2010 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Hyundai Elantra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering19540.5%
- Electrical4810.0%
- Airbags469.5%
- Brakes398.1%
- Driver assistance347.1%
- Powertrain (other)316.4%
- Body & structure224.6%
- Engine204.1%
- Suspension112.3%
- Seat belts71.5%
- Interior & seats61.2%
- Fuel system61.2%
- Exterior lighting51.0%
- Other / unspecified51.0%
- Visibility40.8%
- Tires & wheels20.4%
- Transmission10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The contact researched and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting), 15V100000 (Steering) and 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repairs were unable to be completed because the required tools were unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Vehicle developed clunking noise in the steering. Was told it was coupler issue. The dealership, Nlorthbay Hyundai, in Petaluma, California, was negligent in the replacement, creating a grinding metal on metal noise, and damaged the steering column as well. The Dealership refused failed to correct the damage and attempted to defraud me over $3,000 for an entirely new steering column, and refuse to honor promised repair warranty despite their own negligence that created the damage. I found out that Hyundai models including mine have coupler issues involving recalls, years ago. I was not aware of this, and so not sure if my vehicle was part of the recall. However, Hyundai Motor America failed to notify me to take my vehicle in for a safety check for the vehicle coupler. And while I found that that my vehicle qualified for an extended warranty due to the recall, HMA so lacking in responsibility, sound business and moral ethics, let alone serious concern for my safety, claims that my vehicle is past the extended warranty by a completely insignificant mileage. As far as am concerned my vehicle is not safe to drive, and it remains at the dealership while I exhaust all avenues to have my car fixed. I have documents including clear repair notes and service request documents to support my complaint. Complaint being filed against both the dealership, Northbay Hyundai and the manufacturer, Hyundai Motor America.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The EPS light started coming on intermittently back in Nov. 2025 and power steering became very difficult. I could get it to reset by turning off the car and turning steering wheel all the way to right and then left and then back to center and restart. The steering ability returned but the light eventually came back on. I had Firestone look at this in Nov. and they recalibrated but advised if problem returned that I should contact dealer due to recall for 2010 Elantras for same issue. The light came back on this weekend. I note the recall is for Elantras manufactured through April 30, 2010. My car was manufactured June 20, 2010…. 6 weeks after the dates of the recalled models. Clearly this issue is affecting my car also. I plan to call the dealer and try to get them to look at it and see if they will repair under the recall… but I wanted to report this to you also since is affecting models outside the original recall dates.
vehicle caught on fire under apt complex carport causing extensive damage to property and 2 other vehicles.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system, crash sensors, or airbag control module may have malfunctioned or failed to operate properly. Photos documenting the damage are available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident for potential safety defects involving: * Airbag non-deployment * Crash sensor failure * SRS system malfunction * Airbag control module defects I am also requesting review of whether similar complaints or investigations exist involving this Hyundai model or related vehicles.
On Sept 12th of this year I was involved in a multiple rollover with my Hyundai elantra and not one single airbag deployed nor did my seatbelt tighten up to keep me from moving around as much. Due to this I suffered a fractured vertabrae.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The contact researched and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting), 15V100000 (Steering) and 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repairs were unable to be completed because the required tools were unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in direction with the ABS warning light illuminated. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, but the failure reoccurred. Recently, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was restarted, but failed to self-correct. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 85,000. The VIN was not available.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system, crash sensors, or airbag control module may have malfunctioned or failed to operate properly. Photos documenting the damage are available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident for potential safety defects involving: * Airbag non-deployment * Crash sensor failure * SRS system malfunction * Airbag control module defects I am also requesting review of whether similar complaints or investigations exist involving this Hyundai model or related vehicles.
The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the accelerator pedal and brake pedal failed to respond. The vehicle began spinning and crashed into an embankment. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her residence. There were no reported injuries: air bag deployment, police report or fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
You did a recall for the power steering when I check to see if my vehicle is part of the recall the information said no. You need to change this because I've always had issues with my power steering locking up and being unable to turn. This has happened to me on more than one occasion. The EPS light is always on and the dealership is no help at all. I need this to be taken care of.
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, the engine continued to rev. The vehicle was shifted into neutral(N) and turned off. While driving at low speeds approaching a stop sign, the engine revved up. The contact shifted the vehicle to neutral(N) and turned the vehicle off and then shifted to park(P); however, the vehicle continued to move while the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure and the contact was provided the cost to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: DP21003 (Vehicle Speed Control). The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The consumer stated he had to get rid of the vehicle because the problem had gotten worse.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system, crash sensors, or airbag control module may have malfunctioned or failed to operate properly. Photos documenting the damage are available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident for potential safety defects involving: * Airbag non-deployment * Crash sensor failure * SRS system malfunction * Airbag control module defects I am also requesting review of whether similar complaints or investigations exist involving this Hyundai model or related vehicles.
HYUNDAI ELANTRA SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. IT HAD BEEN 6 HOURS SINCE IT WAS LAST DRIVEN.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and the engine seized. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to start the vehicle, he heard a rattling sound coming from the engine. There were no warnings light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed, and an undisclosed part connected to the timing belt had detached and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that because the NHTSA had not completed the investigation into the failure, a recall was not issued. The approximate failure mileage was 99,500.
vehicle caught on fire under apt complex carport causing extensive damage to property and 2 other vehicles.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear lower control arm detached from subframe while highway driving. Lost control of vehicle. The problem has been an issue for Sonata and Azera however not for Elantra when the same thing happened. The component has not been inspected yet. There were no warning lights. Happened suddenly. Is available for inspection. Subframe became corroded from road salt. VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME. That’s exactly what happened.
On July 25, 2023, I was driving in our town when I heard a noise coming from the rear of the car. I was very close to a repair facility that I sometimes use, so I slowly drove there. They looked at the car and showed me that the rear driver-side wheel was about to fall off. They then raised the car in the shop and told me that the rear upper-control arm had rusted through and broken, causing the wheel to break off. They showed me a photo of this. I was also told that had this happened on a highway at a higher speed, there could have been fatalities because control of the car would have been seriously affected. I contacted Hyundai about this and they told me to take to a dealer to be looked at. I refused to pay for this inspection and I now do not trust Hyundai.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I am driving with my seatbelt on for no reason at all my seatbelt comes undone doesn't happen all the time but Several times it has happened to me. And then there is something wrong with the transmission. Doesn't shift right away so it like jerks or lunges when it finally goes into gear. I have noticed both of these problems since 2/28/2025
EPS or Electric Power Steering stoped working in the middle of the intersection when I tried to turn left. Vehicle became uncontrollable and I had to stop in the middle of the intersection. Everyone started honking and several lights changed before someone approached and helped me just to park the vehicle right after the intersection. There was no lights or any warning that this will happen. I was lucky not to get injured because of this car malfunction. I contacted Hyundai and they confirmed there was recall with that particular problem! Recall numbers 931 and 127. But since than they are very unprofessional and not interested in fixing this issue! I feel like they have 0% interest in helping their customers! Second issue that persists for longer time are seatbelts. They pop open in random moments of driving! They don’t stay locked the whole drive and I feel unsafe in my Hyundai! I called Hyundai the same day ( May 20th) I almost crashed because of well known recall on bad design EPS , and today August 10th , other than exchanging few emails, they didn’t help me at all! I’m really disappointed with Hyundai safety and customer care, and I don’t recommend to anyone to buy and own Hyundai !
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR OVERHEAD DOME LIGHT FAILED TO TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-633-5151 AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 10339622. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON WHILE DRIVING ON ROUGH ROAD ON HWY APPX. 59K MILES. HAD PASSENGER IN CAR APPX 200 LBS. TOOK TO DEALER AT 60,500 MILES. IS EITHER A FAULTY SEAT BRACKET $2500+ TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT OR DAMAGED SRS MODULE $1000+, OR POSSIBLY BOTH. DEALER RECOMMENDS BRING CAR IN FOR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TO REMOVE SEAT AN CENTER CONSOLE $300+ IN LABOR JUST FOR THAT. MY WARRANTY CONVENIENTLY EXPIRED AT 60K. DEALER COULD NOT GUARANTEE A 500 MILE EXTENSION TO MY WARRANTY SO I WILL NOT BE PROCEEDING WITH REPAIRS. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICE FROM HYUNDAI, I DID NOTHING WRONG TO MY CAR, THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR SLAMS AND SHIFTS TO 3RD GEAR OVER 60 MILES IN MOTION AND FREEZES AT THAT SPEED. ADVANCED TESTS HAVE BEEN DON FULL TRANSMICION AND OTHER TESTS HAVE BEEN TESTED AND NO CAUSE HAS BEEN FOUND DIFFERENT CODES COME UP LIKE 734, ALL PIECES WORKING PROPERLY AND I CHANCHED TO NEW ONES AN ISSUE CONTINUES
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON UPON RESEARCH I FOUND OUT IT COULD BE THE EVAP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM PRES SENSOR LOW IT IS UNKOWN AS TO WHAT ELSE THIS ENCOMPASSES
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The contact researched and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting), 15V100000 (Steering) and 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repairs were unable to be completed because the required tools were unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
My brake lights are not going off when I take my foot off of the brake pedal. I have had to start disconnecting the battery cable so it will not drain the battery. I stop lamp switch replaced when it was recalled. And the steering wheel tilt does not stay in the high spot it falls to the lowest position.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
On July 25, 2023, I was driving in our town when I heard a noise coming from the rear of the car. I was very close to a repair facility that I sometimes use, so I slowly drove there. They looked at the car and showed me that the rear driver-side wheel was about to fall off. They then raised the car in the shop and told me that the rear upper-control arm had rusted through and broken, causing the wheel to break off. They showed me a photo of this. I was also told that had this happened on a highway at a higher speed, there could have been fatalities because control of the car would have been seriously affected. I contacted Hyundai about this and they told me to take to a dealer to be looked at. I refused to pay for this inspection and I now do not trust Hyundai.
MY WIFE OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND THE COMPLAINT I'VE GOT IS ABOUT THE LUG NUTS. I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE PADS, BRAKE SHOES AND ROTORS. THE FIRST PROBLEM I RAN INTO ON THIS PROJECT WAS THAT THE LUG NUTS WERE SO RUSTED THAT THE LUG WRENCH SUPPLIED WITH THE CAR WOULDN'T FIT OVER THEM - THE CHROME PLATING ON THE NUTS HAD DETERIORATED ALLOWING RUST TO BUILT UP UNDERNEATH THE PLATING SO THAT THE WRENCH WOULDN'T FIT. (I THOUGHT OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD TO CHANGE FLAT TIRES ON THE ROAD AND WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET THE FLAT TIRES OFF.) I CALLED THE DEALER TO SEE IF NEW LUG NUTS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY SAID NO, THAT THEY'D GIVE ME A 'DEAL' OF $10/NUT - AROUND $200 TO REPLACE ALL THEM ON THE CAR! I STILL HAVE THE RUSTED LUG NUTS ON THE CAR BUT CARRY AN ADDITIONAL WRENCH THAT WILL FIT OVER THEM. I DID MANAGE TO REPLACE ALL THE PARTS, INCLUDING RUSTED AND WARPED ROTORS MENTIONED IN SOME OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I'VE SEEN BUT CAUTION ANYONE WHO PLANS TO TACKLE THIS JOB TO BE PREPARED FOR A GRUELING JOB.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DOOR HANDLE DEFECTIVE. MIRROR DEFECTIVE
EARLIER THIS SUMMER MY FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW, DRIVER CONTROL WOULD ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN BUT NOT UP, THEN ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW IT IS VERY PUZZLING HOW THE DRIVER CONTROL WILL LOWER THE INVOLVED WINDOWS, BUT ITS AS IF THE DRIVER CONTROLS ARE DEAD WHEN TRYING TO ROLL UP??? BUT IF YOU USE THE UP SWITCH ON THE DOOR THE WINDOW IS ASSOCIATED WITH THEY WORK BOTH WAYS. RISKY IN SOME OF THE AREAS I HAVE TO TRAVEL FOR WORK TO REACH OVER OR BEHIND YOU TO PUT UP WINDOWS! HAD ANYONE EXPERIENCED THESE PROBLEMS? *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT 4 MICHELIN TIRES ON 11/02/2012. A 90,000 MILE TIRE. < 40,000 MILES 2 OF THE 4 TIRES HAVE UNEXPLAINED WEARING AND 1 TIRE HAS A BUBBLE. MICHELIN DEFENDER XT 195/65R15 (GREEN X)90,000 MILE WEAR. THE CAR AND TIRES ARE SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS. *TR
TIRE BLEW INTO SHRED'S CAUSING VEHICLE TO HIT CURB AND ME TRYING TO SWERVE TO AVOID IT COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL FAST ENOUGH $10,100 LATER IN DAMAGES AT MY OWN INSURANCE COST A HURT SHOULDER THAT I CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE INCHING INTO MY GARAGE WITH MY FOOT NOT ON THE GAS, MY 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND RAN INTO MY GARAGES BACK WALL BEFORE I COULD BREAK. *KB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .