Problems · by component
2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring service brakes problems
31 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring cite service brakes, 7% of all 455 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
31
7% of all complaints
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
What owners say about the service brakes
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My car was recalled by Hyundai for a critical safety issue and has been at the dealership since July of 2024 awaiting repairs due to missing parts. Despite repeated follow-ups, Hyundai has been unable to provide a timeline for the repair. Recently, they offered to buy back the car, but the offer was far below its fair market value. When I declined, they stated they would return the car to me unfixed and unsafe. This situation has caused significant inconvenience and feels coercive, as I am forced to choose between accepting an unfair buyback or taking back an unsafe vehicle. I am seeking NHTSA's assistance to ensure Hyundai repairs the vehicle promptly, investigates their handling of recalls, and protects consumers from being placed in such unfair situations.”
“I was driving my 2011 Elantra, and when I needed to brake, it didn't feel the same as usual. The brake pedal felt kind of soft. After a while, when I needed to brake at an intersection, the brakes completely failed. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor, and there was no braking. My speed was about 30 mph, and I couldn't stop. I was really lucky that there were no other cars at the intersection, and I just passed the stop sign without stopping. I was so scared. I didn't understand what happened and immediately changed my plans to drive home. Luckily, I was only a few minutes away. I used the hand brake for the rest of the drive. After I parked the car, I saw brake fluid leaking at the bottom, and when I moved the plastic cover, I saw that the brake line was completely rusty.”
“I received a recall notice some time ago about the ABS issue (251) Although they mention you can still drive the vehicle you shouldn’t park near buildings. I have a driveway and do not feel compelled parking car in the street where a potential vehicle fire could harm my neighbors. It is taking far too long for a remedy in this case. I would like for Hyundai to get this resolved. Right now I have disconnected the battery for fear of fire. Luckily i currently have another vehicle to drive.”
“Starting in the summer of 2023 my car started making screeching noises when applying brakes, turning, etc. All 4 brakes and rotors were replaced. My car continues to screech. More concerning is that the steering wheel started clicking when turning in the Fall of 2023 and has progressively worsened, now clicking whenever moved left or right even a few inches. The steering feels very loose. Although the car is a 2011, it only has 36,000 original miles on it. This is very frustrating and feels very unsafe to drive. Repair/evaluation appointment with the dealership is scheduled for 2/1/24 to see what they say. My issues sounds VERY familiar to many other complaints on here and from other research I have done. I am not sure why this is not a recall to correct this common problem in the Elantra. Other Hyundai models have had steering column recalls. I see that the rubber coupling warranty in the power steering assembly was extended to 10 yrs/100,000 miles, however I was never informed of any safety or warranty issues when purchasing this vehicle in early February of 2020 which would have been within the 10 years. Extra disappointing is that the previous 2 owners were…”
“I have been forced to park my car outside in case it catches on fire due to the faulty brake system that cannot be fixed. This puts my car in danger of vandalism and harsh winter conditions. This is unacceptable that Hyundai has not yet found a way to fix the dangerous brake system!!”
“We received notice from Hyundai in mid-November about the anti-lock brake system modules problem (could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short over time. This increases the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving) There is still no date for fixing this problem. We now need to park this car outside our garage, which increases the risk of the car being stolen.”
Showing 6 of 31 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 14, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.