2002 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 348 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 58 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 40 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, control armApr 16, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 160,904 MY 2001-2003 ELANTRA AND MY 2003 TIBURON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT USED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IN THESE JURISDICTIONS MAY RESULT IN INTERNAL CORROSION AND THINNING OF THE STEEL IN THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM'S UPPER AND LOWER PANELS BECOME PERFORATED. A PERFORATED FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY FRACTURE BETWEEN ITS BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT AND THE FORWARD AND REARWARD PIVOT ATTACHMENTS TO THE CHASSIS.
THE FRACTURING OF THE CONTROL ARM COULD AN OWNER'S CONTROL OVER THEIR VEHICLE THAT MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS FOR CORROSION DAMAGE. IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF INTERNAL CORROSION DAMAGE ARE FOUND, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS INCORPORATING ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS DO NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND WILL TREAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIALS TO ARREST THE INTERNAL CORROSION PROCESS. THESE PROCEDURES WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V125000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveOct 14, 2008
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MY 2001-2002 ELANTRA VEHICLES. MOVEMENT OF THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS MOUNTED UNDER EACH FRONT SEAT, POSSIBLY CAUSED BY CONTACT FROM MATERIALS PLACED UNDER THE SEAT, MAY RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE THAT WOULD CAUSE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION.
THIS CONDITION ONLY RELATES TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS AND MAY PREVENT SEAT MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DURING A CRASH WHERE SUCH DEPLOYMENT SHOULD OCCUR. NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SRS AIR BAGS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER UNDER CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CLIPS AND REVISED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS ATTACHMENTS UNDER THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEATS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2008, AND WILL BE SENT OUT IN SIX MAILINGS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 08V533000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 26, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY" A VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE ROLLS OVER AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.
Campaign 04V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyApr 9, 2004
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 04V178000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 3, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE TUBES FOR THE REAR BRAKES CAN CONTACT THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS.
CONTACT BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY RESULT IN REAR BRAKE TUBE WEAR AND CORROSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE REAR BRAKE TUBES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 03V496000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJul 22, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES PASS BEHIND THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER. TWO STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO THE CROSSMEMBER. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), THE REAR BRAKE TUBES COULD CONTACT BOTH STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS. ON VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH ABS, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES MAY CONTACT ONLY THE LEFT MOUNTING BRACKET. CONTACT BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE STEERING BRACKETS COULD CAUSE WEAR AND CORROSION THAT COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES SO THEY DO NOT CONTACT THE MOUNTING BRACKETS, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS TO CONTROL THE LOCATION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE TUBES IN THE AREAS WHERE CONTACT WITH THE MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY HAVE OCCURRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 03V257000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
96 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, May 21, 2020
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE MOMENT I TRIED TO STOP AT THE TRAFFIC STOP SIGN THE LOWER ARM CONTROL FROM THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE AND THE WHEEL BROKE AND THE CAR SLID. THANKS GOD IT WAS AT NIGHT AND NO CARS WERE THERE. I REMEMBER THE NIGHT BEFORE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I CALLED MY INSURANCE AND THEY SENT ME A TOWING TRUCK TO MOVE THE CAR. I DIDN'T REPAIR THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS A BIG MESS. I TOOK SOME PICTURES OF IT AND THE TOWING COMPANY GUY ALSO. I REMEMBER I WENT TO HYUNDAI DEALER AND I WAS LOOKING FOR A PART THEIR AND THEY TOOK MY VIN NUMBER TO CHECK FOR THE PART BUT NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL. CAN HYUNDAI COMPANY GIVE ME SOME MONEY BACK THAT I SPENT FOR TOWING AND LOOSING MY CAR BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT. I EVEN PAID FOR THE CAR REGISTRATION WEEKS BEFORE. *TR
Suspension, Nov 7, 2018
I HAVE NOTED A RECALL #09V125000 RELATED TO THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR WITH THE EXACT PROBLEM IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. MY RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM COLAPSED. IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. WITH THAT SIDE FIXED I TRAVELED ABOUT 3 MILES AND MY LEFT SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE. MY MECHANIC AND I WERE COMPLEXED, BUT AFTER RESEARCH I FOUND THIS PROBLEM EXIST AND RECALLS ISSUED. AFTER CONTACTING HYUNDA THEY SAID THIS VEHICLE VIN# WAS NOT COVERED. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. SOMETHING IN THE RECORDS OF THIS CAR MUST BE IN ERROR.
