Home · 2011 Hyundai Elantra Gt · Complaints

What 459 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Elantra Gt

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (459)Crash / fire / injury (31)Engine (96)Airbags (81)Steering (76)Suspension (67)Electrical system (52)Brakes (48)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (37)Transmission & drivetrain (25)Speed control (23)Wheels (20)

Newest first · 459 complaints · page 4 of 19

Jan 25, 2022Engine

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the dealer for an engine failure and after retrieving the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine was again faulty and needed additional repairs. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448842

Nov 3, 2021Steering

Driving on wet roads with all of the play in steering is dangerous, I almost lost control. There is a clunking noise in steering and it is loose.

NHTSA ODI 11439159

Oct 29, 2021Airbags

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer who informed the contact about diagnostic testing. The contact declined the diagnostic fees. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11438670

Oct 18, 2021Steering

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated he received an unknown recall notification for the steering wheel failure; however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the recall repair did not need to be completed on the vehicle. The contact stated the steering wheel became significantly loosened while driving at various speeds and upon starting the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the diagnosis and repair of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11437169

Sep 4, 2021Lights

Brake pedal stopper deterioration. The brake pedal stopper pad deteriorates, allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights stay illuminated, preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of "park" without depressing the brake pedal. Consequently, the risk of a crash increases with either condition. This is an issue Hyundai has had to recall other models/years for! This issue drained my battery completely and I had to pay $60 out of pocket to figure out what was going on. The brake pedal stopper pad is just $1.80 USD at the dealership. Hub Hyundai wanted to charge me $80 initially to install it, when they DID NOT report this problem to me when they "inspected" my car on 08-10-21, I took it to them because of another recall on my vehicle. They supposedly "inspected" my car and gave me a list of repairs "needed" which didn't include this issue. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure occurred. This happened on 08-27-21. It was my neighbor who told me the lights on my car were on all night! I usually don't go out at night, no way to notice they were not turning off. No wonder why my battery got drained!

NHTSA ODI 11431727

Aug 14, 2021Suspension

2011 Hyundai Elantra. Driver side coil spring fractured. I had both front struts/springs replaced. I have all parts. This is a safety issue as the missing piece can cause the vehicle to lose control. Fortunately mine broke as I entered my garage. As my local dealer could not see my car for 7-10 days, I opted for local repair. I brought my documentation and parts to my local dealer for validation. Before I did anything, I verified that there was a recall on this exact issue (number 15V629000). My VIN did not appear nor was I ever notified of the recall. I then began to chase Hyundai for reimbursement. I will attach my communications with them. Basically I was denied as the VIN was not on the list and I was further told that they do not reimburse for non dealer repairs which is incorrect, as I started my process on their campaign website which addresses reimbursement.

NHTSA ODI 11429117

Jul 26, 2021Steering

My steering is lose and makes a popping sound. I was making a left turn and almost hit a car because I did not have full control of my steering wheel. It feels like its lose. July 19, 2021 On Thursday the 22 of July 2021 I had a mechanic come out to check it. He told me it was the Steering Coupling, he also said that there was a recall on that. So I called the Dealership they told me I had just missed it by three months. They want to charge me $500. hundred dollars. I don't have that kind of money. I need to go back to work and I need my car. This is a hardship please help me.

NHTSA ODI 11426476

Jul 21, 2021Steering

Steering wheel is making a noise (rubbing- popping) when steering wheel is turned. Took it in to have it looked was informed that the ESC SYSTEM needed to be repaired and that this is a known issue with Hyundai on the Elantra and other models.

NHTSA ODI 11425788

Jul 12, 2021Airbags

The airbag light goes on and off intermittently. I've not had any accidents or anything so I'm not sure why it's doing this. A lot of people are complaining about the same problem on blogs on the internet. I think this should be a recall and be fixed for free.

NHTSA ODI 11424420

Jul 2, 2021

The engine stopped while driving 60MPH on the highway. All dash symbol lights lit up, the brakes did not work, there was no power, the emergency brake did not work, the hazard lights did not work, loss of steering capabilities and I used the grass and rough roadside to stop the vehicle. Avoiding any accidents.

NHTSA ODI 11423181

Jun 30, 2021Steering

The steering column clicks and pops when you turn wheel. Upon research. I have found this is an issue Hyundai knows about. Has an upgraded replacement part for. But refuses to recall.

NHTSA ODI 11422887

May 26, 2021Lights

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. Upon inspection, it was discovered that all three brake lights were inoperable. The contact replaced the bulbs and the pedal switch however, the failure persisted. In addition, the traction control warning light remains illuminated while operating the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11418602

Apr 11, 2021Engine

ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE, EVEN AFTER ENGINE REPLACEMENT BY CAR REPAIR SHOP, ENGINE TICKS AGAIN. ALL 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S ENGINE TICKS UNNATURALLY.

NHTSA ODI 11407512

Apr 6, 2021Electrical systemEngine

THE BATTERY WON'T CHARGE AND CAUSING THE REMOTES TO KEEP GOING OUT AND I'M UNABLE TO START MY CAR WITH THE PUSH START REMOTE. THE BATTERY AND REMOTES WERE JUST REPLACED IN NOVEMBER 2020 & IT IS NOW GIVING ME THE SAME ISSUES AGAIN. I CAME BACK TO START MY PARKED CAR & IT WON'T START.

