2001 Hyundai Elantra Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 10%of 315 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Hyundai Elantra, 10% of the 315 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“All 4 brakes started to randomly lock up. I was driving and had to run it almost a 1/2 mile for a shoulder to pull over at. Upon stopping, the brakes were smoking all around the car and the front driver side actually caught flame. I'm guessing brake booster is the cause. Also front control arms are almost rusted through. The cars been well maintained and has around 185,000 miles on it. Has valve cover leak into spark plug port on cylinder 3 and has a very weak clutch that sometimes slips.”
NHTSA complaint #11113663, filed 2018-07, 185,000 miles“The brake lights stayed on all night after car was put in park and engine was turned off, causing battery to lose all power. This could be caused by a faulty brake/stop light switch. A recall was issued for brake/stop light switch on different years and models of Hyundai vehicles. My 2001 Hyundai Elantra gls was not included in the recall but probably should have been.”
NHTSA complaint #10472506, filed 2012-08, 160,000 miles“Car shimmies really bad at 35 miles an hour replaced front brakes and rotors front struts tie rod ends both inner and outer to no avail I am sick of putting money in this piece of junk.”
NHTSA complaint #10489129, filed 2012-12, 24,000 miles“While driving at 30 MPH driver applied the brakes and they failed. Vehicle took longer to stop,and it rear ended another vehicle. Prior to the accident, consumer called the dealer to verify if NHTSA recall 03v25700 concerning ABS failure applied to her vehicle. Dealer denied it. Three weeks after the accident consumer received a recall letter on the ABS system.”
NHTSA complaint #10046092, filed 2003-10, 41,500 miles“Consumer complained about a brake problem. When driver applied brakes while driving 25-30 MPH vehicle did not stop. Consumer's vehicle rear ended vehicle in front. Currently, vehicle was being recalled for brake malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #10048311, filed 2003-11, 21,800 milesRelated recalls
- 03V496000Dec 3, 2003On certain passenger vehicles, the brake tubes for the rear brakes can contact the steering gearbox mounting brackets.Covers: Hyundai Elantra 2001–2003, Tiburon 2002–2003
- 03V257000Jul 22, 2003On certain passenger vehicles, the rear brake tubes pass behind the front suspension crossmember. Two steering gearbox mounting brackets are welded to the…Covers: Hyundai Elantra 2001–2003, Tiburon 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10190038Mar 23, 2021This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10183963Nov 30, 2020This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 9% |
| 2024 | 4 | 7% |
| 2023 | 9 | 9% |
| 2022 | 7 | 7% |
| 2021 | 8 | 6% |
| 2020 | 14 | 6% |
| 2019 | 6 | 2% |
| 2018 | 15 | 5% |
| 2017 | 48 | 6% |
| 2016 | 15 | 5% |
| 2015 | 55 | 21% |
| 2014 | 87 | 23% |
| 2013 | 283 | 22% |
| 2012 | 99 | 15% |
| 2011 | 44 | 10% |
| 2010 | 39 | 10% |
| 2009 | 27 | 11% |
| 2008 | 52 | 17% |
| 2007 | 38 | 14% |
| 2006 | 32 | 21% |
| 2005 | 11 | 8% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 27 | 12% |
| 2002 | 34 | 10% |
| 2001 | 30 | 10% |
| 2000 | 9 | 5% |
| 1999 | 10 | 8% |
| 1998 | 5 | 9% |
| 1997 | 11 | 10% |
| 1996 | 6 | 6% |
| 1995 | 13 | 12% |
| 1994 | 5 | 7% |
| 1993 | 5 | 21% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2001 Hyundai Elantra
118 complaintsSuspension
81 complaintsBody and structure
28 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology