Problems · NHTSA complaints
2009 Hyundai Elantra problems
Owners filed 287 complaints about the 2009 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA between Aug 2009 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (145).
Complaints
287
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
28
Reported by owners
Fires
11
Reported by owners
Injuries
24
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Steering145
- Air bags50
- Electrical system28
- Service brakes21
- Vehicle speed control21
- Engine14
- Structure13
- Electronic stability control (esc)11
- Power train10
- Service brakes, hydraulic9
- Tires6
- Exterior lighting5
- Suspension4
- Wheels3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
14
12
9
22
24
32
23
11
27
23
15
17
15
13
14
3
10
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 24 |
| 2015 | 32 |
| 2016 | 23 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Steering
145 reports5 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and stationary, the vehicle was started and the steering wheel was very stiff. The contact originally thought that the issue was battery related; however, replacing the battery failed to resolve the issue. Due to the failure, the EPS and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the part was not available. The local dealer was contacted but was unable to receive the part. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 209,000.”
Air bags
50 reports13 crashes1 related recall
“Air bag light is on as soon as car power on until it turns off passenger airbag is off I dont know if my airbags will deploy if I get in an accident . While driving steady speed of 50-60 mph while pressing gas sometimes it doesn’t increase speed but instead jerks until I let go of the gas and then depress it again it happenes maybe 2-3 times during a drive .”
Electrical system
28 reports1 crash4 fires
“Got in the car to come home put the key in ignition turned it and battery was dead went to turn off and something popped and cloud of smoke started rolling out from underneath the hood once hood was up the smoke got stronger from behind the motor the battery we had to get the battery unplugged and pulled out to get the electricity out the vehicle because of the battery being dead but sill plugged up at the time it would continue smoking more and more and thicker thicker so My husband pulled the battery out immediately as doing so we both inhaled some smoke but we was more concerned about it catching on fire so we pulled through it . We are confused on how or why this happened nothing has broke or went wrong with my vehicle but serpentine belt brake and tire ware my mother had car inspected and service back in May nothing was said that there is or will be wrong with my car. We had no idea that there was anything wrong no warning lights no signs of any problems up to this incident.”
Service brakes
21 reports2 crashes1 fire
“The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module has failed due to moisture intrusion that caused an internal electrical short circuit, destroying the ABS Primary Pressure Sensor. A few days after the vehicle was parked outside during heavy rain, I was driving on a busy highway when it suddenly lost engine power. During this emergency, I had to perform heavy braking and maneuver to the shoulder without engine assist. At the same time, the ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems suddenly disabled completely. This failure is consistent with the safety defect described in NHTSA Campaign 20V-061 (Recall 188), which acknowledges that these ABS modules can permit moisture intrusion. However, Hyundai's remedy, installing a fuse relay, only cuts battery power while the vehicle is parked to reduce fire risk; it does not seal or repair the ABS module. Moisture from the heavy rain entered the module while the vehicle was parked and ultimately shorted the internal pressure sensor while driving, disabling critical braking and stability systems. Two independent third-party sources (an ASE-certified mechanic and a commercial automotive diagnostic scanner) identified codes…”
Vehicle speed control
21 reports7 crashes
“Drove about 1 hour using cruise control part of the time. Don't usually use it, but used it 2 months ago with no problem. After 1.5 hour visit, drove home. Did not use cruise control, but at last 10 minutes acceleration issue started where car would "rev" even though I was not accelerating. Able to manage it with brake and normal driving. Tried to reset cruise (turn on/off), but car still had episodes of "revving". Did not accelerate to dangerous level and controllable. After car sat in garage for 2 hours, I drove out of neighborhood to empty stretch of road and accelerated to 50 with no problems and no revving of engine. Service check scheduled.”
Engine
14 reports2 crashes5 fires
“The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked she was notified that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that flames were coming from under the hood and the fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The fire department report was filed. The contact stated that prior to the failure the ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that he could not determine why the brake light was illuminated but advised that the failure could be related to a wire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who was unable to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the independent mechanic advised her that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that she did not receive a recall notice. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The manufacturer was not made…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.