CarComplaints.com Notes: So far the 2011 Elantra doesn't have the same volume of transmission problems that 2010 owners are fighting with. It also doesn't have the same pattern of steering and braking complaints that are piling up with the 2013 model year.

We're not saying the 2011 is perfect -- I mean, what were they thinking advertising their MPGs -- but there are worse choices.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,457 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Hyundai Elantra steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #60

May 292023

Elantra

  • 129,058 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,058.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #59

Jul 012019

Elantra

  • miles
The power steering stopped working while driving in 2019. The steering wheel jolted 1-2", the EPS light blinked and then remained lit. Maintaining control of the vehicle was strenuous, making it impossible to quickly maneuver, especially at low speeds. Safety of the driver and others on the roadways was negatively impacted by the sudden malfunction. The power steering became intermittent while driving, then completely failed. The vehicle was serviced by a Hyundai dealer/service department for diagnostics, but a diagnosis was inconclusive. To remedy, it was recommended to replace the power steering module. This was done, and it provided temporary resolution. Power steering suddenly became intermittent again. Another diagnostic appointment suggested to replace the entire steering column. This has not been done. There was no warning that the power steering would fail. The vehicle is available for power steering inspection upon request. Electronic issues are persistent, effecting multiple areas of the vehicle. The headlights and taillights have gone out much more frequently than expected. The airbag sensor light has recently illuminated. The Tire pressure sensor blinks, then remains illuminated. The Electronic Stability Control Indicator has been illuminated since the power steering failure. This vehicle has had multiple issues arise, and it has had thousands of dollars of work put into it in an attempt to return it to a safely driving vehicle. It is unacceptable for the manufacturer to sell a car that cannot uphold basic safety standards. There have been multiple recalls for power steering issues on Hyundai's surrounding this 2011 model. Clearly there is an issue that needs to be addressed, and Hyundai needs to be held accountable for their negligence. All owners should be entitled to have their vehicle promptly repaired at no cost, and they should be reimbursed for time and repair costs spent trying to resolve this avoidable issue.

- Albany, OR, USA

problem #58

Dec 262015

Elantra 4-cyl

  • miles
I have had broken shocks and struts on my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Liminted, currently 69000 miles 2 times, once replaced by dealership 2nd done by BIG O Tires in Salt Lake, I did not have a breakdown, my tire blew the first time 12/26/2015, currently was caught by general tire mainainance. This must be some kind of a defect due to have them replace them so often. 2 incidents 12/26/2015 and 10/12/2022. I take very very good care of my car. I have read the issues of prior. Please contact both Murdock Hyundai Murray Utah & Ken Garff Salt Lake City Utah and Big O downtown Salt Lake City.

- Salt Lake, UT, USA

problem #57

Sep 062022

Elantra

  • 73,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

- Plainfield, NJ, USA

problem #56

Aug 192022

Elantra

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated upon driving from a complete stop, the steering wheel emitted abnormal squeaking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had worsened and the steering wheel would shudder significantly while driving over bumps in the roadway. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- Stamford, CT, USA

problem #55

Aug 152022

Elantra

  • miles
Steering wheel clunking noise, the car tries to change direction by itself especially on wet roads, and I always trying to keep it in the same lane, the problem has been reproduced 2 weeks ago, there-€™s no warning lamps actually either before, I had not inspected this problem.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #54

Nov 022021

Elantra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving on wet roads with all of the play in steering is dangerous, I almost lost control. There is a clunking noise in steering and it is loose.

- Claremore, OK, USA

problem #53

Apr 182021

Elantra

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated he received an unknown recall notification for the steering wheel failure; however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the recall repair did not need to be completed on the vehicle. The contact stated the steering wheel became significantly loosened while driving at various speeds and upon starting the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the diagnosis and repair of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Mooresville, NC, USA

problem #52

Jul 122021

Elantra

  • miles
My steering is lose and makes a popping sound. I was making a left turn and almost hit a car because I did not have full control of my steering wheel. It feels like its lose. July 19, 2021 On Thursday the 22 of July 2021 I had a mechanic come out to check it. He told me it was the Steering Coupling, he also said that there was a recall on that. So I called the Dealership they told me I had just missed it by three months. They want to charge me $500. hundred dollars. I don't have that kind of money. I need to go back to work and I need my car. This is a hardship please help me.

- Corona, Ca, CA, USA

problem #51

Jul 012021

Elantra

  • miles
Steering wheel is making a noise (rubbing- popping) when steering wheel is turned. Took it in to have it looked was informed that the ESC SYSTEM needed to be repaired and that this is a known issue with Hyundai on the Elantra and other models.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #50

Jun 302021

Elantra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The steering column clicks and pops when you turn wheel. Upon research. I have found this is an issue Hyundai knows about. Has an upgraded replacement part for. But refuses to recall.

- Shepherdsville, KY, USA

problem #49

Feb 192021

Elantra

  • 62,000 miles
I have already reported my problem regarding the recall #107096 for suspension front spring coil. NHTSA campaign id 15V629000; date: Oct. 7, 2015 if a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash...and wanted to update since I have since contacted Hyundai. This was their reply: Campaigns and recalls are VIN specific, therefore, your 2011 Elantra may have been produced in the same time period as the affected vehicles but at a different factory. Not all Elantra's for this time period were recalled. Only the affected VIN's. my vehicle was manufactured during the affected dates, but they are apparently only VIN specific. My concern is that I had the same problem and the coil spring fractured...if others outside the VIN specific are also experiencing the problem maybe they need to expand the recall for this potentially deadly problems and would like to warn others to get this checked even though Hyundai will not cover the problem.

- Pittstown, NJ, USA

problem #48

Jan 082021

Elantra

  • 60,000 miles
Power steering clicking and going out. Unsafe to drive has less than 60,000 miles

- Spartanburg, SC, USA

problem #47

Mar 162019

Elantra

  • 105,000 miles
While driving on the highway my car suddenly lurched and a disturbing noise started coming from the front on my car. Please see the attached problem description pdf and accompanying photos.

- Templeton, MA, USA

problem #46

Feb 272020

Elantra

  • 62,000 miles
A coupler between electric motor and steering roar is torned out and it's something that make may steering vibrate and noice everytime I turn from center to right or center to left..it's $ 8 coupler but to fix you have to pay labour of $ 300 and of don't than we might end up having locked steering on the road or loose steering

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #45

Apr 012020

Elantra

  • miles
My steering wheel is scrubbing and has free play in it. It started with free play in it now it is scrubbing somewhere. And my odometer reading, horn does not work.

- Kinston, NC, USA

problem #44

Apr 062020

Elantra

  • 103,000 miles
When I turn my car I hear a clicking sound and the steering of the vehicle becomes wobbly. I have noticed this for the last 3 months but early was only occasional but recently have become more frequent. Happens in slight turns and while street driving. Last time it occurred while parking.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #43

Feb 052020

Elantra

  • 136,000 miles
My steering wheel "pops" and when stopped at a stop light, moves loosely, but does not move the tires. It also rattles when I go over rough areas of a road.

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

problem #42

Jan 042020

Elantra

  • 26,000 miles
When traveling above 40mph and going over bumps in road loss of control occurs. This creates the drive to over correct and cause traffic safety concerns with vehicles around the elentra as well as collision issues for elentra driver.

- Plover, WI, USA

problem #41

Dec 122015

Elantra

  • 50,000 miles
While driving and applying pressure to steering wheel, the steering wheel makes a clicking noise and attempts to make steering corrections, possibly due ot the electronic power steering. Manufacturer says it's not a safety issue, but makes driving a hazard.

- Summerville, SC, USA

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