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.
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.
Suspension, Feb 21, 2022
My daughter was driving my 2011 Hyundai Elantra and she got a flat tire on the drivers side front. Upon inspection, I discovered that the front strut spring had fractured and part of it went through the sidewall of the tire. Found out that there is a recall for this exact problem for certain 2011 Elantras. Called the Hyundai customer service line and was told that this particular Elantra was not part of the recall. Why not? The recall is to replace springs that, because of corrosion caused by road salt used in winter in certain states (my state NJ being one of the states affected), fracture and puncture the tires. This is EXACTLY what happened to this vehicle. I am working on getting Hyundai to make repairs but I don't have much hope.
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.
Steering, Nov 3, 2021
Driving on wet roads with all of the play in steering is dangerous, I almost lost control. There is a clunking noise in steering and it is loose.
Air bags, Oct 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer who informed the contact about diagnostic testing. The contact declined the diagnostic fees. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Steering, Oct 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated he received an unknown recall notification for the steering wheel failure; however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the recall repair did not need to be completed on the vehicle. The contact stated the steering wheel became significantly loosened while driving at various speeds and upon starting the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the diagnosis and repair of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 4, 2021
Brake pedal stopper deterioration. The brake pedal stopper pad deteriorates, allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights stay illuminated, preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of "park" without depressing the brake pedal. Consequently, the risk of a crash increases with either condition. This is an issue Hyundai has had to recall other models/years for! This issue drained my battery completely and I had to pay $60 out of pocket to figure out what was going on. The brake pedal stopper pad is just $1.80 USD at the dealership. Hub Hyundai wanted to charge me $80 initially to install it, when they DID NOT report this problem to me when they "inspected" my car on 08-10-21, I took it to them because of another recall on my vehicle. They supposedly "inspected" my car and gave me a list of repairs "needed" which didn't include this issue. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure occurred. This happened on 08-27-21. It was my neighbor who told me the lights on my car were on all night! I usually don't go out at night, no way to notice they were not turning off. No wonder why my battery got drained!
Suspension, Aug 14, 2021
2011 Hyundai Elantra. Driver side coil spring fractured. I had both front struts/springs replaced. I have all parts. This is a safety issue as the missing piece can cause the vehicle to lose control. Fortunately mine broke as I entered my garage. As my local dealer could not see my car for 7-10 days, I opted for local repair. I brought my documentation and parts to my local dealer for validation. Before I did anything, I verified that there was a recall on this exact issue (number 15V629000). My VIN did not appear nor was I ever notified of the recall. I then began to chase Hyundai for reimbursement. I will attach my communications with them. Basically I was denied as the VIN was not on the list and I was further told that they do not reimburse for non dealer repairs which is incorrect, as I started my process on their campaign website which addresses reimbursement.
Steering, Jul 26, 2021
My steering is lose and makes a popping sound. I was making a left turn and almost hit a car because I did not have full control of my steering wheel. It feels like its lose. July 19, 2021 On Thursday the 22 of July 2021 I had a mechanic come out to check it. He told me it was the Steering Coupling, he also said that there was a recall on that. So I called the Dealership they told me I had just missed it by three months. They want to charge me $500. hundred dollars. I don't have that kind of money. I need to go back to work and I need my car. This is a hardship please help me.
Steering, Jul 21, 2021
Steering wheel is making a noise (rubbing- popping) when steering wheel is turned. Took it in to have it looked was informed that the ESC SYSTEM needed to be repaired and that this is a known issue with Hyundai on the Elantra and other models.
Air bags, Jul 12, 2021
The airbag light goes on and off intermittently. I've not had any accidents or anything so I'm not sure why it's doing this. A lot of people are complaining about the same problem on blogs on the internet. I think this should be a recall and be fixed for free.
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2021
The engine stopped while driving 60MPH on the highway. All dash symbol lights lit up, the brakes did not work, there was no power, the emergency brake did not work, the hazard lights did not work, loss of steering capabilities and I used the grass and rough roadside to stop the vehicle. Avoiding any accidents.
