2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    steering electric assist

    76 unsafe

    76
    incidents
    Typical range: 50,000–104,500 mi

    Median 83,000 mi, based on 85 reports (18% had no usable mileage)

    • "I WAS DRIVING HOME LAST NIGHT IN MY 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND MY EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR. I HAD IT TOWED IN TO THE ALAN VINES AUTOMOTIVE IN JACKSON, TN AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPL…"~11,774 mi, complaint #876827
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, COMPLETELY LOST POWER STEERING. TRIED TO TURN DOWN THE STREET WHERE I LIVE AND ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE THE TURN. THE EPS LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF, THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. I LET THE CAR SIT IN THE DRIVEWAY OVER THE WEEKEND, S…"~58,735 mi, complaint #1723762
    • "EPS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY AND SHUTS OFF THE POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING."~78,000 mi, complaint #1007338
    • "STEERING WHEEL IS CLUNKING AND THE EPS LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. IT INITIALLY BLINKS WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED ON AND THEN STAYS ON SHORTLY AFTER. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHER RECALLS REGARDING STEERING WHEEL EPS RELATED FAULTS AND THE STEERING SUDDENLY STIFFENING UP…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1713496
    • "EPS LIGHT CAME ON DASH 3-1313/2019-19 .FILLED OUT VIN # ONLINE AND WAS TOLD VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL AND TO MAKE APPOINTMENT AT BOB KING DEALERSHIP FOR FRIDAY AT 5 PM 3-15-19 IN WINSTON SALEM N.C. SO WE DROVE [REDACTED ADDRESS] TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT…"~213,000 mi, complaint #1552950
  2. #2

    airbag system

    38 unsafe

    38
    incidents
    Typical range: 59,500–128,500 mi

    Median 102,000 mi, based on 37 reports (31% had no usable mileage)

    • "I WAS DRIVING A NEW HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER BACK AND FORTH. I WAS WAITING FOR THE ABS TO DO WHAT IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO , IT THEN PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND ROLLED OVER TWICE. MY HEAD HIT THE RO…"~1,400 mi, complaint #752844
    • "BACK IN 2011, OUR 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD STAY ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS SLID BACK. THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF WHEN THE SEAT WAS SLID FORWARD. HYUNDAI ISSUED A RECALL IN 2011 ADDING A COVER TO A SENSOR THAT SEEMED TO FIX THE ISS…"~53,500 mi, complaint #1197333
    • "AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON, WAS RESET, AND CAME BACK ON CONSTANTLY AND REPORTED TO LIKELY NOT WORK PROPERLY. IT'S EXPECTED TO COST ALMOST $2000 TO REPLACE. THIS BEGAN TO HAPPEN ONLY WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND NOW IS CONSTANT. NOW IT'S ESSENTIALLY UNS…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1379253
    • "TAKATA RECALL ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO OR 3 MONTHS AGO MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND NEVER WENT OFF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT THAT SAYS OFF GOS OUT WHEN SOMEONE SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH STAYS ON I REPLACED THE BATTE…"~123,000 mi, complaint #1578652
    • "DRIVING HOME WITH NO PASSANGER AND PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED BREAKING WINDSHIELD ."~233,451 mi, complaint #1308566
  3. #3

    other

    8 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THERE HAD BEEN LOOSE GRAVEL ON THE ROAD. TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR STEADY I LOST CONTROL AND AT 50 MPH HIT A TREE HEAD ON. JAWS OF LIFE WERE USED TO REMOVE ME FROM THE VEHICLE. HAD ANYONE BEEN IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THEY WOULD HAVE DIED…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1181217
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME ON THE GEAR SHIFTER AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE BEGAN PEELING, EXPOSING SHARDS OF CHROME. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS TO THE RIGHT HAND FROM THE SHARDS OF CHROME.…"~69,000 mi, complaint #975195
    • "ON 09/17/2018 I WOKE UP AROUND 5 AM TO FIND THE ELANTRA FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN THE FRONT END. IT WASN'T RUNNING, NOTHING LEFT ON, IT HAD NOT BEEN RUN FOR 4 HOURS SO THE ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN COLD. NO DRIVABILITY PROBLEMS BEFORE. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTM…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1507295
    • "SUN VISOR DRIVER SIDE BROKE DURING DRIVE (REMAINED HANGED ON A WIRE) AND BLOCKED WINDOW."~155,000 mi, complaint #1279530
  4. #4

