2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Complaints and Recall Information
The 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has 9 complaints and 6 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to engine performance, electrical problems, and steering noise. Several complaints mention the vehicle stalling, failing to start, or making unusual noises while driving.
Common Issues- Recall repair delays. Vehicles remain at dealerships for extended periods due to missing parts, causing inconvenience and safety concerns for owners awaiting repairs.
- Unsafe buyback offers. Hyundai offered buybacks significantly below fair market value, with some owners refusing and having to take the vehicle back unrepaired and unsafe.
- Airbag warning light. The airbag indicator remains on without apparent cause, though some owners have not sought repairs.
- Engine stalling. Instances of the engine shutting off while driving or failing to restart despite new batteries and tune-ups.
- Electrical failures. Problems with starting the vehicle linked to electrical defects, as diagnosed by mechanics.
- Vehicle shaking and grinding noise. Unspecified shaking and loud grinding sounds reported by multiple owners.
- Steering noise. Clicking sounds when turning the steering wheel that worsen over time, attributed to steering column bushings by repair shops.
There are six recalls covering multiple systems affecting this vehicle. The recalls address safety equipment like airbags, electronic stability control, suspension components, and potential fire hazards related to brakes and electrical outlets.
Recalls- Headliner support bracket (13V115000). Affected 186,250 vehicles from 2011-2013 may have a displaced headliner bracket during side curtain airbag deployment, risking occupant laceration. Hyundai applies adhesive strips to the headliner free of charge. No "Do Not Drive" advisory.
- Electronic Stability Control sensor (15V871000). Approximately 155,000 2011-2012 vehicles may experience unexpected brake application and engine power reduction due to ESC sensor malfunction, increasing crash risk. Dealers will update ESC calibration at no cost.
- Front coil springs (15V629000). About 28,157 2011 Elantras in certain states face coil spring corrosion from road salt that may fracture springs and puncture tires. Hyundai replaces springs free of charge. No immediate driving restrictions apply.
- ABS module (23V651000). Over 1.6 million Elantras and other models face internal brake fluid leaks that can cause electrical shorts and engine compartment fires. Owners are advised to park outside away from structures until repairs. Dealers replace the ABS fuse at no charge. This recall includes a Park Outside advisory but no outright driving prohibition.
- Accessory socket outlet (20V393000). Around 272,126 2011-2012 Elantras may have overheated 12V outlet plugs due to over-tightening disabling thermal fuses, increasing fire risk. Hyundai replaces the wiring harness for the outlet free of charge. No driving limitations issued.
Owners with repeated repairs, unresolved recall issues, or ongoing safety defects may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting a legal professional familiar with lemon law may help understand potential remedies.
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Summary
2011
Model Year
9
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
2291011
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
1649478 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
272126 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
28157 vehicles affected
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
155000 vehicles affected
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
186250 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Complaints
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
ID: 2122814STEERING
When ever I am turning my steering wheel in either direction there is a clicking noise. It started low and now the noise became loud even when I am going over bumps on the road. I went to a reputable certified shop and I am told it is my steering column bushing and I was advised that there is a recall on it but when I further investigate my car I do not see no recall. This is a problem a lot of people are having with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra .
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
ID: 2086644SUSPENSION
Unknown but my car shakes and makes a loud grinding noise
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
ID: 2086643STEERING
Unknown but my car shakes and makes a loud grinding noise
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
ID: 2086642SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown but my car shakes and makes a loud grinding noise
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
ID: 2083167ENGINE
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
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
ID: 2083166ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
ID: 2072133UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No incident. Airbag light came on without incident. Hasn’t gone out. Don’t know why. Haven’t gotten it looked at.
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
ID: 2059728SERVICE BRAKES
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.
2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
ID: 2059727SUSPENSION
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.