Steering, Jun 30, 2021
The steering column clicks and pops when you turn wheel. Upon research. I have found this is an issue Hyundai knows about. Has an upgraded replacement part for. But refuses to recall.
Exterior lighting, May 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. Upon inspection, it was discovered that all three brake lights were inoperable. The contact replaced the bulbs and the pedal switch however, the failure persisted. In addition, the traction control warning light remains illuminated while operating the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2021
THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT EVERY MONTH! SINCE THERE'S NO INDICATIONS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT, THE POLICE AND FELLOW DRIVERS ARE THE ONES TO TELL ME THE LIGHTS ARE OUT. NOT SAFE WHEN BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT!
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 13, 2021
I HAVE ALREADY REPORTED MY PROBLEM REGARDING THE RECALL #107096 FOR SUSPENSION FRONT SPRING COIL. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 15V629000; DATE: OCT. 7, 2015 IF A FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES, IT MAY CONTACT THE TIRE, POSSIBLY PUNCTURING IT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH...AND WANTED TO UPDATE SINCE I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED HYUNDAI. THIS WAS THEIR REPLY: CAMPAIGNS AND RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC, THEREFORE, YOUR 2011 ELANTRA MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED IN THE SAME TIME PERIOD AS THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BUT AT A DIFFERENT FACTORY. NOT ALL ELANTRA'S FOR THIS TIME PERIOD WERE RECALLED. ONLY THE AFFECTED VIN'S. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED DURING THE AFFECTED DATES, BUT THEY ARE APPARENTLY ONLY VIN SPECIFIC. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE COIL SPRING FRACTURED...IF OTHERS OUTSIDE THE VIN SPECIFIC ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM MAYBE THEY NEED TO EXPAND THE RECALL FOR THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEMS AND WOULD LIKE TO WARN OTHERS TO GET THIS CHECKED EVEN THOUGH HYUNDAI WILL NOT COVER THE PROBLEM.
Suspension, Mar 3, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE STRUT SPRING FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT STRUT RODS WERE DAMAGED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2021
WHILE DRIVING MY HUSBAND HEARD A LOUD POP. IMMEDIATELY THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT FLAT WHICH CAUSED SEVERE LOSS OF CONTROL. THANKFULLY HE WAS ON A LOCAL ROAD WITH NO OTHER CARS AT THE TIME. APPARENTLY A COIL SPRING FRACTURED OFF AND SLASHED THE TIRE. THIS SPRING STILL LOOKED BRAND NEW YET IT JUST SHEERED OFF WHICH MUST BE SOME TYPE OF DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING OF THE PART. WHILE RESEARCHING THIS I FOUND A RECALL #107096 FOR SUSPENSION FRONT SPRING COIL YET MY 2011 ELANTRA DOES NOT SHOW UP FOR THIS RECALL? THIS DEFECT IN THE SPRING COIL COULD HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC EFFECTS IF WE WERE DRIVING FASTER ON HIGHWAY. I HAVEN'T YET BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT HYUNDAI IN REGARDS TO THIS YET BUT YOU SHOULD BE AWARE....THIS DEFECT WHICH COULD BE DEADLY DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES. I NOW HAVE TO PAY $1000 TO REPAIR THE STRUTS AND COILS ON BOTH SIDES. I'M NOT SURE WHY HYUNDAI HAS NOT RECALLED ALL CARS, BUT THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED FOR SAFETY.
Air bags, Feb 18, 2021
AIRBAG LIGHT ON
Steering, Feb 11, 2021
POWER STEERING CLICKING AND GOING OUT. UNSAFE TO DRIVE HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES
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!
Steering, Suspension, Jan 27, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED AND A DISTURBING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE FRONT ON MY CAR. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED PROBLEM DESCRIPTION PDF AND ACCOMPANYING PHOTOS.
Tires, Dec 10, 2020
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-393. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SOLD WITH A COMPRESSOR THEREFORE, COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. *JS