MotorDeets

2011 Hyundai Elantra: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 Hyundai Elantra: 5 recalls, 433 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.

5vehicle recalls
433owner complaints
17mention a crash
32best combined mpg
2011 Hyundai Elantra
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Body & structure, Airbags Vehicle recall #13V115000 · 2013 · 186,250 vehicles

What's wrong: A support bracket attached to the headliner May become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Why it matters: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it May cause a laceration injury.

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013.

Suspension Vehicle recall #15V629000 · 2015 · 28,157 vehicles

What's wrong: Road salt May corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.

Why it matters: If a front coil spring fractures, it May contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016.

Stability control Vehicle recall #15V871000 · 2015 · 155,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle May be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Equipment Vehicle recall #20V393000 · 2020 · 272,126 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

The fix: 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.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V651000 · 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine92
Airbags77
Steering75
Suspension66
Electrical51
Other / unknown34
Stability control34
Brakes28

What owners describe

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has 433 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 35 Elantra model years for complaints (1.7× the average Elantra year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (61 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 72,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (379 complaints, 3 recalls), 2012 (653 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive283832Regular
1.8 L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive283832Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 Hyundai Elantra problems?

Owners have filed 433 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (92), airbags (77), steering (75).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra get?

EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2011 Hyundai Elantra repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Elantra years

19921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026