Hyundai Elantra Electronic Stability Control (esc) Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 188 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 188 complaints with NHTSA about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Hyundai Elantra across 17 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (46).

At what mileage do electronic stability control (esc) problems happen?

Based on 146 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles19 · 13%
10k–25k miles12 · 8%
25k–50k miles36 · 25%
50k–75k miles28 · 19%
75k–100k miles31 · 21%
100k–150k miles18 · 12%
150k+ miles2 · 1%

How serious are the reports?

Of 188 complaints, 25 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 10 an injury.

Hyundai Elantra electronic stability control (esc) complaints by model year

Peak: 2013, with 46 complaints
2000: 1200012002: 112006: 1200612007: 332008: 6200862009: 10102010: 122010122011: 34342012: 442012442013: 46462014: 122014122015: 112016: 5201652017: 992019: 1201912020: 112022: 120221

n = 188 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectronic Stability Control (esc) complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2022 Elantra11%—
2020 Elantra10%5,400
2019 Elantra10%10,221
2017 Elantra91%42,000
2016 Elantra52%17,550
2015 Elantra10%77,000
2014 Elantra123%15,040
2013 Elantra464%40,000
2012 Elantra447%58,290
2011 Elantra348%68,500
2010 Elantra123%59,600
2009 Elantra104%89,000
2008 Elantra62%84,000
2007 Elantra31%51,000
2006 Elantra11%—
2002 Elantra10%80,100
2000 Elantra11%84,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2016, with 47 complaints
2010: 1201012011: 2201122012: 1201212013: 9201392014: 232014232015: 162015162016: 472016472017: 202017202018: 182018182019: 312019312020: 162020162021: 1202112022: 2202222023: 120231

n = 188 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Electronic stability control (esc)Dec 23, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V871000 · 155,000 vehicles

Model years: 2011, 2012

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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall for the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System; however, the failure recurred, and the ESC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle…

Received Jan 30, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11504457

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while stopped for a traffic light and attempting to drive off after the light changed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle…

Received Nov 3, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11492136

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly hesitated with the electronic stability control (ESC) warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation several seconds after the failure…

Received Aug 9, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11478341

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. He stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently brake with the ESC warning light illuminated. The contact's wife drove at a slower speed once the failure occurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer…

Received Oct 20, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11437470

Car stalled on highway on 11-01-2020, passed both inspections on 8-29-2020. Purchased car on 9-1-2020 through drivetime. I have inspection paper work from buyer showing everything passed. Changed oil on 10/14/2020 through jiffylube with only the air filter being the only issue flagged.

Received Nov 1, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11372578

Frequently asked questions

Do all Hyundai Elantras have electronic stability control (esc) problems?

No. NHTSA has 188 owner complaints about electronic stability control (esc) for the Hyundai Elantra. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Hyundai Elantra electronic stability control (esc)?

Yes: 1 safety recall list electronic stability control (esc). Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

Other Hyundai Elantra problems

See all Hyundai Elantra problems.