The Lemon Index2009 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2009 Hyundai Elantra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 38 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 46, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 26 to 28 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Elantra year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 286 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Hyundai Elantra year. 2009 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 40K to 103K miles on the car (213 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 48K–100K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 45K–130K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 52K–100K miles
Recalls 4
- brakes 2020
On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles.
- steering 2015
The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist.
- lights 2013
Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe…
Show all 4 recalls
- airbags 2011
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2008.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Hyundai told dealers about
Hyundai sent dealers 51 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Slight rattle noise from the steering while at low speeds driving over rough roads or turning…
- The MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which may…
- Absolute steering position (asp) calibration for electric power steering (eps)
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
- ClosedHeadliner bracket detachment2013–2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Steering wheel completely locked up while driving.
2009 Hyundai Elantra owner · NHTSA complaint 10395777
Quick answers
Is the 2009 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 46; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Elantra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2009 Hyundai Elantra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (39%), airbags (13%) and speed control (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 Hyundai Elantra have?
4 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Hyundai Elantra get?
26 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2009 Hyundai Elantra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 40,000 and 103,500 miles. The middle report was at 77,300 miles, from 213 complaints.
Does the 2009 Hyundai Elantra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2009 Hyundai Elantra cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 Hyundai Elantra have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Hyundai Elantra year is better than the 2009?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2015, 2014 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works