MotorDeets

2010 Hyundai Elantra: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2010 Hyundai Elantra: 3 recalls, 379 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
379owner complaints
45mention a crash
29best combined mpg
2010 Hyundai Elantra
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V113000 · 2013 · 1,712,336 vehicles

What's wrong: 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, and model year 2011 sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of…

Why it matters: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'on' position, the transmission shifter May be able to be moved out of park without first applying the brake. This May lead…

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013.

Steering Vehicle recall #15V100000 · 2015 · 204,768 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the electronic power steering (eps) and update the eps control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #20V061000 · 2020 · 476,111 vehicles

What's wrong: On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 entourage and 2007 santa fe vehicles. Moisture May enter the anti-lock brake (ABS) module and result in an electrical short.

Why it matters: An electrical short within the ABS module May cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 48 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Steering195
Electrical48
Airbags46
Transmission & drivetrain32
Brakes27
Speed control / throttle22
Body & structure22
Other / unknown18

What owners describe

The 2010 Hyundai Elantra has 379 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 35 Elantra model years for complaints (1.5× the average Elantra year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 63,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (254 complaints, 4 recalls), 2011 (433 complaints, 5 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive263429Regular
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive253429Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

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FAQ

Does the 2010 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2010 Hyundai Elantra problems?

Owners have filed 379 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (195), electrical (48), airbags (46).

What gas mileage does the 2010 Hyundai Elantra get?

EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2010 Hyundai Elantra repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Elantra years

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