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: engine
101 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Feb 10, 2026
I have a Piston/Engine Defect according to the mechanic at the car shop. Any time any acceleration is applied you can hear the knocking. I believe it should be covered through the class action alleged that 2011-2016 Elantras engines (including the Limited trim) have a piston defect leading to engine failure. A settlement offered extended warranties, engine repairs, and reimbursement. I was unaware and have already spent tons of money towards repairs to the engine over the years. Now I am aware of this lawsuit and would like some kind replacement.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 16, 2025
Car stop working once I got home I notice while I was driving the car kept back firing and Jurking while driving .had a mechanic look at the car he tried to start it but it started and shut off..he even tried to jump start the car with the jumping cables but it will not start..he told me it was electrical..I have a brand new battery and a complete tune up on the car..I have not been able to drive the car in 3 weeks
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 18, 2024
UnKnown. When financing the vehicle through Adonis Auto Group I was unaware of the unrepaired safety recall. Also I am under the impression nothing was done to the car before purchasing it, I have had to make repairs to the car only after 10,000 - 15,000 miles of driving. For example replacing the control arm, axle, brake hardware. My point is they are selling cars without repairing them and not advising the customer upon purchase. I also asked for the repair paperwork for what has been done to the car before purchase and never received it.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 26, 2024
Unknown Sensors possibly is the issue
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 7, 2024
They have failed to address the recall in a timely manner. Sep 22,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number251 NHTSA Recall Number23V651000
Engine, Jan 10, 2024
When I start the engine, I hear pronounced knocking sounds in the engine for approximately 1-2 seconds, and they are quite loud. As the engine warms up, the knocking persists, albeit at a lower volume. The ongoing knocks are not as loud, resembling a consistent noise similar to that of a diesel engine, although it is not a diesel-powered vehicle
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2023
There's a piston slap ,the engine block is damaged to the risk pin bushing ,connecting rods needs replacing the piston slap noise is in the upper end of the engine ,the gas tank want hold gas
Engine, Feb 12, 2023
10 am Sunday morning going to church I am about 2 miles away from home I started hearing trickled sound at front before entering the freeway. Then about 5 miles before my exit the noise start to get louder and I decided to go 25 mph after I exited the freeway. I stopped at AutoZone parking lot to check and didn't find anything unusual.No engine lights or anything on the dashboard. After 2 hours parked at AutoZone I drove it home at slow speed and decided not to use the freeway so I can keep moving 25 mph max. It's a scary situation and good thing is I'm the driving not my wife. It has closed to 130,000 miles.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing a piston to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,500.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 9, 2023
Had oil changed at Take 5 recently as always do. 2 weeks later car cut off 3 times in traffic. Engine light came on. Car started to lose power/acceleration and engine began to make a ticking/knocking sound. I checked the oil and none was in it. I added 4 quarts to see would that help. It did not.
Engine, Oct 18, 2022
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra false starts. I’ve changed the battery and gotten a tune up. I’ve taken it into the dealership and paid for a diagnostic, even the Hyundai dealership says they cannot explain why the car is false starting. I believe it is my engine. But why isn’t my car Included in the engine recall?
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 13, 2022
My car stalls while in motion without warning. While driving the vehicle will randomly speed up and rpm will fly up without command. I also experience a lot of engine power loss randomly the vehicle will bog and be slow. Occasionally when I press on the accelerator I can almost go to the floor with no response from the vehicle. Speed acceleration response is delayed approximately 30 seconds occasionally. Uncommanded acceleration and random stalling when vehicle is in motion has been a big safety risk for me. This issue has been ongoing for awhile. This issue has occurred countless times so it’s very frequent. This complaint is in compliance with the current open investigation regarding the throttle control system vulnerabilities. NHTSA Action Number: DP21003
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who diagnosed that the engine and battery needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Engine, Mar 9, 2022
ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE, EVEN AFTER ENGINE REPLACEMENT BY CAR REPAIR SHOP, ENGINE TICKS AGAIN. ALL 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S ENGINE TICKS UNNATURALLY.
Engine, Jan 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the dealer for an engine failure and after retrieving the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine was again faulty and needed additional repairs. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Engine, Apr 11, 2021
ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE, EVEN AFTER ENGINE REPLACEMENT BY CAR REPAIR SHOP, ENGINE TICKS AGAIN. ALL 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S ENGINE TICKS UNNATURALLY.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 6, 2021
THE BATTERY WON'T CHARGE AND CAUSING THE REMOTES TO KEEP GOING OUT AND I'M UNABLE TO START MY CAR WITH THE PUSH START REMOTE. THE BATTERY AND REMOTES WERE JUST REPLACED IN NOVEMBER 2020 & IT IS NOW GIVING ME THE SAME ISSUES AGAIN. I CAME BACK TO START MY PARKED CAR & IT WON'T START.
