According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is ABS Module Short Circuit Causing Engine Compartment Fire (Recall 20V061) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $450. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2006-2011 Hyundai Elantra, the anti-lock brake (ABS) hydraulic control module stays electrically energized even after the car is shut off. Over time, moisture can intrude into the module's circuit board and create a slowly developing electrical short. Because the circuit is live with the key off, the short can ignite an engine-compartment fire while the vehicle is parked and unattended. Hyundai opened the investigation after a 2007 Elantra fire showed blown fuses inside the ABS module.
Covered by NHTSA recall 20V061000 (Hyundai recall 188). The remedy installs a new relay in the main junction box that de-energizes the ABS module when the ignition is off, eliminating the key-off short-circuit path. Owners were advised to park outside and away from structures until the relay was installed. Repair is free at any Hyundai dealer.
On the 2009-2020 Hyundai Elantra, p0011 sets when the intake camshaft is more advanced than the PCM commanded (or the CVVT system won't respond correctly). On the Elantra this is most often a stuck/clogged intake Oil Control Valve (CVVT solenoid): the valve's fine internal screen plugs with oil varnish/sludge, so oil pressure to the cam phaser can't be modulated and the cam sticks in an advanced position. Dirty or low oil, a faulty phaser, or a stretched chain are secondary causes. It typically appears on 2009+ CVVT cars, sometimes dropping the car into CVVT limp mode at start-up.
Service the engine oil and filter first, then remove and inspect/clean the intake CVVT oil control valve — replace it if the screen is clogged or it doesn't actuate cleanly. Clear codes and confirm the cam responds to commanded timing with a scan tool. If the code returns with clean oil and a good OCV, inspect the cam phaser and timing chain.
On the 2007-2020 Hyundai Elantra, on the Elantra's inline-4 (Beta II 2.0L in 2007-2010, Nu 2.0L in 2011+), P0171 means fuel trims have gone too positive because unmetered air is entering the engine. The classic Elantra trigger is a vacuum leak — most often a hardened/cracked PCV hose or a leaking intake-manifold gasket — followed by a contaminated mass-air-flow (MAF) sensor giving low airflow readings, or a stuck-open purge/PCV valve. A weak fuel pump or clogged injectors are less common but possible when fuel pressure drops below the ~49-53 PSI spec. Being an inline-4, the Elantra has only Bank 1, so this is the only lean-bank code it can set.
Perform a smoke test to pinpoint the vacuum/intake leak, then replace the failed PCV hose, intake-manifold gasket, or PCV valve. Clean the MAF sensor with MAF-safe cleaner (or replace if it doesn't recover). Verify fuel pressure holds 49-53 PSI to rule out a weak pump or clogged filter/injectors. Clear codes and re-check long-term fuel trims (should return toward 0%).
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Campaign #21V30100028/04/2021
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
Campaign #19V72000009/10/2019
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Elantra vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened allowing the ball joint to detach from the lower control arm.
Campaign #19V72100009/10/2019
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Campaign #17V21300028/03/2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
What are the most common Hyundai Elantra problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: ABS Module Short Circuit Causing Engine Compartment Fire (Recall 20V061), P0011 — Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1) from Stuck CVVT Oil Control Valve, P0171 — System Too Lean (Bank 1) from Vacuum Leak / Dirty MAF. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable?
The 2010 Hyundai Elantra has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: ABS Module Short Circuit Causing Engine Compartment Fire (Recall 20V061). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Elantra problems?
Repair costs for known Hyundai Elantra issues range from $0 to $450, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, ABS Module Short Circuit Causing Engine Compartment Fire (Recall 20V061), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2006-2011 Hyundai Elantra ABS Module Short Circuit Causing Engine Compartment Fire (Recall 20V061)?
The anti-lock brake (ABS) hydraulic control module stays electrically energized even after the car is shut off. Over time, moisture can intrude into the module's circuit board and create a slowly developing electrical short. Because the circuit is live with the key off, the short… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0011 — Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1) from Stuck CVVT Oil Control Valve?
P0011 sets when the intake camshaft is more advanced than the PCM commanded (or the CVVT system won't respond correctly). On the Elantra this is most often a stuck/clogged intake Oil Control Valve (CVVT solenoid): the valve's fine internal screen plugs with oil varnish/sludge, so… Repairs typically run $120-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0171 — System Too Lean (Bank 1) from Vacuum Leak / Dirty MAF?
On the Elantra's inline-4 (Beta II 2.0L in 2007-2010, Nu 2.0L in 2011+), P0171 means fuel trims have gone too positive because unmetered air is entering the engine. The classic Elantra trigger is a vacuum leak — most often a hardened/cracked PCV hose or a leaking intake-manifold… Repairs typically run $50-$450. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
