Model year record

2011 Hyundai Elantra recalls & problems

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has 5 safety recalls and 433 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (92 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints433filed by owners

Crashes · fires17 · 8reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths10 · 0reported in complaints

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 22, 2023

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 23V6510001,649,478 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentJul 2, 2020

Electrical

Recall 20V393000272,126 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Fix: 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.

Electronic stability control (esc)Dec 23, 2015

Electronic stability control (esc)

Recall 15V871000155,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

SuspensionOct 7, 2015

Front › Springs › Coil springs

Recall 15V62900028,157 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

StructureApr 1, 2013

Structure

Recall 13V115000186,250 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Fix: 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.

Components: Structure; Air bags › Side/window

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2011 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Elantra

32mpg combined

City / highway	28 / 38 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

Elantra

32mpg combined

City / highway	28 / 38 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine	92	2	2	0	81,000 mi
Air bags	77	12	0	7	99,000 mi
Steering	75	0	1	2	66,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	67	1	0	0	77,000 mi
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Horn	51	1	2	1	59,000 mi
Unknown or other	34	0	2	0	59,000 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)	34	3	0	2	68,500 mi
Service brakes	28	5	2	1	72,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	21	1	0	1	58,000 mi
Wheels	18	1	0	1	59,791 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicPedals and linkages	17	0	0	0	67,861 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	16	1	1	1	44,325 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While the contact's wife was reversing at 2 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in the driveway at the residence. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the steering shaft had detached. The failure mileage was approximately 39,892.
Sep 28, 2026 · 39,892 miles
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…
Jul 12, 2019
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.
Feb 2, 2026
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…
Jan 2, 2026
Air bagsCrash
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 Tâboned 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…
Dec 31, 2025
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 .
Apr 15, 2025
Service brakes
Unknown but my car shakes and makes a loud grinding noise
Mar 11, 2025
Electrical system
Car stop working once I got home I notice while I was driving the car kept back firing and Jurking while driving .had a mechanic look at the car he tried to start it but it started and shut off..he even tried to jump start the car with the jumping cables but it will not start..he told me it was electrical..I have a brand new battery and a complete tune up on the car..I have not been able to drive the car in 3 weeks
Apr 16, 2025

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
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 Kiaâs defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements;…
AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023
Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesClosed
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…
DP21003 · opened Nov 12, 2021 · closed Jun 20, 2023
Headliner Bracket DetachmentClosedLed to recall 13V115000
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…
EA12008 · opened Sep 13, 2012 · closed Dec 9, 2013