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2010 Hyundai Elantra Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Hyundai Elantra carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering control unit/module and electric power assist system. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission slipping and hesitation during acceleration.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #20V061000 · Apr 2, 2020

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. 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.

Risk: 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.

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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #15V100000 · Feb 23, 2015

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. 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.

Risk: 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.

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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Campaign #13V113000 · Jan 4, 2013

Issue: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. 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 vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Risk: 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 to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Hyundai Elantra.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission slipping and hesitation during acceleration

POWER TRAIN

12 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2022-09

“THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND ON INCLINES - LOSING POWER TO THE WHEELS (FEELS LIKE YOU ARE IN NEUTRAL, AND THE RPM'S GO WAY UP). A VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS FEELING WHEN MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY FOR INSTANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414914
“VEHICLE HAS 85,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. DOES NOT MATTER IF THE WEATHER IS WARM OR COLD OR IF ENGINE IS WARM OR COLD. REOCCURRING PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11385478
“2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HESITATES AND JERKS WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY AFTER A YEAR OR TWO AFTER BUYING IT BRAND NEW. AT 160,000, IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366355

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failure and hydraulic brake recall delays

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

23 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2026-08

“The contact stated that the brake pedal would intermittently depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to two separate independent mechanics, and both informed her that the brakes were okay and could not determine the cause of the failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507504
“THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, AFTER CONTACTING THE LOCAL DEALER GLENDALE HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 411 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS INOPERABLE AND NO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397376
“When I started my car, the brake lights were on and the brakes were not responding. I took it to a mechanic who replaced a brake line and reported that there was rust on other brake lines as well”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11473035

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering failure and recall repair delays

STEERING

121 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2026-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666318
“EPS Electric Power Steering warning and unable to steer to drive. I was quoted $3,200 to repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11609345
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664119

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment without crash or non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

19 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2026-05

“I pulled up to my house, turned the ignition off, and the airbag deployed in my face”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470767
“My daughter was parked sitting in this car before going into work when all the airbags but the front ones deployed. The driver side one hit her arm very hard. The car was on but in park. Nothing hit the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438441
“The contact stated that while his wife was driving downhill in the rain at 45 MPH, she failed to apply the brakes and crashed into a vehicle. The impact of the crash caused a three-vehicle pile up. The air bags did not deploy upon impact”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11523196

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system battery drain, no-start, and engine fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

25 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2026-01

“MY CAR CONTINUALLY WILL NOT START. I'VE HAD TO HAVE THE BATTERY JUMPED SEVERAL TIMES VIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I COULD DRIVE IT ONE DAY AND THE NEXT DAY, ITS DEAD. I EVEN BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY THINKING THAT THIS WAS THE PROBLEM, BUT THE ISSUE PERSISTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11375833
“I bought this vehicle used, just three years ago. It had a little over 100k miles on it. Since purchase date, the car has died at least eight times and I've had to take it in for inspection four times. It has had three different batteries”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11452698
“The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with an electrical shortage or the alternator”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479575

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine seizure, knocking noise, and engine fire

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2026-08

“THE ENGINE KNOCKS -LOUD RATTLE WHILE IDLING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477432
“LOUD NOISE STARTED COMING FROM ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. TAKEN TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSTICS INDICATED A BAD ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266887
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11656304

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

228 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

49

complaints mentioning a crash

13

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2010 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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