The Lemon Index2011 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 86 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 40, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 26 to 32 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Elantra year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 462 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Elantra year. 2011 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 100K miles on the car (311 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 57K–107K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 60K–120K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 36K–108K miles
Recalls 5
- brakes 2023
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- equipment 2020
The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air com…
- stability control 2015
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.
Show all 5 recalls
- suspension 2015
Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturin.
- airbags 2013
A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
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 144 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which may…
- In the steering rack
- Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
- ClosedHeadliner bracket detachment2013–2014
- ClosedHeadliner bracket detachment2012–2013
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Hyundai Elantra Touring SW FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
2011 Hyundai Elantra. Lawyer writes regarding notice of claim under the lemon law on behalf of clients
2011 Hyundai Elantra owner · NHTSA complaint 10437015
More owner reports
The computerized steering in this vehicle results in the wheels being pulled to the left or right. Dealer says that they can't find any problem; this is just a characteristic of the car. Possible safety issue here.
NHTSA complaint 10410207
My mother came to a stop and noticed smoke and then fire coming from under the hood. Everything in the engine compartment is burnt to a crisp.
NHTSA complaint 10596530
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 40; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Elantra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2011 Hyundai Elantra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (14%), electrical (14%) and wheels (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra have?
5 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 2011 Hyundai Elantra get?
26 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Elantra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 40,000 and 100,200 miles. The middle report was at 70,000 miles, from 311 complaints.
Does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Hyundai Elantra have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Hyundai Elantra year is better than the 2011?
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