2010 Hyundai Elantra

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 380 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Hyundai Elantra years to avoid. Which Hyundai Elantra years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
63,500 milesMedian miles at failure

273 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2010 Hyundai Elantra problems

168 of the 380 complaints (44%) are about the steering.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering164
302
Air Bags · airbags39
20027
Electrical System28
032
Power Train · transmission25
000
Service Brakes · brakes22
533
Structure › Body · body and frame14
113
Engine11
210
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control10
101
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration9
500
Unknown or Other8
204

2010 Hyundai Elantra steering problems

44% of all complaints

168 of the 380 complaints are about the steering. This is what owners describe:

  • sets off warning lights on the dash38% · 63
  • loses steering assist or the wheel locks15% · 26
  • loses power8% · 14
  • knocks, grinds or clunks7% · 11

Share of the 168 steering complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
76,100 mi
median of 125 reports
Peak year of filing
2019
22 steering complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
3 · 0 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the steering
“EPS light came on and we changed the part and it came back on again I spent $350 for this service but I saw online that Hyundai is having a recall for my year and model car to reprogramming eps but my vin is not included. Is it possible they can include my vin ?”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 27, 2026
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 22, 2025 at 85,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2010: 12 complaints, 1 about the steering'102011: 13 complaints, 3 about the steering2012: 16 complaints, 3 about the steering'122013: 19 complaints, 2 about the steering2014: 30 complaints, 9 about the steering'142015: 35 complaints, 17 about the steering2016: 32 complaints, 17 about the steering'162017: 33 complaints, 15 about the steering2018: 33 complaints, 19 about the steering'182019: 36 complaints, 22 about the steering2020: 33 complaints, 12 about the steering'202021: 28 complaints, 12 about the steering2022: 15 complaints, 9 about the steering'222023: 23 complaints, 14 about the steering2024: 6 complaints, 4 about the steering'242025: 9 complaints, 5 about the steering2026: 7 complaints, 4 about the steering'26Recall 13V113000 (headlights)Recall 15V100000 (steering)Recall 20V061000 (brakes)NHTSA investigation DP21003
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2010 Elantra peaked in 2019, with 36 filed that year. Owners had filed 20 complaints about the steering before the first recall that covers it, 15V100000 in February 2015; 148 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 7 so far.

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module20V061000
Filed Feb 4, 2020476,111 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

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.

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.

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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System15V100000
Filed Feb 23, 2015204,768 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

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.

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.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch13V113000
Filed Apr 1, 20131,712,336 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

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.

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.

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.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2010 Elantra.

Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesDefect petition DP21003Closed
Opened Nov 12, 2021Closed Jun 20, 2023throttle and acceleration

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 …

Technical service bulletins

47 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2010 Elantra. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 7equipment 7transmission 5equipment adaptive/mobility 4steering 4body and frame 3airbags 2visibility 2
5NP-F8M5G-03Warranty extensionFeb 27, 2017steering

Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the following vehicles: ? 2011-2014 Sonata (YFa), 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV) ? 2007-2015 Elantra (HD, MD/UD), 2009-2012 Elantra Touring (FD) The MDPS been extended to 10 years from the date of original delivery or the date of first use, or 100,000 miles, …

5NP-G5Z6W-03Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 27, 2017steering

The MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which may wear over time resulting in a slight "clicking" or "thud" type noise when turning the steering wheel. The warranty coverage for this coupling has been extended to 10 years from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use or 100,000 miles, whichever …

TSB-15-01-019-1Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2015steering

HYUNDAI: ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS) WARNING INDICATOR LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE WHEN SENSING DISCREPANCY IN SYSTEMS CIRCUITRY AND STEERING ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE AND REVERTS BACK TO MANUAL STEERING MODE. MODEL 2007-08,2010 ELANTRA, 2010-12 ELANTRA TOURING. *PE

TSB-11-ST-001Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 2011steering

HYUNDAI: SLIGHT RATTLE NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHILE AT LOW SPEEDS DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROADS OR TURNING LEFT. *RM

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 9, 2026DC

Two Hyundai Dealerships said they are unable to perform the recall. EPS SYS SW UPDATE/REP (TSB#15-01-019-1) software expired and is no longer available.

Steering
Filed Aug 5, 2026TX

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.

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 27, 2026TX

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.

