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2007 Hyundai Elantra Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Hyundai Elantra has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake light switch failure.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Hyundai Elantra.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake light switch failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

21 NHTSA complaints · 2011-10 → 2021-07

“I SEE THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS BUT NOT WITH MY VIN#? I WENT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY TESTED MY BRAKE LIGHTS AND NONE OF THEM WORKED?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10985504
“THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING PROPERLY THEN ONE DAY THE BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. ALL OTHER VEHICLE COMPONENTS WORK AS INTENDED INCLUDING THE NIGHT RUNNING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS. I PUT IN NEW FUSES AND REPLACED THE BREAK LIGHTS BUT THE ISSUE REMAINS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11073047
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,955”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10694967

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear subframe and control arm corrosion

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE

19 NHTSA complaints · 2012-01 → 2024-10

“Rear subframe rotted away and not the driver rear tire is leaning and car is not drivable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540913
“The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the driver's side front control arm fractured. Additionally, the contact noticed that the undercarriage was rusted. The contact was able to pull into a parking spot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619100
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR AXLE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS ROTTED AND THERE WAS FRAME CORROSION ON THE REAR SIDE OF THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11079091

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sun visor mounting bracket failure

VISIBILITY/WIPER

64 NHTSA complaints · 2011-11 → 2017-08

“SUN VISOR FELL AND HIT ME IN THE EYE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FORUMS AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S. THE VISOR NO LONGER STAYS UP. THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE AN INJURY IS CAUSED BY THIS FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10515813
“SUN VISOR ARM ON MY 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA DRIVER SIDE BROKE CAUSING THE VISOR TO FALL IN FRONT OF DRIVER FACE. IT CANNOT BE ADJUSTED TO BLOCK THE SUN FROM THE FRONT OR THE SIDE AND WILL NOT STAY IN A CLOSED POSITION TO GIVE A FULL VIEW OF THE AREA AHEAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10823721
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR FAILED TO REMAIN SECURE AND WOULD FALL SEVERAL TIMES. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10534152

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering loss

STEERING

26 NHTSA complaints · 2012-08 → 2022-02

“POWER STEERING FAILED AND EPS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONDITION CLEARED UPON STOPPING VEHICLE, AND RESTARTING IT. THIS CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY (MAYBE 10-15 INSTANCES, OFTEN WITH MONTHS BETWEEN OCCURRENCES) UNTIL OCTOBER (182900 MILES), WHEN EPS FAILED TO RESET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10559783
“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING IN FAST LANE. TOOK ALL MY MIGHT TO WREST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. STEERING STIFFENED UP, WAS ABLE TO GET VEHICLE ACROSS TRAFFIC LANES TO PARKING LOT ENTRANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10730494
“I WAS TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE ROAD, THE CAR JURKED QUICKLY TO THE LEFT ACROSS CENTER LINE. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING LITE CAME ON AND THE CAR WAS UNSTEERABLE. I FINALLY GOT THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT THE STEERING CAME BACK ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10583301

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS module electrical fire

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

19 NHTSA complaints · 2012-03 → 2023-01

“Problem is associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000. This is for the ABS braking system catching fire. The recall partially addressed the issue, but not fully. The manufacturer installed a fix that addresses the issue while the car is turned off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477519
“COLD CAR CATCHES ON FIRE TOTAL LOST. WAS PARKED ON MY DRIVEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10956981
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON START UP OF THE VEHICLE, HER BRAKES WOULD NOT FUNCTION UPON DEPRESSION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL; THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11406480

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

19 NHTSA complaints · 2012-01 → 2026-05

“TAKATA RECALL. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS INJURED DUE TO THE FACT THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11040435
“MY WIFE HIT A GARD RAIL AT 65 MPH IN THE FRONT AND BROKE THE BUMPER IN HALF AND MESS THE HOLE FRONT END UP AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF. SO I WAS W ORDERING WHY WE NEVER RECEIVE A RECALL ABOUT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10836526
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT AWAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK HEAD ON BY A DRUNK DRIVER. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10823952

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration or sudden lurch

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 NHTSA complaints · 2012-07 → 2023-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10493175
“ON THE MORNING OF JUNE 23, 2012, I WAS PARKING MY 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP, AS USUAL, AND FELT THE CAR SLOWING DOWN AT FIRST; BUT THEN, JUST AS I WAS COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10465259
“On 2/3/2023 I started my vehicle like normal drove approximately 2 miles to the store , during the drive my the vehicle was accelerating uncontrollably, more than I was driving normally. I then hit the brakes and it did slow down”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11505783

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

144 crashes 1990–2024

How the 144 occupant deaths break down

104

driver deaths

39

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

144

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

21

complaints mentioning a crash

13

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Hyundai Elantra reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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