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: electronic stability control (esc)
37 reports, newest first. Show all
Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 23, 2016
I REC A RECALL BUT THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS. THE FIRST ONE WAS FRO A FRONT-END COIL, THAT COULD HAVE SNAPPED AND PUNCTURED MY TIRE, CAUSING A CRASH. THE RECALL I HAVE NOW, IS FOR THE ESC SYSTEM. THEY TELL ME TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER LETTER OF REMEDY OR I CAN CALL AND MAKE AN APPT WITH THE DEALERSHIP. IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE RECALL, IS THIS VEHICLE SAFE OR SHOULD I ASSUME IT WILL BE, WHEN REMEDY IS DONE? CONCERNED ABOUT SO MANY RECALLS. NEITHER RECALL HAS CAUSED AN ACCIDENT,YET, AND I HOPE THE CURRENT RECALL DOESN'T CAUSE ONE EITHER, BEFORE I GET THE REMEDY LETTER. I CAN'T BE TAKING TIME OFF FROM WORK EITHER, EVERY TIME I GET CONCERNED OVER THESE DARNED RECALLS. I JUST WANT TO REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT WITH YOU. I HOPE THIS IS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR ME TO FILE, SINCE I HAVEN'T GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT AND HOPE I DON'T
Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROTOR WAS WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE TURNED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V871000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,900.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ESC SENSOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON, THE WARNING INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V871000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,500. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 13, 2016
I SAW A RECALL FOR A CAR I TRADED IN. WILL THE NEW OWNER RECEIVE A NOTICE?
Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 24, 2015
MY GRANDSON WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN THE ESC STOPPED THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ALMOST GOT HIT BROADSIDE ,BEFORE IT RELEASED. IT HAD HAPPEN TO ME IN JULY DEALER MADE A REPAIR, SAID IT WAS A FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS A WARNING LIGHT ON FOR THE ESC. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS . I HAVE APT ON WEDNESDAY WITH THE DEALER 08 -26-2015. .....UPDATED 12/03/15 *BF
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 3, 2015
I STARTED THE CAR AND COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT APPLYING HEAVY FORCE. LOOKING AT THE DASH BOARD THE ESC AND EPS LIGHTS WERE BOTH ON. I TURNED OF THE CAR AND RESTARTED AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. A FEW DAYS AGO I SAW THE RECALL OF THE 2009 AND 2010 CARS REGARDING THIS VERY PROBLEM. I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO REPORT MY ISSUE BUT WAS TOLD MY 2011 CAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THIS VERY ISSUE APPEARING IN ELANTRA CARS AS RESENT AS 2014. I ASK THE SAFETY BOARD TO REEXAMINE THE ISSUE IN REGARDS TO LATER YEAR OF THE ELANTRA CARS. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 2, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF ABOUT 60 MPH, MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON, ALTHOUGH ALL 4 TIRES WERE PREVIOUSLY CHECKED FOR PRESSURE. WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON, IT TRIGGERED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT TO BEGIN BLINKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE ENGINE THEN BEGAN TO CLICKED LOUDLY AS MY SPEED DECREASED, OUT OF MY CONTROL, TO ABOUT 40 MPH, ALTHOUGH I HAD MY PETAL TO THE FLOOR. I THEN HAD TO EXIT, TAKING LOCAL ROADWAYS AS TO MY SPEED WOULD NOT INCREASE PAST 40 MPH WITH MY RPM WAS AT ABOUT 4.5. AFTER NOTIFYING THE DEALERSHIP AND TAKING IT IN TO BE SERVICED, I WAS INFORMED NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT RESET THE COMPUTER JUST IN CASE. SINCE THEN IT HAS HAPPENED 3 OTHER TIMES WITH NO EXPLANATION AND DIAGNOSTIC COMING BACK CLEAR. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 8, 2014
I HAVEN'T HAD ANY ACCIDENTS BUT I HAD MANY ALMOST ACCIDENTS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I CAN'T EVEN GO OVER A BUMP OR LOOK TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT BECAUSE IT STEERS OFF SO BAD. I HAVE TO HOLD IT VERY TIGHT THE WHOLE TIME. I'M SCARED FOR MY LIFE AS WELL AS WHOEVER IS WITH ME. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP JUST SAYS ITS BECAUSE ITS ELECTRIC STEERING BUT I THINK THEY JUST DONT WANT TO DEAL WITH IT. I HOPE THERE IS SOMETHING DONE SOON. *JS
