Hyundai Elantra Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 441 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Hyundai Elantra across 25 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (116). The words owners use most often: “brakes hydraulic contacted” (17% of reports).
- 441service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 44mention a crash
- 16mention an injury
- 6related recalls
- 19%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brakes hydraulic contacted: mentioned in 75 of 441 complaints (17%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 163 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 441 complaints, 44 mention a crash, 22 a fire, 16 an injury.
Hyundai Elantra service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Elantra | 1 | 2% | 42,000 |
| 2020 Elantra | 1 | 0% | 101,000 |
| 2019 Elantra | 1 | 0% | 147,000 |
| 2017 Elantra | 2 | 0% | 57,950 |
| 2015 Elantra | 26 | 10% | 81,000 |
| 2014 Elantra | 46 | 12% | 117,000 |
| 2013 Elantra | 116 | 9% | 123,200 |
| 2012 Elantra | 40 | 6% | 92,500 |
| 2011 Elantra | 17 | 4% | 67,861 |
| 2010 Elantra | 12 | 3% | 12,044 |
| 2009 Elantra | 9 | 4% | 68,500 |
| 2008 Elantra | 16 | 5% | 42,150 |
| 2007 Elantra | 10 | 4% | 92,222 |
| 2006 Elantra | 8 | 5% | 20,000 |
| 2005 Elantra | 9 | 7% | 48,500 |
| 2004 Elantra | 6 | 3% | 4,488 |
| 2003 Elantra | 20 | 9% | 25,407 |
| 2002 Elantra | 32 | 9% | 15,000 |
| 2001 Elantra | 21 | 7% | 34,597 |
| 2000 Elantra | 7 | 4% | 10,000 |
| 1999 Elantra | 9 | 7% | 23,000 |
| 1998 Elantra | 4 | 7% | — |
| 1997 Elantra | 10 | 9% | — |
| 1996 Elantra | 5 | 5% | — |
| 1995 Elantra | 13 | 12% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (6)
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulePark outside
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 2013, 2014
Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:hydraulic
Model years: 2017
Problem: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake tubes for the rear brakes can contact the steering gearbox mounting brackets.
Risk: Contact between the rear brake tubes and the steering gearbox mounting brackets may result in rear brake tube wear and corrosion, increasing the risk of brake fluid leakage. Brake fluid leakage could result in reduced braking capability, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reposition the rear brake tubes, install brake tube clips, and apply anti-corrosion material to the rear brake tubes. Owner notification began january 22, 2004. Owners should contact hyundai of puerto rico at 1-800-633-5151.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the rear brake tubes pass behind the front suspension crossmember. Two steering gearbox mounting brackets are welded to the crossmember. On vehicles equipped with an antilock brake system (abs), the rear brake tubes could contact both steering gearbox mounting brackets. On vehicles that are not equipped with abs, the rear brake tubes may contact only the left mounting bracket. Contact between the rear brake tubes and the steering brackets could cause wear and corrosion that could result in brake fluid leakage.
Risk: Fluid leakage could result in reduced braking capability increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reposition the rear brake tubes so they do not contact the mounting brackets, install brake tube clips to control the location of the rear brake tubes, and apply anti-corrosion material to the tubes in the areas where contact with the mounting brackets may have occurred. Owner notification began on october 13, 2003. Owners should contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off with the contact seated inside the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact had previously been smoking a cigarette. The vehicle was idling high, and…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact inspected the engine compartment and there was grey smoke coming from the electrical box behind the…
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to turn into the driveway, there was a burning odor and white-grayish smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to slow down…
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, excessive force was needed to bring the vehicle to a stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The following day, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact's dog woke up the contact around 5:00 AM, at which point the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Hyundai Elantras have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 441 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic 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 service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 6 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Hyundai Elantra?
The most frequent phrase is “brakes hydraulic contacted”, in 75 of 441 complaints.
Other Hyundai Elantra problems
- Engine problems (1,651)
- Air Bags problems (1,303)
- Steering problems (1,142)
- Electrical System problems (1,034)
- Power Train problems (649)
- Suspension problems (592)
- Service Brakes problems (585)
- Structure problems (486)
See all Hyundai Elantra problems.