This page covers 5 recalls, 431 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.
32 mpg combined
7.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints about the 2011 Elantra spread fairly evenly across three systems: engine, airbags, and steering. On the engine side, owners frequently report knocking or ticking noises under acceleration, often traced by mechanics to internal engine wear or piston-related issues. Airbag complaints cluster around the passenger seat occupant sensor, with owners reporting that the airbag warning light stays on or that the system flags an adult-occupied seat as empty or unoccupied. Steering draws the third-largest share of reports, with owners describing clicking, popping, or grinding noises when turning the wheel, sometimes also present when going over bumps. A smaller but recurring thread involves brake line corrosion, owners report brake lines rusting through and losing the ability to hold fluid, an issue that appears more often in complaints from higher-rust-belt regions.
431
Total Complaints
17
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the electronic stability control system, which can apply the brakes on one or more wheels without warning and cut engine power, raising the risk of losing control.
A separate but related recall covers the same stability control system, where a faulty yaw sensor can trigger the ESC warning light and cause the same unintended braking and power reduction. There is also a fire risk: the 12-volt accessory outlet may have been over-tightened during assembly, which can disable its thermal fuse and allow the socket to overheat during extended use, such as running the included tire inflator. On the structural side, a headliner support bracket can shift out of position when a side curtain airbag deploys in a crash and strike an occupant, potentially causing a laceration. Finally, front coil springs on certain vehicles, particularly those registered in northern and midwestern states where road salt is common, can fracture and contact the tire, which may puncture it and lead to a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, disabling the thermal fuse. This allows the outlet to overheat during prolonged use, such as when using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty yaw sensor in the electronic stability control system can trigger the ESC warning light and cause unwanted activation of stability control, reducing engine power and applying brakes to individual wheels unexpectedly.
What the fix does
The dealer will check the yaw sensor operation and install updated software to fix the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A malfunction in the electronic stability control sensor can cause unexpected brake application on one or more wheels and engine power reduction, indicated by an ESC warning light.
What the fix does
Dealers will check ESC sensor operation and update the ESC system calibration at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Road salt can corrode the front coil springs, causing them to crack or break.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front coil springs at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The support bracket holding the headliner can shift out of place when the side curtain airbag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner to secure the bracket in position.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