    abs module

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED IN THE SNOW OR ICY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE A FAILURE. T…"~37,000 mi, complaint #837768
    • "DRIVING CAR ON WET ROADS AT 45 MPH, APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN FOR A STREET LIGHT AND THE ABS WAS GONE. CAR SLID INTO THE OPPOSING LANE AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THEN THE EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE. CLOSE-CALL ACC…"~81,420 mi, complaint #1064017
    • "I AM CONCERNED ABOUT WHY MY VIN WAS NOT PUT IN WITH THE RECENT RECALL OF THE ABS AND ESC AND HAS BEEN SHORTED OR DRAINED BATTERY AND MY VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF AND THE ELECTRICAL HAS CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH MY BREAK LIGHTS AT ONE POINT. I HAVE REPLACED MY ABS SENSOR…"~89,000 mi, complaint #1645789
    • "The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the TPMS and powertrain warning lights illuminated, but the…"~168,000 mi, complaint #2232050
  5. #5

    brake hydraulics

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "WHEN THERE IS SNOWFALL AND BRAKES ARE APPLIED,THERE IS A HORRENDOUS GRINDING SOUND-BRAKES LOCK UP,WILL NOT WORK AND I HAVE GONE THROUGH SEVERAL INTERSECTIONS,AND ALMOST INTO PARKED CARS,ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND STREET POLES. THANKFULLY NO PEDESTRIANS. *TR"~2,900 mi, complaint #763080
    • "REAR BRAKE CALIPER PROBLEM! THE REAR'S ONLY HAVE TO BE LUBRICATED EVERY 15K MILES OR ANNUALLY. A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE LISTED ON A RECALL PROBLEM TO REPLACED WITH A REDESIGN THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE THIS LUBRACTION. (PLEASE NOTE: PEOPLE AND AS MYSE…"~27,260 mi, complaint #979861
    • "WINTER OF 2009 I NOTICED THAT BRAKES ON MY 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WOULD LOCK UP AND NOT WORK WHENEVER DRIVING ON LOOSE WET SNOW. THE CAR WOULD JUST SLIDE AS IF ON ICE AND THERE WOULD BE NO FEELING AS OF PADS ON STEEL FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. TOOK CAR INTO FAIRFAX…"~33,000 mi, complaint #835103
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN HE ROAD ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR AND MY BAKES WENT OUT I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE IN SLOW MOVING AREA WITH LITTLE TRAFFIC. IF I HAD BEEN IN THE FREEWAY IT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. DEALER SHOWED ME AND EXPLAINED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HYUNDAI HAD PUT…"~83,402 mi, complaint #1364181
    • "The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that on one occasion when the vehicle was turned on, the brake and ABS warning lights illuminated. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied for approximately 5 days, there was…"~100,000 mi, complaint #2011797
  6. #6

    power steering hydraulic

    6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=19, median 78,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT UPON ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE POWER STEERING. THE TE…"~53,000 mi, complaint #1032030
    • "POWER STEERING KEEPS TURNING OFF EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING IN PARK. HAVE TO KEEP PULLING OVER TO TURN CAR OFF TO RESET IT. I TRAVEL MAJOR HIGHWAY ON A DAILY BASIS AND FEAR I WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO STEERING LOCKING UP."~68,000 mi, complaint #1718431
    • "AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS EITHER A SOFTWARE UPDATE NEEDED OR IF THAT DOESN'T WORK THE STEERING COLUMN.WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED..THE SO…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1059852
    • "AFTER HAVING THE CAR IN THE SHOP, FOR STEARING RECAL, THE CAR STILL WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEARING GOES OUT."~81,633 mi, complaint #1184704
    • "MY DAUGHTER AND I PURCHASED THIS CAR AUGUST 30TH 2013. IN GOOD FAITH FROM JOYCE KOONS IN MANASSAS VIRGINIA. LESS THAN 90 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE THE VEHICLE HAS LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY TWICE. ON NOV 11TH THE CAR WAS SERVICED (TOTAL CHARGE $172.50) AND NOW T…"~83,665 mi, complaint #1024139
  7. #7

