Hyundai Elantra Service Brakes Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 585 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 585 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the Hyundai Elantra across 26 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (164).

At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?

Based on 312 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles45 · 14%
10k–25k miles43 · 14%
25k–50k miles59 · 19%
50k–75k miles53 · 17%
75k–100k miles46 · 15%
100k–150k miles45 · 14%
150k+ miles21 · 7%

How serious are the reports?

Of 585 complaints, 99 mention a crash, 22 a fire, 36 an injury.

Hyundai Elantra service brakes complaints by model year

Peak: 2013, with 164 complaints
2000: 120002001: 52002: 120022003: 62004: 220042005: 22006: 2320062007: 262008: 3220082009: 182010: 2720102011: 282012: 6020122013: 1641642014: 4120142015: 292016: 1520162017: 442018: 1520182019: 52020: 1320202021: 82022: 720222023: 92024: 220242025: 2

n = 585 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearService Brakes complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2025 Elantra29%4,000
2024 Elantra24%—
2023 Elantra99%11,950
2022 Elantra77%—
2021 Elantra86%26,150
2020 Elantra135%26,000
2019 Elantra52%8,111
2018 Elantra155%22,550
2017 Elantra446%22,000
2016 Elantra155%19,800
2015 Elantra2911%37,000
2014 Elantra4111%49,000
2013 Elantra16412%36,711
2012 Elantra609%52,380
2011 Elantra286%72,000
2010 Elantra277%77,361
2009 Elantra187%46,543
2008 Elantra3210%84,000
2007 Elantra2610%99,300
2006 Elantra2315%95,444
2005 Elantra21%81,800
2004 Elantra21%68,000
2003 Elantra63%116,500
2002 Elantra10%165,000
2001 Elantra52%125,000
2000 Elantra11%12,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2024, with 90 complaints
2012: 182012182013: 33332014: 402014402015: 30302016: 362016362017: 47472018: 482018482019: 44442020: 502020502021: 20202022: 282022282023: 48482024: 902024902025: 32322026: 21202621

n = 585 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (6)

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles

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/moduleFeb 4, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V061000 · 476,111 vehicles

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 linkagesNov 30, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V769000 · 390,467 vehicles

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:hydraulicJan 26, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V063000 · 33,803 vehicles

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 fittingsDec 3, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V496000 · 1,993 vehicles

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 fittingsJul 22, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V257000 · 312,292 vehicles

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 Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module has failed due to moisture intrusion that caused an internal electrical short circuit, destroying the ABS Primary Pressure Sensor. A few days after the vehicle was parked outside during heavy rain, I was driving on a busy highway when it suddenly lost…

Received Sep 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767940

Rear metal brake line is heavily corroded and leaking. Failed approaching intersection and had to use emergency brake to avoid crash.

Received Sep 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767324

Braking system failed to brake properly. It feels like even though the brakes were pressed all the way down, the car did not brake as it should. Also, the automatic collision avoidance system did not respond.

Received Sep 2, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11761555

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights flashed on and off on the instrument panel, and the brakes independently activated due to slippery weather conditions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be…

Received Aug 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11758580

ABS AND BRAKES. The abs system malfunction causing it to run non stop draining my battery and making my brake pedal go to floor. It is available for inspection. My battery has been drained and unable to drive since brakes aren’t properly working. Matt bowers Hyundai in Slidell has confirmed it is…

Received Jul 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11749410

Frequently asked questions

Do all Hyundai Elantras have service brakes problems?

No. NHTSA has 585 owner complaints about service brakes 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?

Yes: 6 safety recalls list service brakes. 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.