Problems · NHTSA complaints

2010 Hyundai Elantra problems

Owners filed 455 complaints about the 2010 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA between Mar 2010 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (233).

Complaints
455
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
49
Reported by owners
Fires
13
Reported by owners
Injuries
53
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering233
  2. Electrical system58
  3. Air bags52
  4. Power train34
  5. Service brakes31
  6. Vehicle speed control25
  7. Structure24
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)21
  9. Engine18
  10. Suspension15
  11. Service brakes, hydraulic13
  12. Wheels9
  13. Seat belts7
  14. Exterior lighting6

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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201013
201124
201219
201328
201437
201541
201639
201735
201838
201940
202037
202130
202220
202328
20246
202510
202610

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.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

233 reports8 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to steer. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and electronic control unit (ECU) warning lights illuminated. The contact researched the issue and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. A dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026SteeringODI 11760903

Electrical system

58 reports2 crashes8 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 11, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11710269

Air bags

52 reports27 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2026Air bags, Structure, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11740444

Power train

34 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2022Steering, Power trainODI 11486993

Service brakes

31 reports7 crashes4 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 20, 2023Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakesODI 11556059

Vehicle speed control

25 reports13 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2023Vehicle speed control, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11518234
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.