Suspension, Dec 28, 2017
REAR SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER ROTTED OUT
Suspension, Structure, Jun 3, 2016
MY VEHICLE HAS CONTROL ARM RUST AND PERFORATIONS IN THE SUBFRAME, COVERED UNDER AN EXISTING RECALL. HYUNDAI HAS ADMITTED THAT THE PARTS ARE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, BUT STATES THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPLACE THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROL ARMS DUE TO RUST DAMAGE ON THE FRAME ITSELF. REPLACING THE DAMAGED PORTIONS OF THE FRAME WILL COST WELL OVER THE PRICE OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE SUBFRAME DID NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED, THE FRAME WOULD LIKELY HOLD FOR SOME TIME AND NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE FRAME DAMAGE IS ONLY AN IMMEDIATE ISSUE BECAUSE THE RECALL REPAIR NEEDS TO BE DONE. HYUNDAI HAS OFFERED ME TO EITHER REPLACE THE FRAME DAMAGE AT MY OWN EXPENSE SO THEY CAN COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR, OR TAKE A BUYOUT EQUAL TO THE KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. OTHER COMPENSATION SUCH AS RENTAL FEES WAS REFUSED. IT HAS TAKEN THEM ~25 DAYS SINCE RECEIVING THE VEHICLE TO MAKE THIS OFFER.
Suspension, Nov 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,248.
Suspension, Aug 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 07/27/16*LJ *CN
Suspension, Aug 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR OR BRAKE PEDALS WERE DEPRESSED, A LOUD ABNORMAL CLUNKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.
Suspension, Jul 8, 2015
2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SALT BELT CORROSION RECALL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. HYUNDAI CLAIMED IT WAS BECAUSE SHE WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE CORROSION WAS TOO SEVERE FOR HER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *JB
Suspension, Dec 4, 2014
THERE IS A RUST HOLE IN MY RIGHT LOWER FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM, RELATED TO HYUNDAI RECALL# 091. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CASE# [XXX]. I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND THEN ATTEMPT TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS TOLD THERE IS NO PROMISE OF A REFUND. I SAID THEIR RECALL CLEARLY STATES VEHICLES BEING RECALLED ARE IN THE SALT BELT STATES OR CARS THAT ARE REGISTERED IN THESE STATES. MY CAR CAME FROM VIRGINIA BUT HAS BEEN REGISTERED AND DRIVEN HERE IN MICHIGAN FOR TWO YEARS AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. MY REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE WAS DENIED. ALL THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH POOR QUALITY METAL COMPONENTS, THERE ARE NO VIN. BREAK POINTS AND SHOULD NOT MATTER WHERE VEHICLE IS LOCATED AS VEHICLES MOVE FROM STATE TO STATE. I SHOULD NOT AND WILL NOT WAIT FOR AN INCIDENT TO OCCUR. I WILL PAY FOR THIS REPAIR TO ASSURE MY FAMILIES SAFETY. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER ANN ARBOR AUTOMOTIVE AND TALKED TO BETHANY PATTERSON IN SERVICE AND EMAILED HERE PICTURES OF THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT(WE HAVE THE EMAIL CONFIRMATION). SHE STATED THE SERVICE MANAGER WOULD REVIEW AND GET BACK TO ME. THREE WEEKS LATER AND NO CONTACT. I ALSO TOOK THE CAR TO THEM AT ANN ARBOR AUTOMOTIVE WHICH IS MY CLOSEST HYUNDAI DEALER IN ANN ARBOR MICHIGAN JUST TO SHOW THEM THE FAILURE WHICH IS VISIBLE WITH THE STEERING TURNED WITHOUT PUTTING ON A LIFT. THE SERVICE MANAGER WOULD NOT COME OUT TO LOOK AT, THEY ASKED ME IF I HAD AN APPOINTMENT AND THEN TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE THE CAR FOR AT LEAST 3-5 DAYS JUST TO LOOK AND CONTACT HYUNDAI WITH NO ASSURANCE OF ANYTHING BEING DONE. WHAT A JOKE. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT YOU BUY PHONE BUT THE CALLS WILL NOT GO THROUGH, DO YOU STILL HAVE A PHONE? THERE ARE MORE PROCEDURES THAT HAVE TO BE DONE RELATED TO THIS RECALL BUT RIGHT NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE THIS ONE PART TO MAKE THE CAR SAFE FOR MY FAMILY. PLEASE HELP EVERYONE WITH THIS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Jul 23, 2014
I APPLIED BRAKES AT A STOP SIGN AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM COLLAPSED. I HAD IT INSPECTED AND TREATED UNDER RECALL IN 2009. *TR
Suspension, Jul 23, 2014
I APPLIED THE BRAKES AT A STOP SIGN AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM COLLAPSED . I HAD IT INSPECTED AND TREATED UNDER RECALL IN 2009. *TR
