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).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the engine light and air bag light flashed as the brakes had been applied however, the wheels spun unexpectedly and the engine power was reduced resulting into a crash into another vehicle. The air bags had not deployed. The driver sustained no injuries for medical treatment. A police report was filed. The manufacturer had not sent notification that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V871000 (electronic stability control) as of December 21st, 2015 so the owner was not aware. The vehicle was unable to be driven above mid 20 to 5 MPH with a drastic reduction in engine power. The vehicle was towed from the location of the failure and parked because of the failure. A dealer was not contacted yet. The vehicle was rendered unable to be driven due to the failure experienced related to the recall campaign. …
My 2011 Hyundai Elantra is under Hyundai recall 137. My vehicle has been at the dealership for regular service since 8/31/16. I mentioned the ESC was malfunctioning and the service advisor indicated it would require diagnostics at an additional charge. They diagnosed the problem and estimated by phone the repair would be about $1,700 because the yaw sensor of the ESC system had failed and damaged the steering column now needing replacement. I asked they request a goodwill repair since the car was just out of the 5 year bumper to bumber warranty and awaited notice. Meanwhile I reviewed the internet for the Hyundai repair issues and found my car was on Hyundai recall 137 for the ESC system. I noted the dealers were supposed to be repairning this issue at no charge to customers under the recall. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the ESC sensor warning indicator illuminated continuously. When the ignition was turned off and back on, the warning indicator did not illuminate. After driving for approximately one minute, the ESC warning indicator illuminated continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V871000 (electronic stability control); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Got my 2011 Hyundai Elantra in 2017 at 94K miles. Air bag light is continuously illuminated, ESC light had been on for approx. 6-8 weeks. Also, none of the controls on the steering wheel work. None of the controls have worked since I got the car. No cruise control, I can't reset my trip odometer, I can't control the volume for my radio, nor can I control the Bluetooth for my hands free usage. Was told by dealership that there would be a fee to have this problem looked at, but saw a Hyundai mechanic by chance in a gas station and was told that my clock spring could be faulty. This is an issue, especially for commuters like myself. Also, mpg has drastically decreased. Was getting almost 35 mpg, now it's only about 25 mpg.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle began to skid. The rear end swayed and the ESC warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to regain control and continued driving. The failure recurred numerous times while driving various speeds. In 2013, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they were unable to duplicate the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V871000 (electronic stability control); however, the remedy was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I recently had to slam my brakes due to a driver in front of me. And right at about a month later the acceleration to my car while in drive will not go. Took it to a mechanic and its reading a couple of codes t the sensors. I saw that in a search while trying to fix the issue that it has been recalled due to the ESC. I am very upset that I was not made aware of the recall that is related to my VIN number. This happens at a parking lot near chuck e cheese on my sons birthday and I had to have it towed back home. I have not been able to use my car in a week now because we are still trying to figure out wich sensor it is and if I replace it what will even happen.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While driving, the electronic stability control (ESC) indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator sensor was causing the vehicle to lose power for approximately three seconds. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal again and the vehicle operated normally. If the contact pushed the ESC button, the vehicle would operate normally. The contact called don franklin lexington Hyundai (3340 richmond rd, lexington, ky 40509, [phone]) and was quoted a repair cost of $900 for the sensor, which did not include labor. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 125,200.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, when the brake pedal was depressed there was an abnormal vibration in the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rotor was warped and needed to be turned or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V871000 (electronic stability control). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,900.
My car has had engine light on over one year since I bought it used, different shop tried to fix it but they can't get it ,they said it is because of vehicle bad system itself so why it shakes every single time,electrical power system is not good,the heating system was down,the fixed it a couple days from now but still it isn't working properly.the problem came in when I was driving in highway I-295 maine state.
Related recalls
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016.
Traction Control complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2011 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 8% of the model year's 433 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Hyundai Elantra traction control problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-871 (electronic stability control (esc), Dec 23, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Elantra traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to stability & traction control 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.