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 18, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY ELANTRA WHEN THE EMS ELEC. STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE AUTO BEGAN TO SHAKE AS I WAS DRIVING. THE ROAD WAS DRY AND WEATHER WAS REGULAR. IT FEELS AS IF THE AUTO IS DRIVING ON FLAT WHEELS OR ON ICE. I LOSE STABILITY IN MY STEERING. I HAVE TAKEN MY AUTO TO HYUNDAI TWICE. THEY CLAIM THEY THERE COMPUTERS CAN'T FIND ANY ERRORS. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT RANDOMLY OCCUR AND CAN'T BE CREATED AT WILL. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING WHILE THESE INCIDENTS HAPPEN. I'VE FOUND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE WITH OTHER ELANTRA 2011 CUSTOMER. HYUNDAI DOESN'T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND STEERING. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 20, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AROUND 45 MPH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL SUDDENLY AND REPEATEDLY LOCKED UP CAUSING THE TIRE TO SKID AND THE STEERING TO PULL TO THE LEFT. AT THE SAME TIME THE CAR SLOWED VERY QUICKLY TO 5 MPH AND ALMOST CAUSED THE DRIVER BEHIND ME TO SLAM INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR. I WAS NOT APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL DURING THIS INCIDENT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY. SIMILAR OCCURRENCES HAVE HAPPENED ABOUT ONCE PER MONTH IN THE PAST YEAR. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO HYUNDAI SERVICE AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM BUT THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND "FIND NOTHING WRONG". I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING IF I TURN OFF THE ESC THE PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY AND I CAN RESUME NORMAL DRIVING SPEED ONCE AGAIN. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jan 18, 2013, crash
SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR LATE FEB. 2011 (AFTER THEY RELEASE THE NEW MODELED CARS IN THE LAST DAYS OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR)...I HAVE COMPLAINED AND INQUIRED ABOUT AN OCCURRENCE THAT HAPPENS WITH THE BRAKES ON OCCASION THAT SEEMS TO BE TRIGGERING: VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS, BRAKE ASSIST AND/OR EBD SAFETY SYSTEMS UNDER NORMAL ROAD, TEMPERATURES, SPEEDS, BRAKE PRESSURE. THERE HAS BEEN AT BRAKE DELAYS, VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE, AND AT TIMES PROVIDED A VIOLENT PUSH BACK AND PUMPING UNLIKE ANY NORMAL ABS SYSTEM AND THOSE TIMES WERE FEW BUT AGAIN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS NO SUDDEN BREAKING. THE GRINDING SOUNDS AND FEELS A BIT LIKE A SECOND AFTER YOU APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE AN ANCHOR DROPS ON THE ROAD AND BOUNCES AND GRINDS AGAINST MENTAL AND THE PAVEMENT. IT FEELS LIKE AN EMPTY BRAKE PAD (BUT IS NOT) AND STOP AS IF ONE ALSO. HOWEVER NOT ALL THE TIME AND WHEN THE BRAKES ARE NORMAL IT FEELS SAFE. HOWEVER, IT HAPPENS EVEN SLOWLY PARKING IN MY FLAT SMOOTH DRIVEWAY SOMETIMES (NO SAND I CHECK EVERYTIME). I HAVE AVOIDED MANY ACCIDENTS JUST BARELY WHEN THIS IS TRIGGERED AND IT MOST OFTEN CAUSING DOUBLE THE STOPPING TIME. I END UP INTO THE INTERSECTING STREETS BEYOND A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT BY ABOUT HALF A CAR LENGTH. IT DOESN'T ALWAYS KICK IN RIGHT AWAY WITH BRAKE PRESSURE BUT TRIPS IT UP A SECOND LATER AND YOU HAVE TO ALMOST TRICK THE BRAKE AND STEERING TO GET CONTROL AND STOP IN TIME. THERE HAS BEEN TOO MUCH OF A PROCESS IN AN EFFORT TO CORRECT IT, OTHER ISSUES FOUND, AND MULTIPLE ACCIDENT CAUSED FROM IT ONE OF WHICH CAUSE A HOSPITAL VISIT AND AN INJURY LEAVING ME WILL A HEMATOMA AND CROOKED SMILE STILL. I NEED HELP AND MORE SPACE TO EXPLAIN. PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Jul 6, 2011
DRY DAY, NORMAL ACCELERATION, TRACTION CONTROL KILLED POWER UPON ENTERING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC LEAVING US SITTING IN 50-55 MPH TRAFFIC, THEN CLEARED UP, TWICE WITHIN 3 HOURS. ALSO ON SAME DAY, 60 MPH ON A TWO LANE ROAD THE SKID CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND APPLIED THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE PULLING ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I REACTED QUICKLY AND BROUGHT AUTO BACK TO MY LANE AND TURNED OFF SKID CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE.FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC. THE SKID CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON THEN WENT BACK OUT BOTH TIMES. ONE FAILURE SEEMED TO BE THE TRACTION CONTROL, THE OTHER WAS THE SKID CONTROL. I SUSPECT A BAD WHEEL SPEED SENDING UNIT. SO FAR THE DEALER HAS FOUND NOTHING. *TR