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:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,732 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2011 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

May 172018

Elantra

  • 68,000 miles

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

Vehicle randomly does not start. When key is turned to position one lights, radio, windows, indicator lights all work as expected. When key is turned to start the engine nothing happens. The engine does not turnover or even attempt to turnover. The battery was replaced the first time this happened in April 2018. At that time I had the alternator and starter checked both were functioning properly. After repeated attempts to start the vehicle it has always started, eventually; it can take anywhere from 2 minutes to 30+ minutes for the engine to engage. When it first started occurring it happened pretty often. Prior to last Friday it had been a couple months since it took more than 30 minutes to start. I took the vehicle to another mechanic yesterday. Again starter, battery, alternator are all functioning properly. The mechanic mentioned that this model is known to have issues with the ignition and that I should contact the dealership, they may know what it is exactly. I've called two dealerships today, both say they know nothing about ignition problems in the vehicle.

- Elkridge, MD, USA

problem #25

Feb 062018

Elantra

  • 58,000 miles
Car will not start some times. Dealer says nothing wrong.

- Hemet, CA, USA

problem #24

Jun 142017

Elantra

  • 96,866 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the engine stalled while driving various speeds. Also, the front and rear brakes failed intermittently. Furthermore, the electrical system warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 96,866.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #23

Jan 152018

Elantra

  • 38,000 miles

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

Electronic ignition sporadically fails during very cold weather. Vehicle was parked under carport. Unknown part or reason. No problem with battery or alternator. After temp increased by 10 degrees it started normally. It was about 40 degrees each time it happened.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #22

Apr 252017

Elantra

  • miles
The windshield wipers flew off of my car during a rain storm while I was driving. I was told by the place that repaired it that the dealership didn't fasten them on correctly. When I took my car in for an oil change the service technician said he fixed my recall as well - the car never had a recall repair notice ! air conditioner does not work - when service did oil change they tried to tell me it was going to be 415 dollars to fix the air because the discharge hose is leaking. The discharge hose costs $11 on the internet & valvolene instant oil change will refill the freon in your car for less than 140 dollars. The brake lights all have needed replaced consistently every other month - I'm wondering if there is some kind of short in the wiring?

- West Chester, OH, USA

problem #21

Oct 032016

Elantra

  • 91,000 miles
Shift interlock faulty in 2011 Elantra at 91,000 miles - car will not go out of park after idiling for 5 minutes. This same issue was a recall on 2007 -2010 models

- Damascus, MD, USA

problem #20

Sep 162016

Elantra

  • 1 miles

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

Airbag warning light on panel comes on when vehicle is placed in drive and engine engaged

- Fairview Heights, IL, USA

problem #19

Dec 062015

Elantra

  • 58,000 miles
When I attempt to start the car, the lights and all electrical features come on, but the car will not turn over. This happens repeatedly and then it suddenly starts. I've read that this a widespread problem with this model and it may be the inhibitor switch.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #18

Oct 062014

Elantra

  • 8,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but the failure was not found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 8,000.

- Huntsville, AL, USA

problem #17

Jun 262014

Elantra

  • 34,000 miles
Car will not start. Have battery, alternator, and started all tested and are good. Every so often go to start the car and when you turn the key to first position everything turns on. Windows work, radio works, light on dash turn on. Go to start the car and it does nothing. Does not even try to start the starter makes no noise. You just here a clicking noise. Was told be dealer that it might be inhibitor switch (range switch), that was replaced and a week later it again will not try to start. If you let it sit and come back a day later many time it will crank right over. There are many forums online with the same issue from this model.

- Wentzville, MO, USA

problem #16

Aug 092015

Elantra

  • 38,803 miles

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

When I went to go start my car for work it wouldnt start. Left it at home and had son try to turn on and didnt turn on. Dealership asked me to jump it started for a few days then it happened again not starting. Aaa came out move to neutral then started. Been having this problem for the past few weeks.

- Penns Grove, NJ, USA

problem #15

Feb 142014

Elantra

  • 62,439 miles
Car does not start - key is in ignition, lights and sensors all work - turn key in ignition to "on" position - no start. Going through several gyrations ie: Jiggle the shifter, step on brake, lock and unlock car from inside with fob - then car starts usually. Car was taken to college park Hyundai - service found poor connection at mps box; secured connections, no show on diagnostics. Got in car at dealership, did not start on 1st time. Took car home - same thing - not starting on first try (sometimes). Returned car back to dealership 2-24-15 - still cannot duplicate or find problem. Returned car back to dealership 3/2/15 - cannot find problem. Am picking up car today 3-10-15.