    steering column

    6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "DRIVING 25 MPH THE EPS INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING SO I PULLED OVER AND AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF IT WORKED FINE. AFTER MANY MORE OF THE SAME DEALS THE STEERING WOULD NOT COME BACK.I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STE…"~35,000 mi, complaint #916739
    • "I BROUGHT MY 2009 ELANTRA (DRIVEN LESS THAN 42,000 MILES) TO A LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP MID JULY BECAUSE EPS WAS LIGHT ON AND I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF A RECALL PERTAINING TO THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THE RECALL WAS REPORTED ADDRESSED THROUGH SOFTWARE RESET/UPD…"~41,700 mi, complaint #1311606
    • "STEERING WHEEL STICKING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. I WAS TOLD TODAY STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND POSSIBLY THE RACK TOO. IN ADDITION, HEARING A NOISE WHILE TURNING OR BACKING UP BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND TOOK THE CAR IN. FIRST TIME, STATED BAD AX…"~67,000 mi, complaint #976772
    • "LOST POWER STEERING. FIRST TIME IT WAS RESET. THIS TIME I AM INFORMED IT NEEDS STEERING COLUMN. COST OF $2700 CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY."~74,000 mi, complaint #1618479
    • "DRIVING AROUND 45MPH, TRYING TO TURN LEFT AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND THE APS LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO PEARSON HYUNDAI AND HAD CHECKED OUT. PER PEARSON, THEY FOUND A CODE C1290, TORQUE SENSOR MAIN SIGNAL FAULT. WILL NEED A NEW STEERING COLUMN. APPR. COST…"~98,292 mi, complaint #955482
  8. #8

    throttle and pedal

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 86,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "2009 ELANTRA GAS PEDAL GETS STUCK UNDER FLOOR MAT. WHAT SHOULD I DO? *TR"~2,000 mi, complaint #742824
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HIT A CONCRETE WALL RESULTING IN $4,227.40 IN DAMAGES. IT WAS THE THIRD TIME IT HAPPENED THIS YEAR. THE FAILURE RECURR…"~13,135 mi, complaint #943797
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED TO 60 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER AND RESTART THE ENGINE TO REGAIN NORMAL FUNCTIONS. THE FAIL…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1029543
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, WHILE PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SURGED WITH A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND INDEPENDENTLY CRASHED INTO THE D…"~92,000 mi, complaint #1344456
    • "CAR ACCILERATER GETS STUCK AND WILL ACCELERATE WHEN CAR IS FIRST STARTED, WHETHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. GAS PEDAL WILL STICK. SEEMS TO FUNCTION NORMALLY AFTER THE CAR HAS WARMED UP. I TAPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO SEE IF IT WOULD UN-STICK AND IT ACCELERATED…"~1,225,138 mi, complaint #1373084
  9. #9

    steering rack mechanical

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while depressing the brake pedal. The ve…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1809432
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND STRUCK A GUARDRAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FIL…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1340455
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. T…"~74,000 mi, complaint #1187887
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLUNKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EBERSOLE HYUNDAI ([REDACTED ADDRE…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1696912
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I TRIED TO STEER OFF TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A CAR FROM HITTING ME FROM THE RIGHT. THIS LED TO THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING AND THE CAR SPINNING OUT. I TRIED TO GET CONTROL OF THE WHEEL BUT COULD NOT. THE CAR CONTINUED TO SPIN UNTIL IT…"~106,517 mi, complaint #1573534
  10. #10

    unintended acceleration

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME 2 TIMES, UPON DRIVING THE CAR IT RANDOMLY ACCELERATES ALL ON ITS OWN. ITS AS IF SOMEONE IS PUTTING THE PEDAL TO THE METAL AND TRYING TO BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME.. SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES ONLY SLOWS IT DOWN BUT NOT ENOUGH THEN I PROCEED TO…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1051584
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT S…"~91,000 mi, complaint #1136672
    • "MY CAR IS ACCELERATING EVEN WHEN I'M NOT PRESSING THE GAS AND IT SHOOTS UP WHEN I SHIFT. THE RPMS ARE GOING UP TO SEVEN AND EIGHT THOUSAND."~94,000 mi, complaint #1527258
    • "I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT TODAY GOING ABOUT 20MPH WHEN MY CAR STARTED SPEEDING UP. I STARTED BRAKING, BUT THE ENGINE SEEMED TO JUST WANT TO GO. I WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN AND CARS WERE COMING SO I JUST TURNED OFF THE SWITCH AND IT STOPPED. WHEN I RES…"~113,000 mi, complaint #1439312
    • "SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN SLOW TRAFFIC. SEEMED LIKE IT WENT FULL RPM. I HELD THE BRAKES AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. RPMS CAME DOWN AND I DRIVE OFF. KINDA SCARY THOUGH. *TR"~115,000 mi, complaint #1132689
  11. #11

    wiring harness

    2 stranded, 2 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "CAR ALARM ACTIVATES AT RANDOM WHEN PARKED, INCESSANT NOISE AND WORK PROBLEM. CAR GEAR STUCK-STOP LAMP SWITCH REPAIRED-LATER RECALL, CD MALFUNCTION-ATE DISC, DOOR SENSOR INDICATOR LIGHTS STUCK ON, BATTERY DIES DESPITE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS ON BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR…"~55,000 mi, complaint #972287
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRUNK LID OPENED INDEPENDENTLY, THE ALARM ACTIVATED, AND ALL THE DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM INS…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1163040
  12. #12

    corrosion and rust

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "RECEIVE SERVICE CAMPAIGN NOTIFICATION TO APPLY RUST-PROOFING MATERIALS TO UNDERBODY TO ARREST THE CORROSION PROCESS. TOOK CAR TO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER FOR RUST-PROOFING AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL PAN IS RUSTED AND NEEDS REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OVER $600 - I…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1258404
  13. #13

    engine internal

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS EXITED AND PARKED IN THE OWNERS GARAGE, A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. A NEIGHBOR ALERTED THE CONTACT, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND PRO…"~74,000 mi, complaint #1566065
    • "STARTED THE CAR AND MOTOR/ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. IT WAS THE MORNING OF 12/18/18. IT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY MOMS HOUSE (ON THE STREET)."~161,050 mi, complaint #1525600
  14. #14

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "PANIC ALARM ENGAGES ON ITS OWN (WHILE PARKED) IN DRIVEWAY OR WORK PARKING LOT. CHECKED ALL DOORS, HOOD, TRUNK TO ENSURE THEY WERE CLOSED. HAS NOT HAPPENED WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. WHEN USING KEY FOB(MANUF SUPPLIED) PROBLEM STILL PERSIST. PRESS LOCK DR BUTTON(30…"~67,500 mi, complaint #860679
    • "THE CAR'S KEY PULLS OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE GEAR IS STILL IN DRIVE POSITION, WHILE THE ENGINE IS ON OR OFF MODE. THIS CREATES A SAFETY ISSUE, IF UNINTENTIONALLY THE DRIVER TURNS OFF THE ENGINE AND PULLS OUT THE KEY OFF THE IGNITION, WHILE THE GEAR IS STIL…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1662567
    • "THE SENSITIVITY ON THE ALARM SYSTEM IS WAY OFF. I CAN'T EVEN SET THE ALARM BECAUSE IF A SEMI DRIVES PASSED IT, THE ALARM GOES OFF. IF A CAT JUMPS ON IT, THE ALARM GOES OFF. IF A STRONG BREEZE GOES BY AND A TWIG DROPS, IT GOES OFF. EVEN THOUGH THE LOCAL HYUNDAI…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1728205
  15. #15

