Car Defect Radar
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Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 3 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

3 total · 3 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Brakes recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 20V061000 · Feb 2020

An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Steering recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 15V100000 · Feb 2015

If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Exterior lighting recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 13V113000 · Apr 2013

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

379 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
53

Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 5 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.

transmission slipping 27unintended acceleration 11
A recent report: Upon arriving at my condo after work, pulled into the driveway that goes to 2nd floor underground. Had my foot on the brake and when the garage door started to rise, I put foot on gas pedal to inch…
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Upon arriving at my condo after work, pulled into the driveway that goes to 2nd floor underground. Had my foot on the brake and when the garage door started to rise, I put foot on gas pedal to inch forward and the gas pedal went all the way down. Braking did not stop the car. The car crashed through the garage door but that did not stop car. It continued till the car hit a cement boulder which finally stopped it. After car hit the cement boulder it continued to try and run. Obviously a huge risk factor when your car accelerates and can't be stopped. If that had happened on the street, I can't even imagine what could have happened. The car was totaled so I doubt if it has been checked by anyone. And there was no warning at all. Had not noticed anything unusual that give me any hint that the gas pedal would stick all the to the floor. When I researched unexplained acceleration there was reference to the throttle and 4 or 5 reasons why it would accelerate on its own.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11738725 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
26

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

software faults 6electrical shorts 5
A recent report: My car catched on fire after my steering wheel light keep coming on and off and my Abs and break light was on couple days before it catched fire .

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11633542 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
32

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 11 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.

loss of braking 9unintended acceleration 9
A recent report: The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The contact researched and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior…
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The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The contact researched and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting), 15V100000 (Steering) and 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repairs were unable to be completed because the required tools were unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11755010 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Read closely
200

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 6 mention a crash, 4 mention an injury.

loss of steering 165premature wear 10
A recent report: Vehicle developed clunking noise in the steering. Was told it was coupler issue. The dealership, Nlorthbay Hyundai, in Petaluma, California, was negligent in the replacement, creating a grinding…
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Vehicle developed clunking noise in the steering. Was told it was coupler issue. The dealership, Nlorthbay Hyundai, in Petaluma, California, was negligent in the replacement, creating a grinding metal on metal noise, and damaged the steering column as well. The Dealership refused failed to correct the damage and attempted to defraud me over $3,000 for an entirely new steering column, and refuse to honor promised repair warranty despite their own negligence that created the damage. I found out that Hyundai models including mine have coupler issues involving recalls, years ago. I was not aware of this, and so not sure if my vehicle was part of the recall. However, Hyundai Motor America failed to notify me to take my vehicle in for a safety check for the vehicle coupler. And while I found that that my vehicle qualified for an extended warranty due to the recall, HMA so lacking in responsibility, sound business and moral ethics, let alone serious concern for my safety, claims that my vehicle is past the extended warranty by a completely insignificant mileage. As far as am concerned my vehicle is not safe to drive, and it remains at the dealership while I exhaust all avenues to have my car fixed. I have documents including clear repair notes and service request documents to support my complaint. Complaint being filed against both the dealership, Northbay Hyundai and the manufacturer, Hyundai Motor America.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11735156 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
41

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 21 mention a crash, 30 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 28airbags deploying unexpectedly 5software faults 4
A recent report: I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major…
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I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system, crash sensors, or airbag control module may have malfunctioned or failed to operate properly. Photos documenting the damage are available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident for potential safety defects involving: * Airbag non-deployment * Crash sensor failure * SRS system malfunction * Airbag control module defects I am also requesting review of whether similar complaints or investigations exist involving this Hyundai model or related vehicles.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11740444 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Worth reading
19

Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.

premature wear 2corrosion 2
A recent report: BACK SEAT DOOR BEHIND DRIVER WILL NOT OPEN OR SHUT. THE DOOR HANDLE BECOMES STUCK. THIS DOOR HASN'T BEEN USED MUCH SO THIS ISN'T NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY…
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BACK SEAT DOOR BEHIND DRIVER WILL NOT OPEN OR SHUT. THE DOOR HANDLE BECOMES STUCK. THIS DOOR HASN'T BEEN USED MUCH SO THIS ISN'T NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS WE CAN'T ACCESS THE DOOR FOR MY CHILD.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11385202 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
8

Most reports here involve unintended acceleration.

unintended acceleration 1
A recent report: The vehicle is subject to manufacturer recall #127. I brought it to two different dealerships for the recall repair after confirming in advance that they had the necessary parts. However, after…
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The vehicle is subject to manufacturer recall #127. I brought it to two different dealerships for the recall repair after confirming in advance that they had the necessary parts. However, after dropping off my vehicle, I was informed a few hours later that the dealership did not actually have the parts needed for the repair. I contacted Hyundai’s service center to escalate the issue, but they refused to take further action. Instead, they repeatedly instructed me to reach out to other dealerships. After contacting several other dealers, I was told that they either did not have the parts or the system capabilities to perform the recall repair. Despite my efforts, Hyundai has refused to escalate this matter to upper management, leaving the issue unresolved.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11664119 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 379 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2010 and 2026, roughly 23 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 379 complaints on file, fewer than the 2011 (431). Of the 16 model years of the Hyundai Elantra we cover, the 2013 has the most (1,313). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.