SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
2009 Hyundai Elantra
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 250 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra, most frequently naming the steering, airbags and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 44 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2019 | 3 | 156 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 157 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 158 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 159 |
| Jun 2019 | 2 | 161 |
| Jul 2019 | 2 | 163 |
| Aug 2019 | 3 | 166 |
| Sep 2019 | 5 | 171 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 172 |
| Nov 2019 | 2 | 174 |
| Dec 2019 | 2 | 176 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 177 |
| Feb 2020 | 3 | 180 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 181 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 182 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 183 |
| Oct 2020 | 3 | 186 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 187 |
| Jan 2021 | 2 | 189 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 191 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 192 |
| May 2021 | 2 | 194 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 195 |
| Aug 2021 | 2 | 197 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 198 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 199 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 200 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 201 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 202 |
| Apr 2022 | 2 | 204 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 205 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 206 |
| Jul 2022 | 2 | 208 |
| Aug 2022 | 2 | 210 |
| Sep 2022 | 3 | 213 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 214 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 215 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 216 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 218 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 219 |
| Jul 2023 | 3 | 222 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 223 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 224 |
| Oct 2023 | 3 | 227 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 228 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 229 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 230 |
| Apr 2024 | 3 | 233 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 234 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 235 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 236 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 238 |
| Oct 2024 | 3 | 241 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 242 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 243 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 244 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 245 |
| Mar 2026 | 2 | 247 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 248 |
| Aug 2026 | 2 | 250 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Steering13042.8%
- Airbags4213.8%
- Driver assistance289.2%
- Brakes268.6%
- Electrical247.9%
- Engine134.3%
- Body & structure113.6%
- Powertrain (other)72.3%
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
4 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.govSTEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
My ABS system started smoking while the vehicle was in the off position. Police and fire department showed up. Police report number is 2026151090. I was called outside from the establishment and the emergency services were waiting on me. Corporate is now trying to get me to pay the tow out of pocket. I called the NTSHA holiness but was unable to mention this issue about the towing. Also corporate has stated they will likely not service the vehicle.
- NHTSA ID
- 11754667
- Incident
- Aug 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the TPMS and powertrain warning lights illuminated, but the vehicle drove normally. The contact stated that a month later, while the vehicle was parked and turned off, a pedestrian saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact arrived at the scene, and the Police and Fire Department were already on scene. The contact stated that a fireman entered the vehicle and opened the hood, and disconnected the battery. A Police report was filed. The contact inspected the vehicle, reconnected the battery, and there was smoke coming from the ABS module inside the engine compartment. The contact then disconnected the battery. The battery was later reconnected, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact arrived at the residence and removed the ABS fuse, and the smoke ceased. The vehicle was taken to an auto shop where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P0441 (EVAP system incorrect purge flow). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11754662
- Incident
- Jul 1, 2026
- Mileage
- 168,000 mi
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown recall with a similar description of the failure was completed in 2023. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11753249
- Incident
- Nov 13, 2023
- Mileage
- 118,000 mi
Vehicle has a major problem steering down the road as I am traveling, its also makes loud clicks while turning left or right, also if freezing up and getting stiff along the way, The item that's causing this problem is call EPS , my light will not go out on its own, My local dealership will not honor the warranty or the recall stated it was repair ed I am the 2 or 3 owner of said vehicle, I can see where it show data update March 30 2026 , , It was never fix and Bentley Hyundai in Huntsville Alabama, will not honor this recall for my vehicle,
- NHTSA ID
- 11728159
- Incident
- Feb 10, 2026
NHTSA 20V-061 (Hyundai 188): ABS/HECU Module NHTSA 15V-100 (Hyundai 127): Electric Power Steering (EPS) NHTSA 13V-113 (Hyundai 110): Brake Light Switch
- NHTSA ID
- 11725527
- Incident
- Feb 6, 2026
Taylor Hyundai of Findlay FAILED too complete these recalls. X3 times !
- NHTSA ID
- 11695102
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2025
Got in the car to come home put the key in ignition turned it and battery was dead went to turn off and something popped and cloud of smoke started rolling out from underneath the hood once hood was up the smoke got stronger from behind the motor the battery we had to get the battery unplugged and pulled out to get the electricity out the vehicle because of the battery being dead but sill plugged up at the time it would continue smoking more and more and thicker thicker so My husband pulled the battery out immediately as doing so we both inhaled some smoke but we was more concerned about it catching on fire so we pulled through it . We are confused on how or why this happened nothing has broke or went wrong with my vehicle but serpentine belt brake and tire ware my mother had car inspected and service back in May nothing was said that there is or will be wrong with my car. We had no idea that there was anything wrong no warning lights no signs of any problems up to this incident.
- NHTSA ID
- 11682757
- Incident
- Aug 24, 2025
During a car accident yesterday. Upon impact at about 30 mph the seatbelt ripped and provided no deceleration during a head on collision. If it wasn’t for the airbag I would have been very seriously injured. It has not yet been inspected by insurance but I have a few videos of the failure for the seatbelt to work.
- NHTSA ID
- 11661164
- Incident
- May 14, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 53.0 |
| 2024 | 52 | 1 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 2023 | 92 | 2 | 0 | 55.1 |
| 2022 | 97 | 5 | 1 | 59.8 |
| 2021 | 129 | 6 | 2 | 62.9 |
| 2020 | 242 | 3 | 0 | 60.4 |
| 2019 | 246 | 1 | 0 | 49.9 |
| 2018 | 280 | 0 | 0 | 45.4 |
| 2017 | 762 | 4 | 1 | 58.6 |
| 2016 | 290 | 2 | 1 | 61.8 |
| 2015 | 260 | 3 | 2 | 63.3 |
| 2014 | 381 | 2 | 2 | 60.5 |
| 2013 | 1,310 | 4 | 4 | 63.1 |
| 2012 | 651 | 4 | 4 | 62.5 |
| 2011 | 432 | 5 | 3 | 58.2 |
| 2010 | 379 | 3 | 1 | 61.9 |
| 2009Viewing | 250 | 4 | 1 | 64.6 |
| 2008 | 314 | 7 | 2 | 64.9 |
| 2007 | 266 | 6 | 3 | 63.2 |
| 2006 | 155 | 1 | 0 | 46.1 |
| 2005 | 137 | 4 | 0 | 59.8 |
| 2004 | 182 | 5 | 1 | 60.7 |
| 2003 | 234 | 5 | 2 | 62.5 |
| 2002 | 342 | 6 | 3 | 64.6 |
| 2001 | 315 | 6 | 3 | 67.3 |
| 2000 | 197 | 1 | 0 | 47.4 |
| 1999 | 128 | 2 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 1998 | 55 | 0 | 0 | 40.9 |
| 1997 | 115 | 3 | 1 | 58.8 |
| 1996 | 100 | 3 | 2 | 59.3 |
| 1995 | 112 | 1 | 2 | 56.6 |
| 1994 | 76 | 2 | 2 | 64.1 |
| 1993 | 24 | 0 | 2 | 44.0 |
| 1992 | 29 | 0 | 2 | 46.4 |
| 1991 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1990 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
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.