2011 Hyundai Elantra Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

5 safety recalls on file

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 433 complaints with NHTSA, including 17 crashes, 8 fires, 10 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (92 reports).

5Recalls
433Owner complaints
17Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Elantra?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2011 Hyundai Elantra recalls

ABS Module Can Leak Fluid and Short Out, Causing Fire Risk

Recall 23V651Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehicles affected

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module in these Hyundai vehicles may leak brake fluid internally.

12V Outlet May Overheat and Cause a Fire

Recall 20V393Jul 2, 2020272,126 vehicles affected

The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation.

Brakes May Apply Unexpectedly, Risking Loss of Control

Recall 15V871Dec 23, 2015155,000 vehicles affected

Certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built between October 29, 2010, and October 25, 2011, may have an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction.

Corroded Front Springs Can Fracture and Puncture Tires

Recall 15V629Oct 7, 201528,157 vehicles affected

Road salt can corrode the front coil springs on certain 2011 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata vehicles.

Air Bags:Side/Window; Structure

Recall 13V115Apr 1, 2013186,250 vehicles affected

Most common 2011 Hyundai Elantra problems

Problem areas named in the 433 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine92
Air Bags77
Steering75
Suspension67
Electrical System51
Unknown Or Other34
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)34
Service Brakes28
Power Train21
Wheels18

What owners report

2026-09-28, Steering
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.
2026-08-05, Steering
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 available for inspection at any time by the manufacturer, police, insurance or other. There are
2026-02-10, Engine
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.
2026-01-13, Service Brakes
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 underbody coating on these Hyundai vehicles can cause brake line failure and the failure of other
2026-01-12, Air Bags
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 insurance adjuster noted that the lack of deployment was unexpected given the severity and nature of the

2011 Hyundai Elantra safety rating

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2011 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWDNot ratedn/an/an/a

2011 Hyundai Elantra questions

Does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra: ABS Module Can Leak Fluid and Short Out, Causing Fire Risk; 12V Outlet May Overheat and Cause a Fire; Brakes May Apply Unexpectedly, Risking Loss of Control; Corroded Front Springs Can Fracture and Puncture Tires; Air Bags:Side/Window; Structure. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra?

Based on 433 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (92), Air Bags (77), Steering (75).

How do I check if a recall on my 2011 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.

Other Hyundai Elantra years

Other 2011 Hyundai models