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2011 Hyundai Elantra

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

Hyundai Elantra
Pictured: 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited in Silver, front left, 04-04-2026. Photo: Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine–1.8L
Engine–2.0L

Trims

GLS (Middle grade)Middle-low levelMiddle level

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 Dr Sedan Auto L/Gl/Gls/Limited178.3 in70.1 in56.7 in106.3 in60.6 / 62.2 in2,789 lb62/38
4 Dr Sedan Manual L/Gl/Gls178.3 in70.1 in56.7 in106.3 in60.6 / 62.2 in2,661 lb62/38
Touring 5dr Hatch FWD Gl/Gls176.4 in69.7 in59.8 in106.3 in60.2 / 60.6 in3,080 lb60/40
Touring 5dr Hatch FWD L176.4 in69.7 in59.8 in106.3 in60.2 / 60.6 in2,937 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Elantra1.8L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+38%$2,100278
Elantra1.8L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+38%$2,100278
Elantra Touring2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+7%$2,600342
Elantra Touring2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+7%$2,600342
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2011 Midsize Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Hyundai Elantra (this car)32 MPGNot rated8
2011 Toyota Corolla30 MPGNot rated9
2011 Honda Civic41 MPGNot rated9
2011 Nissan GT-R17 MPGNot rated0
2011 Toyota Prius48 MPGNot rated6
2011 Ford Focus29 MPGNot rated0
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer28 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (8)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

376Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
8Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
81,700 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine89
Air Bags72
Steering66
Suspension57
Electrical System37
Unknown Or Other35
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)31
Service Brakes24
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/06: 123/08: 323/09: 123/10: 523/11: 523/12: 424/01: 424/02: 224/03: 624/04: 224/05: 324/06: 124/07: 424/09: 124/10: 124/12: 125/01: 125/03: 125/04: 225/08: 126/01: 226/02: 126/08: 126/09: 123/0623/1024/0124/0424/0724/1225/0426/02max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. 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.
  3. Engine — 89 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Air Bags — 72 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Steering — 66 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 81,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Elantra54185.4 inNot rated44
2025 Elantra54185.4 in★★★★★234
2024 Elantra54185.4 in★★★★★263
2023 Elantra54183.9 in★★★★★4170
2022 Elantra54183.9 in★★★★★8159
2021 Elantra54183.9 in★★★★★7162
2020 Elantra36181.9 in★★★★★3262
2019 Elantra35181.9 in★★★★★1266
2018 Elantra35179.9 in★★★★★1335
2017 Elantra35179.9 in★★★★★4796
2016 Elantra31179.1 in★★★★★2300
2015 Elantra31179.1 in★★★★★3261

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →