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
461 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Aug 7, 2023
Anti theft system failed my 2011 Hyundai Elantra. My column pas peeled. And they was able to use a usb to start my car!
Air bags, Aug 3, 2023
As the driver in a front end crash, my driver side airbag did not deploy. There was heavy front end damage and the car was unrepairable due to the front end damage. There was no prior indication that the airbag(s) were not working properly. The collision center where the car was towed was also surprised that there was no air bag deployment.
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
Steering, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,058.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, May 2, 2023
The power steering stopped working while driving in 2019. The steering wheel jolted 1-2", the EPS light blinked and then remained lit. Maintaining control of the vehicle was strenuous, making it impossible to quickly maneuver, especially at low speeds. Safety of the driver and others on the roadways was negatively impacted by the sudden malfunction. The power steering became intermittent while driving, then completely failed. The vehicle was serviced by a Hyundai dealer/service department for diagnostics, but a diagnosis was inconclusive. To remedy, it was recommended to replace the power steering module. This was done, and it provided temporary resolution. Power steering suddenly became intermittent again. Another diagnostic appointment suggested to replace the entire steering column. This has not been done. There was no warning that the power steering would fail. The vehicle is available for power steering inspection upon request. Electronic issues are persistent, effecting multiple areas of the vehicle. The headlights and taillights have gone out much more frequently than expected. The airbag sensor light has recently illuminated. The Tire pressure sensor blinks, then remains illuminated. The Electronic Stability Control Indicator has been illuminated since the power steering failure. This vehicle has had multiple issues arise, and it has had thousands of dollars of work put into it in an attempt to return it to a safely driving vehicle. It is unacceptable for the manufacturer to sell a car that cannot uphold basic safety standards. There have been multiple recalls for power steering issues on Hyundai's surrounding this 2011 model. Clearly there is an issue that needs to be addressed, and Hyundai needs to be held accountable for their negligence. All owners should be entitled to have their vehicle promptly repaired at no cost, and they should be reimbursed for time and repair costs spent trying to resolve this avoidable issue.
Suspension, Mar 24, 2023
On 8/14/2021 I entered NHTSA complaint number 11429117. This was in regard to a fractured front coil spring in my 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Although there was a current recall (number 15V629000) on this issue, I was advised that my VIN did not qualify. Apparently the reasoning was that my car was built in a different location in Alabama. I contested this with appropriate documention that clearly showed the broken pieces with corrosion. I ended up suffering the cost of replacement of both strut assemblies. As I had to go to an independent shop for my service I sent and escalated my issue through Hyundai to no avail. So now it's March 2023, and I receive a recall (excuse me, campaign - 984) to have an underbody cavity wax and anti corrosion spray applied to prevent corrosion of components due to road salt. So, as I attempted to pont out to Hyundain in 2021, my car and perhaps many others were at risk for these potentially fatal failures. Fortunately my spring broke as I entered my garage. others may not have been so lucky. A break at high speed could take out a tire and that's the ball game. Continuing with the metaphor, Hyundai dropped the ball big time on this.
Air bags, Mar 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,700.
Suspension, Feb 17, 2023
In 2016 left front coil broke and took damage to tire Hyundai took and replaced it for your charged only one coil was replaced on the car in 2019 the other coil broke customers charged $966.30 to do the repair and replace the tire Hyundai says there's no recall on the springs for this vehicle yet I did find a recall saying there was but they're telling me that the serial numbers was no recall on that
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.
Air bags, Nov 13, 2022
The air bag light on the dashboard came on and has stayed on. I got into my car in the morning as I do everyday, and the air bag light came on. The light goes out when I turn off the ignition. But the light stays on while the car is running and while I'm driving the car. This has been a problem for over a week. I haven't been involved in any accidents or incidents that led to the light coming on. And I haven't had any work done to the car that would cause this problem. I'm worried that the air bags won't deploy if I was involved in an accident. I see others all over the internet that have been having the same issue. The cost is prohibitive to have it checked and fixed. A recall should be issued. There's no reason that the air bag light should just come on and stay on. I would like Hyundai to cover the cost of checking and fixing this safety issue.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 4, 2022
El carro aveces pone los frenos muy duros y no se detiene. El mismo se acelera solo y en otras ocasiones baja las revoluciones hasta apagarse. Aveces comienza a temblar y prende la luz de check. Aún desconozco si ha sido evaluado anteriormente por algún especialista. También el mismo demora en prender algunas veces. Me gustaría saber si el mismo puede ser evaluado por algún y especialista ya que entiendo que no es muy seguro el mismo. Me gustaría saber cuál es el costo de esto para así guardar el presupuesto para el mismo. Le agradeceré me dejen saber. Gracias anticipadas
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
Steering, Suspension, Oct 12, 2022
I have had broken shocks and struts on my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Liminted, currently 69000 miles 2 times, once replaced by dealership 2nd done by BIG O Tires in Salt Lake, I did not have a breakdown, my tire blew the first time 12/26/2015, currently was caught by general tire mainainance. This must be some kind of a defect due to have them replace them so often. 2 incidents 12/26/2015 and 10/12/2022. I take very very good care of my car. I have read the issues of prior. Please contact both Murdock Hyundai Murray Utah & Ken Garff Salt Lake City Utah and Big O downtown Salt Lake City.
Suspension, Oct 10, 2022
The rear suspension crossmember fractured allowing the lower suspension arm to move causing the wheel to move out at the bottom by a considerable amount. I noticed it after a short local trip. I think if I had continued driving the lower arm may have completely disconnected resulting in potential loss of control. The crossmember has significant corrosion in this area but the component should be thick enough to allow for this. The car is at my home address therefore has not been inspected by a dealer. I have contacted them and the manufacturer and neither offer any help.
Steering, Oct 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Steering, Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated upon driving from a complete stop, the steering wheel emitted abnormal squeaking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had worsened and the steering wheel would shudder significantly while driving over bumps in the roadway. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 29, 2022
Steering wheel clunking noise, the car tries to change direction by itself especially on wet roads, and I always trying to keep it in the same lane, the problem has been reproduced 2 weeks ago, there’s no warning lamps actually either before, I had not inspected this problem.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2022, fire
My car caught on fire in the parking lot of a business while I was inside of the business. The car was not started and just parked. The abs light was on since I bought the car and I had not had it looked at. I had no clue of the recall until today when this happened. The fire started under the hood somewhere. The fire department put the fire out and nothing other than that has been done. I will have a report in a few days.
Suspension, Jun 25, 2022
Spring coil on strut broke off on passengers side of car. Sliced tired while driving. A couple years after getting that side repaired same exact thing happened on the driver's side.
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.
Equipment, May 31, 2022
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V393000 (Equipment) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not contacted.
Suspension, May 10, 2022
The front subframe / crossmember has prematurely corroded at suspension mounting points. The control arm mount has rusted completely through resulting in the bottom half of the control arm mount becoming unstable and the control arm is at risk of full detachment.