    stability and traction control

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON SUN NIGHT PRIOR TO MY ACCIDENT WENT AROUND A CURVE AND CAR STARTED LOOSING CONTROL WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND HEADED HOME. NEXT MORNING WAS DRIVING VEHICLE NOTICED ESC LIGHT WAS ON AND WOULD NOT RESET EVEN AFTER SHUTTING CAR…"~37,000 mi, complaint #952674
    • "ESC SWITCH FAILURE CAUSING BRAKE LIGHTS TO GO OFF. *TR"~49,000 mi, complaint #833605
    • "ESC SENSOR MALFUNCTION CAUSED ONE OR MORE BRAKES TO BE APPLIED AND THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN IN HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC. ESC LAMP REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I WAS REQUIRED TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WITH A FOOT ON THE GAS TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING…"~127,000 mi, complaint #1491028
  16. #16

    tire failure

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "HYUNDAI IS EQUIPPING THESE ELANTRAS WITH SOLUS TIRES WHICH ARE VERY SUBSTANDARD ALL WEATHER TIRES FOR TRACTION. TIRES CONSTANTLY SLIDE AND LOOSE CONTACT WITH ROAD SURFACE ON WET, DRY SANDY AND SNOW COVERED PAVEMENT, CONSTANTLY CAUSING THE ABS BRAKES TO ENGAGE,…"~5,000 mi, complaint #774114
    • "NOTICED A THUMPING FROM THE REAR. INSPECTED TIRES, FOUND ONE INSIDE OF TREAD WAS WORN AND HAD BUMPS ON IT. 20K ON TIRES. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THESE GENERAL TIRES BUT AFTER LOOKING AT THE TIRE COMPLAINTS I NOW UNDERSTAND, THEY ARE POOR QUALITY TIRES. GE…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1019635
    • "TIRES STEEL BELTING SEPARATION CAUSING THE CAR TO SHIMMY SO BAD AT ALL SPEEDS WIFE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE HOME. EXAMINATION SHOWED ONE FRONT HAD FAILED AT 36000 MILE., HOWEVER WE DIDN'T TRUST ANY SO REPLACED ALL FOUR. *JB"~36,000 mi, complaint #1006954
  17. #17

    transmission automatic

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BRAND NEW BOUGHT. 1. WHEN THE CAR IS PUT ON 'PARKING' ON A HILL, IT SLIPS BACK ABOUT COUPLE OF FEET. IT SEEM LIKE GEARS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY (NOT IN POSITION) BECAUSE I FELT AND HEARD CLICKING NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE GEARS SLIPPING…"~5,000 mi, complaint #763697
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED HESITATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE SERVI…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1176839
    • "I HAVE 2009 ELANTRA, SEPTEMBER 2017 I NOTICED A LAG IN THE SHIFTING ALWAYS AT 25-32MPH MOST OF THE TIME I HAD TO REMOVE MY FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR TO MANUALLY SHIFT. WHETHER I 'MANUALLY SHIFTED' OR STAYED ON THE ACCELERATOR, THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE A HARD JERK DUR…"~112,000 mi, complaint #1516279
  18. #18

    engine stall or no start

    2 stranded

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WAS DRIVING HOME ON INTERSTATE AND ALL OF SUDDEN ALL MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON WITHOUT WARNING, CAR DIED. PULLED OVER AND PARKED IT . DIDN'T OVERHEAT OR ANYTHING. I'M CONFUSED WHY NOW MY CAR WON'T START . OR ATTEMPT TO TURN OVER . HELP!!"~26,500 mi, complaint #1534425
  19. #19

    lighting exterior

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BRAKE LIGHTS(ALL THREE) STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. DESPITE CHANGING FUSES AND BULBS, THEY STILL WILL NOT WORK. WIRES APPEAR TO CONNECT PROPERLY. *TR"~59,000 mi, complaint #878294
  20. #20

