2011 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has 5 safety recalls and 433 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-651 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
5
Complaints
433
Crashes / fires
17 / 8
Injuries / deaths
10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Recall 23V-651: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Sep 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

Recall 20V-393: Equipment

Reported Jul 2, 2020 · 272,126 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

Recall 15V-871: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Reported Dec 23, 2015 · 155,000 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

Recall 15V-629: Suspension

Reported Oct 7, 2015 · 28,157 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

Recall 13V-115: Structure, Air Bags

Reported Apr 1, 2013 · 186,250 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor Company

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.

2011 Hyundai Elantra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine92
Air Bags77
Steering75
Suspension67
Electrical System51
Unknown or Other34
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)34
Service Brakes28
Power Train21
Wheels18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic17
Vehicle Speed Control16

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 5
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 2
  • Suspension › Rear — 2
  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 2
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 73,000 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 2011 Hyundai Elantra complaints

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

Steering · at 39,892 miles · reported Sep 28, 2026
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.
Steering · reported Aug 5, 2026
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…
Engine · reported Feb 10, 2026
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.
Service Brakes · reported Jan 13, 2026
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…
Air Bags · reported Jan 12, 2026
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…

Other Hyundai Elantra years

Compare all Hyundai Elantra years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra: 23V-651 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-393 (equipment), 15V-871 (electronic stability control (esc)), 15V-629 (suspension), 13V-115 (structure, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra?

Owners report engine problems most often (92 reports), followed by air bags (77). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 73,000 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.