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KLUNK
KLUNK

2010 Hyundai Elantra

The Verdict

30 Check Engine

The 2010 Hyundai Elantra has 453 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (258 complaints) and electrical (92 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 30/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Elantra, consider the 2025 model year which has 95% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 95% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Hyundai Elantra dashboard →

30

Klunk Score: Check Engine

More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000626615519
2001122251283517
200216233934316
20031072555389
2004308118197
2005311079116
200626318287
20071363070228
200810246618224
20091702563188
201025843922931
20111934210110517
20122147519315330
201350921926225834
201481594417611
20157743271009
2016102104112117
2017316399029623
2018739311599
2019325731354
20205494210933
202168831164
202255717126
202340724224
20242421781
2025141240

By Category

Body
258
Electrical
92
Brakes
43
Transmission
31
Engine
29

By Severity

1
181
2
200
3
10
4
61
5
1

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2010 Hyundai Elantra stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 2

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to steer. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and electronic control unit (ECU) warning lights illuminated. The contact researched the issue and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. A dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

11d ago
Engine 4

On XXX, my 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring experienced a severe fire in the engine compartment. I observed burning material/flames dripping from underneath the engine compartment before the fire spread upward. The fire caused extensive damage to the engine compartment and the vehicle is no longer drivable. After the incident, I checked the vehicle's VIN ([XXX]) on Hyundai's recall website and found that Hyundai Safety Recall Campaign 188 / NHTSA Recall 20V061000 is listed as INCOMPLETE. The recall concerns the ABS module electrical circuit and a potential engine-compartment fire risk. I am reporting this incident to NHTSA because an actual engine-compartment fire occurred while this safety recall remained incomplete. The vehicle has been preserved and is available for inspection. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Brakes 1

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The contact researched and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting), 15V100000 (Steering) and 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repairs were unable to be completed because the required tools were unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

1mo ago
Body 1

I have gone to multiple Hyundai dealerships to remedy the open recall on my vehicle. None of them are able to accomplish it due to lack of equipment. My electronic power steering recently failed after multiple attempts to accomplish the recall. The most recent attempt was at the Hundai dealership at Doug's Hyundai, 22130 Hwy 99, Edmonds, WA 98026, in 2026. Previous attempts were at Hyundai dealership at 641 Orange Dr, Vacaville, CA 95687 in 2023, United States and the hyundai dealership near Macon Georgia in 2017.

2mo ago
Electrical 4

I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system, crash sensors, or airbag control module may have malfunctioned or failed to operate properly. Photos documenting the damage are available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident for potential safety defects involving: * Airbag non-deployment * Crash sensor failure * SRS system malfunction * Airbag control module defects I am also requesting review of whether similar complaints or investigations exist involving this Hyundai model or related vehicles.

3mo ago
Body 4

Upon arriving at my condo after work, pulled into the driveway that goes to 2nd floor underground. Had my foot on the brake and when the garage door started to rise, I put foot on gas pedal to inch forward and the gas pedal went all the way down. Braking did not stop the car. The car crashed through the garage door but that did not stop car. It continued till the car hit a cement boulder which finally stopped it. After car hit the cement boulder it continued to try and run. Obviously a huge risk factor when your car accelerates and can't be stopped. If that had happened on the street, I can't even imagine what could have happened. The car was totaled so I doubt if it has been checked by anyone. And there was no warning at all. Had not noticed anything unusual that give me any hint that the gas pedal would stick all the to the floor. When I researched unexplained acceleration there was reference to the throttle and 4 or 5 reasons why it would accelerate on its own.

3mo ago
Body 2

Vehicle developed clunking noise in the steering. Was told it was coupler issue. The dealership, Nlorthbay Hyundai, in Petaluma, California, was negligent in the replacement, creating a grinding metal on metal noise, and damaged the steering column as well. The Dealership refused failed to correct the damage and attempted to defraud me over $3,000 for an entirely new steering column, and refuse to honor promised repair warranty despite their own negligence that created the damage. I found out that Hyundai models including mine have coupler issues involving recalls, years ago. I was not aware of this, and so not sure if my vehicle was part of the recall. However, Hyundai Motor America failed to notify me to take my vehicle in for a safety check for the vehicle coupler. And while I found that that my vehicle qualified for an extended warranty due to the recall, HMA so lacking in responsibility, sound business and moral ethics, let alone serious concern for my safety, claims that my vehicle is past the extended warranty by a completely insignificant mileage. As far as am concerned my vehicle is not safe to drive, and it remains at the dealership while I exhaust all avenues to have my car fixed. I have documents including clear repair notes and service request documents to support my complaint. Complaint being filed against both the dealership, Northbay Hyundai and the manufacturer, Hyundai Motor America.

