2006 Hyundai Elantra
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 |
| 1993 | 24 |
| 1994 | 78 |
| 1995 | 112 |
| 1996 | 100 |
| 1997 | 115 |
| 1998 | 55 |
| 1999 | 128 |
| 2000 | 197 |
| 2001 | 315 |
| 2002 | 342 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 266 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 252 |
| 2010 | 379 |
| 2011 | 432 |
| 2012 | 651 |
| 2013 | 1312 |
| 2014 | 382 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 766 |
| 2018 | 281 |
| 2019 | 249 |
| 2020 | 250 |
| 2021 | 130 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: air bags — 60 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
My son was driving our 2006 Hyundai Elantra and crashed into the end of a guardrail. The air bag did not deploy. The car was declared a total loss by the insurance company.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210805
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT AND SMOKE WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS AND INJURIES TO THE EYES, CHEST, AND CHIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191018
I REAR-ENDED SOMEONE AT AROUND 30-35 MPH. THE VEHICLE I HIT WAS STATIONARY. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS LEFT ON. NO ONE WAS INJURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190425
25% of complaints: exterior lighting — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and brake lights.
21% of complaints: service brakes — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers.
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
2006 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCELERATION MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO AN EMPTY SPACE AT A PUBLIC GARAGE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FOR NO REASON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130123
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 P
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 09V280000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (60 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V280000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Hyundai Elantra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Hyundai Elantra have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.