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed May 19, 2026CT

Upon arriving at my condo after work, pulled into the driveway that goes to 2nd floor underground. Had my foot on the brake and when the garage door started to rise, I put foot on gas pedal to inch forward and the gas pedal went all the way down. Braking did not stop the car. The car crashed through the garage door but that did not stop car. It continued till the car hit a cement boulder which finally stopped it. After car hit the cement boulder it continued to try and run. Obviously a huge risk factor when your car accelerates and can't be stopped. If that had happened on the street, I can't even imagine what could have happened. The car was totaled so I doubt if it has been checked by anyone. And there was no warning at all. Had not noticed anything unusual that give me any hint that the gas pedal would stick all the to the floor. When I researched unexplained acceleration there was reference to the throttle and 4 or 5 reasons why it would accelerate on its own.

Steering
Filed May 1, 2026CA

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.

Steering
Filed Mar 27, 2026OH

EPS light came on and we changed the part and it came back on again I spent $350 for this service but I saw online that Hyundai is having a recall for my year and model car to reprogramming eps but my vin is not included. Is it possible they can include my vin ?

Steering
Filed Jan 11, 2026TX

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.

Steering
Filed Oct 22, 202585,000 milesIL

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.

Steering
Filed Aug 18, 2025110,000 milesNH

The contact's mother owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Power Steering" warning light illuminated. The contact's mother had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering); in 2018, and the vehicle was no longer under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Suspension
Filed Jul 2, 2025IL

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.

Steering
Filed Jun 11, 202560,857 milesPA

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,857.

Steering
Filed May 31, 2025CA

The vehicle is subject to manufacturer recall #127. I brought it to two different dealerships for the recall repair after confirming in advance that they had the necessary parts. However, after dropping off my vehicle, I was informed a few hours later that the dealership did not actually have the parts needed for the repair. I contacted Hyundai’s service center to escalate the issue, but they refused to take further action. Instead, they repeatedly instructed me to reach out to other dealerships. After contacting several other dealers, I was told that they either did not have the parts or the system capabilities to perform the recall repair. Despite my efforts, Hyundai has refused to escalate this matter to upper management, leaving the issue unresolved.

Engine
Filed Apr 23, 202599,500 milesFL

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.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 21, 2025MT

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

Steering
Filed Jan 3, 202563,500 milesNY

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and making a turn, there was an abnormally loud thumping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound persisted over time. While the vehicle was parked, the contact turned the steering wheel and there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the steering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coupler steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,500.

Service BrakesFire
Filed Jan 1, 2025FL

My car catched on fire after my steering wheel light keep coming on and off and my Abs and break light was on couple days before it catched fire .

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 18, 2024AZ

Vehicle caught on fire under apt complex carport causing extensive damage to property and 2 other vehicles.

Steering
Filed Nov 10, 2024NY

When I was driving, the electronics steering light came on. The car started pulling hard to the right. Then stopped and drove normal but the light was still on. I park the car the next day the light was off drove fine Then it came back on and was doing the same thing.I brought it to the mechanic he recalibrated the steering. Worked for about a week , then it came on started doing the same. This is a very scary and not safe. When you're driving and you lose steering for no reason. It gets expensive, bringing it to the Mechanic trying to figure it out. This has happened two times and now the second time the car is going to the mechanic to fix this.

Steering
Filed Aug 19, 2024NV

EPS Electric Power Steering warning and unable to steer to drive. I was quoted $3,200 to repair.

Steering
Filed May 13, 2024AZ

My 2010 Elantra just started making a clicking noise when slightly turning the steering wheel back and forth. Doing online research, I discovered it is a common problem on Hyundai, with the same symptoms as my problem, that there is a rubber star damper gear in the electronic motor system inside the steering column that fails, it completely falls apart, and is very common defect in these vehicles. No warning lamp was illuminated. I am now stuck without a car that I can not drive for fear the whole steering may fail. Because it involves the steering, Hyundai is putting all our safety at risk knowing there is a problem with this “cheap rubber” gear part that controls the steering and is prone to failing. The fix is around $800. Many people have complained on UTube comments. Hyundai should be made to recall and fix all these defective Hyundai vehicles. As a safety authority, NHTSA should stop unsafe vehicle production practices when uncovered and dealers force to fix them all.

Steering
Filed Feb 26, 2024IL

I started my 2010 Hyndai Elantra and started backing out of parking space and the power steering failed. I could not move the car as steering was impossible. Restarted the car 2 minutes later power steering worked. Later that evening same thing happened while backing out of my driveway and now there is now power steering at all. Milage on the car is approximately 88,000

Electrical System
Filed Feb 4, 2024TX

EPS fails, the steering wheel becomes very Hard.

Steering
Filed Dec 18, 2023AZ

Electronic Power Steering failure on a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. There is a recall bulletin issued for this defect on my same year and model, but Hyundai will not comply with it because my vehicles vin is not affective.

