2006 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems

The 2006 Hyundai Elantra has 1 safety recall and 155 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
155
Crashes / fires
28 / 0
Injuries / deaths
23 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Recall 09V-280: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 21, 2009 · 3,011 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO

Problem: Hyundai is recalling 3,011 model year 2005-2007 elantra, tucson, sonata, azera and accent vehicles. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. A defective stop lamp switch may also affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature so the transmission would not be able to be shift out of the "park" position. It may also cause the electronic stability control (Esc) malfunction light to illuminate, and it may not deactivate the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed.

Risk: Any of these malfunctions could lead to a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on september 2, 2009. Owners may contact hyundai of puerto rico customer service at 1-787-999-4310.

2006 Hyundai Elantra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags60
Exterior Lighting39
Service Brakes23
Electrical System16
Vehicle Speed Control11
Structure8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Power Train8
Visibility7
Seats5
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Steering3

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal — 8
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 3
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 3
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Hyundai Elantra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Aug 5, 2021
My son was driving our 2006 Hyundai Elantra and crashed into the end of a guardrail. The air bag did not deploy. The car was declared a total loss by the insurance company. I am concerned that the airbag did not deploy with the severity of the crash. I have uploaded three pictures of the car and one of the end of the guardrail that was impacted. The estimate for speed at impact was 35 mph. The weather was sunny, dry and above 80 degrees. about 6:30PM Eastern time.
Structure · at 130,000 miles · reported May 3, 2021
Went for an inspection and was told my front sub frame was rusted and rotted. They told me it was under recall, but upon further research I found there have been recalls on this same part for other years of this car but apparantly the 2006 was not included, even though I have the same issues, and they charged me for other repairs under the pretense that the sub frame would be fixed by a dealership for free due to the recall.
Structure · reported Apr 18, 2021
Extensive rust on the lower engine subframe crossmember: the subframe has rotted loose and the front suspension control arms rattle the subframe from where they are attached. This elantra was purchased new and only has 44000 miles. The control arms will tear away from the loose subframe and cause a loos of control accident.
Air Bags · at 65,000 miles · reported Nov 11, 2020
I noticed that my airbag light stays on near my dashboard where are the speedometer is and when I have passengers in my car the passenger airbag light is off I don't believe my sensors work for my airbags
Electrical System · at 140,000 miles · reported Feb 7, 2020
After owning two '06 elantras, I've come to realize a recurring issue with the dashboard electrical components. When the turner indicator is engaged, the rest of the dashboard has a tendency to short out for a second or two before returning to normal.

Other Hyundai Elantra years

Compare all Hyundai Elantra years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Hyundai Elantra: 09V-280 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Hyundai Elantra?

Owners report air bags problems most often (60 reports), followed by exterior lighting (39). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.