The South Korean giant, Hyundai has come a long way in shaping itself as a brand that makes reliable and affordable vehicles. The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that features some reliable hardware and also provides users with a comfortable layout. Hyundai has managed to sell over 186,000 units of this sedan. In most cases, high sales volume and a high number of complaints co-exist, and as a result, NHTSA has recorded a total of 390 complaints with 7 recalls. Users of the Elantra have mostly faced airbag errors and steering assembly issues, both of which are easy to fix. Hyundai faces competition from cars like the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla, and the corporate cousin, the Kia Forte.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
- Fuse box – The user turned the key in the ignition to the on position but the car failed to start. After spending some time trying to jiggle the shifter and unlocking the car again, the car managed to start. The user drove to the dealer where the issue was inspected and found to be a poor fuse box connection. The connectors were replaced and secured to resolve the issue.
- Brake lights – It was addressed by a fellow driver on the highway that the brake lights were not being engaged while slowing the car down. This can cause another vehicle to rear end and cause injuries. The vehicle was inspected by the dealers and it was said that the brake light switch needed to be replaced.
Mechanical Problems
- Engine – The users reported seeing the engine warning light flash and it was said that the car would produce a knocking noise while accelerating. The car was driven to the mechanics where it was said that the timing chain and the crankshaft sensor need to be replaced. Doing so resolved the issue and the engine felt refined.
- Fuel system – The contact reached the destination and exited the car after parking. They were able to get a strong odor of gas from around the car. The contact took a peek under the car and was able to find gas leaking. The vehicle was towed to a dealer nearby and it was found that the gas system had corroded, leading to the leak. The affected parts had to be replaced.
- Transmission – The users reported that the gear shifts felt lagged and would also slip at times. The car was inspected by the dealers and they stated there was a transmission fluid leak that Hyundai was addressing through a recall. Unfortunately, the user had to wait until the official notification was received.
- Brakes – Users found the braking power of the car to have reduced and an individual mechanic stated it to be brake wear. The user stated it to be premature wear and took the car to the dealers who replaced the brake pads and also resurfaced the rotors. This was said to be normal and online research stated this to be a common concern among owners.
- Steering – It was reported that the steering wheel would stick towards one side, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The car had to be towed to the dealer where a thorough inspection was conducted to find out that the steering column assembly had to be replaced.
Safety Problems
- Airbags – The airbag lights were said to always stay on and this meant that they were disabled. Dealers looked into the issue and found the airbag ECU needed to be replaced.
Miscellaneous Problems
- Spare tire – The users complained about the Elantra being sold without a spare tire and also stated that there was no jack provided by the dealer.
2011 Hyundai Elantra recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
2nd July 2020 |
20V393000 |
Accessory power outlet may overheat. |
The 12V accessory socket may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use |
Dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory plug with a direct to battery connection wire harness kit. |
|
2. |
4th February 2020 |
20V061000 |
ABS module may short circuit. |
An electrical short circuit in the ABS module may cause an engine compartment fire. |
Dealers will install a relay in the vehicle’s main junction box. |
|
3. |
23rd December 2015 |
15V871000 |
ESC malfunction may cause loss of control. |
Control of the vehicle may be lost if the brakes are inappropriately applied brakes. |
Dealers will update the ESC system calibration. |
|
4. |
7th October 2015 |
15V629000 |
Front coil springs may fracture. |
The road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly fracturing the coil springs. |
The front coil springs will be replaced. |
|
5. |
10th June 2014 |
14V310000 |
Headliner support bracket may cause injury. |
Affected vehicles have a support bracket attached to the headliner that may become disabled during airbag deployment. |
Dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner. |
|
6. |
1st April 2013 |
13V113000 |
Stop lamp switch may function intermittently. |
Failure to illuminate the brake lights when trying to stop can lead the vehicles behind to cause a rear-end collision. |
Dealers will replace the stop light switch. |
|
7. |
1st April 2013 |
13V115000 |
Headliner support bracket may cause injury. |
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with the occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury. |
Adhesive strips will be applied to the headliner. |
Should you buy the 2011 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is a sedan that has been able to prove itself to be reliable. The car did initially roll out of the assembly line with a few major concerns but Hyundai addressed them by putting out an extensive list of recalls. There definitely are strong Japanese contenders in the segment that are known for their reliability but Hyundai has managed to provide the better package overall at a slightly discounted price in comparison. We do recommend getting the engine health diagnosed and also checking if there is corrosion on the gas system as it could result in a fluid leak. If all the pointers are taken care of, the Hyundai Elantra is one of the best this money can buy.
