# Hyundai Elantra traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 24 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (7) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 24 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Hyundai Elantra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (7). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Hyundai Elantra traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 4 | 262 | 2% | | 2016 | 3 | 293 | 1% | | 2017 | 7 | 770 | 1% | | 2018 | 1 | 284 | 0% | | 2020 | 3 | 255 | 1% | | 2021 | 3 | 162 | 2% | | 2022 | 3 | 142 | 2% | 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 traction control 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. 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 - "Intermittently while driving the vehicle will suddenly engage the traction control (TC)/electronic stability control (ESC). The light flashes for a short period (probably no more than a couple of seconds) and the car slightly jerks to the right. A loud noise is heard when this happens and the brake pedal shakes...." -- owner of a 2022 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2025 - "ESC warning light came on today and vehicle will no longer start but goes into auxiliary mode. This is not the first time, second, third, nor even 5th time a report on this vehicle has been made and with each report more issues are arising with seemingly NO fix in sight." -- owner of a 2021 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2025 - "The contact stated that while attempting to turn at approximately 5 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine..." -- owner of a 2020 Hyundai Elantra, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Hyundai Elantra traction control light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (23V651000) covering 2015 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 traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Elantra model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 7 for 2017. 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 traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/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 on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## Hyundai Elantra - [Hyundai Elantra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-elantra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-elantra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.