This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Hyundai Elantra brakes problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
5fires
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Hyundai Elantra has a consistent pattern of brake system failures, with 22 complaints describing distinct hazards.
The brake light switch is the most common issue. Multiple owners report lights failing to illuminate when braking, and at least two vehicles experienced failure twice—one owner's switch failed in 2010, was supposedly repaired by Hyundai, then failed again by 2016. Hyundai denied coverage on the repeat failure, claiming the vehicle had already been serviced under Campaign 09V122000. The brake light switch also controls the transmission shift interlock and cruise control cutoff; failure leaves vehicles unbraked and unfamiliar to following traffic.
The ABS system has a documented fire hazard. Owners describe smoke pouring from the engine bay, burned holes in the ABS pump housing, and melted wires—three vehicles caught fire while parked or shortly after startup. The recall Campaign 20V061000 acknowledges the issue but owners allege it only addresses the problem when the car is off, not running. Several vehicles were excluded from the recall despite being 2007 model year, with Hyundai citing production date restrictions not mentioned in public recall documentation.
Beyond fires, ABS actuators fail to deliver brake fluid to calipers, and brakes seize or operate only on one wheel. One owner's rear calipers never worked. Premature rust causes brake replacement twice in 5,000 miles. A separate incident involved complete electrical stalling while turning. The recurring theme: Hyundai denies coverage for out-of-spec vehicles or claims repairs were already performed, leaving owners unprotected.
Same Hyundai Elantra brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Brake Light Switch Failure
The brake light switch fails repeatedly, disabling brake lights. Some vehicles experience failure even after recall repairs performed in 2010 (Campaign 09V122000). Owners report no brake light illumination when braking, creating a safety hazard for following drivers.
When: Multiple failures reported; one owner saw failure 6 years apart (2010 and 2016); another twice within 1.5 years at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No brake lights illuminating when braking; Complete loss of rear and rear window brake lights; Transmission shift lock disabled (stop switch malfunction affects shift interlock); Cruise control not stopping (reported by owner)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuses tested and replaced, bulbs replaced; switch replacement necessary. One owner paid for dealer repair after being denied recall coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 09V122000 (2010); Campaign 13V113000 (2013). Hyundai denied coverage for some vehicles based on production date and recall status, claiming vehicles already covered by 2010 repair are not eligible for 2013 recall.
ABS Electrical Fire/Smoke Hazard
The ABS pump develops electrical shorts causing smoke and fire in the engine compartment. Owners report burned holes in the ABS pump housing, melted wiring harnesses, and three documented vehicle fires. The recall (Campaign 20V061000) addresses the issue only when the vehicle is powered off; the problem persists when the vehicle is running. Some vehicles were excluded from the recall despite being the same model year.
When: Shortly after startup or while parked; mileage range 84,443 to 190,000 miles. One fire occurred unprompted while parked with no prior warning lights.
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke billowing from under hood and car side; ABS light illumination; Braking function impaired and sporadic; Melted wires connected to ABS; Vehicle catching fire in engine compartment; No warning lights prior to failure in some cases
Codes mentioned: ABS light
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced ABS pump with salvage part, replaced two ABS fuses, and bled brake system. Vehicles totaled in fire cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Recall partially addressed issue but only while vehicle is powered off. Some vehicles denied coverage because VIN was not included in recall despite being 2007 model year. No live manufacturer support reached in several cases.
ABS Warning Light Persistence
ABS and parking brake warning lights remain illuminated and do not clear even after recall repair work performed under Campaign 20V061000. Owners report warning lights as ongoing concern unresolved by dealer service.
When: At 130,000 miles (one documented case); ongoing after repair
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light continuously illuminated; Parking brake sensor light illuminated; Warning lights remain on after recall repair
Codes mentioned: ABS light, Park brake sensor light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle serviced at Priority Hyundai Greenbriar under recall but failure persisted and was not further diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V061000 (Service Brakes)
Brake Actuator / Fluid Delivery Failure
Brake fluid is not reaching the calipers due to actuator failure. Vehicle pulls hard to the right when braking. Owners report the ABS system fails to deliver brake fluid to the wheel calipers, posing serious safety risk. Dealers misdiagnosed as caliper/hose issue; closer inspection revealed actuator malfunction.
When: Highway driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls hard to the right when braking; Corrects when brake pedal released; Brake fluid not reaching calipers; No ABS warning light illumination despite system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially misdiagnosed as brake caliper and hose; later identified as brake actuator failure by independent Lexus mechanic inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified by owner
Brake Seizure / Abnormal Noise
Brakes seize and make abnormal noises while driving. Owner received recall notification for Campaign 20V061000 but did not report whether issue was addressed.
When: At 84,443 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes seize while driving; Abnormal noises from braking system
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired per owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V061000 received by owner
Brake Caliper Dysfunction
Rear brake calipers fail to function properly or at all, leaving front brakes as the sole means of braking. One vehicle had only the front left caliper working over a 20,000-mile period.
When: Early in vehicle ownership, at low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake calipers non-functional; Only front left caliper operational
Repairs/costs cited: Calipers not repaired per owner complaint
Premature Brake Wear / Rust
Brake pads and rotors wear prematurely and develop severe rust. One owner replaced brakes twice within approximately 3 years and 5,000 miles of driving, both times due to rust.
When: First replacement at 22,038 miles (March 2009); second replacement at 27,269 miles (December 2010)
Symptoms owners cite: Severe brake rust; Premature brake pad wear
Repairs/costs cited: March 2009: Front and rear brakes replaced with rotor resurfacing. December 2010: Brakes replaced again due to severe rust after only 5,239 miles.
Vehicle Stalling / Power Loss
Vehicle stalls and loses electrical power while coasting without brake or throttle input. Multiple dashboard lights illuminate immediately prior to power loss. Incident occurred near traffic, creating accident hazard.
When: While making a turn onto a main road
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected stalling while coasting; Complete loss of electrical power; Multiple dashboard lights illuminate; Incident occurred without brake or gas pedal engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner called Hyundai and was referred to dealer but expressed pessimism about results
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2007 Hyundai Elantra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2007 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 83,000 and 125,000 miles, with the median around 102,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 83,000; a quarter make it past 125,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Hyundai/Elantra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.