The 2010 Elantra only lasts around 150,000 miles with a lot of transmission and steering problems. At $4,599 – 5,622, it’s cheap, but still not worth the money since it breaks down a lot.
Is the 2010 Hyundai Elantra a Good Used Car?
- No, 2010 is a bad year. Owner reviews complain about the small cabin, mechanical issues, and cheap interior.
- Reliability ratings are below average. There are mechanical problems on models from 2010-2016, making them ones to avoid.
- Performance is poor from the standard 4-cylinder engine.
- The Elantra is a reasonably safe small car, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good, at up to 29 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Elantra?
- Consumer Reports says the Elantra is just an adequate car, but owner satisfaction is lower than average.
- Edmunds gives the Elantra a 4.2/5 liking the spacious backseats, but disliking the noisy engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Elantra 4.6/5 and like the safety features, but dislike the weak engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Have?
Common problems found with the 2010 Elantra include slipping transmissions, paint peeling off the car, and clicking noises from the steering column.
Slipping transmissions are the most common and serious problem showing up at around 65,000 miles. The source of the problem is internal damage and the only way to fix it is replacing the transmission, costing over $3,000.
Peeling paint happens on a lot of Elantras at around 55,000 miles. Paint starts to peel when it’s not properly cared for, and repainting affected areas costs about $1,000 per panel.
Clicking noises from the steering column also show up in the first 80,000 miles. The steering column and coupling are the source of the issue, and cost around $800 to replace.
There are 4 recalls, with the most serious being for electronic power steering assistance which can fail and increase the risk of an accident.
How Long Will the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Last?
A well-maintained 2010 Elantra should be able to last around 150,000 miles, which is 100,00 miles less than top-competitors like the Toyota Corolla. Maintenance costs are a bit higher than rivals, according to data from Repair Pal, which says it will cost $425 per year.
Most 2010 Elantra models will have over 100,000 miles, so bures should be prepared to replace items including the cylinder head for $1,000, headlamp control module costing $200, and the knock sensors which cost $250.
It is very reliable. I have over 150,000 miles and haven't had any big problems thus far. Just some general maintenance and an oxygen sensor that went out.
I drive this vehicle daily with no issues and easy maintenance, have been in a front end collision and it held up very nicely. Easy repair and no frame damage.
Although the 2010 Hyundai Elantra is a reliable car I have had some issues with the alarm system and the tires.
I have had zero issues with my Elantra, I keep up on the maintaining and the routine checkups and it keeps it in pristine shape, very happy with this vehicle overall.
The 2010 Hyundai Elantra gls is very reliable. The most problems I have had with the vehicle are very few check engine lights reminding me to replace certain things which do not have much to do with the vehicle but more with the way I drive it. Compared to other cars I have owned this one is a godsend.
I have had transmission issues, as have many other people based on online comments. That is the only major issue I have had. Otherwise it has been a reliable and steady vehicle.
I haven't had any problems with hindering me from driving it. I need to replace a belt in the car but other than that it has been reliable.
The only major problem that is know about is the recall on the transmission. Had to take it in to have replaced and that took forever. Ever since then it has been ok.
How Much Is the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,599 – 5,622, making the Elantra around $1,500 cheaper than a Mazda3 or Honda Civic. When new, the price range was $14,145 to $17,845. Depreciation is similar to rivals, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Elantra?
There are three models of the Elantra available. Technology was last updated in 2009, with a complete redesign coming for the 2011 model year.
Blue is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo
GLS is a step up adding:
- Air Conditioning
- Cruise Control
- USB & 3.5mm AUX Input
- Fog Lights
SE is the flagship model and has:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport Suspension
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Power Sunroof
What Engines Come In the Elantra?
The only engine found in the 2010 Elantra is a weak 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 138 horsepower while getting up to 29 MPG combined. Performance is poor, taking about 9 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Elantra Come In?
How Big Is the Elantra?
The 2010 Elantra is an average sized compact car, similar in size to rivals including the Ford Focus, and Nissan Sentra. Passenger room is very good throughout the cabin with more rear legroom than many competitors.
Cargo space is above average with up to 14 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which can easily fit 3-4 suitcases.
How Does the Elantra Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Corolla is a popular competitor costing about $2,000 more. Reliability ratings are much better on the Corolla, but the Elantra has a nicer interior. We recommend the Corolla since they last longer and are more affordable to own.
The Honda Civic is another rival, which costs about $1,500 more. Technology and performance are both better in the Civic, but the Elantra’s cabin is more comfortable. We recommend going with the Civic since it will last a lot longer and is more fun to drive.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Elantra?
Yes, very reliable. This is my 2nd Elantra and I have had this one for 9 years. I have only had to do basic maintenance until recently, which is pretty good on such an old vehicle.
Yes, it has been reliable and never had any issues. Maintenance is very easy to maintain, very comfortable car to drive daily.
The 2010 Hyundai Elantra gls is one of the best vehicles I have ever had. It is very safe and easy riding. The only problem I have had with the car is the tires and the alarm system.
Overall I've had no issues with me vehicle besides regular maintenance and routine checkups. I get very good gas mileage and is very good for everything I use it for. My roommates and I use it very often for camping and there is plenty of room,
It is a very good vehicle. It has been extremely reliable and rarely has had any problems. Not to mention the seats are comfortable, there's a place to plug in your phone to play music through the car, and it is overall very spacious. I would definitely recommend.
It is a good car for someone who needs a daily driver. It has a good amount of cargo space for the overall size of the car, is easy to drive, and is fuel efficient. While the transmission has many known examples of issues, it still is a reliable vehicle.
It has been a great vehicle for me! I haven't had any major problems with it and I bought it with high miles and have had it for 3 years.
I think the car is ok but it has some bad sides to it. First of all there was an recall for a bad transmission. Next it is kind of small in the back seat for leg room.