Suspension, Jul 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLANKING SOUND AND THEN THE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Suspension, May 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Suspension, Apr 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 14, 2013
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. IN 2009 THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM OF MY CAR RUSTED AND BROKE IN HALF, WHICH I HAD REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE IT SERVICED. INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE PARTS, HYUNDAI DRILLED A HOLE FOR WATER TO ESCAPE AND PUT A WAX COATING ON THE CONTROL ARMS, WHICH WOULD LATER WEAR OFF. AFTER RECEIVING MY CAR BACK, I WAS UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT THERE WOULD NO LONGER BE AN ISSUE WITH THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AS I DO NOT RECALL BEING TOLD IN PERSON NOR IN WRITING THAT I SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE STATUS OF SAID PARTS. ADDITIONALLY, AFTER REVIEWING MY RECEIPT, IT DOES NOT STATE ANYTHING ABOUT FURTHER MAINTENANCE OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. ON MARCH 5, 2013 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE, A MAJOR HIGHWAY, MY DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN HALF, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. AFTER HAVING MY CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC, HE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM WITH THE CONTROL ARM AND RECOMMENDED THAT I HAVE IT TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. IN MY CONVERSATIONS WITH HYUNDAI EMPLOYEES, HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES, AND MY OWN MECHANIC, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THUS IT IS VERY DISCONCERTING AS A CONSUMER AND A HUMAN BEING TO KNOW THAT HYUNDAI HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE DEFECT AND THE FACT THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT A COMPLETE FIX, AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, WHEREBY PUTTING MANY PEOPLES' LIVES IN DANGER.I THINK IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL OWNERS OF THESE CARS BE CONTACTED TO WARN THEM ABOUT THE SAFETY HAZARDS THEY POSSESS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Dec 28, 2012
THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON MY VEHICLE IS RUSTED OUT, AND IS CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. LOCAL MECHANIC SAYS IT DOESN'T HAVE LONG BEFORE IT WILL FAIL. RESEARCHED PRICE ON INTERNET AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT PART. DEALER SAYS THAT MY VIN ISN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR WAS SOLD AND DRIVEN IN THE "SNOW BELT" STATES THAT ARE LISTED, AND KENTUCKY ALSO SALTS THE ROADS DURING WINTER. MY VEHICLE IS OBVIOUSLY AFFECTED, BUT THE DEALER TELLS ME TO CALL HYUNDAI, AND HYUNDAI TELLS ME TO GO TO THE DEALER. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT SIMILAR TREATMENT, AND THERE IS LITTLE RECOURSE OFFERED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE NHTSA DECIDED THE DETAILS OF THE RECALL, BUT IT WAS INSUFFICIENT. THIS IS A PRIORITY, MY CAR COULD HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE ANY DAY (AND THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE TOO). THE RECALL IS CAMPAIGN 091 FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CORROSION. *TR
Suspension, Dec 10, 2012
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND DISCOVERED AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS. IN SOME PLACES, HOLES HAD RUSTED THROUGH THE CONTROL ARMS. HYUNDAI DID A RECALL FOR OVER 150,000 OF MY EXACT MODEL INCLUDING THOSE IN THE STATE WHICH I LIVE BACK IN 2009. THE RECALL WAS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT MY CARS PROBLEM EXACTLY MATCHED ALL THOSE OTHERS RECALLED. HOWEVER, THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY PARTICULAR CAR WAS NOT UNDER THIS RECALL DESPITE HAVING THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $585 TO REPLACE THE ARMS THAT WERE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE ARMS HAVE NOT BROKEN YET BUT THEY VERY EASILY COULD BREAK IN THE NEAR FUTURE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING A FATAL ACCIDENT. THE RECALL SENT OUT IN 2009 NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED SINCE IT DID NOT INCLUDE ALL THE CARS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Oct 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD BANGING NOISE. SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND FRACTURED IN TWO PIECES. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM) AND ALSO, THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER THE CORROSION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,026.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2012
