# Hyundai Elantra brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 26 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (5) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 26 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Hyundai Elantra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (5). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Hyundai Elantra brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 5 | 262 | 2% | | 2016 | 5 | 293 | 2% | | 2017 | 4 | 770 | 1% | | 2018 | 2 | 284 | 1% | | 2019 | 2 | 252 | 1% | | 2020 | 2 | 255 | 1% | | 2021 | 1 | 162 | 1% | | 2023 | 4 | 101 | 4% | | 2025 | 1 | 28 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Hyundai Elantra recalls related to the brake warning light **[23V651000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V651000)** (2015 models, reported 2023-09-22): An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. **Remedy:** Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. **[17V063000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V063000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-01-26): A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Hyundai Elantra owners report - "The contact stated that while stopped at a red light with the precise pressure on the brake pedal, the RPM became elevated, the brake pedal was released, and as a result, the vehicle increased in speed and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact's entire front side impacted the rear of another vehicle...." -- owner of a 2025 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2026 - "Also, there is no audible warning sound when car applies automatic brake. Owner's manuals write up is not matching with the issue I observed, and this is very serious safety issue." -- owner of a 2023 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2024 - "Without this equipment functioning, cruise control is completely disabled and the vehicle will not automatically brake or provide forward warnings. The vehicle component has not been inspected, but this is a recurring issue amongst other owners of this model. There is a warning lamp that turns out that states "Check..." -- owner of a 2021 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Hyundai Elantra brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (23V651000, 17V063000) covering 2015-2017 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Hyundai Elantra years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Elantra model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 5 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Hyundai Elantra with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Hyundai Elantra has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Hyundai dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Hyundai Elantra warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/hyundai-elantra): 12 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/hyundai-elantra): 24 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-elantra): 317 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/hyundai-elantra): 26 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 72 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-elantra): 67 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 20 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-elantra): 24 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Hyundai Elantra - [Hyundai Elantra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-elantra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/hyundai-elantra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.