2011 Hyundai Elantra Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#9 most-complained of 21 Elantra years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has a complaint index of 60, ranking 9th worst out of 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 432 complaints, 5 recalls, and engine problems as the top complaint area at 25% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 432
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 17 / 8
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 32
- 28 city / 38 hwy
Top 2011 Hyundai Elantra problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine109 (25%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires88 (20%)
- Airbags77 (18%)
- Brakes75 (17%)
- Steering74 (17%)
- Electrical System59 (14%)
- Other38 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain21 (5%)
- Fuel System8 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers7 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy in frontal and side-impact crashes at speeds as low as 20 mph, sometimes resulting in severe injuries.
- Some describe airbags deploying much later than the moment of impact, causing head and facial injuries.
- Brake failure is reported during normal deceleration at speeds around 22 to 45 mph, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Sudden unintended acceleration was reported at low speed, resulting in a crash into a fixed object.
- An electrical fire was reported under the hood while the vehicle was stopped, with smoke and fire coming from the engine compartment.
- Structural damage from side-impact crashes led to repeated front axle replacements that owners say did not resolve the issue.
2011 Hyundai Elantra recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- NHTSA 20V393000Jul 2, 2020Other272,126 vehicles
Equipment:electrical
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
- NHTSA 15V871000Dec 23, 2015Brakes155,000 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
Risk: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.
2011 Hyundai Elantra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 32 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Elantra carries a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 60, ranking 9th worst among 21 model years of the Elantra. It has 432 complaints and 5 recalls on file.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, making up 25% of complaints (109 of 432), with a median failure mileage of 78,471 miles.
- Does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2011 Elantra covering brakes, an accessory outlet, electronic stability control sensors, front coil springs, and a headliner support bracket.
- How does the 2011 Elantra compare to other model years?
- The 2011 Elantra's complaint index of 60 is worse than earlier years like 2007 (30) and 2005 (5), but better than 2012 (90) and 2013 (100), which are rated Avoid.
- Did the 2011 Elantra have airbag deployment problems?
- Airbags account for 18% of complaints (77 of 432), with owners reporting non-deployment or delayed deployment during crashes, and a median failure mileage of 99,000.