The 2009 Hyundai Elantra has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 254 complaints with NHTSA, including 28 crashes, 11 fires, 24 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (135 reports).
2009 Hyundai Elantra recalls
Moisture in ABS Module Can Cause Engine Fire
Moisture can get into the anti-lock brake (ABS) module in these Hyundai vehicles and cause an electrical short inside the module.
Loss of Power Steering Assist Can Raise Crash Risk
Certain 2008-2010 Hyundai Elantra sedans and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring wagons, built between June 2008 and April 2010, may have an electronic power steering control unit that can sense a mismatch in steering input signals.
Most common 2009 Hyundai Elantra problems
Problem areas named in the 254 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 135 |
| Air Bags | 42 |
| Electrical System | 24 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 18 |
| Service Brakes | 18 |
| Engine | 13 |
| Structure | 11 |
| Unknown Or Other | 11 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 10 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 |
What owners report
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module has failed due to moisture intrusion that caused an internal electrical short circuit, destroying the ABS Primary Pressure Sensor. A few days after the vehicle was parked outside during heavy rain, I was driving on a busy highway when it suddenly lost engine power. During this emergency, I had to perform heavy braking and maneuver to the shoulder without engine assist. At the same time, the ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems suddenly disabled completely. This failure is consistent with the safety defect described in NHTSA Campaign 20V-061 (Recall 188), which acknowledges that these ABS modules can permit moisture intrusion. However,
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated during the failure. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to continue driving, although the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, the mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The fa
I am reporting Hyundaiâs failure to complete open Campaign 127/NHTSA Recall 15V-100 on my 2009 Hyundai Elantra. I acquired the vehicle from a family member in late July 2026 after the previous owner died and the vehicle was delayed in probate. I sought recall service immediately after legal transfer. Component/system: The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failed. Power steering assist is completely unavailable. The EPS warning lamp is illuminated and the EPS module reports DTC C1604. The vehicle and EPS system remain at [XXX] Hyundai in [XXX] and are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle was driven from [XXX] to [XXX] during transportation during its transfer to me,
Power steering assist motor stopped working, leaving the car with hard manual steering. Dealer inspection confirms the issue across several year models, inclding my 2009. There were 2 other year models with the same issue in their shop with mine that day. One was 2018. One was a 2023. Car is very difficult to steer around curves at any speed. Warning lamp on dash says "EPS".
My ABS system started smoking while the vehicle was in the off position. Police and fire department showed up. Police report number is 2026151090. I was called outside from the establishment and the emergency services were waiting on me. Corporate is now trying to get me to pay the tow out of pocket. I called the NTSHA holiness but was unable to mention this issue about the towing. Also corporate has stated they will likely not service the vehicle.
2009 Hyundai Elantra questions
Does the 2009 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra: Moisture in ABS Module Can Cause Engine Fire; Loss of Power Steering Assist Can Raise Crash Risk; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Hyundai Elantra?
Based on 254 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (135), Air Bags (42), Electrical System (24).
How do I check if a recall on my 2009 Hyundai Elantra has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.