RoadVitals

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
32
Latest Jan 14, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Feb 4, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring, most frequently naming the steering, airbags and brakes categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 39 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering1124.4%
  • Airbags817.8%
  • Brakes48.9%
  • Driver assistance48.9%
  • Electrical48.9%
  • Tires & wheels36.7%
  • Powertrain (other)24.4%
  • Fuel system24.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Feb 4, 2020
476,111 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
The risk: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
The remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 188View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Feb 23, 2015
204,768 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist.
The risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 127View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Apr 1, 2013
1,712,336 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Hyundai Motor CompanyManufacturer number 110View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ13004ClosedRecall Query

Headliner Bracket Detachment

Opened Dec 4, 2013
Closed Jun 24, 2014

Hyundai is conducting a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support bracket to the headliner assembly in approximately 35,000 model year (MY) 2010-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles built from December 15, 2009 through May 7, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-310 for more information).These Elantra Touring vehicles have a common headliner bracket design while the earlier MY 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles have a headliner bracket design that utilizes a shorter length bracket which, should it become separated from the headliner, is unlikely to be displaced into the path of the driver or any occupant.During this investigation, ODI identified a MY 2010 subject vehicle in a salvage yard with a deployed driver-side curtain air bag that showed the headliner bracket displaced downward into the driver's window area.Also, during a static side curtain air bag deployment test conducted by Hyundai, the headliner bracket almost completely separated from the headliner.The headliner tested came out of a MY 2010 subject vehicle.Finally, ODI identified two warranty claims on the subject vehicles that indicate potential headliner bracket issues.Warranty records for these claims indicate vehicle owners complaining of noise or rattling coming from the headliner area and Hyundai dealer technicians reported finding brackets that came loose or unglued from the headliner.ODI is not aware of any related injury allegations.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of NHTSA Recall (13V115) influenced by an earlier ODI investigation (EA12-008).EA12-008 involved the same defect issue on MY 2011-2013 Elantra models, and a similar remedy approach was utilized in the 13V115 recall action.Based on the recall action taken by Hyundai, this investigation is closed.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOWLed to recall 14V310000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Jan 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the rear frame had disconnected from the body and landed on the ground. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID
11447491
Incident
Jun 14, 2021
Mileage
50,000 mi
BrakesSteering
Filed Aug 11, 2021

I have a 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring with 2 recalls. I first noticed a problem on 7/25/21 when my Power Steering stopped working all of a sudden. So I Googled the info & discovered that it was a recall: #127 - EPS And, then discovered the other recall: #188 - ABS I contacted Hyundai on Mon 7/26/21 & spoke w/ Tiffany & she started a claim: #18490296. I was told my car would be picked up within 2-3 days & taken to the Hyundai Dealership & all repairs would be done FREE OF CHARGE. As of 8/11/21 it has been a total of 16 days since starting the claim & I have made phone calls every day & documented who I have spoken to. I am getting the runaround & no one can tell me when my car will be picked up & taken to be fixed. (Cust Svc Reps agreed that it shouldn't be taking this long!) I am fed up, frustrated & I don't know what to do from here. I have read that with the recalls, it isn't safe to drive my car & because of these issues. It is costing me time & money being out of work! This is so un-acceptable & I need answers as to what to do & how I'm ever going to get my car repaired?! I'm glad I found your website & I just hope someone can give me some feedback & help in getting this problem resolved! I desperate! So whomever reads this message, I'm begging you Please help me?! Thank You very much!

NHTSA ID
11428762
Incident
Jul 25, 2021
Steering
Filed Apr 14, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA TOURING. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, AN EPS MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO MAKE THE TURN. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE BACK TO THE RESIDENCE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER SOUTH POINT HYUNDAI (4610 S IH 35 FRONTAGE RD, AUSTIN, TX 78745) AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MDTS COMPUTER ERROR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ID
11408138
Incident
Mar 26, 2021
Mileage
115,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 12, 2021

