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
- 155
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 155 complaints
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 | 315 |
| 2009 | 253 |
| 2010 | 380 |
| 2011 | 433 |
| 2012 | 652 |
| 2013 | 1,312 |
| 2014 | 385 |
| 2015 | 262 |
| 2016 | 293 |
| 2017 | 769 |
| 2018 | 284 |
| 2019 | 251 |
| 2020 | 253 |
| 2021 | 132 |
| 2022 | 102 |
| 2023 | 100 |
| 2024 | 56 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
39% · 60 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show 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, 2021-08-05
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, 2019-10-18
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, 2019-04-25
Exterior lighting
25% · 39 reportsMost commonly citing switch and brake lights.
Service brakes
21% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Electrical system
10% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers.
Vehicle speed control
7% · 11 reportsShow 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, 2013-01-23
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2009-09-02Exterior lighting09V280000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 60 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 39 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 32 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09V280000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.