FaultScore

Hyundai Elantra airbag problems

1,362 of the 12,072 complaints filed about the Hyundai Elantra are about the airbag system — 11% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2013.

1,362

Complaints

11%

Share of all complaints

543

Crashes

8

Fires

Airbags complaints by model year

1994 Elantra 33 2.4%
1995 Elantra 38 2.8%
1996 Elantra 14 1.0%
1997 Elantra 21 1.5%

Median failure at 141,000 miles

1998 Elantra 7 0.5%
1999 Elantra 20 1.5%

Median failure at 80,500 miles

2000 Elantra 40 2.9%

Median failure at 50,512 miles

2001 Elantra 125 9.2%

Median failure at 62,000 miles

2002 Elantra 72 5.3%

Median failure at 70,250 miles

2003 Elantra 49 3.6%

Median failure at 45,500 miles

2004 Elantra 116 8.5%

Median failure at 17,102 miles

2005 Elantra 74 5.4%

Median failure at 39,000 miles

2006 Elantra 60 4.4%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

2007 Elantra 49 3.6%

Median failure at 62,000 miles

2008 Elantra 42 3.1%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

2009 Elantra 42 3.1%

Median failure at 82,500 miles

2010 Elantra 46 3.4%

Median failure at 63,829 miles

2011 Elantra 77 5.7%

Median failure at 99,000 miles

2012 Elantra 124 9.1%

Median failure at 89,000 miles

2013 Elantra 167 12.3%

Median failure at 71,087 miles

2014 Elantra 32 2.3%

Median failure at 41,672 miles

2015 Elantra 23 1.7%

Median failure at 25,672 miles

2016 Elantra 26 1.9%

Median failure at 32,000 miles

2017 Elantra 32 2.3%

Median failure at 26,500 miles

2018 Elantra 12 0.9%

Median failure at 46,000 miles

2019 Elantra 2 0.1%
2020 Elantra 5 0.4%

Median failure at 7,000 miles

2021 Elantra 2 0.1%
2022 Elantra 3 0.2%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2023 Elantra 6 0.4%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

2024 Elantra 1 0.1%

Median failure at 5,308 miles

2025 Elantra 2 0.1%

Median failure at 3,300 miles

What owners said

2017 Hyundai Elantra Goodyear, AZ, AZ Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

AIRBAGS FAILED

NHTSA complaint #11754599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Hyundai Elantra Charlotte, NC

AIR BAGS

On July 13, 2026, my engine light came on and I don't understand why. My oil change was update and not sure what else can be wrong. So, I went to AutoZone so that can do a diagnostic and they gave me a printout of the problem. Took the vehicle to the shop gave him the printout from AutoZone so that he will know what the problem is. Brought the part and that didn't take the engine light off and I paid $300 for nothing because I am still experiencing the issue. I took it back to the shop and the guy said that I need to replace my engine. I have had the car for about three years and not understanding why the engine needs to be replaced already. Then the passenger seat belt light keeps going off when there's no one sitting in the seat. I think there's a problem with the engine and my seatbelt light, but there's a recall on the vehicle. I replaced the air filter like it was suggest to me the car dealer where I purchase the car from. So, I did that and the car is running a little loud at times.

NHTSA complaint #11754355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Hyundai Elantra at 140,980 miles Thousand Oaks, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the air bag module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 11,511.

NHTSA complaint #11749597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Hyundai Elantra at 3,300 miles King of Prussia, PA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light with the precise pressure on the brake pedal, the RPM became elevated, the brake pedal was released, and as a result, the vehicle increased in speed and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact's entire front side impacted the rear of another vehicle. No property damage was reported. The contact stated the vehicle came to a complete stop upon impact and shut off. The contact stated the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that no warning illuminated before and after the incident. A Police report was filed. The contact sustained an injured knee, neck, and back and has experienced emotional distress. Medical attention was not received. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,300.

