Most common 2010 Hyundai Elantra problems
Share of the 380 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 →
2010 Hyundai Elantra recalls (3)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2010 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 2010 Hyundai Elantra owners say
Steering all 195 →
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken the dealer on two occasions. The dealer updated the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) control unit. However, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact they no longer had the part to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased used from the dealer and was aware of the issues from the start. …
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the steering wheel was vibrating. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more frequently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Electrical system all 48 →
The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with an electrical shortage or the alternator. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH to her friend's house for assistance with replacing the alternator, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated upon attempting to veer to the side of the road, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted to park (P) but the vehicle failed to respond and continued rolling. The contact heard an exploding sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated fiery particles hit the windshield and there was smoke coming in through the AC vent. …
So I was driving my vehicle like normal and all of a sudden the driver airbag light came on on the dash and as I'm getting closer to home my check engine light came on my ABS came on as well as my EPS and my TPS , was losing power to the vehicle. I made it home, put it in park and smoke started rolling. Look under the hood. There's a fire under the hood. I'm not sure what all damage it has caused, but it appears to be coming from the ABS and the electrical I don't know what damage was caused by the ABS catching fire, but I was unaware that there was a problem with the vehicle, I am I just bought the vehicle in May and it's just happened August 11 of 2023
Air bags all 46 →
The contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving downhill in the rain at 45 MPH, she failed to apply the brakes and crashed into a vehicle. The impact of the crash caused a three-vehicle pile up. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Due to the failure, his wife hit her right arm and chest on the steering column. The authorities arrived at the scene and rendered aid by the EMT. The driver of the vehicle that his wife crashed into sustained neck injuries. The contact later took his wife to a hospital where she was treated for bruising to her right arm and chest. A police report was filed(2023-17095). The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer nor the dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system, crash sensors, or airbag control module may have malfunctioned or failed to operate properly. Photos documenting the damage are available. …
2010 Hyundai Elantra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 35 / 29 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Hyundai Elantra a good car?
Based on 380 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Elantra rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as 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 2010 Hyundai Elantra?
The steering — 195 complaints, 51% of all complaints for this model year, most often about electric power assist system. Next are the electrical system (48) and air bags (46).
How many recalls does the 2010 Hyundai Elantra have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2010 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 2010 Hyundai Elantra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 37% 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.