Most common 2009 Hyundai Elantra problems
Share of the 254 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Elantra complaints by model year
Best Elantra years: 2025. Years to avoid: 2013, 2017, 2012, 2018, 2011. Compare all years →
2009 Hyundai Elantra recalls (4)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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
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.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 elantra vehicles manufactured from July 14, 2006, through November 1, 2008. The front passenger seats in the vehicles contain a weight sensor designed to deactivate the right frontal airbag when occupants of certain weights occupy the seat.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover over the weight classification system connector to prevent contamination. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expecting to begin during April 2011.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Hyundai Elantra:
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
What 2009 Hyundai Elantra owners say
Steering all 133 →
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering with the EPS warning light illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer replaced the tie rods, spark plugs, wiper blades, cabin air filter, driveline belt, transmission coolant, throttle, oil plug, struts, and control arms, and performed an alignment; however, the failure recurred with the EPS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who ordered the EPS sensor and was awaiting the replacement part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer to have her A/C unit serviced; but upon return of the vehicle, the contact stated that her EPS(Electronic Power Steering) warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her steering wheel would jerk upon turning the steering wheel in either direction. The dealer was notified of the matter and informed her that the warning light was illuminated prior to service. The contact contested that claim and stated that she would have brought the warning light to their attention if the light had illuminated prior to service. The manufacturer was notified of the matter and gave the contact a case number. The contact was also notified that her vehicle was placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000(Steering) back in 2015; however, the recall was serviced that same year. …
Air bags all 42 →
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the passenger's side air bag light failed to illuminate while a passenger was seated in the passenger's side front seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic, where the air bags software was reset; however, the failure recurred. The dealer confirmed that the air bags were Takata brand air bags. The independent mechanic determined that the air bag sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
March 26, 2024 Hello; Re: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring VIN# [redacted] On [redacted], I while driving on a very icy slippery road to do low temperatures and the city not salting the roads like they should have! I was going approximately 22 mph & somehow I lost control of my car & slammed into a light pole & the whole entire front end of my car was destroyed! Meanwhile, none of the airbags deployed & I slammed into the steering wheel! I had my seatbelt on & it immediately locked up on me & someone had to cut me out of the seatbelt! I was transported to the hospital emergency, while my car was towed to "E. End Auto" @ 64 10th Ave. Dickinson, ND I suffered severe injuries such as back & neck injuries, 4 bruised ribs & horribly severe bruises to my left eye & scars! …
Brakes all 27 →
The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked she was notified that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that flames were coming from under the hood and the fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The fire department report was filed. The contact stated that prior to the failure the ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that he could not determine why the brake light was illuminated but advised that the failure could be related to a wire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who was unable to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the independent mechanic advised her that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnosis or repairs. …
The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that on one occasion when the vehicle was turned on, the brake and ABS warning lights illuminated. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied for approximately 5 days, there was smoke coming from the front of the hood of the vehicle. The department extinguished the fire and a fire report was filed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. A dealer was contacted and confirmed there were no recalls associated to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2009 Hyundai Elantra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 33 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 33 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Hyundai Elantra a good car?
Based on 254 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Elantra rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Elantra at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Hyundai Elantra?
The steering — 133 complaints, 52% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hydraulic power assist system. Next are the air bags (42) and brakes (27).
How many recalls does the 2009 Hyundai Elantra have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra, the most recent from February 4, 2020 (control unit/module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Elantra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2017, 2012, 2018 and 2011. See the full Hyundai Elantra years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Hyundai Elantra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.