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)

52 of 459 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 1 of 3

Apr 16, 2025Electrical systemEngine

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

NHTSA ODI 11655110

Mar 26, 2024Electrical systemEngine

Unknown Sensors possibly is the issue

NHTSA ODI 11579468

Feb 7, 2024Electrical systemEngine

They have failed to address the recall in a timely manner. Sep 22,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number251 NHTSA Recall Number23V651000

NHTSA ODI 11570443

Nov 30, 2023Electrical systemBrakesDriver assistance

I have been forced to park my car outside in case it catches on fire due to the faulty brake system that cannot be fixed. This puts my car in danger of vandalism and harsh winter conditions. This is unacceptable that Hyundai has not yet found a way to fix the dangerous brake system!!

NHTSA ODI 11557615

Aug 27, 2023SteeringElectrical systemWheels

My safety was a risk on August 25th as I was driving back home from work. As I was about to make a right turn, the wheel was hard to turn for second which resulted in me making a wider turn. Thankfully no other cars were around. As I parked, the wheel would swing back and forth and make a swishing sound when touched. A couple of weeks prior to the incident, I had a family friend conduct an oil change. I had mention to him about my steering wheel problem and my tire light being on— all of these problems started at the end of July). He said the steering issue is not normal and not good at all since it ruined the front of my tires. He said in order to fix the tires, I would have to get the steering problem checked and fixed first. He and my warranty recommend me to go to a certified mechanic since he didn’t have the tools to properly diagnose and that I can get it fix through my warranty. After going to United Service Automative, the certified mechanic told me that his diagnosis was pointing to errors in the electrical steering wheel system. Unfortunately, I had to pay for the inspection since my warranty said they couldn’t fix it. The certified mechanic recommended me to go to the actual manufacturer/dealer to get it checked. I have made several calls to Lithia Hyundai of Fresno about this issue since August 24th. I talked about to at least 4 employees that this is a safety concern. Answers I got back were “By appointment your car cannot be seen until January 2024…you can walk-in but we cannot guarantee your car will be looked at and can actually sit in the shop for a week or more until we look at it.” I have been also hanged up on twice and had to go through the sales department. No one seems to be taking me serious or taking precautious measures. I will be doing a walk-in on Monday, August 28th, 2023 requesting a safety inspection and how can I get the car fixed since I am still paying off the car.

NHTSA ODI 11540972

Aug 7, 2023Electrical system

Anti theft system failed my 2011 Hyundai Elantra. My column pas peeled. And they was able to use a usb to start my car!

NHTSA ODI 11536840

Jun 28, 2023Electrical systemEngineFuel system

There's a piston slap ,the engine block is damaged to the risk pin bushing ,connecting rods needs replacing the piston slap noise is in the upper end of the engine ,the gas tank want hold gas

NHTSA ODI 11529486

May 2, 2023SteeringElectrical systemAirbags

The power steering stopped working while driving in 2019. The steering wheel jolted 1-2", the EPS light blinked and then remained lit. Maintaining control of the vehicle was strenuous, making it impossible to quickly maneuver, especially at low speeds. Safety of the driver and others on the roadways was negatively impacted by the sudden malfunction. The power steering became intermittent while driving, then completely failed. The vehicle was serviced by a Hyundai dealer/service department for diagnostics, but a diagnosis was inconclusive. To remedy, it was recommended to replace the power steering module. This was done, and it provided temporary resolution. Power steering suddenly became intermittent again. Another diagnostic appointment suggested to replace the entire steering column. This has not been done. There was no warning that the power steering would fail. The vehicle is available for power steering inspection upon request. Electronic issues are persistent, effecting multiple areas of the vehicle. The headlights and taillights have gone out much more frequently than expected. The airbag sensor light has recently illuminated. The Tire pressure sensor blinks, then remains illuminated. The Electronic Stability Control Indicator has been illuminated since the power steering failure. This vehicle has had multiple issues arise, and it has had thousands of dollars of work put into it in an attempt to return it to a safely driving vehicle. It is unacceptable for the manufacturer to sell a car that cannot uphold basic safety standards. There have been multiple recalls for power steering issues on Hyundai's surrounding this 2011 model. Clearly there is an issue that needs to be addressed, and Hyundai needs to be held accountable for their negligence. All owners should be entitled to have their vehicle promptly repaired at no cost, and they should be reimbursed for time and repair costs spent trying to resolve this avoidable issue.

