2010 Hyundai Elantra MPG
Across its 3 EPA-rated versions, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra returns 25–26 mpg city, 34–35 highway and 29 combined.
The most efficient pairs the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, at 29 mpg combined. That is 1 mpg better than the best gasoline 2009 version (28 mpg).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | Regular · 306 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra Blue | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 29 | Regular · 306 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 29 | Regular · 306 g CO₂/mi |
2010 Hyundai Elantra fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra costs about $2,250 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (29 mpg combined), or roughly 15 cents a mile.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2010 Hyundai Elantra specs
The EPA lists one engine for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra: a 2.0 L 4-cyl. It came with automatic and manual transmissions, with front-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a midsize car.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L | 4 | Automatic 4-spd; Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 3 |
2010 Hyundai Elantra problems
Owners have filed 380 complaints about the 2010 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Steering is the most-reported area (39% of component mentions), followed by electrical system (10%) and air bags (9%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 22 complaints a year: more than the 2009 (14 a year) and fewer than the 2011 (27 a year).
That ranks 13th of 17 Hyundai Elantra model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 380, 45 mention a crash, 9 a fire and 36 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 196 | 39% |
| Electrical system | 50 | 10% |
| Air bags | 46 | 9% |
| Power train | 32 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 27 | 5% |
| Structure | 22 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 22 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 19 | 4% |
| Engine | 15 | 3% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 12 | 2% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 12 | 2% |
| Suspension | 11 | 2% |
| Seat belts | 7 | 1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | <1% |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | <1% |
| Wheels | 5 | <1% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 3 | <1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | <1% |
| Visibility | 3 | <1% |
| Tires | 2 | <1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | <1% |
| Interior lighting | 1 | <1% |
| Seats | 1 | <1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The contact researched and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000 (Exterior Lighting), 15V100000 (Steering) and 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). …
vehicle caught on fire under apt complex carport causing extensive damage to property and 2 other vehicles.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a possible airbag/SRS system failure involving a Hyundai vehicle. …
2010 Hyundai Elantra recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra.
The most recent, campaign 20V061000 from February 2020, concerns hydraulic service brakes.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Elantra years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V061000 | February 4, 2020 | Hydraulic service brakes | 2008–2010 |
| 15V100000 | February 23, 2015 | Steering | 2008–2010 |
| 13V113000 | April 1, 2013 | Exterior lighting | 2008–2010 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA has not published 5-star crash ratings for the 2010 Hyundai Elantra.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Hyundai Elantras can be compared fairly. Among other 2010 models in the EPA's midsize cars class, the 2010 Nissan Sentra (29 mpg), 2010 Ford Fusion (27 mpg) and 2010 Nissan Altima (27 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 28 | 314 | 16 | 7 |
| 2009 | 28 | 254 | 14 | 4 |
| 2010 | 29 | 380 | 22 | 3 |
| 2011 | 32 | 433 | 27 | 5 |
| 2012 | 32 | 654 | 43 | 4 |
| 2013 | 32 | 1,314 | 93 | 4 |
Every Hyundai Elantra model year compared →
Similar 2010 models
FAQ
Is the 2010 Elantra a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2010 Hyundai Elantra has 22 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (13th most of 17 model years), 3 recall campaigns and up to 29 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2010 Elantra problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are steering (196), electrical system (50) and air bags (46). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2010 Elantra have?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Elantra get?
The EPA rates the versions at 29 mpg combined (25–26 city, 34–35 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Elantra per year?
About $2,250 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).