERE IS WARRANTY FOR CLOCK SPRING I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHECK THE CAR WHATEVER THEY DID DOESN'T TURN OFF THE LIGHT THEY TOLD ME IF I WANT THIS TO GET FIXED I HAVE TO PAY TO MAKE SURE WHAT IT IS.1000S OF PEOPLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM SHOULD BE FREE AND RECALL
Air bags, Oct 19, 2018
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN INTO ACCIDENT NOR HAVE THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. TECHNICIANS BELIEVE THAT IT IS A DEFECT WITH THE VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 17, 2018
GOT MY 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN 2017 AT 94K MILES. AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, ESC LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR APPROX. 6-8 WEEKS. ALSO, NONE OF THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WORK. NONE OF THE CONTROLS HAVE WORKED SINCE I GOT THE CAR. NO CRUISE CONTROL, I CAN'T RESET MY TRIP ODOMETER, I CAN'T CONTROL THE VOLUME FOR MY RADIO, NOR CAN I CONTROL THE BLUETOOTH FOR MY HANDS FREE USAGE. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WOULD BE A FEE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM LOOKED AT, BUT SAW A HYUNDAI MECHANIC BY CHANCE IN A GAS STATION AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CLOCK SPRING COULD BE FAULTY. THIS IS AN ISSUE, ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUTERS LIKE MYSELF. ALSO, MPG HAS DRASTICALLY DECREASED. WAS GETTING ALMOST 35 MPG, NOW IT'S ONLY ABOUT 25 MPG.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2018
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON ON A LOT OF THIS MODEL VEHICLES. DEALERS WANT TO CHARGE A LOT OF MONEY TO CHECK AND FIX. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. THIS LIGHT COMES ON UNEXPECTED DRIVING OR JUST STATIONARY. AND THE POSSIBILITY OF THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING IS AN ISSUE
Air bags, Sep 8, 2018
AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ON CONTINUOUSLY. I HAVE 10 YEAR WARRENTY. I WANT OR HOPE IT'S COVERED. I HAVE MAINTAINED MY CAR PROPERLY. AS HYUNDAI RECORDS SHOW.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2018
MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON A FEW MONTHS AGO. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. IT IS SAID TO BE THE CLOCKSPRING. HYUNDAI WANTS HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE THIS. THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE LIGHT IS ON, MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THIS CAR. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED! IT IS WORTH NOTHING THAT I DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER HYUNDAI FIXED THE ECM RECALL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AS I DROVE HOME FROM THIS SERVICE.
Air bags, Jul 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (HYUNDAI OF CONCORD, 1051 BURNETT AVE, CONCORD CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Air bags, Mar 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE OCTOBER 2, 2014. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ACTION HYUNDAI IN MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE MILEAGE TO HAVE THE REPAIRS PERFORMED FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Air bags, Feb 15, 2018
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON.
Air bags, Jan 29, 2018
TAKATA RECALL: THREE WEEKS AGO THE WARNING LIGHT FOR MY AIR BAG STARTED GOING ON AND OFF. LAST WEEK THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STILL ON ALL THE TIME.TODAY I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND AFTER THE SCAN THE PROBLEM IN HIS COMPUTER, HE FOUND A PROBLEM IN A ELECTRONIC COMPONENT OF THE AIR BAG CIRCUIT, HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THE AIR BAG IN THAT MODEL. THE PROBLEM BEGUN WHEN THE CAR WAS MOVING ON CITY STREET. I TRY TO REPORT IT DIRECTLY TO TAKATA RECALL BUT EVERY TIME I TRIED, THE COMPUTER DOES NOT RECOGNIZE MY HYUNDAI VIN NUMBER.
Air bags, Nov 6, 2017
I HAVE RECEIVE A LEGAL NOTICE FOR OWNERS OF VEHICLES WITH TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATORS. MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS INDICATE THE EITHER ONE OR BOTH OF MY AIRBAGS ARE NOT WORKING. I AM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT I NEED TO DO NEXT TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
Air bags, Sep 14, 2017
TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON AND IT SOUNDS LIKE ALLOT OF PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. WE LITERALLY TURNED THE CAR ON AND IT LIT UP AND HASN'T SHUT OFF. *TR
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2017
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE CAR WHEN MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED, LIKE TAKE OFF AT A SIGNAL LIGHT, THE CAR WILL SHUT DOWN. WHILE IN MOTION THE CAR WILL MAKE LOUD NOISE WHEN TAKING OFF SLOW. THE SIR BAG LIGHT IS ON BUT DEALER STATES NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT ON. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A MONTH. NO ONE CAN SEEM TO TELL ME WHAT IS THE PROBLEM IS OR HOW TO REPAIR IT. I CHECKED GOOGLE FOR THE PROBLEM AND MANY HYUNDAI ELANTRA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. I FEEL LIKE I WAS RIPPED OFF AND HYUNDAI ISN'T DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. PLEASE HELP
Steering, Air bags, Aug 8, 2017
AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHENEVER STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED.
Air bags, Jun 2, 2017
2 DAYS AGO, 05/31/2017, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT VEHICLE START AND TURNED OFF DURING THE DRIVE. 06/01/2017, THE SAME LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYS ON. 06/02/2017, I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TO CHECK THE CLOCK SPRING. DEALER NOTIFIED ME OF BOTH FAILED CLOCK SPRING AND FAILED AIRBAG UNIT AND ADVISED A WARRANTY FIX FOR THE CLOCK SPRING AND $700 REPAIR FOR THE AIRBAG. THIS CAR IS 6 YEARS OLD AND THE AIRBAG UNIT DOESN'T JUST UP AND QUIT WORKING ALL OF A SUDDEN. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I URGE NHTSA TO RESEARCH AND CALL FOR A RECALL, OTHERWISE OWNERS ARE PAYING EXORBITANT AMOUNTS OF MONEY FOR A REPAIR OF SOMETHING THAT SHOULDN'T FAIL EVER.
Air bags, May 17, 2017
AIR BAG LIGHTS RANDOMLY CAME ON AND OFF. THEN STAYED ON. I WAS TOLD TO REPORT THIS CAUSE IT SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE OR BE UNDER RECALL.
Air bags, May 6, 2017
THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING, AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, AND RADIO PRESET CHANNELS OFTEN ARE ERASED. OUR MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM BEING A MALFUNCTIONING CLOCK SPRING.