Recall 15V871 affects 155,000 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles for unexpected brake application from ESC sensor malfunction. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 155,000 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles because an electronic stability control sensor malfunction can apply one or more brakes unexpectedly and reduce engine power. That can lead to loss of vehicle control and raise crash risk; Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electronic stability control system on the 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra watches how the car is moving and helps correct a skid. Its yaw rate and G sensor measures rotation and side-to-side force, then sends that signal to the ESC control module. When the signal is accurate, the system can reduce engine power or apply an individual brake to help the driver stay on course.
On affected Elantras, the yaw rate and G sensor can send a bad signal to the ESC control module. Hyundai traced the issue to sensors built before supplier revisions that addressed possible semiconductor contamination and updated the sensor self-test logic. The bad signal can make the ESC system intervene when the vehicle does not need correction, applying the brake at one or more wheels and reducing engine power.
Owners can see the ESC indicator lamp illuminate or flash in the instrument cluster. Dealer diagnosis also found a stored yaw sensor code in the ESC control module.
Who's affected?
Covers two Elantra model years tied to the same electronic stability control system.
| 2011 Hyundai Elantra | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Elantra | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| Units affected | 155,000 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected brake application can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. Watch for the ESC indicator lamp illuminating or flashing in the instrument cluster, and schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Hyundai dealers verify the ESC sensors and update the ESC calibration. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free ESC sensor check and calibration update that addresses unexpected braking and reduced engine power.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V871 when you call.
- Watch for the ESC indicator lamp, unexpected braking, or reduced engine power until the repair is complete.
- Drive cautiously until the repair, leave extra following distance, and call the dealer if the ESC warning light comes on.
- Call Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151 with questions and reference Hyundai recall 137.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician checks that the ESC sensors operate correctly and updates the ESC system calibration. The recall repair is free at the dealer now, including the inspection and software calibration work. Hyundai has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for ESC sensor or calibration work tied to this defect, keep your repair paperwork and ask Hyundai customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 23, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 19, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| February 19, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 19, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 9, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V871?
Recall 15V871 covers 155,000 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles with an electronic stability control sensor problem. The defect can apply braking at one or more wheels unexpectedly and reduce engine power, which can lead to loss of vehicle control and higher crash risk.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Elantra is included in recall 15V871. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the ESC sensor verification and ESC calibration update. Reference recall number 15V871 or Hyundai recall 137 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Hyundai dealers will verify ESC sensor operation and update the ESC system calibration free of charge. Hyundai customer service is available at 1-800-633-5151.
Is it safe to drive a 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra before the repair?
Hyundai did not issue a stop-driving instruction for this recall. Still, the defect can apply the brakes unexpectedly and reduce engine power. If your VIN is included, schedule the free repair promptly and use extra care until the dealer completes the ESC update.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster. Hyundai says the unexpected braking or reduced engine power tied to this recall is accompanied by that warning light. If the light appears or the vehicle brakes unexpectedly, contact a Hyundai dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V871000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-800-633-5151 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V871 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V871000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →