2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. This model year has 279 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2009 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Considering a 2009 Hyundai Elantra?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 140 | 5 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 50 | 13 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 28 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Brake System | 28 | 2 | 5 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 21 | 7 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | 2 | 5 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 13 | 4 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | — | 4 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 279 most recent complaints
Vehicle has a major problem steering down the road as I am traveling, its also makes loud clicks while turning left or right, also if freezing up and getting stiff along the way, The item that's causing this problem is call EPS , my light will not go out on its own, My local d…
NHTSA 20V-061 (Hyundai 188): ABS/HECU Module NHTSA 15V-100 (Hyundai 127): Electric Power Steering (EPS) NHTSA 13V-113 (Hyundai 110): Brake Light Switch
Taylor Hyundai of Findlay FAILED too complete these recalls. X3 times !
Got in the car to come home put the key in ignition turned it and battery was dead went to turn off and something popped and cloud of smoke started rolling out from underneath the hood once hood was up the smoke got stronger from behind the motor the battery we had to get the bat…
During a car accident yesterday. Upon impact at about 30 mph the seatbelt ripped and provided no deceleration during a head on collision. If it wasn’t for the airbag I would have been very seriously injured. It has not yet been inspected by insurance but I have a few videos of th…
About 3 years ago the EPS light came on. Brought it to the dealer who said it needed 3500.00 dollars worth of work to replace the steering column. Refused the work and they reset the light. Now after checking i see this was part of a recall 127 . My car was checked and stamped fi…
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THAT IT INDICATES A PLROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING SYSTEM. I HAVE SHARCHED AND READ THAT THERE WAS A RECALL. ON MY 209 HYUNDIA ELANTRA BUT WHEN I VIN IT SAYS NO OPEN RECALLS. DOES THI…
I previously brought my car in for a recall in 2014 for underbody corrosion and it was repaired; however, now there has been severe corrosion of the underbody, not just the components listed in the recall but nearly the whole underbody is severly rusted and corroded (see pictures…
I backed into my driveway, placed the vehicle in park and as I was setting the parking break the drivers side airbag deployed. The vehicle was still running.
The radio turns on and off in its own heat blows threw the vent when heater is off abs lock showed not working when inspection then showed as it was working air bag light always on none of the dash board lights work lock buttons work when it wants to
This vehicle is part of RECALL CAMPAIGN 127. This vehicle had a software update to "Fix" problem but is now recurring. The dealership says they will not fix it.
On several occasions, starting in the Fall of 2023 and occurring most recently on 8/9/24, I observed my Elantra's red EPS warning light turn on, and the steering wheel became very "stiff" while driving. Power steering was instantly disabled, resulting in momentary loss of control…
The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that on one occasion when the vehicle was turned on, the brake and ABS warning lights illuminated. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied for approximately 5 days, there was smoke coming from t…
Air bag light is on as soon as car power on until it turns off passenger airbag is off I dont know if my airbags will deploy if I get in an accident . While driving steady speed of 50-60 mph while pressing gas sometimes it doesn’t increase speed but instead jerks until I let go …
February, 2024 - brakes "soft" at times, seems not catching unless stepped on almost to the floor. I brought it to the dealership same day. Since I did not have an appointment, a test drive was done and was told it was working fine and let them know if the brake warning lights wi…
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at their home, the engine of the vehicle caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the Horry County Fire Rescue Station. A fire report was filed but not provided to the contact The c…
March 26, 2024 Hello; Re: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring VIN# [XXX] On [XXX], I while driving on a very icy slippery road to do low temperatures and the city not salting the roads like they should have! I was going approximately 22 mph & somehow I lost control of my car & slammed …
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the electric power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel but was unable to do so. The contact stated there were other unknown warning li…
I purchased this vehicle in December of last year and the steering was fine. The next day I took it to the Waco Hyundai dealership and was told they didn't have the software to do the EPS recall. A few days later, the power steering went out. I called Killeen Hyundai and made an …
For the past month I have broke down multiple times. Used all my aaa tows. Everything turns off while driving 60mph with kids in the vehicle. Absolutely no power steering. I haven’t had interior lights, radio etc in 6 months. 8 belts since March. I’m a single mother strande…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
Recalls for 2009 Hyundai Elantra
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2009 Hyundai Elantra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2009 Hyundai Elantra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2009 Hyundai Elantra has 279 NHTSA owner complaints, 28 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Steering Defects (140 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Hyundai Elantra?▾
#1: Steering Defects (140 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (50 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (28 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Hyundai Elantra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2009 Hyundai Elantra has 28 crash-related complaints and 10 fire reports out of 279 total NHTSA complaints. 24 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?▾
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The largest issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2009 Hyundai Elantra has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Steering Defects issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Elantra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2009 Hyundai Elantra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.