Steering
Filed Dec 4, 2023109,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the steering wheel was vibrating. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more frequently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 20, 2023TX

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.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 2023CA

After diagnose, DTC C1604 ECU hardware error and DTc C2412 motor short or open malfunctioning, recommended replace EPS system

Steering
Filed Nov 7, 2023PA

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.

Steering
Filed Oct 26, 2023IN

The steering column makes clicking sounds when turning either way. Started approximately June. No lamps on. Noted previous recall on steering coupler. The contact stated after being told the coupler in steering column was replaced once records were picked up from dealership there was no mention of it. The dealership refused to fix problem and had to pay elsewhere for replacement.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 5, 2023KY

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 25, 2023CA

As I was driving, the steering wheel and brakes locked up so I couldn't steer nor brake. Luckily I was in a parking lot so I cruised the vehicle to a stop without crashing. If I had been on a road or turning, I would have crashed. No indicator lights went on. I took the car to a Hyundai dealership where they couldn't find any problems and recommended I replace the steering column. I searched online and several others have reported a similar issue. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service BrakesFire
Filed Aug 18, 2023KY

So I was driving my vehicle like normal and all of a sudden the driver airbag light came on on the dash and as I’m getting closer to home my check engine light came on my ABS came on as well as my EPS and my TPS , was losing power to the vehicle. I made it home, put it in park and smoke started rolling. Look under the hood. There’s a fire under the hood. I’m not sure what all damage it has caused, but it appears to be coming from the ABS and the electrical I don’t know what damage was caused by the ABS catching fire, but I was unaware that there was a problem with the vehicle, I am I just bought the vehicle in May and it’s just happened August 11 of 2023

Steering
Filed Jun 2, 202363,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the steering wheel chanel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000. The mechanic stated this is a factory recall and they should fix my car for free. When the consumer informed the company and repair dealer (Key Hyundai)about this the dealer stated they already fixed that recall previously. The contact stated the dealership fixed the vehicle.

Steering
Filed May 31, 2023100,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he attempted to complete a turn and the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer. The EPS and ECU warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to a local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed May 22, 2023135,000 milesCA

The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving downhill in the rain at 45 MPH, she failed to apply the brakes and crashed into a vehicle. The impact of the crash caused a three-vehicle pile up. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Due to the failure, his wife hit her right arm and chest on the steering column. The authorities arrived at the scene and rendered aid by the EMT. The driver of the vehicle that his wife crashed into sustained neck injuries. The contact later took his wife to a hospital where she was treated for bruising to her right arm and chest. A police report was filed(2023-17095). The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer nor the dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 25, 202319,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel made abnormal clicking sounds and was slightly resistant. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the steering coupler was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash
Filed Apr 21, 202350,000 milesCA

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.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 7, 2023UT

Clockspring has failed . Hyundai has extended the clockspring warranty for 2011 to 2014 Elantras to a 15-year unlimited mileage but has excluded the 2010 models for some reason. I would like Hyundai to extend the warranty to all affected vehicles as it is a safety hazard.

Steering
Filed Apr 7, 2023MD

I WAS DRIVING HOME POWER STEERING WENT OUT LIGHT CAME ON EPS I HAD A PROBLEM STEERING ALMOST RUN INTO ANOTHER CAR A FEW TIMES. THIS JUST HAPPENED WED 4/5 /2023.I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALER YET BECAUSE OF A DENTAL EMERGENCY THAT SAME DAY.I CAN CALL THE INSURANCE MON 4/10 /2023. NO ONE LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE I MAY HAVE TO TOW IT NOT SURE YET. I GOT NO WARNING THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS GOING OUT. BUT THE EPS LIGHT CAME ON AFTERWARDS. POWER STEERING WAS HARD TO DRIVE THE CAR.ALSO I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE BY PHONE OR EMAIL OR REGULAR MAIL FROM NOONE. YES SOMEONE CAN INSPECT THE VEHICLE UPON REQUEST

Steering
Filed Apr 4, 2023160,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the EPS warning light illuminated, and the power steering became disabled; causing the steering wheel to be difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the power steering operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering column was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) in 2015. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 15, 202380,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. Additionally, the EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a module and steering motor sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 8, 2023NJ

My Daughter was driving the car and thought it felt "wobbly", she arrived at my home and parked on the driveway. When she went to move her car, the steering wheel no longer worked. The steering wheel just spins in circles around and around without any resistance. The front wheels do not move when the wheel is being turned. I have a video but it is too large to submit

Steering
Filed Feb 27, 2023WV

There is a popping noise in the steering column when turning the steering wheel back and forth. How is it safe to have a plastic gear in the middle of a steering column where the upper and lower shaft meet? The ends that are seen are splined metal shafts.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 15, 2023TN

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the brake pedal would intermittently depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to two separate independent mechanics, and both informed her that the brakes were okay and could not determine the cause of the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2023OK

It is available for inspection, but has been repaired at a cost of $2814.37 from the Hyundai dealer. If it failed while driving it could have caused an accident because you would not have been able to steer. We had it repaired before a dangerous situation could have happened. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) indicator light came on and the steering column had to be replace and also the steering angle sensor had to be calibrated.

Steering
Filed Jan 19, 2023TN

The EPS light came on and we took the car to our mechanic and he felt like we needed to check to see if there had been a recall as he couldn't find anything wrong with the power steering. It is driving fine and no issues except the light will not go off.

EngineCrash
Filed Dec 21, 2022WA

I have a 2010 Hyundai elantra. Two times in the last 3 months I was driving and for no reason at all my car would rev up and my speed would accelerate. In October this happened I was so scared that I quickly turned into a gas station and was hit by another vehicle. The next time it happened I was lucky on the road that wasn't busy and I was able to just take my foot off the gas until it returned to normal. After that I had no more issues until about 2 weeks ago. I was driving around 30 miles an hour when the engine just shuts down. But the power was still there. I honestly don't know how to explain it. first I tried pressing the gas pedal nothing happened no movement, no sound, nothing. So I put the car and park because it was still in drive. After that I tried restarting car and it sounded like it wanted to start but it wouldn't. Try it again nothing. thinking it was a bad connection to the battery I got out and checked battery and terminals. It looked fine and I had no way of testing so I had to push my vehicle out of the street. Luckily Two Gentlemen came over and help me push. Thinking still it was just the battery I called roadside assistance and someone from the company came and tried jump starting my car with no luck. I ended up having to get my car towed. Next day I tried starting with no luck. Try it again yesterday and it makes this fast ticking or clicking noise automatically before I even try to start it and it doesn't stop until I turn off the key. And the worst

Service Brakes, HydraulicFire
Filed Nov 16, 2022100,500 milesFL

The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that he did not receive a notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was included in the recall and the vehicle caught on fire while parked in his residence parking lot. No warning lights were illuminated. The fire department extinguished the flames. A police report was filed and the contact was informed that the origin of the fire came from the front of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not yet made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,500.

Steering
Filed Oct 6, 202273,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the EPS warning light illuminated. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to pull over safely and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the EPS and the entire steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) and that the repair would be out of pocket. The failure mileage was 73,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 28, 2022FL

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.

Steering
Filed Sep 16, 202280,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The contact's husband was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed that the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system needed to be replaced and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 380, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263300Routine
202522000Routine
202456100Routine
2023101200Routine
2022102510Routine
2021132611Fatalities reported
2020254362Fatalities reported
2019252131Fatalities reported
2018284071Fatalities reported
2017770460Above average
2016293250Above average
2015262380Above average
20143862162Fatalities reported
20131,3144310High concern
20126544120Above average
2011433580Above average
2010 — this page380391Fatalities reported
20092544110Above average
20083157240High concern
20072676130Above average
2006155100Routine
2005137430Routine
2004182520Routine
2003234510Above average
2002342642Fatalities reported
2001315641Fatalities reported
2000197120Routine
1999128220Routine
199855000Routine
1997115301Fatalities reported
1996100332Fatalities reported
1995112150Routine
199476220Routine
199324010Routine
199229040Routine

Compare every Elantra year →

2010 Hyundai Elantra: questions buyers ask

Is the 2010 Hyundai Elantra a good car?

It is not among the Elantra years to avoid. Owners filed 380 complaints, against about 243 for a typical Elantra year. The most common complaint is about the steering (44%).

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Hyundai Elantra?

The steering: 168 of the 380 complaints (44%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (38%), loses steering assist or the wheel locks (15%) and loses power (8%). The typical report comes at 76,100 miles.

How many recalls does the 2010 Hyundai Elantra have?

3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 4, 2020. The largest, 13V113000, covered 1,712,336 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2010 Hyundai Elantra problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 63,500 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 76,100 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2010 Hyundai Elantra?

Yes, once. DP21003 ("Throttle control system vulnerabilities") was opened Nov 12, 2021 and closed Jun 20, 2023.

Are there service bulletins for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra?

The manufacturer filed 47 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (7), the transmission (5) and the equipment adaptive/mobility (4). They include a warranty extension, 5NP-F8M5G-03, filed Feb 27, 2017. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 4, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.