NHTSA ODI 11406793

Mar 24, 2021

THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT EVERY MONTH! SINCE THERE'S NO INDICATIONS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT, THE POLICE AND FELLOW DRIVERS ARE THE ONES TO TELL ME THE LIGHTS ARE OUT. NOT SAFE WHEN BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT!

NHTSA ODI 11404728

Mar 13, 2021SteeringSuspensionWheels

I HAVE ALREADY REPORTED MY PROBLEM REGARDING THE RECALL #107096 FOR SUSPENSION FRONT SPRING COIL. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 15V629000; DATE: OCT. 7, 2015 IF A FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES, IT MAY CONTACT THE TIRE, POSSIBLY PUNCTURING IT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH...AND WANTED TO UPDATE SINCE I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED HYUNDAI. THIS WAS THEIR REPLY: CAMPAIGNS AND RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC, THEREFORE, YOUR 2011 ELANTRA MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED IN THE SAME TIME PERIOD AS THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BUT AT A DIFFERENT FACTORY. NOT ALL ELANTRA'S FOR THIS TIME PERIOD WERE RECALLED. ONLY THE AFFECTED VIN'S. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED DURING THE AFFECTED DATES, BUT THEY ARE APPARENTLY ONLY VIN SPECIFIC. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE COIL SPRING FRACTURED...IF OTHERS OUTSIDE THE VIN SPECIFIC ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM MAYBE THEY NEED TO EXPAND THE RECALL FOR THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEMS AND WOULD LIKE TO WARN OTHERS TO GET THIS CHECKED EVEN THOUGH HYUNDAI WILL NOT COVER THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI 11402800

Mar 3, 2021Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE STRUT SPRING FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT STRUT RODS WERE DAMAGED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

NHTSA ODI 11398950

Feb 20, 2021SuspensionWheels

WHILE DRIVING MY HUSBAND HEARD A LOUD POP. IMMEDIATELY THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT FLAT WHICH CAUSED SEVERE LOSS OF CONTROL. THANKFULLY HE WAS ON A LOCAL ROAD WITH NO OTHER CARS AT THE TIME. APPARENTLY A COIL SPRING FRACTURED OFF AND SLASHED THE TIRE. THIS SPRING STILL LOOKED BRAND NEW YET IT JUST SHEERED OFF WHICH MUST BE SOME TYPE OF DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING OF THE PART. WHILE RESEARCHING THIS I FOUND A RECALL #107096 FOR SUSPENSION FRONT SPRING COIL YET MY 2011 ELANTRA DOES NOT SHOW UP FOR THIS RECALL? THIS DEFECT IN THE SPRING COIL COULD HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC EFFECTS IF WE WERE DRIVING FASTER ON HIGHWAY. I HAVEN'T YET BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT HYUNDAI IN REGARDS TO THIS YET BUT YOU SHOULD BE AWARE....THIS DEFECT WHICH COULD BE DEADLY DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES. I NOW HAVE TO PAY $1000 TO REPAIR THE STRUTS AND COILS ON BOTH SIDES. I'M NOT SURE WHY HYUNDAI HAS NOT RECALLED ALL CARS, BUT THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED FOR SAFETY.

NHTSA ODI 11397106

Feb 18, 2021Airbags

AIRBAG LIGHT ON

NHTSA ODI 11396755

Feb 11, 2021Steering

POWER STEERING CLICKING AND GOING OUT. UNSAFE TO DRIVE HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES

NHTSA ODI 11395763

Feb 1, 2021SuspensionEngineFuel system

MY VEHICLE DOESN'T FEEL SAFE AND THIS IS THE SECOND REPORT I MAKE. PLEASE CONTACT ME ABOUT THIS MATTER. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ODI 11390995

Jan 27, 2021SteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED AND A DISTURBING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE FRONT ON MY CAR. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED PROBLEM DESCRIPTION PDF AND ACCOMPANYING PHOTOS.

NHTSA ODI 11390274

Dec 10, 2020Tires

2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 20V-393. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SOLD WITH A COMPRESSOR THEREFORE, COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. *JS

NHTSA ODI 11382696

Dec 7, 2020Electrical systemWheelsEngine

ENGINE HAS TROUBLE STARTING OR STALLS OFTEN. WAS TOLD TO REPLACE WHOLE ENGINE WHEN I WENT IN AWHILE AGO DUE TO ISSUE OF STARTING, NOISE AND OIL LEAK. TPMS SENSOR I THINK IS SHOT TO EVERY TIME I FILL UP AIR IT STILL SUGGESTS ISSUE WITH TIRES. WINDOWS ALSO GET STUCK DOWN OR UP.

NHTSA ODI 11378238

Dec 2, 2020Tires

2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TIRE MOBILITY KIT SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER ARRIVING TO THE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED, THE DEALER STATED THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE.*JS

NHTSA ODI 11375530

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Working with the data? Download all 459 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 Hyundai Elantra Gt verdict →