EPS BULB TEST REMAINS ON AFTER IGNITION AND ENGINE RUNNING. NO POWER STEERING PRESENT. RECALL # 127 PERFORMED IN 2016, HOWEVER PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. VEHICLE HAS 51500 MILES, 2009 HYUNDAI TOURING. HYUNDAI USA DID NOT AUTHORIZE DEALER TO REPAIR THIS RECALL AS A CAMPAIGN CODE 02/11/2021. DESPITE ISSUANCE OF HYUNDAI CASE # 17688862 THE CASE MANAGER HAS NOT RESOLVED THIS ISSUE FOR ME TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED. I AM INFORMING THE NATIONAL HWY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN., HEREIN ON THIS DAY 02/12/2021 AS CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS IN DANGER OF CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
11395888
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
Mileage
51,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 15, 2020

I WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR THE ABS BREAKS STATING THAT THERE COULD BE A SHORT CIRCUIT ISSUE AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I CALLED HYUNDAI IN LATE JULY 2020, SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BROKEN WINDOW AND RECALL. UPON LEAVING THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AND NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. IT IS NOW OCTOBER 15, 2020 AND THE PART HAS STILL NOT ARRIVED. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE STATED THAT THEY HAVE APPROXIMATELY 20 PEOPLE WAITING FOR THIS PART AND THEY HAVE ONLY RECEIVED 5 PARTS. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 3 MONTHS. I BELIEVE THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS DONE EVERYTHING THAT THEY CAN BUT HYUNDAI IS LAGGING. I REALLY HOPE THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY CAR DOESN'T CATCH FIRE.

NHTSA ID
11364531
Incident
Jul 28, 2020
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Oct 6, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. WHEN I TURNED THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. IN FACT, THE CAR INCREASED IN SPEED EVEN WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL COMPLETELY OFF. I STEPPED ON THE BREAKS AND IT SLOWED DOWN A BIT, BUT AS SOON AS I STEPPED OFF THE BREAK THE CAR WOULD START TO ACCELERATE. I MADE MY WAY OFF THE EXIT AND PRESSED THE BREAK HARD AND WITH THE HELP WITH EMERGENCY BREAK, I WAS ABLE TO STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE EXIT AND WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE CAR. AS SOON AS I STARTED UP THE CAR AGAIN, THE ENGINE REVVED REAL HIGH. I OPENED THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND SAW THAT PLASTIC ENGINE COVER HAD SPLIT AND THE BROKEN PIECE WAS JAMMING THE THROTTLE CABLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HIGHLY DANGEROUS ISSUE. I'VE INCLUDED PICTURES OF THE BROKEN PART AND WHERE THE BROKEN PART WAS TOUCHING THE THROTTLE.

NHTSA ID
11363043
Incident
Sep 20, 2020
Mileage
135,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 5, 2020

MY ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT, THANKFULLY AS I WAS BACKING OUT MY GARAGE. THE HYUNDAI DEALER SAID THE MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT THE MOTOR IS INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN, SO I NEED A WHOLE NEW COLUMN. THIS RUNS AROUND $1,600 INCLUDING LABOR. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THE ELANTRA. EVEN SOMEONE AT THE DEALER SAID THEY DON'T KNOW WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL. I FEEL LIKE ONE SHOULD BE ISSUED ALTHOUGH IT WOULD BE TOO LATE TO SAVE ME FROM PAYING $1,600. *TR

NHTSA ID
11327358
Incident
Jun 2, 2020
Mileage
115,500 mi
Airbags
Filed May 6, 2020

SRS WARNING LIGHT ON DASH CAME ON 6 MONTHS AGO. I GOT PRICES OF $400-2000 TO REPAIR. DEALER WAS $120 JUST TO DO DIAGNOSTIC. I'VE GOOGLED PROBLEM AND THIS IS COMMON FOR ELANTRA. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHY IS THERE A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ID
11323502
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
155,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

DTN DCS

AIR BAGS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

DTN DL

AIR BAGS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

25-BD-012H TSB

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.

24-BD-001H

VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY/WIPER

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.

23-EM-005H

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

23-BD-007H

STRUCTURE:BODY

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Hyundai Elantra Touring by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013160040.5
2012221145.9
2011293156.3
2010744161.5
2009Viewing323144.9
2008100
2007000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.