2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING FRONT STEERING OR CONTROL MECHANISMS, RUST AND POTENTIAL FAILURES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ON MARCH 10, 2010, SHE WENT TO THE DEALER AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PARTS DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. ON JANUARY 31, 2012, THE SAME PARTS THAT WERE THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL FAILED. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE STEERING FAILED, THE VEHICLE WAS VIOLENTLY FORCED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHICH NEARLY RESULTED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION AND WAS THEN VIOLENTLY FORCED BACK ACROSS THE LANE IN WHICH SHE HAD BEEN TRAVELING, NARROWLY MISSING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AS IT COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING, DUE TO AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND A BROKEN REAR SPRING, AS WELL AS WEAK STRUTS. *JB
Suspension, Feb 6, 2012
A CONTROL ARM FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE WILDLY INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN BACK ACROSS THE ORIGINAL LANE. COLLISIONS WITH OTHER VEHICLES AND A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND PEDESTRIAN WERE BARELY AVOIDED. THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN CORRECTED THROUGH A RECALL WHEN THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR ISSUES OF ROTTING CONTROL ARMS. THE RECALL "REPAIRS" WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN DONE ON MARCH 12, 2011, AT WHICH TIME THE MILEAGE WAS 60,380.
Suspension, Jan 4, 2012
2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ON JULY 7, 2009 SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER DUE TO A RECALL NOTICE SHE RECEIVED. THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSEDLY CORRECTED. ON NOVEMBER 18, 2011, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE WHICH SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE BLOW OUT. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO HOLD ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND SAFELY SKIDDED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. UPON CHECKING THE TIRES, SHE NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL ENDED PERPENDICULAR TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. AN ADJUSTER CAME OUT TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM HAD ROTTED OUT. *JB
Suspension, Nov 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S WHEEL WAS TURNED OUTWARD. THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION; FRONT CONTROL ARM) ON 7/17/2009. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS WAS STILL A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT HAVE AN ADEQUATE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,000. UPDATED 01/03/12*LJ UPDATED 01/12/12
Suspension, Jul 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM BROKE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER MADE THE CONTACT AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION FRONT CONTROL ARM), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
Suspension, Jun 6, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND HIT A CURB WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST AUTO SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THEY STATED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD FRACTURED. IN APRIL OF 2010, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM). THE REMEDY REPAIR WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AND DID NOT PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED
Suspension, Nov 2, 2010
WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON OUR 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT, I DISCOVERED A RUST HOLE IN THE DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE HOLE IS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER LOCATED ABOUT 4 INCHES INWARD OF BALL JOINT ON THE UPPER PORTION OF THE CONTROL ARM. THE AREA SURROUNDING THE HOLE APPEARED TO BE VERY THIN AND BRITTLE. THE VEHICLE HAD 138000 MILES AT THE TIME THE ISSUE WAS NOTICED. WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE CONTROL ARM. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS TOO EARLY IN THE CARS LIFE TO HAVE A MAJOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENT BEGIN TO DETERIORATE DUE TO RUST. OF THE OTHER CARS WE HAVE OWNED, NONE HAVE DISPLAYED SIMILAR RUST TO THIS, EVEN AFTER 10+ YEARS OF USAGE. *TR