Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

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

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

460 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
113

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

sudden stalling 35premature wear 17
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11717069 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
46

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 6software faults 6
A recent report: 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…
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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

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11655110 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
51

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 5 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

loss of braking 11software faults 5
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11710685 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
153

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.

loss of steering 59premature wear 19
A recent report: 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…
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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 warning lights or symptoms of the problem. You are litterally driving down the road and you go to make a left or right turn and it feels like a rubber band just busted and steering becomes unpredictable.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11754930 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
69

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 12 mention a crash, 8 mention an injury.

software faults 30airbags not deploying 27
A recent report: 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…
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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)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11710538 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
9

Most reports here involve corrosion.

corrosion 1
A recent report: The front power window motors on both the driver and passenger have both failed twice. This leaves the widow in the down position until it can be repaired which caused a safety hazard.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11583741 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
19

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 1electrical shorts 1
A recent report: My car was recalled by Hyundai for a critical safety issue and has been at the dealership since July of 2024 awaiting repairs due to missing parts. Despite repeated follow-ups, Hyundai has been…
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My car was recalled by Hyundai for a critical safety issue and has been at the dealership since July of 2024 awaiting repairs due to missing parts. Despite repeated follow-ups, Hyundai has been unable to provide a timeline for the repair. Recently, they offered to buy back the car, but the offer was far below its fair market value. When I declined, they stated they would return the car to me unfixed and unsafe. This situation has caused significant inconvenience and feels coercive, as I am forced to choose between accepting an unfair buyback or taking back an unsafe vehicle. I am seeking NHTSA's assistance to ensure Hyundai repairs the vehicle promptly, investigates their handling of recalls, and protects consumers from being placed in such unfair situations.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11638939 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 460 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2011 and 2026, roughly 30 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.