NHTSA ODI 11520103

Nov 4, 2022Electrical systemBrakes

El carro aveces pone los frenos muy duros y no se detiene. El mismo se acelera solo y en otras ocasiones baja las revoluciones hasta apagarse. Aveces comienza a temblar y prende la luz de check. Aún desconozco si ha sido evaluado anteriormente por algún especialista. También el mismo demora en prender algunas veces. Me gustaría saber si el mismo puede ser evaluado por algún y especialista ya que entiendo que no es muy seguro el mismo. Me gustaría saber cuál es el costo de esto para así guardar el presupuesto para el mismo. Le agradeceré me dejen saber. Gracias anticipadas

NHTSA ODI 11492365

Jun 6, 2022Electrical systemEngine

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who diagnosed that the engine and battery needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11467869

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

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 1, 2020Electrical system

2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TMK DIRECT BATTERY CONNECTION HARNESS SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE ISSUES AT THE DEALERSHIP HAVING TO RECALL COMPLETED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PART NEEDED TO BE ORDERED AFTER ARRIVING AND WAITING FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONSUMER SCHEDULED THE RECALL TO BE COMPLETED AT A DIFFERENT DEALER.*JS

NHTSA ODI 11375534

Oct 19, 2020Electrical systemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

WHEN GOING AT LOW SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC CAR SHUTS OFF AFTER PRESSING BREAK TOO MUCH. CAR SHUTS OFF IN REVERSE. CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE MAKING TURNS AND HITTING BREAK SIMULTANEOUSLY. GOING OVER 60 MPH CAUSES CAR TO SHUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES EVERY FEW MINUTES OR EVEN SECONDS. (WORST WAS 9 TIMES IN UNDER 2 MINUTES) CAR SHUTS OFF SLOWING DOWN TO RED LIGHT. HAD CAR CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES BY MECHANICS. NOONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT. NO CODE COMES UP WHEN PLUGGED INTO COMPUTER AT AUTOSHOP. ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE WITH SAME MAKE AND MODEL

NHTSA ODI 11365065

Oct 9, 2020Electrical systemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUNK AND FROM THE DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SHE OPENED THE DOOR, THE AREA FROM HER DASHBOARD ALL THE WAY DOWN TO HER GEARS WAS BURNED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE ARRIVED AND BOTH FILED REPORTS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LET THE VEHICLE SMOKE OUT AND DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V393000 (EQUIPMENT) FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE 12 VOLT ACCESSORY SOCKET LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY STILL AWAITING TO BE TOWED AWAY BY THE MANUFACTURER TO EMAIL A LETTER FOR THE CLAIM TO THE CONTACT. THE DEALER SMART HYUNDAI (1 SMART DRIVE, WHITE HALL, AR 71602 (870) 534-8122) TOLD THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

NHTSA ODI 11363593

May 31, 2020SteeringElectrical system

MY STEERING WHEEL IS SCRUBBING AND HAS FREE PLAY IN IT. IT STARTED WITH FREE PLAY IN IT NOW IT IS SCRUBBING SOMEWHERE. AND MY ODOMETER READING, HORN DOES NOT WORK. *BF

NHTSA ODI 11326661

Jan 30, 2020Electrical systemAirbags

THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN INTO ACCIDENT NOR HAVE THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ODI 11306208

Jan 11, 2020Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

CAR WILL LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING, ON OCCASION IT CAN BE JUMPED / RESTARTED, BUT IT WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AGAIN. HAVE TOWED IT 6 TIMES IN 5 MONTHS. NOW I'M LOOKING FOR AN ENTIRELY NEW ENGINE. SIDE NOTE: YOU CAN'T PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO TOW IT IF THERE IS NO POWER, SO YOU HAVE TO HOPE JUMPER CABLES WILL GET IT ENOUGH POWER TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. NO MANUAL STEERING EITHER, SO WE HAD TO USE A TOW TRUCK SEVERAL TIMES SINCE YOU COULDN'T TURN CORNERS MANUALLY AT ALL THE STEERING WHEEL JUST LOCKS, EVEN WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION.

NHTSA ODI 11298631

Dec 26, 2019Electrical systemLightsFuel system

MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT , THE BATTERY KEEPS DYING AND THE CAR WILL NOT CRANK AFTER YOU PUT GAS IN IT WITH THE IGNITION OFF . I HAVE TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING WHEN I PUMP GAS . MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON AND OFF WHEN IT PLEASES . MY TIRE LIGHT IS USUALLY ALWAYS ON , JUST BEEN HAVING LOTS OF TROUBLE WITH IT HERE RECENTLY

NHTSA ODI 11291408

Sep 13, 2019Electrical system

THE KNOB ON TO TURN ON FAN FOR A/C STARTING TO NOT WORK UNLESS I TUNED IT ON AND OFF. THEN A FEW DAYS AGO, WHILE I WAS IDLING IN A PARKING LOT, THE KNOB GOT STUCK WITH THE A/C ON. I STARTED TO SMELL BURNING & WHEN I TRIED TO TURN IT OFF THE KNOB CAME OFF AND I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM WHERE THE KNOB WAS. I TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE, REMOVED THE FUSE FOR THE A/C AND DROVE HOME. WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE IT AND REMOVE THE OLD ONE, I NOTICED THAT THE PLUG THAT CONNECTS TO THE CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT IS ALSO BURNED. THE PLUG AND THE WIRES CONNECTED TO IT LEAD TO A BUNCH OF WIRES THAT ARE WIRED TOGETHER. AT THIS POINT, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE, EVEN THOUGH THE FUSE FOR THE CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT ISN'T IN. IF I LEAVE THE UNIT DISCONNECTED, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE BY HAZARDS. IF I HADN'T REMOVED THE FUSE OR IF I HAD BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY THE CAR MAY HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE REPLACING THIS PART. MAYBE IT COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11255216