4mo ago
Body 1

EPS light came on and we changed the part and it came back on again I spent $350 for this service but I saw online that Hyundai is having a recall for my year and model car to reprogramming eps but my vin is not included. Is it possible they can include my vin ?

5mo ago
Electrical 2

The EPS light started coming on intermittently back in Nov. 2025 and power steering became very difficult. I could get it to reset by turning off the car and turning steering wheel all the way to right and then left and then back to center and restart. The steering ability returned but the light eventually came back on. I had Firestone look at this in Nov. and they recalibrated but advised if problem returned that I should contact dealer due to recall for 2010 Elantras for same issue. The light came back on this weekend. I note the recall is for Elantras manufactured through April 30, 2010. My car was manufactured June 20, 2010…. 6 weeks after the dates of the recalled models. Clearly this issue is affecting my car also. I plan to call the dealer and try to get them to look at it and see if they will repair under the recall… but I wanted to report this to you also since is affecting models outside the original recall dates.

8mo ago
Brakes 1

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in direction with the ABS warning light illuminated. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, but the failure reoccurred. Recently, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was restarted, but failed to self-correct. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 85,000. The VIN was not available.

10mo ago
Body 2

The contact's mother owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Power Steering" warning light illuminated. The contact's mother had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V100000 (Steering); in 2018, and the vehicle was no longer under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

12mo ago
Body 2

Rear lower control arm detached from subframe while highway driving. Lost control of vehicle. The problem has been an issue for Sonata and Azera however not for Elantra when the same thing happened. The component has not been inspected yet. There were no warning lights. Happened suddenly. Is available for inspection. Subframe became corroded from road salt. VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME. That’s exactly what happened.

14mo ago
Electrical 1

I own a 2010 Hyundai Elantra that has experienced a sudden loss of power steering assist on multiple occasions. When this happens, the steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn, especially when maneuvering at low speeds or parking. The EPS light comes on and stays illuminated. This creates a serious safety hazard, particularly when driving with children or in traffic. I am aware of Hyundai Recall 127 (NHTSA Campaign 15V100000), which addresses the same issue, but my VIN is not included. I am requesting that Hyundai investigate and provide the same repair remedy for vehicles outside the initial recall VIN range that are experiencing identical failures.

15mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,857.

15mo ago
Body 2

The vehicle is subject to manufacturer recall #127. I brought it to two different dealerships for the recall repair after confirming in advance that they had the necessary parts. However, after dropping off my vehicle, I was informed a few hours later that the dealership did not actually have the parts needed for the repair. I contacted Hyundai’s service center to escalate the issue, but they refused to take further action. Instead, they repeatedly instructed me to reach out to other dealerships. After contacting several other dealers, I was told that they either did not have the parts or the system capabilities to perform the recall repair. Despite my efforts, Hyundai has refused to escalate this matter to upper management, leaving the issue unresolved.

15mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and the engine seized. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to start the vehicle, he heard a rattling sound coming from the engine. There were no warnings light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed, and an undisclosed part connected to the timing belt had detached and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that because the NHTSA had not completed the investigation into the failure, a recall was not issued. The approximate failure mileage was 99,500.

16mo ago
Body 2

When I am driving with my seatbelt on for no reason at all my seatbelt comes undone doesn't happen all the time but Several times it has happened to me. And then there is something wrong with the transmission. Doesn't shift right away so it like jerks or lunges when it finally goes into gear. I have noticed both of these problems since 2/28/2025

16mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and making a turn, there was an abnormally loud thumping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound persisted over time. While the vehicle was parked, the contact turned the steering wheel and there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the steering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coupler steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,500.

20mo ago
Brakes 4

My car catched on fire after my steering wheel light keep coming on and off and my Abs and break light was on couple days before it catched fire .

20mo ago
Engine 4

vehicle caught on fire under apt complex carport causing extensive damage to property and 2 other vehicles.

21mo ago

453 total

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