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2021
MY VEHICLE DOESN'T FEEL SAFE AND THIS IS THE SECOND REPORT I MAKE. PLEASE CONTACT ME ABOUT THIS MATTER. THANK YOU!
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Dec 7, 2020
ENGINE HAS TROUBLE STARTING OR STALLS OFTEN. WAS TOLD TO REPLACE WHOLE ENGINE WHEN I WENT IN AWHILE AGO DUE TO ISSUE OF STARTING, NOISE AND OIL LEAK. TPMS SENSOR I THINK IS SHOT TO EVERY TIME I FILL UP AIR IT STILL SUGGESTS ISSUE WITH TIRES. WINDOWS ALSO GET STUCK DOWN OR UP.
Suspension, Engine, Lane departure, Nov 7, 2020
THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE ARE MANY. WHEN IM DRIVING IT THROWS ME TO THE SIDE FOR ANY DENTS THE STREET HAS, BAD CONTROL. THE COILS ARE BAD. THE ENGINE BLOCK HAS A NOISE THAT GETS LOUDER AND LOUDER EVERY TIME I TURN THE CAR.IM NOT A MECHANIC BUT I KNOW SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY CAR CONTROL SYSTEM.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 19, 2020
WHEN GOING AT LOW SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC CAR SHUTS OFF AFTER PRESSING BREAK TOO MUCH. CAR SHUTS OFF IN REVERSE. CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE MAKING TURNS AND HITTING BREAK SIMULTANEOUSLY. GOING OVER 60 MPH CAUSES CAR TO SHUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES EVERY FEW MINUTES OR EVEN SECONDS. (WORST WAS 9 TIMES IN UNDER 2 MINUTES) CAR SHUTS OFF SLOWING DOWN TO RED LIGHT. HAD CAR CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES BY MECHANICS. NOONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT. NO CODE COMES UP WHEN PLUGGED INTO COMPUTER AT AUTOSHOP. ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE WITH SAME MAKE AND MODEL
Engine, Sep 29, 2020
MY DAILY DRIVER BEGAN TO MAKE A KNOCKING NOISE AND MY DASHBOARD BREAK LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED SERVICE WITH MY HYUNDAI DEALER. BUT IT DID NOT MAKE THE (2) DAYS WAIT. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE FRONT END BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY PULL TO THE RIGHT AS IF THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE WAS BEING TAPPED INDEPENDENTLY. WITHIN MINUTES ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF AND THE ENGINE STALLED. I DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE ELECTRICAL DID COME BACK ON BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO CLOSEST HYUNDAI DEALER, WHO SAID THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ALL THAT WAS AVAILABLE WAS A USED ENGINE WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF 5,000.00 DOLLARS WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT IT MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL REPAIRS.
Engine, Apr 27, 2020
KNOCKING NOISE ON ENGINE I HAVE DONE ALL THE OIL CHANGE ON TIME IT ONLY HAS 60000 MILES WHAT'S GOING ON A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING AND HYUNDAI IS NOT DOING ANYTHING I PAYED A LOT FOR THIS CAR MONTHS AGO AND NOW
Engine, Mar 2, 2020
THERE WAS TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE WHEN THE CAR REACHED ABOUT 80K MILES. THIS IS KNOWN FOR IN THE 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRAS BUT HYUNDIA HAS YET TO RECALL THE ELANTRAS JUST THE SONATAS. DESPITE CONSTANT AND FREQUENT OIL CHANGES OIL SLUDGE FORMED AND ENTERED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPLETELY RENDERING IT UNREPAIRABLE. A "NEW" ENGINE HAD TO BE PLACED BUT I WAS WARNED THE PROBLEM COULD OCCUR AGAIN BUT A RECALL STILL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS THE ENGINE WAS SPUTTING OUT, MISFIRING AND BLUE SMOKE WAS BEING RELEASED FROM THE EXHAUST DUE TO THIS
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 11, 2020
MY CAR HAS HAD ENGINE LIGHT ON OVER ONE YEAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED, DIFFERENT SHOP TRIED TO FIX IT BUT THEY CAN'T GET IT ,THEY SAID IT IS BECAUSE OF VEHICLE BAD SYSTEM ITSELF SO WHY IT SHAKES EVERY SINGLE TIME,ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM IS NOT GOOD,THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS DOWN,THE FIXED IT A COUPLE DAYS FROM NOW BUT STILL IT ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY.THE PROBLEM CAME IN WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN HIGHWAY I-295 MAINE STATE.