Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
440–25K
4125–50K
6250–75K
5975–100K
70100–150K
9150K+
285 reports with mileage · 147 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
17 crash reports8 fire reports9 injury reports
What owners actually said
432 reports
80,000 miles · Oct 18, 2021
Steering
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 l…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11437169
Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2021
Exterior Lighting
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 accurat…
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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!
NHTSA ODI #11431727
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2021
Suspension
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. …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11429117
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2021
Steering
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11426476
Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2021
Steering
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.
NHTSA ODI #11425788
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2021
Air Bags
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.
NHTSA ODI #11424420
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2021
Unknown Or Other
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.
NHTSA ODI #11423181
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2021
Steering
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.
NHTSA ODI #11422887
118,000 miles · May 26, 2021
Exterior Lighting
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. …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11418602
Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2021
Engine
ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE, EVEN AFTER ENGINE REPLACEMENT BY CAR REPAIR SHOP, ENGINE TICKS AGAIN. ALL 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S ENGINE TICKS UNNATURALLY.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
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.
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: 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.
Air Bags:side/window
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.
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
EA12008 · Headliner Bracket Detachment
Opened Sep 13, 2012 · Closed Dec 9, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window; Structure:body:roof And Pillars; Unknown Or Other
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags:side/window
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696
Structure:body:roof And Pillars
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696
Unknown Or Other
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696
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