HYUNDAI ELANTRA · model year

2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

494 NHTSA complaints, 67 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010HYUNDAIELANTRA carries 494 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 67 crashes, 17 fires, 61 injuries, and 3 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 ELANTRA is steering with 188 filings, followed by electrical system (46) and air bags (41). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2010 ELANTRA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

494
Complaints
67
Crashes
17
Fires
61
Injuries
3
Deaths

Total Complaints

494 filings

Crashes Reported

67 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING188
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM46
AIR BAGS41
POWER TRAIN30
SERVICE BRAKES27
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL21
STRUCTURE:BODY16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER16
ENGINE15
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)12
SUSPENSION10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9
SEAT BELTS7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
WHEELS5

Recalls (3)

15V10000023/02/2015

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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 sens

20V06100004/02/2020

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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 resul

13V11300001/04/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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 Tiburo

Recent Complaints

20260111STEERING

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.

20260111ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20251022STEERING

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.

Mileage: 85,000

20251022SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Mileage: 85,000

20250818STEERING

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.

Mileage: 110,000

20250702SUSPENSION

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

20250611STEERING

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.

Mileage: 60,857

20250531STEERING

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.

20250423ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 99,500

20250421SEAT BELTS

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

20250421UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20250103STEERING

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.

Mileage: 63,500

20250101FireSERVICE BRAKES

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 .

20250101FireSTEERING

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 .

20241218FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20241218FireENGINE

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

20241218FireSERVICE BRAKES

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

20241110STEERING

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.

20240819STEERING

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

20240513STEERING

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.

Compare 2010HYUNDAIELANTRA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA have?
The 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has 494 NHTSA complaints, 67 crashes, 17 fires, 61 injuries, and 3 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?
Yes, the 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA?
The most-complained component for the 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA is STEERING with 188 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.