Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
On 8/14/2021 I entered NHTSA complaint number 11429117. This was in regard to a fractured front coil spring in my 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Although there was a current recall (number 15V629000) on this issue, I was advised that my VIN did not qualify. Apparently the reasoning was that my car was built in a different location in Alabama. I contested this with appropriate documention that clearly showed the broken pieces with corrosion. I ended up suffering the cost of replacement of both strut assemblies. As I had to go to an independent shop for my service I sent and escalated my issue through Hyundai to no avail. So now it's March 2023, and I receive a recall (excuse me, campaign - 984) to have an underbody cavity wax and anti corrosion spray applied to prevent corrosion of components due to road salt. …
On February 14, 2023, around 6:30 PM the right front passenger front coil spring broke on my 2011 Hyundai Elantra. I was driving while crossing railroad tracks when the front end dropped down on the right side and the car wouldn't move. I continued to push the accelerator to get my car off the tracks and on the side of the road- spring cut my tire ripping the inner tire wall. I made several calls to Hyundai (Springfield IL Dealership) and they informed although there was a current recall (number 15V629000) on this issue, I was advised that my VIN did not qualify. The reasoning was that my car's physical address didn't qualify for the recall. I contested this with appropriate documentation that clearly showed the broken pieces with corrosion. I ended up suffering the cost of the towing bill and replacement of both strut assemblies. …
2011 Hyundai Elantra. Driver side coil spring fractured. I had both front struts/springs replaced. I have all parts. This is a safety issue as the missing piece can cause the vehicle to lose control. Fortunately mine broke as I entered my garage. As my local dealer could not see my car for 7-10 days, I opted for local repair. I brought my documentation and parts to my local dealer for validation. Before I did anything, I verified that there was a recall on this exact issue (number 15V629000). My VIN did not appear nor was I ever notified of the recall. I then began to chase Hyundai for reimbursement. I will attach my communications with them. Basically I was denied as the VIN was not on the list and I was further told that they do not reimburse for non dealer repairs which is incorrect, as I started my process on their campaign website which addresses reimbursement.
My car was recalled by Hyundai for a critical safety issue and has been at the dealership since July of 2024 awaiting repairs due to missing parts. Despite repeated follow-ups, Hyundai has been unable to provide a timeline for the repair. Recently, they offered to buy back the car, but the offer was far below its fair market value. When I declined, they stated they would return the car to me unfixed and unsafe. This situation has caused significant inconvenience and feels coercive, as I am forced to choose between accepting an unfair buyback or taking back an unsafe vehicle. I am seeking NHTSA's assistance to ensure Hyundai repairs the vehicle promptly, investigates their handling of recalls, and protects consumers from being placed in such unfair situations.
My daughter was driving my 2011 Hyundai Elantra and she got a flat tire on the drivers side front. Upon inspection, I discovered that the front strut spring had fractured and part of it went through the sidewall of the tire. Found out that there is a recall for this exact problem for certain 2011 Elantras. Called the Hyundai customer service line and was told that this particular Elantra was not part of the recall. Why not? The recall is to replace springs that, because of corrosion caused by road salt used in winter in certain states (my state NJ being one of the states affected), fracture and puncture the tires. This is EXACTLY what happened to this vehicle. I am working on getting Hyundai to make repairs but I don't have much hope.
I have had broken shocks and struts on my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Liminted, currently 69000 miles 2 times, once replaced by dealership 2nd done by BIG O Tires in Salt Lake, I did not have a breakdown, my tire blew the first time 12/26/2015, currently was caught by general tire mainainance. This must be some kind of a defect due to have them replace them so often. 2 incidents 12/26/2015 and 10/12/2022. I take very very good care of my car. I have read the issues of prior. Please contact both Murdock Hyundai Murray Utah & Ken Garff Salt Lake City Utah and Big O downtown Salt Lake City.
The rear suspension crossmember fractured allowing the lower suspension arm to move causing the wheel to move out at the bottom by a considerable amount. I noticed it after a short local trip. I think if I had continued driving the lower arm may have completely disconnected resulting in potential loss of control. The crossmember has significant corrosion in this area but the component should be thick enough to allow for this. The car is at my home address therefore has not been inspected by a dealer. I have contacted them and the manufacturer and neither offer any help.
UnKnown. When financing the vehicle through Adonis Auto Group I was unaware of the unrepaired safety recall. Also I am under the impression nothing was done to the car before purchasing it, I have had to make repairs to the car only after 10,000 - 15,000 miles of driving. For example replacing the control arm, axle, brake hardware. My point is they are selling cars without repairing them and not advising the customer upon purchase. I also asked for the repair paperwork for what has been done to the car before purchase and never received it.
In 2016 left front coil broke and took damage to tire Hyundai took and replaced it for your charged only one coil was replaced on the car in 2019 the other coil broke customers charged $966.30 to do the repair and replace the tire Hyundai says there's no recall on the springs for this vehicle yet I did find a recall saying there was but they're telling me that the serial numbers was no recall on that
The front subframe / crossmember has prematurely corroded at suspension mounting points. The control arm mount has rusted completely through resulting in the bottom half of the control arm mount becoming unstable and the control arm is at risk of full detachment.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland,…
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016.
Suspension complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2011 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 15% of the model year's 433 complaints. The component named most often is front (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Hyundai Elantra suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-629 (coil springs, Oct 7, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Elantra suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.