NHTSA complaint #11747113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Hyundai Elantra Naperville, IL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

My car was hit from the rear by another vehicle while I was traveling with my [XXX] daughter. The impact was very strong, and one of the tires came off. None of the airbags deployed, and I feel there may have been an issue with the airbag system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11745326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Newport News, VA Crash 5 injured

AIR BAGS

I was going down the bridge on settlers landing road the yellow school bus was in the right turning lane with right turning signal on .as I approached the light in the middle straight lane to keep toward the landing (hotel) on settlers landing Hampton va the bus some what merged back towards the middle lane and that when the bus crashed into the car it went under the bus it’s totaled the windshield and my sunroof collided the airbags did not deploy something needs to be done about that that was dangerous.I got glass in my face my right hand had glass my head hit the steering wheel my body jerked. I hit my legs my whole body is hurting and very sore all over I can’t hardly walk my hand is swollen. Liability suit of airbag default needs to happen

NHTSA complaint #11743488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Hyundai Elantra El Paso, TX Crash

AIR BAGS

I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was involved in a severe front-end collision resulting in major structural damage to the front end, including the hood, bumper reinforcement, radiator support, and engine compartment. Despite the significant impact damage, none of the airbags deployed, including the driver or passenger frontal airbags. The collision was serious enough that the occupants could have suffered severe injury or death. Based on the extent of the damage, I believe the airbag system, crash sensors, or airbag control module may have malfunctioned or failed to operate properly. Photos documenting the damage are available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this incident for potential safety defects involving: * Airbag non-deployment * Crash sensor failure * SRS system malfunction * Airbag control module defects I am also requesting review of whether similar complaints or investigations exist involving this Hyundai model or related vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11740444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Montclair, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The airbags failed to deploy when I was in a car accident on 03/31/26. I was rear ended while at an intersection. The car that rear ended me had airbags that deployed upon impact. My car was the only car in which the airbags did not deploy despite the high impact. Not only was I rear ended, but I was slammed into another vehicle in front of me and into a streetlight/streetpole. My car is now totaled. My car sustained the most damage and my body. The airbags are available for inspection upon request. I would have filed this request sooner, but I am still hurt and I am still undergoing treatment for my injuries. My safety was put at risk by the lack of protection from the airbags in my car. I could have died. I’m alive, but I also sustained serious injuries from the lack of deployment. My body hit the steering wheel upon impact. My head, chest, back, neck, shoulders, right arm, right hand, wrist, and right leg/ankle were all injured due to this accident. If my airbags had deployed, my injuries would’ve been lessened and they could’ve been prevented altogether. I was rushed to the hospital at the scene. I’m still currently receiving treatment for the injuries I sustained from this crash and lack of airbag deployment. No, the problem hasn’t been reproduced nor confirmed by the dealer. No one has inspected the vehicle. An adjuster from the at fault party has only taken pictures of the exterior of the car, but they didn’t inspect the car. There were no warning lamps, no messages, no symptoms, no problems whatsoever prior to the failure. They first appeared the day of the accident on 03/31/26. My family and I’ve had this car since 2012/2013 and it has never been in a major crash like this. The airbags have never deployed and they failed to deploy the day of this crash. There were no recalls on my car prior to the accident. All recalls have been serviced. My family and I’ve never been notified about airbag defects or airbag recalls on this car since we’ve purchased it.

NHTSA complaint #11735715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Hyundai Elantra Kenosha, WI

AIR BAGS

I've contacted 4 separate Hyundai dealerships on carrying out this recall to correct the issue, and all of them have told me they can't fulfill the recall because the car is too old and they use tablets, but the recalls requires a computer. I've contacted Hyundai and they've been no help. They've told me in their words "As much as we'd like to assist, transactions between the dealership and the consumer are strictly between those parties. We're unable to intervene in any service disputes. We encourage you to work with the dealership as they're directly involved and will be in the best position to assist." this was after I told them I contacted the dealership and they couldn't help me, as well as numerous other dealerships.

NHTSA complaint #11735173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Hyundai Elantra Spring Hill, FL Crash

AIR BAGS

I no longer have this vehicle, as I traded it in once I was able to lower some of my negative equity. During owning the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, a deer it the side of my vehicle and knocked me into the center of the road while I was driving. No airbags had come out, nor was any sensor activated. About 6-8 months later, I was driving down the same road and a deer had run across the road. The forward collision sensor did not alert me (I was paying attention to the road, but would have absolutely heard it), and my airbags did not deploy. My car suffered over $9,000 in damage and I had a concussion.

NHTSA complaint #11728934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Hyundai Elantra at 101,000 miles Frederick, MD

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA complaint #11728339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Hyundai Elantra Voluptas Nemo Aute n, WI

AIR BAGS

testung

NHTSA complaint #11725040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Rydal, GA

AIR BAGS

The passenger airbag is not activating reliably. There was not an accident but the light indicating airbage is active does not light up when passenger sits in front.

