CSR

Hyundai · NHTSA safety record

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

432

Complaints

17

Crashes

8

Fires

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra have filed 432 safety complaints with NHTSA between April 2011 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 92 of them (21%). The typical failure was reported at 73,000 miles, the median across the 285 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints halved year on year: 6 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 15 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 5 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (5)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

23V651000 · September 22, 2023

Park outside until repaired

The defect
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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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 · up to 1,649,478 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

20V393000 · July 2, 2020

The defect
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.
The risk
An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
The 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 · up to 272,126 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

15V871000 · December 23, 2015

The defect
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.
The risk
If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 · up to 155,000 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

15V629000 · October 7, 2015

The defect
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.
The risk
If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 America · up to 28,157 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

13V115000 · April 1, 2013

The defect
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.
The risk
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
The 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.

Hyundai Motor Company · up to 186,250 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (3)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

AQ23002

Still open audit query · opened November 17, 2023

the hydraulic brakes

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.

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

DP21003

Closed defect petition · opened November 12, 2021 · closed June 20, 2023

vehicle speed control

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.

Headliner Bracket Detachment

EA12008

Closed engineering analysis · opened September 13, 2012 · closed December 9, 2013 · led to recall 13V115000

the air bags, the body structure, 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

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 432.

ENGINE 92 21%
AIR BAGS 77 18%
STEERING 74 17%
SUSPENSION 66 15%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 51 12%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 34 8%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 34 8%
SERVICE BRAKES 28 6%
POWER TRAIN 21 5%
WHEELS 18 4%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 17 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 16 4%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2019 at 61.

2011 2019 2026
2011 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · 134,000 miles

THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF REGULARLY FOR SOME DAYS, THEN FINALLY IT STAYS ON PERMANENTLY. THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHTS DOESN'T COME ON WHEN I TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CAR BOUNCES AND SWAY TO THE SIDE EACH TIME I HIT A POTHOLE NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE POTHOLE IS.

NHTSA complaint 11206161. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO A UTILITY POLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint 10945891. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 140,000 miles

YESTERDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH 2019, AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30 AM, MY GIRLFRIEND HAD A HIGH SPEED IMPACT (SPEED LIMIT IN THIS AREA OF ALASKA IS 65MPH) WITH A MOOSE. IT WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT ON THE BUMPER/HOOD/WINDSHIELD/ROOF, OCCURING ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON THIS INITIAL IMPACT. ADDITIONALLY, AS THE CAR LEFT THE ROAD, THERE WAS A SECOND FRONTAL IMPACT INTO A HARDENED, PLOWED SNOWBANK, IN WHICH THE AIRBAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS YEAR AND MODEL IS BELIEVED TO BE EQUIPPED WITH DRIVERS, PASSENGERS, AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, WHICH ALL FAILED TO DEPLOY. SHE IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAS NO OTHER ACCIDENTS OR REPAIRS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE

NHTSA complaint 11175931, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 injured · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCLERATED AND CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE CONTACT WAS SEVERELY INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint 10470577. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
My steering wheel began to make clanking sound and lost the tension that allows for smooth turning of the wheel for both left and right. I looked it up and have found that this is a known issue that Hyundai has not addressed. Hyundai had a batch of bad steering wheel couplers that were installed in numerous models. This steering issue could cause someone to over compensate when turning the steering wheel. Since it does not have tension, it feels like the steering is disconnected from the car. I did have a quote from Hyundai. It was between $400-$600 depending on how long it took. My car is available for inspection at any time by the manufacturer, police, insurance or other. There are no

NHTSA complaint 11754930, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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.

NHTSA complaint 11717069. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
The brake lines in our 2011 Hyundai Elantra have rusted out and no longer hold brake fluid, which means the car is not safe to drive. Luckily we were able to get the car to our sidewalk and park it without injury. We found that Sauder Schelkopf is investigating a potential class action lawsuit against Hyundai for underbody corrosion and brake line failure in 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. It has been alleged that the underbody coating of these vehicles suffer from premature wear and failure, allowing the underbody to prematurely corrode. It has been further alleged that the failure of the underbody coating on these Hyundai vehicles can cause brake line failure and the failure of other

NHTSA complaint 11710685, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

crash · towed

Vehicle: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring Date of Crash: [XXX] Location of Crash: Duluth, MN Description of Incident: I was driving my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring straight through an intersection when another driver ran a stop sign and T‑boned the passenger side of my vehicle. The impact was severe enough that the vehicle was totaled, with significant structural intrusion into the passenger compartment. No airbags (side torso or curtain) deployed, although the strike was a direct side impact at approximately 30+ mph. I expected at least the side curtain or side torso airbags to deploy. My insurance adjuster noted that the lack of deployment was unexpected given the severity and nature of the

NHTSA complaint 11710538, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
When ever I am turning my steering wheel in either direction there is a clicking noise. It started low and now the noise became loud even when I am going over bumps on the road. I went to a reputable certified shop and I am told it is my steering column bushing and I was advised that there is a recall on it but when I further investigate my car I do not see no recall. This is a problem a lot of people are having with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra .

NHTSA complaint 11682584. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown but my car shakes and makes a loud grinding noise

NHTSA complaint 11657547. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Hyundai Elantra

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2024 52 1
2023 93 2
2022 97 5
2021 129 5 1
2020 242 3 2
2019 246 1 1
2018 280 0 1
2017 762 4
2016 290 2
2015 261 3
2014 381 2 2
2013 1,310 4
2012 651 4
2010 379 3 1

Other 2011 Hyundai models

Every Hyundai on this site — 201 vehicles, 276 recall campaigns and 3 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst