Hyundai Elantra 2011–2016 problems by year and mileage
5th generation · MD (global) / UD (North America)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,353 complaints, 1,973 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 72,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 433
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2011
- Engine92 reports · median 81,000 mi
- Airbag system77 reports · median 99,000 mi
- Steering75 reports · median 66,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Equipment — electrical · Electronic stability control (esc)
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 62,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 653
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine139 reports · median 69,000 mi
- Electrical system126 reports · median 51,000 mi
- Airbag system124 reports · median 89,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Equipment — electrical · Electronic stability control (esc)
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 45,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,324
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2013
- Steering272 reports · median 40,000 mi
- Engine235 reports · median 65,000 mi
- Airbag system168 reports · median 70,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic — pedals and linkages · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 388
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine166 reports · median 82,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit48 reports
- Electrical system47 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic — pedals and linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 54,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 262
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Engine92 reports · median 74,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise48 reports
- Brakes29 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Latches/locks/linkages — trunk lid · Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra
Close- Median failure report
- 55,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 293
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine111 reports · median 73,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise54 reports
- Transmission and driveline31 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Latches/locks/linkages — trunk lid
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2011; earliest: the 2013, and the 2011 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2011–2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 57,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 123,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,973
- Recalls
- 9
Most reported
- Engine24.9% of complaints · median 73,000 mi
- Steering15.2% of complaints · median 45,000 mi
- Airbag system13.4% of complaints · median 77,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine2011–2016
- Steering2011–2012
- Anti-theft2011–2016
- Fuel Economy Labeling2011–2013
Owners filed 3,353 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2016 Hyundai Elantra; the engine leads with 24.9% of them, and half of the 1,973 that record an odometer reading came by 57,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 24,000 to 90,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2011–2016 Hyundai Elantra last?
On the 2011–2016 Hyundai Elantra, half of the 1,973 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 57,000 miles and 90% by 123,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
66 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 10 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Elantra reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Hyundai Elantra 2011–2016 · 1,973 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 213 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 10 complaints (0.5%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 4,000
- 25%
- 24,000
- Median
- 57,000
- 75%
- 90,000
- 90%
- 123,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 213 | 10.8% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 87 | 4.4% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 69 | 3.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 68 | 3.4% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 66 | 3.3% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 71 | 3.6% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 77 | 3.9% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 78 | 4.0% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 72 | 3.6% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 67 | 3.4% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 78 | 4.0% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 79 | 4.0% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 88 | 4.5% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 83 | 4.2% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 70 | 3.5% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 67 | 3.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 67 | 3.4% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 65 | 3.3% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 57 | 2.9% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 56 | 2.8% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 66 | 3.3% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 37 | 1.9% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 37 | 1.9% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 25 | 1.3% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 43 | 2.2% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 38 | 1.9% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 41 | 2.1% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 16 | 0.8% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 16 | 0.8% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 10 | 0.5% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 12 | 0.6% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 7 | 0.4% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 11 | 0.6% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 7 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 5 | 0.3% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 6 | 0.3% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 10 | 0.5% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Elantra problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Hyundai Elantra 2011–2016
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Brakes337 reportsmedian 42,000middle half 15,000–80,000
- Steering508 reportsmedian 45,000middle half 14,000–82,000
- Problems owners could not categorise371 reportsmedian 52,000middle half 32,000–87,000
- Electrical system424 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 28,000–82,000
- Engine835 reportsmedian 73,000middle half 48,000–102,000
- Airbag system450 reportsmedian 77,000middle half 40,000–104,000
- Hydraulic brake circuit253 reportsmedian 111,000middle half 68,000–140,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 835 | 24.9% | 73,000 | 48,000–102,000 |
| Steering | 508 | 15.2% | 45,000 | 14,000–82,000 |
| Airbag system | 450 | 13.4% | 77,000 | 40,000–104,000 |
| Electrical system | 424 | 12.6% | 55,000 | 28,000–82,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 371 | 11.1% | 52,000 | 32,000–87,000 |
| Brakes | 337 | 10.1% | 42,000 | 15,000–80,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 253 | 7.5% | 111,000 | 68,000–140,000 |
| Suspension | 243 | 7.2% | 34,000 | 12,000–71,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 189 | 5.6% | 57,000 | 27,000–80,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 153 | 4.6% | 47,000 | 20,000–81,000 |
Known problems with the 2011–2016 Elantra
Engine 2011–2016
Nu-family engines are part of the Hyundai/Kia GDI/MPI connecting-rod bearing class settlement: machining debris left in the crankshaft oil passages abrades the rod bearings, producing knocking, then seizure or stalling. Remedy included a knock-sensor detection software update and extended coverage.
Steering 2011–2012
Steering column intermediate shaft/universal joint coupling can loosen, causing increased steering effort or loss of steering control; recalled.
Anti-theft 2011–2016
Turn-key ignition trims were built without an engine immobilizer, allowing the ignition cylinder to be defeated and the car started with a USB connector; drove a nationwide theft surge from 2022 and a Hyundai anti-theft software update campaign.
Fuel Economy Labeling 2011–2013
EPA-mandated 2012 restatement of fuel economy ratings for this generation (not a safety defect, but it generates complaint volume).
Before you buy a 2011–2016 Elantra: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,973 mileage-tagged complaints, 9 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2011–2016 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check steering on 2011–2012 cars.
- Check anti-theft on 2011–2016 key–start trims cars.
- Years differ here: from 262 to 1,324 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Elantra problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi52% below | At 90k mi74% below | At 120k mi88% below | At 150k mi97% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 48,000–102,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 14,000–82,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 40,000–104,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 28,000–82,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 32,000–87,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 15,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 68,000–140,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Hyundai Elantra 2011–2016 · 1,973 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 52% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 74% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 88% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2011–2016 Hyundai Elantra recalls (9)
NHTSA records 9 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
1 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the hydraulic brake circuit (2), the airbag system (1), latches and locks (1) (why one area can repeat).
May 2026 · 2015–2016 · Air BagsAn air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
What can happen. An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters…
Feb 2024 · 2015–2016 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
What can happen. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's…
Sep 2023 · 2011–2015 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013…
What can happen. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The free 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…
Jul 2020 · 2011–2012 · EquipmentAn overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and…
What can happen. An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
The free 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…
Nov 2017 · 2013–2014 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed…
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the…
What can happen. If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following…
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at…
Aug 2016 · 2013 · Exterior LightingIf the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is…
What can happen. If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following…
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact…
Dec 2015 · 2011–2012 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied…
What can happen. 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 free 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. Owners may contact…
Oct 2015 · 2011 · SuspensionIf a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in…
What can happen. If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free 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. Owners may…
Apr 2013 · 2011–2013 · StructureIf the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration…
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
What can happen. If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,353 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 241 (7.2%)
- Fires
- 79
- Injury reports
- 142
- Fatality reports
- 1
Elantra problems by model year
The 2013 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,324, most of them about the steering, and the 2015 the fewest, 262. A typical year drew about 410.
That makes the 2013 stand out at roughly 3.2 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 433 | 286 | 72,000 | Engine (92) | 5 |
| 2012 | 653 | 424 | 62,000 | Engine (139) | 4 |
| 2013 | 1,324 | 799 | 45,000 | Steering (272) | 4 |
| 2014 | 388 | 214 | 56,000† | Engine (166) | 2 |
| 2015 | 262 | 127 | 54,000† | Engine (92) | 3 |
| 2016 | 293 | 123 | 55,000† | Engine (111) | 2 |
What Elantra owners reported
The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off with the contact seated inside the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact had previously been smoking a cigarette. The vehicle was idling high, and hesitating while…
2014 · 80,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While the contact's wife was reversing at 2 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in the driveway at the residence. While inspecting the vehicle…
2011 · 40,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact inspected the engine compartment and there was grey smoke coming from the electrical box behind the ABS Module. The…
2013 · 78,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft…
2012 · 151,000 miles · Engine
Built from 1,973 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Elantra generations
- Elantra 1996–2000 163 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Elantra 2001–2006 952 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Elantra 2007–2010 940 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- Elantra 2017–2020 505 reports with mileage, most about the engine