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.
Suspension, Feb 18, 2020
BOTH FRONT COILS BROKE AND THE ENTIRE STRUT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS COULD HAVE SLID OFF AND PUNCTURED A TIRE. ALSO THE REAR STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 30, 2020
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN INTO ACCIDENT NOR HAVE THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Engine, Jan 23, 2020
I WAS TOLD THAT METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND THEY ALSO COVERED MY CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE METAL SHAVINGS LEAD TO THE PISTONS NOT GETTING ENOUGH OIL AND IT THREW A ROD, AS A RESULT OF THESE MEDAL SHAVINGS AND LITTLE OIL VISCOSITY. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, ON THE HIGHWAY.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 19, 2020
WHEN TRAVELING ABOVE 40MPH AND GOING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURS. THIS CREATES THE DRIVE TO OVER CORRECT AND CAUSE TRAFFIC SAFETY CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES AROUND THE ELENTRA AS WELL AS COLLISION ISSUES FOR ELENTRA DRIVER.
Engine, Jan 12, 2020
ENGINE KNOCKING, POSSIBLE PISTON DEFECT
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 11, 2020
CAR WILL LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING, ON OCCASION IT CAN BE JUMPED / RESTARTED, BUT IT WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AGAIN. HAVE TOWED IT 6 TIMES IN 5 MONTHS. NOW I'M LOOKING FOR AN ENTIRELY NEW ENGINE. SIDE NOTE: YOU CAN'T PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO TOW IT IF THERE IS NO POWER, SO YOU HAVE TO HOPE JUMPER CABLES WILL GET IT ENOUGH POWER TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. NO MANUAL STEERING EITHER, SO WE HAD TO USE A TOW TRUCK SEVERAL TIMES SINCE YOU COULDN'T TURN CORNERS MANUALLY AT ALL THE STEERING WHEEL JUST LOCKS, EVEN WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION.
Structure, Jan 7, 2020
FROM PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE IN 2 PIECES AS I PRESSED HANDLE TO OPEN MY 2011 HUNDAI ELANTRA. THIS IS DOOR I RARELY USE. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SAME ISSUE OCCURS TO DRIVER SIDE DOOR? I BELIEVE MATERIALS ARE DEFECTIVE FOR PURPOSE. THE PRESENTS BIG SAFETY ISSUE IN EMERGENCY EGRESS SITUATION. ONLINE SAW OTHER HUNDAI VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM. CAR WAS PARKED UNDER CARPORT AT TIME AT MY RESIDENCE.
Power train, Engine, Jan 3, 2020
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCE ROD KNOCK WITH 57,000 AND VEHICLE HAS ERRATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTING. THE DEALER EXPLAINED THEY WOULD COVER 60 PERCENT BUT MY COST IS STILL 4,000.00 FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS ONLY WORTH 6,000 ON TRADE. PLUS $600 TO FIX TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. REQUESTED PICTURE FROM DEALER BUT ONLY SENT PICTURES OF METAL SHAVINGS IN OIL PAN AND VALVE COVER.
Air bags, Dec 31, 2019
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON! I'VE NEVER BEEN IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT OR A FENDER BENDER FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.I CAN'T GET AN INSPECTION STICKER
Engine, Dec 30, 2019
THE ENGINE IS KNOCKING AT ALL TIMES
Steering, Dec 26, 2019
WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE AND ATTEMPTS TO MAKE STEERING CORRECTIONS, POSSIBLY DUE OT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. MANUFACTURER SAYS IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT MAKES DRIVING A HAZARD.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 26, 2019
MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT , THE BATTERY KEEPS DYING AND THE CAR WILL NOT CRANK AFTER YOU PUT GAS IN IT WITH THE IGNITION OFF . I HAVE TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING WHEN I PUMP GAS . MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON AND OFF WHEN IT PLEASES . MY TIRE LIGHT IS USUALLY ALWAYS ON , JUST BEEN HAVING LOTS OF TROUBLE WITH IT HERE RECENTLY
Suspension, Dec 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND RUPTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND FOUND THAT PIECES OF THE COIL SPRING PENETRATED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V629000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
Steering, Nov 15, 2019
WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, 50-70 MPH, THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT LOSES CONTACT WITH ROAD SURFACE. MAKING IT FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR.
Air bags, Oct 27, 2019
AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY APPEARS AND GOES OFF ON THE DRIVER DASH.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 25, 2019
CAR JERKS INTO REVERSE HARD. WHEN GOING DOWN ROAD CAR LOSES POWER. JUST ACTS LIKE ITS NOT GOING ANYWHERE. VERY LOW MILES ONVTHIS CAR.
Service brakes, Oct 19, 2019
MY RECENT FACEBOOK POST: HYUNDAI OWNERS BEWARE. HYUNDAI CURRENTLY HAS 3 RECALLS THAT AFFECT MY CAR BY PRODUCTION DATE, YET THERE ARE "NO OPEN SAFETY RECALLS OR SERVICE CAMPAIGNS FOR THIS VEHICLE". THE SAME LAST YEAR WHEN WE TRIED TO CORRECT THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION HARNESS ISSUE - IT SOMEHOW DIDN'T APPLY TO OUR VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE PART NUMBER WAS IDENTICAL TO THAT WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. NOW THERE'S A NEW ISSUE - THE VACUUM ASSISTED BRAKE BOOSTER CANNISTER FAILED DUE TO ROT/PERFORATION , RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE. OKAY FOLKS, ARE WE SEEING A PATTERN HERE? SOMETHING LIKE THIS: INDUSTRIAL MONEY MATTERS, YOU DON'T. BUY OUR CRAP, BUY MORE OF IT, KEEP ON BUYING. WE FOLLOW THE RULES, YET WE DON'T. WE MAKE 155,000 CARS IN A CALENDAR YEAR AND YOU GET TO PAY FOR OUR MISTAKES BECAUSE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ARE DESIGNED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S FAVOR - THEY COULDN'T CARE LESS ABOUT YOU.
