Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring Date of Crash: [redacted] Location of Crash: Duluth, MN Description of Incident: I was driving my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring straight through an intersection when another driver ran a stop sign and T boned the passenger side of my vehicle. The impact was severe enough that the vehicle was totaled, with significant structural intrusion into the passenger compartment. No airbags (side torso or curtain) deployed, although the strike was a direct side impact at approximately 30+ mph. I expected at least the side curtain or side torso airbags to deploy. My insurance adjuster noted that the lack of deployment was unexpected given the severity and nature of the crash. Outcome: Vehicle declared totaled No airbags deployed No serious injuries, but a significant safety concern
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer who informed the contact about diagnostic testing. The contact declined the diagnostic fees. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,700.
The air bag light on the dashboard came on and has stayed on. I got into my car in the morning as I do everyday, and the air bag light came on. The light goes out when I turn off the ignition. But the light stays on while the car is running and while I'm driving the car. This has been a problem for over a week. I haven't been involved in any accidents or incidents that led to the light coming on. And I haven't had any work done to the car that would cause this problem. I'm worried that the air bags won't deploy if I was involved in an accident. I see others all over the internet that have been having the same issue. The cost is prohibitive to have it checked and fixed. A recall should be issued. There's no reason that the air bag light should just come on and stay on. I would like Hyundai to cover the cost of checking and fixing this safety issue.
As the driver in a front end crash, my driver side airbag did not deploy. There was heavy front end damage and the car was unrepairable due to the front end damage. There was no prior indication that the airbag(s) were not working properly. The collision center where the car was towed was also surprised that there was no air bag deployment.
The airbag light goes on and off intermittently. I've not had any accidents or anything so I'm not sure why it's doing this. A lot of people are complaining about the same problem on blogs on the internet. I think this should be a recall and be fixed for free.
On October 1, 2023, I started my vehicle in the driveway to having the red airbag warning light appear as a dashboard symbol. No accidents have occurred. I do not see any recalls on this issue. I'll be visiting the Hyundai dealership today- October 3, 2023.
The power steering stopped working while driving in 2019. The steering wheel jolted 1-2", the EPS light blinked and then remained lit. Maintaining control of the vehicle was strenuous, making it impossible to quickly maneuver, especially at low speeds. Safety of the driver and others on the roadways was negatively impacted by the sudden malfunction. The power steering became intermittent while driving, then completely failed. The vehicle was serviced by a Hyundai dealer/service department for diagnostics, but a diagnosis was inconclusive. To remedy, it was recommended to replace the power steering module. This was done, and it provided temporary resolution. Power steering suddenly became intermittent again. Another diagnostic appointment suggested to replace the entire steering column. This has not been done. There was no warning that the power steering would fail. …
Yesterday, February 8th 2019, at approximately 5:30 am, my girlfriend had a high speed impact (speed limit in this area of alaska is 65mph) with a moose. It was a frontal impact on the bumper/hood/windshield/roof, occuring on the front drivers side. The airbags failed to deploy upon this initial impact. Additionally, as the car left the road, there was a second frontal impact into a hardened, plowed snowbank, in which the airbags also failed to deploy. This year and model is believed to be equipped with drivers, passengers, and side curtain airbags, which all failed to deploy. She is the original owner of the vehicle, and has no other accidents or repairs previously performed on the vehicle. We do not know as of yet if a state trooper report was filled, we will be checking Monday. However, we have photos that will be attached that clearly show the,airbag failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle started jerking and required a longer stopping distance when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V871000 (electronic stability control) however, the parts for the recall was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA investigations
Headliner Bracket Detachment
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S.
Airbag complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2011 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 18% of the model year's 433 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Hyundai Elantra airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 5 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 2011 Hyundai Elantra airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 0 fires and 7 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.