2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring Problems

Severe Issues

The 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring has 450 NHTSA complaints, with steering defects dominating at 230 reports. Based on 450 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.

Before you buy

This 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring has 450 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Steering Defects.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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450
Complaints
49
Crashes
12
Fires
53
Injuries
1
Fatalities
4
Recalls

2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

23
MPG City
23–23 range
31
MPG Hwy
30–31 range
26
MPG Combined
26–26 range
342
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $750 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

HYUNDAI ELANTRA TOURING 2010 has 450 NHTSA complaints, with steering defects accounting for 230. It also has 4 recalls and 49 crash-related complaints. Buyers should inspect steering and electrical systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring β€” key reliability facts
Make
Hyundai
Model
Elantra Touring
Model year
2010
NHTSA owner complaints
450
Crash-related complaints
49
Safety recall campaigns
4
Top reported component
Steering Defects
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
26
EPA MPG city / highway
23 / 31
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
230
complaints

Steering Defects

Crash-related:8
Fires:1
Injuries:7
#2
58
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:2
Fires:8
Injuries:3
#3
52
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:27
Injuries:34

Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring?

This model year carries significant risk due to the high number of steering complaints. Only consider if a mechanic confirms no steering issues and all recalls are addressed.

Steering defects can lead to loss of control, and electrical faults may cause unexpected failures. These patterns directly impact safety and reliability.

May Suit

Budget-conscious buyers willing to invest in a detailed inspection and accept higher maintenance risk.

May Want to Avoid

Safety-focused buyers or those seeking a trouble-free ownership experience should avoid this year.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect steering rack, power steering system, and steering column for play or noise.
  • Check all electrical systems including lights, windows, and dashboard for faults.
  • Verify airbag system warning lights and recall completion.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Have a mechanic inspect the steering system for any defects.
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical and airbag repairs.
  • Test drive to check for steering play, electrical glitches, and brake feel.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring shows a high volume of steering-related complaints (230), along with notable electrical faults (58) and airbag malfunctions (52). With 4 recalls and 49 crash-related complaints, buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

Year context: The 2010 model year has the highest complaint count among Elantra Touring years, with steering defects far exceeding other model years.

Recall context: Four recalls indicate known issues that must be verified as repaired before purchase.

Key Findings
  • Steering defects account for 230 of 450 total complaints.
  • Electrical faults total 58 complaints.
  • Airbag malfunctions total 52 complaints.
Top Concerns
  • Steering Defects (230 complaints) – risk of loss of control.
  • Electrical Faults (58 complaints) – potential for intermittent failures.
  • Airbag Malfunctions (52 complaints) – safety system reliability.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Complaint counts may be influenced by reporting bias and do not represent all vehicles.

Full breakdown

All 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Steering Defects23081β€”
Electrical Faults5828β€”
Airbag Malfunctions5227β€”β€”
Brake System43105β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain341β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration2513β€”β€”
Structural Problems2431β€”
Engine Problems2223β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)212β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues1932β€”
Suspension Failures15β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1231β€”
Wheel Issues91β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues72β€”β€”
Visibility6β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues61β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures51β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues41β€”β€”
Fuel System41β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System3β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline3β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB21β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”β€”β€”
Interior Lighting1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Other11β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 450 total. View all on NHTSA

Airbag Malfunctions CrashMay 27, 2026

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, ra…

Uncategorized Issues CrashMay 19, 2026

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. T…

Steering DefectsMay 1, 2026

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 refuse…

Steering DefectsMar 27, 2026

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 ?

Steering DefectsJan 11, 2026

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 return…

Steering DefectsOct 22, 2025

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 …

Steering DefectsAug 18, 2025

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…

Suspension FailuresJul 2, 2025

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…

Steering DefectsJun 12, 2025

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…

Steering DefectsJun 11, 2025

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 i…

Steering DefectsMay 31, 2025

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 …

Engine ProblemsApr 23, 2025

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 hea…

Seat Belt IssuesApr 21, 2025

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 g…

Steering DefectsJan 3, 2025

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 ste…

Steering Defects FireJan 1, 2025

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 .

Electrical Faults FireDec 18, 2024

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

Steering DefectsNov 10, 2024

When I was driving, the electronics steering light came on. The car started pulling hard to the right. Then stopped and drove normal but the light was still on. I park the car the next day the light was off drove fine Then it came back on and was doing the same thing.I brought it…

Steering DefectsAug 19, 2024

EPS Electric Power Steering warning and unable to steer to drive. I was quoted $3,200 to repair.

Steering DefectsMay 13, 2024

My 2010 Elantra just started making a clicking noise when slightly turning the steering wheel back and forth. Doing online research, I discovered it is a common problem on Hyundai, with the same symptoms as my problem, that there is a rubber star damper gear in the electronic mot…

Steering DefectsFeb 26, 2024

I started my 2010 Hyndai Elantra and started backing out of parking space and the power steering failed. I could not move the car as steering was impossible. Restarted the car 2 minutes later power steering worked. Later that evening same thing happened while backing out of my dr…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring.

Safety recalls

2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring recalls

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring. Four recalls indicate known issues that must be verified as repaired before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

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

#20V061000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEApr 2, 2020
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

#14V310000STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERSOct 6, 2014
Safety recall

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

#15V100000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM23/02/2015
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

#13V113000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHJan 4, 2013

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 450 owner complaints, 49 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. This model year carries significant risk due to the high number of steering complaints. Only consider if a mechanic confirms no steering issues and all recalls are addressed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring?β–Ύ

#1: Steering Defects (230 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (58 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (52 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring, NHTSA complaints include 49 crash-related reports and 12 fire reports out of 450 total complaints. 53 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. Four recalls indicate known issues that must be verified as repaired before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring?β–Ύ

This model year carries significant risk due to the high number of steering complaints. Only consider if a mechanic confirms no steering issues and all recalls are addressed. Steering defects can lead to loss of control, and electrical faults may cause unexpected failures. These patterns directly impact safety and reliability. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Hyundai Elantra Touring reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.