2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

N/A

Safety Rating

588

Owner Complaints

29 Crashes 11 Fires

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

16

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

The 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has received a total of 588 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). 16 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (92 complaints), Air Bags (77 complaints), and Steering (73 complaints).

Recalls for the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, potentially affecting up to 2,477,261 vehicles.

Recall 23V651000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 1,649,478 vehicles affected

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...

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...

View full details →

Recall 20V393000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

| 272,126 vehicles affected

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.

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...

View full details →

Recall 15V871000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

| 155,000 vehicles affected

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...

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...

View full details →

Recall 15V629000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

| 28,157 vehicles affected

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,...

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...

View full details →

Recall 13V115000 — STRUCTURE

| 186,250 vehicles affected

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.

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.

View full details →

Recall 13V115000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

| 186,250 vehicles affected

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.

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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

588 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine
Complaints: 92 2 Crashes 2 Fires
Air Bags
Complaints: 77 12 Crashes 7 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 73 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 61 1 Crash
Electrical System
Complaints: 47 1 Crash 2 Fires 1 Injury
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 34 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 34 2 Fires
Service Brakes
Complaints: 28 5 Crashes 2 Fires 1 Injury
Power Train
Complaints: 19 1 Crash 1 Injury
Wheels
Complaints: 18 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 16
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 15 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 7
Tires
Complaints: 7
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 7
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 6
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 4
Structurebody
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Equipment
Complaints: 3
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 2
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftimmobilizerproximitykeysender
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Assist
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11717069 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
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.
#11710685 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
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 essential components resulting in serious safety issues. Hyundai has a recall out to provide underbody coating free to customers but no mention of brake line replacement.
#11710538 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles Crash
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 crash. Outcome: Vehicle declared totaled No airbags deployed No serious injuries, but a significant safety concern INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11682584 | STEERING | | N/A miles
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 .
#11657547 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
Unknown but my car shakes and makes a loud grinding noise

View all Engine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Hyundai Motor America has issued 16 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

22-01-089H — STRUCTURE

In certain areas, a vehicle’s underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road-salt usage. As a preventative measure, a cavity wax coating is applied to the internal surfaces of underbody components and an undercoating spray is applied to exterior surfaces of specified underbody components. This bulletin describes the procedure to perform...

22-01-089H — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

In certain areas, a vehicle’s underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road-salt usage. As a preventative measure, a cavity wax coating is applied to the internal surfaces of underbody components and an undercoating spray is applied to exterior surfaces of specified underbody components. This bulletin describes the procedure to perform...

5NP-E9R9G-08 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.

5NPY3P6B02 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to update the ECM on certain 2011-13 Elantra, 2013 Elantra GT and 2013 Elantra Coupe. Service Campaign T1R provides a service procedure to update the ECM.

16-01-011-1 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

14-01-030 — EQUIPMENT

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

14-AT-003 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

13-AT-014-1 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

13-EM-001 — EQUIPMENT

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

12-AT-009-4 — EQUIPMENT

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

Showing 10 of 16 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA.

Investigation EA12008 — STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS Closed

Opened:

Headliner Bracket Detachment

Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI ELANTRA

View all HYUNDAI ELANTRA model years →

Other HYUNDAI Models

View all HYUNDAI models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report