NHTSA complaint #11723083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Hyundai Elantra Silver Spring, MD

AIR BAGS

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a safety concern regarding my vehicle involved in a car accident on December 19, 2025. Details of the incident: Vehicle Make/Model/Year:Elantra SEL Sport 2025 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [XXX] Date of Accident: December 19, 2025 Location of Accident: Dec 16,2025. Silver Spring, MD the Takoma Park. City of Takoma Park Police 7500 Maple ave Takoma 20912 Nature of Accident: Rear-end collision; the back of my vehicle was pushed in. Airbags: Did not deploy during the collision. Injuries Sustained: Significant back injury requiring medical attention. Despite the collision, the vehicle’s airbags failed to deploy, which I believe is a safety defect. I am concerned that this poses a serious risk to myself and other passengers. I am requesting that NHTSA: Investigate the potential airbag defect in my vehicle. Determine if there are recalls, safety notices, or manufacturer defects associated with this make and model. Provide guidance on any additional actions I should take regarding safety and potential claims. Attachments: Photos of vehicle damage Accident report / police report XXX Medical documentation of injuries I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. Please let me know if you require any additional information. Sincerely, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11714912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Hyundai Elantra at 53,600 miles Hicksville, NY

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who informed the contact of a Manufacturer's Extended Warranty Coverage for the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 53,600.

NHTSA complaint #11712649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Hyundai Elantra Duluth, MN Crash

AIR BAGS

Vehicle: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring Date of Crash: [XXX] Location of Crash: Duluth, MN Description of Incident: I was driving my 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring straight through an intersection when another driver ran a stop sign and T‑boned the passenger side of my vehicle. The impact was severe enough that the vehicle was totaled, with significant structural intrusion into the passenger compartment. No airbags (side torso or curtain) deployed, although the strike was a direct side impact at approximately 30+ mph. I expected at least the side curtain or side torso airbags to deploy. My insurance adjuster noted that the lack of deployment was unexpected given the severity and nature of the crash. Outcome: Vehicle declared totaled No airbags deployed No serious injuries, but a significant safety concern INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11710538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Saint Charles, MO

AIR BAGS

I have had a couple of issues that I have had others tell me or read online that they have had the same issues 1- When I bought the car, which was used at the time. Just a couple of years ago I drove it off of the lot and it had a break issue. I had to take it towed back to the dealership bc something broke underneath and the breaks were failing. So they fixed the problem supposedly. I only had a 30 day warranty and after the 30 days the breaks started grinding every time I stopped. This went on for a long time. I had an other mechanic look at it and did something and I can not recall exactly what he said but after about a week, the noise started back up and at that time I had had the car for about a yr and he said I still had about 25 percent left on my break pads. So probably about 4 months ago I changed my front breaks, including the rotors and the back breaks to, I also had to replace the front left caliber bc while trying to take the pin out of the caliber to clean it, the pin broke. So I replaced it. Took my care in to get inspected And they told me I need to do the back breaks and the back right caliber to pass inspection. So I did the work and got it done. I am not a rich person so I can only take it a mechanic if it something that I can not do myself my I have had good training bc had been a mechanic and had taught at mechanic schools so I know I have help and if I am not sure about something he will help. So now after doing all of that hard work, I am starting to hear the grinding noise again with the breaks and my breaks are good. It always starts our really light and then gets louder within a couple of weeks. 2- the second issue is that my airbag light is on, I am not sure why this is , I have never been in any kind of accident. One day just popped on and never went off 3- I have read online that you have had a recalls on newer models for Hyundai Elantra with the issue but not my year. Well my trunk latch ended up get latched and would not open

NHTSA complaint #11709298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Hyundai Elantra at 44,000 miles Flushing, NY

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light intermittently flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the clock spring on two separate occasions, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #11704412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Hyundai Elantra Lakewood, OH Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

On [XXX] I was struck by a OVI driver at 50mph the side airbags deployed however the front airbag never deployed. The vehicle was totaled out my insurance company. The vehicle had no record or open recalls for the airbag and had been given a multiple point inspection in November 2024 with no issues noted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11703406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Hyundai Elantra at 160,000 miles Morganton, NC 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter attempted to adjust the front driver's side seat while the vehicle was turned off, the front Driver-side air bag had independently deployed. No warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact's daughter's left arm was injured on impact with the air bag. Medical attention was sought, and further medical diagnosis will be scheduled. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11700504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Hyundai Elantra problems