- Hyattsville, MD, USA

problem #14

Jan 142015

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
Gear shift will not go into park or reverse. Also the ESC light comes on and off at times.

- Coatesville, PA, USA

problem #13

Jun 012012

Elantra

  • 10,000 miles
I bought my Hyundai Elantra new in 2011 since owning the vehicle it's been a nightmare and I get very little if any help from the local Hyundai dealer. I have had numerous issues with the vehicle not starting (car is silent when I turn the key in the ignition, car cranks but won't turn over, engine starts but dies, car dies without any reason). I've brought up complaints and concerns to the local dealership but they are never of any help. I recently had to have the starter replaced but it was only replaced because my car one day wouldn't start at all. Since the replacement I am still met with my car not starting at least once a week if not more. Yesterday my sun roof would not close completely, it retracts a few inches from closing, this is not new to me, multiple intermittent electrical issues, such as is occurring now - the sun roof retracting on its own without any visible reason. Or when the gear shift is put in park/reverse, etc. Sunroof will take on a mind of its own. I'm fed up with this lemon of a car and as I see from all the other complaints online about starting issues Hyundai needs to do something about it - figure out the reason why and let us consumers know.

- Missoula, MT, USA

problem #12

Jan 262015

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 64,000 miles
The car will not start intermittently. After we jumpstart it, it will start for a couple of days and then not start again. This has happened four times now. The battery was tested and was rated in good condition. The cause was not because of leaving electronics on as nothing was left on.

- Thornton, CO, USA

problem #11

Feb 052015

Elantra

  • 60,000 miles
Car will not start. It just clicks and will not start. It is random, but progressively gets more frequent as the car gets older/more use. Potentially standing a driver wherever they are at the time it happens. It has already stranded my wife once. This is a safety issue during very hot or cold weather. Hyundai does not seem to care about fixing the issue, nor are they making any efforts whatsoever to remedy it. Dealers are not helping their customers solve the problem either. See the website below. This issue is very common. There needs to be a recall for this issue, as it is likely affecting tens of thousands of owners at the very least. A neutral switch or range switch seems to be the main culprit. www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-T40609_ds554427.

- Cape Girardeau, MO, USA

problem #10

Nov 132014

Elantra

  • miles
My engine light came on and I took it to the local Firestone auto center and they told me that the code was a P2096 and it was a service recall with Hyundai. The service no. Is 13-fl-006. I called Hyundai and they told me that my car was not on the list, but Firestone told me it was.who shall I believe?can some one help me with this. Thanks....

- Fairfield, CT, USA

problem #9

Sep 082014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 66,759 miles
Intermittent issue wherein the car does not start even if the battery is healthy. Lever is in park mode. The engine doesn't even crank up. Happened after parking and I was stuck at a gas station for over five minutes. Dealer cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle and this is the second time in a year that I have had this problem. Last time they replaced a wire from starter to electrical.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

problem #8

Sep 052014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 55,400 miles
As I was driving the skid control light came on. At first, nothing was different, then all of a sudden my car started slowing down and would accelerate with gas being applied. Then, it started moving again. After a while the light went off, but then came on and did the same thing.

- Irving, TX, USA

problem #7

Nov 052012

Elantra 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,092 miles
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While traveling approximately 20 mph, the contact's vehicle crashed head on into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The driver sustained severe leg injuries that required medical attention and a right knee replacement. The manufacturer was notified, but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 23,092. Updated 10/8/14 prior to the accident, the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, because the air bag light was on. She was informed, it was an electrical issue. The consumer never received a recall notice. Updated 10/15/14 according to Hyundai, the vehicle performed as designed. They stated the frontal air bags were not intended to deploy during every impact that was generally directed against the vehicle's front end. Frontal air bas were designed to deploy when a vehicle sustained a sufficient forward deceleration to trigger the air bag sensor. The air bag sensor reacted to extreme deceleration of the vehicle's forward movement. Based upon the information provided, it appeared the vehicle was hit at an angular impact involving lateral forces. Updated 11/26/14 updated 12/17/14. Lawyer on behalf of client. Updated 01/16/15. Updated 02/24/15 updated 08/28/2017

- Greenfield, FL, USA

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