2011 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited, 4 Dr Sedan Manual L/Gl/Gls, Touring 5dr Hatch FWD Gl/Gls, Touring 5dr Hatch FWD L
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 176.4–178.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,661–3,080 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 38% better than the average 2011 midsize car (23.2 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints376 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 59 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,789 lb (4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 38% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 376 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2011
- New body dimensions: 0.7 in longer, wheelbase +2.0 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 1.8L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 29 to 32
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Elantra →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2011 Elantra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 2,789 lb | 62/38 |
| 4 Dr Sedan Manual L/Gl/Gls | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 2,661 lb | 62/38 |
| Touring 5dr Hatch FWD Gl/Gls | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 59.8 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.6 in | 3,080 lb | 60/40 |
| Touring 5dr Hatch FWD L | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 59.8 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.6 in | 2,937 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +38% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +38% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Elantra Touring | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +7% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Elantra Touring | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +7% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2011 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Nissan GT-R | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Ford Focus | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (8)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Equipment › Electrical · Jul 2, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V393000 · 272,126 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
- Risk
- An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Feb 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V061000 · 476,111 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Dec 23, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V871000 · 155,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
- Risk
- If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs · Oct 7, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V629000 · 28,157 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
- Risk
- If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.
Structure › Frame And Members · Jun 10, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V310000 · 35,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured December 15, 2009, through May 7, 2012. The affected vehicles have a support bracket attached to the headliner that may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
- Risk
- If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 117.
Structure · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V115000 · 186,250 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
- Risk
- If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 1,712,336 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2011 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 89 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 72 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Steering — 66 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 81,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Elantra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2024 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 63 |
| 2023 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 170 |
| 2022 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 159 |
| 2021 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 162 |
| 2020 Elantra | 36 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 262 |
| 2019 Elantra | 35 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 266 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 335 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 796 |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 300 |
| 2015 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 261 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →