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 3 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #20

Nov 252016

Elantra

  • miles

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

When turning steering wheel there's a click or popping noise. Was told by dealer it is steering column bushing and repair would be over 400 dollars. The car can be sitting idle or being driven when this occurs.

- Sinton, TX, USA

problem #19

Oct 182016

Elantra

  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While driving various speeds, the steering inadvertently became stuck in the center position and took considerable force to move. The failure resulted in severe oversteering. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.

- Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA

problem #18

Jun 142016

Elantra

  • 72,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While driving various speeds and turning the steering wheel, an abnormal knocking noise was observed coming from the front of the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

problem #17

Sep 012016

Elantra

  • 70,000 miles

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

My 2011 Hyundai Elantra is under Hyundai recall 137. My vehicle has been at the dealership for regular service since 8/31/16. I mentioned the ESC was malfunctioning and the service advisor indicated it would require diagnostics at an additional charge. They diagnosed the problem and estimated by phone the repair would be about $1,700 because the yaw sensor of the ESC system had failed and damaged the steering column now needing replacement. I asked they request a goodwill repair since the car was just out of the 5 year bumper to bumber warranty and awaited notice. Meanwhile I reviewed the internet for the Hyundai repair issues and found my car was on Hyundai recall 137 for the ESC system. I noted the dealers were supposed to be repairning this issue at no charge to customers under the recall. My dealer had not advised me my car was under recall nor made mention until I told the service manager. I am still without my car or a loaner as the dealer tries to get from Hyundai usa an authorization to repair my car.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #16

Aug 112013

Elantra

  • 36,000 miles
The steering wheel and car briefy moves comes out of alignment each time I drive over any size pothole or at random times. This has happened since I bought it arround July of 2013.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #15

Oct 312015

Elantra

  • 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While driving over bumps in the road at various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the rear of the vehicle veered from left to right. The contact lost control of the vehicle. The check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle shook violently. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

problem #14

Jan 202016

Elantra

  • 73,498 miles

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

I have a 2011 Hyundai sonata, the problem I am referring to is related to the steering column and power steering coupling. I am aware that there have been a couple recalls on this particular problem for other 2011 sonatas but mine does not fall into this small number of recalled vehicles. I am however having the same problem. The steering feels loose and makes a clicking noise when you move the wheel back and forth, this happens both when not moving an when traveling at any speed. Tends to be worse at lower speed. I have brought this up to a service manager at a Hyundai dealership already and he said there wasn't anything I could do but pay out of pocket to get it fixed. I feel this is not right because of the sheer number of these vehicles that are having this problem. They are fully aware that this is a major issue with these vehicles but refuse to do anything about it.

- Sellersburg, IN, USA

problem #13

Sep 252015

Elantra

  • 58,730 miles
The Elantra has been brought back to the dealer for the fourth time to inspect clicking noise while steering to the right. The car is close to 60 K and its warranty is ending soon. So far the right axle has been replaced, replaced both worn axle washers. Steering column assembly failed internal, abnormal wear. Replaced steering column assembly. Now the dealer states that problem cannot be found.

- San Pedro, CA, USA

problem #12

Dec 132014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 50,262 miles
Car would not start. Checked all connections, battery was fine. Consulted internet, many complaints mentioned a faulty "range switch". Hyundai should recall. Clicking noise when turning right. Car was at dealership on 1/9/14 at 40,285 miles. Issue was not resolved. Took car in again to dealership 3/4/2014 at 41,775 miles. Steering column was replaced under warranty. Issue was not resolved as ongoing clicking noise persists to present.

- San Pedro, CA, USA

problem #11

Nov 082013

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 41,000 miles
I was traveling to memphis, tn. The rear end of the car would constantly jerk out tot the left when I would hit bumps. I have taken it to the dealer several times, and was told this was a normal reaction for this kind of suspension. The problem has been constant, and during the winter, it tried to spin out of control. On several occasions I have almost lost control, and it is scary because I never know if or when it's gonna crash. I have read several other people having the same problem, including those who have had an accident. This will eventually kill someone unless something is done to fix the problem.

- Nixa, MO, USA

problem #10

May 222014

Elantra 4-cyl

  • miles

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

I haven't had any accidents but I had many almost accidents. It is very dangerous and scary. I can't even go over a bump or look to the left or right because it steers off so bad. I have to hold it very tight the whole time. I'm scared for my life as well as whoever is with me. Hyundai dealership just says its because its electric steering but I think they just dont want to deal with it. I hope there is something done soon.

