The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module has failed due to moisture intrusion that caused an internal electrical short circuit, destroying the ABS Primary Pressure Sensor. A few days after the vehicle was parked outside during heavy rain, I was driving on a busy highway when it suddenly lost engine power. During this emergency, I had to perform heavy braking and maneuver to the shoulder without engine assist. At the same time, the ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems suddenly disabled completely. This failure is consistent with the safety defect described in the federal safety agency Campaign 20V‑061 (Recall 188), which acknowledges that these ABS modules can permit moisture intrusion. However, Hyundai's remedy, installing a fuse relay, only cuts battery power while the vehicle is parked to reduce fire risk; it does not seal or repair the ABS module. Moisture from the heavy rain entered the module while the vehicle was parked and ultimately shorted the internal pressure sensor while driving, disabling critical braking and stability systems. Two independent third-party sources (an ASE-certified mechanic and a commercial automotive diagnostic scanner) identified codes C1237 (ABS Primary Pressure Sensor Signal), C1513, and C1260. Both confirmed an internal electrical failure of the ABS module. At Hyundai Corporate Consumer Affairs’ direction, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership. The dealership did not perform the required dynamic road test needed to reproduce the active ABS faults, and claimed there was only C1260 and not an ABS malfunction. The invoice documents identical mileage in and out, and video shows diagnostics performed while the vehicle was stationary with the engine off. Approximately 15 minutes later, an independent scanner successfully retrieved C1237, C1513, and C1260. Despite this evidence, Hyundai Consumer Affairs refused to repair the failed ABS module, characterizing it as a “maintenance item.”
2009 Hyundai Elantra: ABS light or ABS activating
14 of the 255 complaints about the 2009 Hyundai Elantra describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 14
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 81,420
- recalls
- 1
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the TPMS and powertrain warning lights illuminated, but the vehicle drove normally. The contact stated that a month later, while the vehicle was parked and turned off, a pedestrian saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact arrived at the scene, and the Police and Fire Department were already on scene. The contact stated that a fireman entered the vehicle and opened the hood, and disconnected the battery. A Police report was filed. The contact inspected the vehicle, reconnected the battery, and there was smoke coming from the ABS module inside the engine compartment. The contact then disconnected the battery. The battery was later reconnected, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact arrived at the residence and removed the ABS fuse, and the smoke ceased. The vehicle was taken to an auto shop where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P0441 (EVAP system incorrect purge flow). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.
My ABS system started smoking while the vehicle was in the off position. Police and fire department showed up. Police report number is 2026151090. I was called outside from the establishment and the emergency services were waiting on me. Corporate is now trying to get me to pay the tow out of pocket. I called the NTSHA holiness but was unable to mention this issue about the towing. Also corporate has stated they will likely not service the vehicle.
the federal safety agency 20V‑061 (Hyundai 188): ABS/HECU Module the federal safety agency 15V‑100 (Hyundai 127): Electric Power Steering (EPS) the federal safety agency 13V‑113 (Hyundai 110): Brake Light Switch
The radio turns on and off in its own heat blows threw the vent when heater is off abs lock showed not working when inspection then showed as it was working air bag light always on none of the dash board lights work lock buttons work when it wants to
The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that on one occasion when the vehicle was turned on, the brake and ABS warning lights illuminated. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied for approximately 5 days, there was smoke coming from the front of the hood of the vehicle. The department extinguished the fire and a fire report was filed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. A dealer was contacted and confirmed there were no recalls associated to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
February, 2024 - brakes "soft" at times, seems not catching unless stepped on almost to the floor. I brought it to the dealership same day. Since I did not have an appointment, a test drive was done and was told it was working fine and let them know if the brake warning lights will turn on. No record of this was noted. March, 2024 - I had to bring it back because the brakes feel like it will quit as I have to really step on the pedal to the floor before the car will slow down. The master cylinder was changed. Multi-point inspection was done. I got the car back March 14, 2024. April 12, 2024 - I had to bring it back because of the brake and ABS lights on the instrument panel lighted up. I was told it's the HECU that's the problem. I had to drive back the car to home because of the quoted cost of $3,266.58 estimate that I have to make a decision of. This was on April 23, 2024. I was told that the ABS module may not work in event of inclement weather or quick stops. A multi-point inspection was done prior to release of vehicle. I never received a recall on the Hyundai HECU. It was only when I researched it after I got the car back. I made it known that I want to be sure I will not get in an accident due to the brakes not working. I was informed that I can drive it but be mindful of the ABS module not working in cases as noted, that the lights were alerts but could be a problem later on. What is my recourse since I did not receive any recall notice? I was trying to fill up the complaint form and it said that the car is impacted by the HECU complaint. it will not let me complete the form. It was frozen on the reimbursement requested. The dealership never did inform me of the recall. I bring this car to this dealership for maintenance and repairs.
ABS HECU unit has failed, thus posing a safety risk. All brake lights (ABS and warming brake lights), in addition to Check Engine light are illuminated on dash. Faulty relay recall was taken care of in timely manner (recall 188), but now fires are starting in other vehicles due to failed HECU unit (which dealership and independent mechanic has confirmed that I have). More recalls for earlier Hyundai years need to be included in recall 218 or a new recall implemented to avoid cars catching fire due to failed HECU (my car has not caught fire as of the time of this report).
The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked she was notified that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that flames were coming from under the hood and the fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The fire department report was filed. The contact stated that prior to the failure the ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that he could not determine why the brake light was illuminated but advised that the failure could be related to a wire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who was unable to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the independent mechanic advised her that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V061000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that she did not receive a recall notice. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
The ABS module just started smoking today. Smell of burning breaks. We was driving in the city and stopped at a mall and noticed the smoke coming from behind the driver side wheel.
I am concerned about why my VIN was not put in with the recent recall of the ABS and ESC and has been shorted or drained battery and my vehicle has shut off and the electrical has caused problems with my break lights at one point. I have replaced my ABS sensory 2 times already and the light still apears.
Driving car on wet roads at 45 MPH, applied brakes to slow down for a street light and the ABS was gone. Car slid into the opposing lane and made a grinding noise due to the failure. Then the eps light came on and the power steering was gone. Close-call accident, very scary, and a lot of pain in my neck and arms from driving without the power steering.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
- Risk
- An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.
Recall number 20V061000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2009 Hyundai Elantra abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2009 Hyundai Elantra?
14 of 255 owner complaints about the 2009 Hyundai Elantra (5%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2009 Hyundai Elantra?
There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2009 Hyundai Elantra
Power steering loss 47Airbag light 21Loss of power 16Fire or smoke 13Steering lock-up 12Steering noise 10No deployment 9Engine failure 8
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