Hyundai Elantra Touring Problems by Year

We compared every Hyundai Elantra Touring model year from 2009–2013 using 174 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 4 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2010, which drew far more complaints than other Elantra Touring years at the same age. The best years are 2013 and 2009.

5model years
174complaints
4recalls
2010worst years
2013, 2009best years

Complaints by model year

200920102011201220133275292216
Owner complaints per model year, Hyundai Elantra Touring. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
201316−38%—Wheel & TireAverage
201222typical1SuspensionAverage
2011291.3×3AccelerationAverage
2010752.3×4SteeringAvoid
200932−16%3SteeringAverage

* Complaints compared with the median Elantra Touring year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Hyundai Elantra Touring problems

  • 5431%
  • Air bagsworst: 2009
    2313%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2010
    2112%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2010
    1810%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2011
    137%
  • Brakesworst: 2010
    137%
  • Suspensionworst: 2012
    137%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2010
    137%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2011
    137%
  • Other / not specified
    127%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2011
    116%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2010
    63%
  • Lightsworst: 2009
    53%
  • Body & structureworst: 2009
    53%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2009
    42%
  • Seatsworst: 2009
    21%
  • Driver assistanceworst: 2010
    11%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2011
    11%

Latest Hyundai Elantra Touring recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

NHTSA recall 20V-061 · Feb 4, 2020 · 476,111 vehicles

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 result in an electrical short.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020.

Steering › Electric power assist system

NHTSA recall 15V-100 · Feb 23, 2015 · 204,768 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015.

Structure › Frame and members

NHTSA recall 14V-310 · Jun 10, 2014 · 35,000 vehicles

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured December 15, 2009, through May 7, 2012. The affected vehicles have a support bracket attached to the headliner that may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151.

Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch

NHTSA recall 13V-113 · Apr 1, 2013 · 1,712,336 vehicles

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 Tiburon vehicles.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

All 4 Hyundai Elantra Touring recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Hyundai Elantra Touring should you avoid?

2010 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Elantra Touring years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2010.

What is the best year for the Hyundai Elantra Touring?

2013 has the fewest complaints compared with other Elantra Touring years at the same age, followed by 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Hyundai Elantra Touring problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (54), air bags (23) and wheels & tires (21). Steering complaints peak in the 2010 model year.

How many recalls has the Hyundai Elantra Touring had?

4 recalls across 2009–2013. The model year with the most is 2010. See all Hyundai Elantra Touring recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.