- Irving, TX, USA

problem #9

Dec 222011

Elantra

  • 8,000 miles
Drove the new Elantra for the first time in snow and it was hard to control. Tried not to drive it that winter and thought would buy snow tires the next winter. That summer during rainstorm the Elantra handled poorly. Discovered passenger rear tire was bald. Dealer checked and alignment was within factory specs."??" helpful Hyundai mechanic agreed something was wrong and shimmied rearend for better alignment. Company paid for two tires. Now it handles great. Wonder how many accidents happened in cars with similar problem. Couldn't believe how hard it was to control on a road with slight snow coverage. Dealer saw other cars with similar problems. 2

- Erie, PA, USA

problem #8

Aug 052013

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
The car pulls to the left/right. The steering wheel is sticky.when the wheel is left straight, it will go straight but a small turn to left/right results in very jerky and unsafe ride for higher mileage speed. It is incredibly difficult to drive for longer period of time and on icy roads due to driving behavior. Hyundai says it is because of the electronic power steering. I don't care if it is that. It jerks to left/right while driving which is painful. I have changed tires and brakes thinking those were the culprit. This needs to be fixed before someone gets in a wreck and die.

- Alexander, AR, USA

problem #7

Apr 112013

Elantra

  • 26,357 miles
I was driving my Elantra when the ems elec. Stability control light came on and the auto began to shake as I was driving. The road was dry and weather was regular. It feels as if the auto is driving on flat wheels or on ice. I lose stability in my steering. I have taken my auto to Hyundai twice. They claim they there computers can't find any errors. This is an issue that randomly occur and can't be created at will. I don't feel safe driving while these incidents happen. I've found similar complaints of this issue online with other Elantra 2011 customer. Hyundai doesn't want to acknowledge that there is an issue with the electronic stability control and steering.

- Pennsauken, NJ, USA

problem #6

Mar 162013

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 22,695 miles
When vehicle is at any speed, the steering just off of center is a really quick jerk. Driving straight is no problem at all, but as soon as any correction is made right or left at any speed, the car quickly jerks. On icy roads, it is very difficult to control, and extremely tiring even on dry straight roads. The car is very quiet to drive and gets great mileage, but is a little scary at times. I feel there is a design error that needs to be remedied. This will kill people...

- Elk Mound, WI, USA

problem #5

Feb 192013

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 32,450 miles
The steering has a sticky spot in it which you have to pull to get out of which makes you swerve the car to do so. It pulls to the right or the left. It makes it really hard to stay on the road. It "road walks" badly. I have seen many complaints for this year model. I believe it is the vsm on the vehicle. I believe it is very dangerous I am going to end up in a wreck trying to hold the car on the road.

- Graham, TX, USA

problem #4

Dec 012010

Elantra

  • 7,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While driving various speeds, the contact stated the vehicle would pull to the left making it difficult to control. The contact had to use excessive force in order to control the vehicle. The contact was awaiting a service appointment with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. None of the repairs were performed. The current mileage was 7,450 and the failure mileage was 7,000.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #3

Nov 302011

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 6,500 miles
Vehicle suddenly became difficult to steer, especially at low speeds and when braking, just left and right of center. Feels as if the power assist is either failing or resisting - requires undue effort to turn the wheel. The problem continued and dealership replaced the steering column and the eps unit. Problem was not resolved, but now dealership service dept. States that even though it is a common complaint they hear about this car, and that the manufacturer is aware of it, it is "normal" for this model. They claim that there is nothing wrong with the steering, and that it is not dangerous. However, I am afraid it is potentially quite dangerous.

- Canton, GA, USA

problem #2

Mar 042011

Elantra 4-cyl

  • 150 miles
The computerized steering in this vehicle results in the wheels being pulled to the left or right. Dealer says that they can't find any problem; this is just a characteristic of the car. Possible safety issue here.

- Chesterfield, MO, USA

problem #1

May 012011

Elantra

  • 10 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 70 mph, the contact abruptly applied pressure to the brakes and the vehicle shifted abnormally to the right lane. The failure was recurring. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed and the manufacturer agreed however, took a complaint on the contacts behalf but provided not further assistance. The current mileage was 1,000 and the failure mileage was 10.

- Smithfield, RI, USA

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