Dec 26, 2018Electrical systemAirbagsEngine

TAKATA RECALL: WE HAVE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO GET INSPECTED DUE TO ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF AND HAVE HAD TO MAKE PAYMENTS ABOUT DIFFERENT FIXES THAT WOULD APPARENTLY HELP ONLY TO NOTICE NO CHANGE AND THE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK WITHIN DAYS OR WEEKS AND COME ON AND OFF . THERE IS A SUDDEN CHANGE IN THE WAY THE VEHICLE DRIVES AFTER THE LIGHT COMES ON, AND THEN GOES AWAY. THIS NORMALLY HAPPENED IN FREEWAYS.

NHTSA ODI 11163605

Oct 25, 2018Electrical systemLightsElectronic Stability Control (esc)

THE CAR SENSORS KEEP GOING UP. THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR IS NOT SENDING A SIGNAL THAT THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WHEN PULL OUT ON TO A STREET OR HIGHWAY AND PRESS THE ACCELERATOR SOMETIMES MY CAR WILL STALL OR DROP SPEED. I FEAR SOMEONE WILL END UP RUNNING INTO THE BACK OF ME. WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR WILL STALL OR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. ALSO THE CAR HEADLIGHTS AND TAILS TIGHT BULBS BLOW WITHIN 4 OR 5 DAYS AFTER PUTTING NEW BULBS IN. THE CAM SENSOR FOR THE BACK UP CAMERA DOES NOT WORK AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI 11142631

Oct 17, 2018Electrical systemAirbagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)

GOT MY 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN 2017 AT 94K MILES. AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, ESC LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR APPROX. 6-8 WEEKS. ALSO, NONE OF THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WORK. NONE OF THE CONTROLS HAVE WORKED SINCE I GOT THE CAR. NO CRUISE CONTROL, I CAN'T RESET MY TRIP ODOMETER, I CAN'T CONTROL THE VOLUME FOR MY RADIO, NOR CAN I CONTROL THE BLUETOOTH FOR MY HANDS FREE USAGE. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WOULD BE A FEE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM LOOKED AT, BUT SAW A HYUNDAI MECHANIC BY CHANCE IN A GAS STATION AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CLOCK SPRING COULD BE FAULTY. THIS IS AN ISSUE, ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUTERS LIKE MYSELF. ALSO, MPG HAS DRASTICALLY DECREASED. WAS GETTING ALMOST 35 MPG, NOW IT'S ONLY ABOUT 25 MPG.

NHTSA ODI 11141064

Oct 8, 2018Electrical systemEngine

POSSIBLE CRANKSHAFT ANGLE SENSOR FAILURE. CAR WILL NOT START PROPERLY OR STALLS AFTER STARTING AND SHIFTING GEARS. NEW BATTERY INSTALLED 9/29/2018. NO SPARK PLUGS OR ALTERNATOR ISSUES NOTED AFTER MECHANICAL TESTING. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AS MOST MECHANICS CANNOT LOCATE THE ISSUE IN TESTING.

NHTSA ODI 11139063

Sep 13, 2018Electrical systemEngine

VEHICLE RANDOMLY DOES NOT START. WHEN KEY IS TURNED TO POSITION ONE LIGHTS, RADIO, WINDOWS, INDICATOR LIGHTS ALL WORK AS EXPECTED. WHEN KEY IS TURNED TO START THE ENGINE NOTHING HAPPENS. THE ENGINE DOES NOT TURNOVER OR EVEN ATTEMPT TO TURNOVER. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED IN APRIL 2018. AT THAT TIME I HAD THE ALTERNATOR AND STARTER CHECKED BOTH WERE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE IT HAS ALWAYS STARTED, EVENTUALLY; IT CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 2 MINUTES TO 30+ MINUTES FOR THE ENGINE TO ENGAGE. WHEN IT FIRST STARTED OCCURRING IT HAPPENED PRETTY OFTEN. PRIOR TO LAST FRIDAY IT HAD BEEN A COUPLE MONTHS SINCE IT TOOK MORE THAN 30 MINUTES TO START. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC YESTERDAY. AGAIN STARTER, BATTERY, ALTERNATOR ARE ALL FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE MECHANIC MENTIONED THAT THIS MODEL IS KNOWN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION AND THAT I SHOULD CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY MAY KNOW WHAT IT IS EXACTLY. I'VE CALLED TWO DEALERSHIPS TODAY, BOTH SAY THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IGNITION PROBLEMS IN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11129291

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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 →