Suspension, Oct 18, 2019
WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND FELT SOMETHING RUBBING THE TIRE. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND DUG A GROOVE IN THE TIRE. HAD IT REPLACED AND NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL. IT WAS FOR VIN NUMBERS THAT STARTED WITH KMHD WHICH MINE DOES. I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY SAID IT WASN'T FOR MY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER. I EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS SAME VEHICLE AND NOT JUST COINCIDENCE THAT IT'S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED AS IN THE RECALL. THEY TOLD ME TO SUBMIT A BUNCH OF DOCUMENTS SHOWING REPAIR BILL, PROOF OF PAYMENT AND PROOF OF OWNERSHIP AND HAVE THE REPAIR INSPECTED BY A HYUNDAI DEALER. AFTER JUMPING THROUGH ALL THESE HOOPS FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT, I WAS TOLD THEY WONT REIMBURSE BECAUSE IT'S VIN SPECIFIC. (THEN WHY DID THEY MAKE ME GO THROUGH ALL THAT?) IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN MUCH LONGER IT WOULD HAVE PUNCTURED THE TIRE. FURTHERMORE IF MY SON HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 55MPH AND THAT HAPPENED, I BELIEVE IT WOULD HAVE VEERED THE CAR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I SURE HOPE NO ONE GETS INJURED OR WORSE BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T RECALL ALL OF THE 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRAS AND ONLY CERTAIN ONES.I WILL KEEP FIGHTING UNTIL I GET REIMBURSED AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLE. IT WAS FOR CAMPAIGN133
Service brakes, Oct 11, 2019
BRAKE PEDDLE SEEMS TO COLLAPSE PARTIALLY WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES AS IF THE MASTER CYLINDER IS FAILING, BUT IT REMAINS AN ISSUE EVEN WITH A NEW MASTER CYLINDER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE ABS SYSTEM.
Air bags, Oct 7, 2019
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND STAYS ON EVEN WHILE STARTING TO DRIVE. IT MAY COME OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE CAR IS MOTION BUT MOSTLY REMAINS ON. (THE ONLY RECENT WORK ACCOMPLISHED WAS AN ALTERNATOR REPLACEMENT BY PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC A WEEK AND A HALF PRIOR.)
Steering, Oct 4, 2019
I HAVE BEEN BACK AND FOURTH WITH HYUNDAI ABOUT THE STEERING. THEY HAVE CLAIMED TO FIX THE RECALL BUT MY CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE STEERING WHEEL CLICKS AS I TRY TO DRIVE AND I WAS TOLD IN JUNE OF 2019 DURING MY STATE INSPECTION IT WAS TAKEN CARE OFF.I RECENTLY GOT MY BRAKES CHANGED AND THE PEOPLE SERVICED MY CAR AGREED IT HAD NOT BEEN FIXED AND IN FACT IS DANGEROUS.
Steering, Sep 29, 2019
FALL 2018 - LOUD BRUSHING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT. MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO HYUNDAI TO FIX THE CLOCK SPRING. DID BUT THE SOUND RETURNED WITHIN 3 WEEKS. LIVED WITH IT BECAUSE IT WASN'T AS LOUD AS BEFORE. ALMOST TWO MONTHS AGO THE LOUD SOUND RETURNED. TOOK IT BACK TO HYUNDAI WHO SAID THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. DID NOT TRUST HYUNDAI. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO SAYS THAT THERE IS A DAMAGED BEARING IN THE COLUMN. BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE ON GUESSING IF THE CORRECT BEARING HAS BEEN FOUND AND THE STEERING WHEEL MOTOR MAY OR MAY NOT ALSO BE COMPROMISED, I AM ALLOWING MY MECHANIC TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. THE ESTIMATED COST IS $1600. FYI THE SOUND IS LOUDEST WHEN I AM BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND TURNING THE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO WHEN I AM TURNING IN TO A PARKING SPACE. IT CAN ALSO BE HEARD WHEN THE CAR IS MAKING TURNS WHEN ON THE ROAD. THERE IS A SLIGHT GIVE TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING BUT IT IS MANAGEABLE. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO WILL NOT LOCK.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 24, 2019
WHILE STEERING OR MAKING TURNS THERE IS A POPPING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND A HESITATION
Steering, Sep 23, 2019
WAS INFORMED THAT THERE IS A KNOWN STEERING COUPLER ISSUE THAT IS COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 100,000 MILES. UNFORTUNATELY MY VEHICLE EXCEEDS THAT RANGE AND WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR SAID REPAIRS. MY CONCERN IS THE SAFETY ASPECT OF THIS AFFECTING MY MODEL IN GENERAL, NOT JUST THE MILEAGE.