Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
On Sept 12th of this year I was involved in a multiple rollover with my Hyundai elantra and not one single airbag deployed nor did my seatbelt tighten up to keep me from moving around as much. Due to this I suffered a fractured vertabrae.
Clockspring has failed . Hyundai has extended the clockspring warranty for 2011 to 2014 Elantras to a 15-year unlimited mileage but has excluded the 2010 models for some reason. I would like Hyundai to extend the warranty to all affected vehicles as it is a safety hazard.
My daughter was parked sitting in this car before going into work when all the airbags but the front ones deployed. The driver side one hit her arm very hard. The car was on but in park. Nothing hit the car.
Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. While driving 13 MPH, the vehicle accelerated. The brake pedal was depressed and stuck to the floorboard and the steering wheel locked. The vehicle crossed opposite lanes and crashed through a gate and into a house. The air bags deployed long after the crash occurred. The contact was knocked unconscious momentarily and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow yard. Three months later, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 13V113000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic) and 15v1000 (steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and requested information to investigate the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the power steering assist suddenly malfunctioned and the driver was unable to turn the steering wheel. As a result, the contact's vehicle rear ended a second vehicle before crashing into a utility pole. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained chest and neck injuries and the front passenger sustained injuries to the right hand and head. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Sitting in traffic on 405 freeway near exit 52 going south to work when I was rear-ended by a 2013 Nissan. Back and front of car folded up, I was ejected from the seat belt (opened up and flew into passenger seat) and not one air bag opened. I could not move, my foot was fractured, stomach hurt, neck, back and arms in pain. Chp on the scene. Car that ran into the back of me pushed me into a large truck and pushed the truck into a car. 4-car accident. Car has been totaled and I am reporting the failure and defect with the seat belts and air bags. Ma 10/5 updated 11/06/2017
Airbags did not deploy in a head-on collision. Another driver was travelling too fast on snow and slid into my lane while I was traveling in the opposite direction. His airbag deployed, mine did not. This was a 6 airbag system, with no passengers in car. I need assistance pulling out the event data recorder and crash data before this car is salvaged so we can get Hyundai to recall this system.
Due to inclement weather, this vehicle ran into the back of another vehicle at approximately 40mph and the airbag did not deploy. Why? The driver of this vehicle was slammed into the steering with such violent force, her sternum was fractured and her heart muscle bruised. Hyundai does not appear on the Takata recall list. Whom does Hyundai utilize for its airbags?
Airbag complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2010 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the air bags of the 2010 Hyundai Elantra, 12% of the model year's 380 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Hyundai Elantra airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Hyundai Elantra airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 24 crashes, 0 fires and 31 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.