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2011 Hyundai Elantra: True Cost, Problems & Verdict

460 NHTSA owner complaints · 5 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.

Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
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Owner complaints: 460 filed with NHTSA

Complaints per year on the road: 30.67

Engine96Air Bags81Steering77Suspension67Electrical System52Service Brakes49

What owners say

Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.

I have a Piston/Engine Defect according to the mechanic at the car shop. Any time any acceleration is applied you can hear the knocking. I believe it should be covered through the class action alleged that 2011-2016 Elantras engines (including the Limited trim) have a piston defect leading to engine failure. A settlement offered extended warranties, engine repairs, and reimbursement. I was unaware and have already s…
The brake lines in our 2011 Hyundai Elantra have rusted out and no longer hold brake fluid, which means the car is not safe to drive. Luckily we were able to get the car to our sidewalk and park it without injury. We found that Sauder Schelkopf is investigating a potential class action lawsuit against Hyundai for underbody corrosion and brake line failure in 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. It has been alleged th…
When ever I am turning my steering wheel in either direction there is a clicking noise. It started low and now the noise became loud even when I am going over bumps on the road. I went to a reputable certified shop and I am told it is my steering column bushing and I was advised that there is a recall on it but when I further investigate my car I do not see no recall. This is a problem a lot of people are having with…

Recalls: 5 campaigns (3 severe)

2013201520202023
CampaignComponentSummary
13V115000Air Bags:Side/WindowHyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013.…
20V393000Equipment:ElectricalHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12…
15V629000Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil SpringsHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and…
23V651000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/TractHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 201…
15V871000Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 201…

True cost of ownership

EPA combined 32 MPG · estimated annual fuel cost $1,900

Fuel (your region) $1,900
Maintenance band (your region) $153$2,192
Estimated running cost this year (age 15) $4,092

Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.

02468101214$4,092vehicle age (years)
fuel/energy + maintenance band (annual, USD, estimate)

Run your own numbers in the true-cost calculator →

FAQ

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra?

The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Engine (96 complaints in our indexed sample).

Is the 2011 Hyundai Elantra a good used car to buy?

Our data verdict is AVOID with a reliability score of 30/100, computed from 460 NHTSA complaints and 5 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.

Does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 3 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 01/04/2013. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

What will a 2011 Hyundai Elantra really cost YOU per year?

Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.

Open the true-cost calculator

Data sources

Complaints & recalls: NHTSA · Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov · Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements. Last updated: 2026-08-20.

30RELIABILITY / 100
AVOID
  • 460 NHTSA complaints on record (30.7/yr of exposure)
  • 5 recall campaigns, 3 touching safety-critical systems

How this score is computed →

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