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY AND IN AN UNEVEN MANNER. THE INSIDE OF THE TIRES EXHIBITED MORE WEAR THAN THE OUTSIDE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE…"~10,000 mi, complaint #794737
  21. #21

    battery and charging

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Got in the car to come home put the key in ignition turned it and battery was dead went to turn off and something popped and cloud of smoke started rolling out from underneath the hood once hood was up the smoke got stronger from behind the motor the battery w…"complaint #2123643
  22. #22

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Premature brake failure due to rusted parts. In April 2022 the front brakes seized at 105,717 miles, ruining the rotors. I skidded to a stop at a busy intersection and had the car towed. The front brake pads had aprox 20,000 miles on them and had recently been…"complaint #1856704
  23. #23

    climate control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR CIRCULATION SYSTEM TURNS OFF AUTOMATICALLY EVEN WHEN IT IS TURNED ON AND THEN AFTER A WHILE IT TURNS BACK ON AGAIN ON ITS OWN. AGAIN WHILE DRIVING, WHEN THE AIR CIRCULATION IS TURNED OFF, IT TURNS ON SPORADICALLY AND TURNS BACK OFF AGAI…"~65,750 mi, complaint #1241607
  24. #24

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE, USING CRUISE CONTROL (AS I HAD THE DAY PREVIOUSLY AND FOR APPROX 150 MILES THIS DAY) ATTEMPTED TO STOP VEHICLE DUE TO VEHICLES SLOWING DOWN IN FRONT OF ME. COULD NOT GET OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL - IN FACT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED -- AND B…"~46,543 mi, complaint #976284
  25. #25

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "PASSENGER SIDE EXTERIOR HANDLE FELL OFF WHEN PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DOOR TO MY CAR ON AUGUST 10, 2018. I OCCASIONALLY DRIVE MY 92 YEAR OLD COUSIN TO CHURCH OR DOCTOR VISITS AND SELDOM HAVE ANYONE ELSE IN THE CAR WITH ME. I NEED TO HELP BUCKLE IN AS WE…"complaint #1491111
  26. #26

    engine oil consumption

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE COVER ASSEMBLY AIR FILTER AND RECALL ISSUES. *SMD *CN"complaint #1460731
  27. #27

    fuel injector

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "FUEL INJECTION AND COMPUTER FAILURE AT APPROXIMATELY 5,600 MILES. CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING. *TR"~5,600 mi, complaint #732737
  28. #28

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW RATTLES AND SEEMED LIKE IT WOULD FALL OUT; THE FAILURE WAS WORSE IN COLD WEATHER. ALSO, THE DOME LIGHT HAD MATERIAL COVERING IT THAT CREATED FIRE HAZARD. THE MANFACTURER, WHEN…"~4,000 mi, complaint #787850
  29. #29

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "During a car accident yesterday. Upon impact at about 30 mph the seatbelt ripped and provided no deceleration during a head on collision. If it wasn’t for the airbag I would have been very seriously injured. It has not yet been inspected by insurance but I hav…"complaint #2092315
  30. #30

    software or update

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This vehicle is part of RECALL CAMPAIGN 127. This vehicle had a software update to "Fix" problem but is now recurring. The dealership says they will not fix it."complaint #2027604
  31. #31

    sunroof

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR DROPPED DOWN AND DANGLED OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW. IT WAS HELD ON ONLY BY THE WIRES TO THE MIRROR LAMP. IT APPEARS THE PLASTIC RETAINING TIP ON THE VISOR MOUNTING ARM BROKE OFF (IT IS SEPARATED BUT STILL THREADED THROUGH TH…"~140,253 mi, complaint #1001516

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for HYUNDAI ELANTRA directly.