The vehicle dossier US · 2005

2005 Hyundai
ELANTRAProblems & recalls

137 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Air bags appears in 71 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 137 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Air bags71 reports
Other components42 reports
Brakes11 reports
Electrical system10 reports
Engine10 reports
Transmission & drivetrain7 reports
Body & structure7 reports
Steering6 reports
Visibility5 reports
Fuel system4 reports
Suspension3 reports
See original component labels
AIR BAGS50
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL12
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL11
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
STEERING6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
STRUCTURE:BODY5
SEAT BELTS4
POWER TRAIN4
ENGINE4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
TIRES3
SEATS3
SUSPENSION3
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD2
EQUIPMENT2
SERVICE BRAKES2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY1
STRUCTURE1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
WHEELS1
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER1
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Feb 11, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

50,000 miles is the median among 107 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 11,000–85,600 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

4 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jul 21, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09V280000

Reported concern

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,011 MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELANTRA, TUCSON, SONATA, AZERA AND ACCENT VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A DEFECTIVE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFT OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-787-999-4310.

Manufacturer campaign: 91B026

Read campaign 09V280000 at NHTSA
Oct 17, 2005 Safety recallAIR BAGSCampaign 05V479000

Reported concern

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) INSTALLED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT OF THE VEHICLE MAY MISCLASSIFY A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT (CRS) AS AN ADULT. THIS MAY OCCUR IF THE CRS IS INSTALLED AFTER AN ADULT HAS BEEN SEATED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. IF THERE HAS NOT BEEN A 'KEY ON' ' KEY OFF' CYCLE WITH THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT EMPTY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF THE CRS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE'S OCS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO REMOVE THE FEATURE THAT MAY CAUSE THE CRS TO BE RECOGNIZED AS AN ADULT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.

Manufacturer campaign: 073

Read campaign 05V479000 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2005 Safety recallAIR BAGSCampaign 05V395000

Reported concern

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) INSTALLED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT OF THE VEHICLE MAY MISCLASSIFY A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT (CRS) AS AN ADULT. THIS MAY OCCUR IF THE CRS IS INSTALLED AFTER AN ADULT HAS BEEN SEATED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. IF THERE HAS NOT BEEN A 'KEY ON' ' KEY OFF' CYCLE WITH THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT EMPTY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF THE CRS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE'S OCS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO REMOVE THE FEATURE THAT MAY CAUSE THE CRS TO BE RECOGNIZED AS AN ADULT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Manufacturer campaign: 073

Read campaign 05V395000 at NHTSA
Apr 28, 2005 Safety recallSTEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLYCampaign 05V187000

Reported concern

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH THREADED PORTIONS OF THE STEERING GEARBOX ASSEMBLY'S LEFT AND RIGHT INNER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES THAT CONTAIN INTERNAL CRACKS IN THE MATERIAL STRUCTURE.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEARBOX ASSEMBLIES ON THESE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE CONTACTED BY TELEPHONE BEGINNING ON APRIL 8, 2005, AND INSTRUCTED NOT TO DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES. HYUNDAI WILL ARRANGE TO PICK UP AND RETURN THEIR VEHICLES AFTER REPAIR. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Manufacturer campaign: 069

Read campaign 05V187000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

44 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DLThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN…NHTSA ID 11032523

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032523 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DCSThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co.…NHTSA ID 11032522

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032522 at NHTSA
Nov 6, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions25-BD-012H TSBThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensat…NHTSA ID 11025476

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11025476 at NHTSA
Feb 14, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-BD-001HThis bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail sp…NHTSA ID 10251285

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.

Components: VISIBILITY · VISIBILITY/WIPER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251285 at NHTSA
Oct 13, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-EM-005HThis bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.NHTSA ID 10247189

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10247189 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-BD-007HHyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the pa…NHTSA ID 10235566

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235566 at NHTSA
Jan 30, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-BD-002HThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensat…NHTSA ID 10230904

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.

Components: VISIBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10230904 at NHTSA
Jul 28, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions22-EM-010HFollow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.NHTSA ID 10217251

Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10217251 at NHTSA
Jul 14, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions22-GI-006HEffective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before re…NHTSA ID 10217258

Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the lesser of 1.5% of GVWR or 100 pounds. If the total added weight exceeds the lesser of the limit, a label must be added to the driver-side B-pillar within 25mm (1 inch) of the original tire placard.

Components: TIRES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10217258 at NHTSA
May 21, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions21-AT-006HHyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions.  Use of other…NHTSA ID 10196546

Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions.  Use of other DCT and IVT gear oil may result in reduced durability. Hyundai does not approve the use of any aftermarket ATF or gear oil additives.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10196546 at NHTSA
Mar 30, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions21-EM-004HThis bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next r…NHTSA ID 10190044

This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10190044 at NHTSA
Mar 23, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions21-BR-002HThis bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.NHTSA ID 10190038

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

Components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10190038 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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