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
Steering, Suspension, Dec 2, 2009
COLLAPSE OF CONTROL ARM AND LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING, NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE. THEY NEED TO GET THE RECALL OUT BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT BADLY. *TR
Suspension, Nov 13, 2009
2002 ELANTRA GT MADE R TURN FROM FULL STOP ONTO CHESTER PIKE. HEARD GRINDING FROM PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL. CAR CAME TO COMPLETE STOP. FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. FRACTURED SUSPENSION ARM WAS SEEN. AXLE FAILURE WAS FOUND WHEN CARE WAS INSPECTED. RECALL WAS ISSUED 7/10/09. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. I DO RECEIVE WEEKLY ADS FROM HYUNDAI SUGGESTING TRADE IN, SO THEY KNOW WHERE I AM. I NOW NEED TO JUMP THROUGH HOOPS TO GET HYUNDAI TO PAY, AS I DID NOT FIND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL UNTIL MY CAR WAS TOWED TO AND REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE. POLICE WERE ON SCENE WITH LIGHTS FLASHING TO PROTECT DISABLED VEHICLE UNTIL TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. NO REPORT WAS FILLED AS THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY. *TR
Suspension, Nov 12, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED IN HALF, AND THEN KNOCKED THE STABILIZER LINKS OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, AND HE WAS INFORMED OF THE CONTROL ARM FAILURE. SHE CONTACTED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL #09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM). A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO MAKE A COMMITMENT TO PAY $1000 IN ORDER FOR HIM TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO RECALL. HE THEN ADDED THAT IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE REMEDY REFERENCED IN THE RECALL, HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE MUFFLER DOWN. SHE THEN CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND A REPRESENTATIVE TOLD HER THAT THE DEALER WAS GOING TO CREATE ANOTHER ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
Suspension, Oct 27, 2009, crash
TO WHOM THIS CONCERNS, REGARDING NHTSA "CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER" 09V125000. WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 ELANTRA THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL MOVED (SLIPPED/SNAPPED) OUT OF PLACE TO THE POINT THAT IT WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE BACK OF THE WHEEL WELL WHEN TRYING TO STOP IN TRAFFIC. THE CAR DID NOT STOP AS IT NORMALLY WOULD (IT FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO STOPPING POWER). MY VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND WHICH CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MOON TWP AUTO BODY TO GET AN ESTIMATE FOR THE DAMAGE. PART OF THE ESTIMATE WAS TO REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE ADJUSTER WROTE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW THAT ANYONE HANDLING THE CAR SHOULD TAKE CAUTION AS THE CONTROL ARM IS "RIPPED" OUT. FOR CONSIDERATION I POSE THIS QUESTION "WHY WOULD THE BODY SHOP ESTIMATE REPLACING THE CONTROL ARM IF IT WASN'T BROKEN?" I'VE JUST RECEIVED AN INVOICE FROM THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP (FALCONI'S 412-269-1234) ITEMIZING THAT THEY REPLACED BOTH CONTROL ARMS PER THEIR CAMPAIGN NUMBER 091, BUT THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS NOT BROKEN. ADDITIONALLY, I RECEIVED PICTURES TAKEN BY THE DEALERSHIP SHOWING SIGNIFICANT ROTTING ON BOTH SIDES OF CONTROL ARM. I CONTEND THAT THE ACCIDENT WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF THE CONTROL ARM HAD NOT SLIPPED OUT OF PLACE. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH HYUNDAI CORPORATION AT 800-633-5151 AND ASKED THEM TO COMPLETE ALL REPAIRS FOR THE DAMAGE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT. THEY CONTINUE TO CLAIM THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS NOT ROTTED AND DISPLACED AND WILL NOT FIX THE DAMAGE. MY CASE NUMBER WITH HYUNDAI IS #3711968. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT I WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL AS THE PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL OWNER (MY FATHER) NOR MYSELF HAD RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. NOTE: A RECALL LETTER HAS STILL NOT BEEN RECEIVED BY EITHER OF US. I MOVED FORWARD AS IF I HAD NO CLAIMS AGAINST ANYONE OR ANY COMPANY. I HAVE MORE INFO/PHOTOS IF REQUIRED.*TR
Suspension, Aug 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. HE STATED WHILE HAVING REPAIR WORK PERFORMED, THE DEALER ADVISED HIM OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000, ASSOCIATED WITH HIS VIN ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE SUB FRAME. THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 55,000.
Suspension, Aug 26, 2009
GOING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH APPROACHING STOP SIGN. CAR CAME TO COMPLETE STOP. COULD NOT EXIT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. EXITED PASSENGER SIDE TO FIND FRONT LEFT TIRE TURNED OUT AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE. FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, Aug 7, 2009
2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED. *NJ THE CONSUMER'S WIFE LOST STEERING IN THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE ALIGNMENT AND NOISES FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM, BUT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. *JB
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Jul 29, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTROL ARMS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE HAD HOLES AND WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM AND SUBFRAME FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM) DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE NECESSARY PARTS FOR THE REPAIR. THERE IS A MASSIVE BACK ORDER FOR THE PARTS. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 111,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME SHIFTED TO THE FRONT TIRES. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE CONTROL ARM SNAPPED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURES, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE BE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM AND THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
Suspension, Jun 6, 2009
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM OF MY 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BROKE. THE WHEEL COULD HAVE FLOWN OFF, BUT LUCKILY IT DIDN'T. THIS HAPPENED ON A 2 LANE ROAD. IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY, IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND IS STILL THERE. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND INFORMATION ABOUT A RECALL DATED APRIL 2009. I CALLED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS HOTLINE AND WAS TOLD THE RECALL IS NOT OFFICIALLY RELEASED AND DEALERSHIPS WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE IT. I WAS ALSO TOLD MY CAR WON'T QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE MILEAGE IS TOO HIGH. *TR
Suspension, May 27, 2009
2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA-GREAT CAR NO MAJOR PROBLEMS. MEMORIAL DAY COMING HOME ON A SECONDARY ROAD APPROACHING A STOP SIGN-BANG! COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR.A DRIVER GOING BY TELLS ME DON'T MOVE-THE WHEEL IS OFF THE CAR! HAD TO BE TOWED FROM SCENE-THE LOWER CONTROL BAR HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND LET GO. THE METAL USED ON THIS PARTICULAR PART IS SO THIN IT IS SCARY! YOU WOULD EXPECT THE METAL USED FOR THIS PART WOULD BE RATHER THICK DUE TO THE SERIOUS PURPOSE IT SERVES AND THE CONSTANT STRESS IT MUST ENDURE.AT SEVEN YEARS OLD IT SHOULD NOT BE RUSTED AWAY TO THE POINT OF BREAKING IN TWO. THE ONLY SYMPTOMS I EXPERIENCED WAS A HIGH PITCHED SOUND WHICH OCCURRED EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE-SOUNDED LIKE CHAIN JINGLING, AND A SOMEWHAT SMOOTHER RIDE LIKE MY TIRES WERE LOW ON AIR. I HAVE NUMEROUS PEOPLE LOOK AT THIS -THEY WALK AWAY IN DISBELIEF WHEN I TELL THEM THE CAR IS SEVEN YEARS OLD, CONSIDERING THE RUST ON THIS CONTROL ARM IT IS UNBELIEVABLE-I AM NOW WONDERING IF THERE ARE OTHERS OUT THERE HAVING THE SAME EXPERIENCE. I AM A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER -HAVING DRIVEN SCHOOL BUSSES FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS BUT THIS EXPERIENCE HAS ENLIGHTENED ME TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CIRCLE CHECK ON OUR VEHICLES!!!! *TR
Suspension, May 4, 2009
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON MY 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BROKE DURING DRIVING DUE TO CORROSION. THANK GOD I WAS COMING TO A STOP AND DRIVING SLOWLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR. AFTER SOME HEATED DISCUSSION I WAS TOLD THE WOULD WARRANTY THE CONTROL ARM. WHEN I ASKED IF THEY WOULD REPLACE THE OTHER DEFECTIVE CONTROL ARM THAT DID NOT BREAK I WAS TOLD ONLY THE FAILED PART WOULD BE REPLACED. I INDICATED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE AN I WOULD NOT DRIVE WITHOUT THE OTHER CONTROL ARM BEING REPLACED. THEY HAVE NOT INDICATED IF THEY WILL WARRANTY THE OTHER. I BELIEVE HYUNDAI IS TRYING TO KEEP A MAJOR PROBLEM HIDDEN FROM THE PUBLIC. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 2, 2009
I WAS COMING UP ON A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WAS SLOWING DOWN WHEN THE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN HALF. LOST ALL STEERING,CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. *TR
Suspension, Apr 28, 2009
LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH AND WHILE TURNING INTO GAS STATION EXPERIENCED SEVERE GRINDING NOISE AND COLLAPSE OF WHEEL. UPON INVESTIGATION FOUND VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE AND HAD FLAT BEDDED TO GARAGE. MY MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS THAT HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH USING HYUNDAI REPLACEMENT PARTS. CONTACTED HYUNDAI DIRECTLY AND COMPLAINED AND HAVE CASE NUMBER AND HOPE FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES SPENT. *TR
Suspension, Apr 24, 2009
2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LEFT CONTROL ARM BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, Apr 21, 2009
CAR WAS RIDING NORMAL AS ALWAYS, THEN MADE LEFT TURN AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS PUSHED INTO THE REAR OF THE WHEEL WELL. SLID OFF ROAD, RESULTING IN MINOR COSMETIC DAMAGE. CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS A SNAPPED LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM DUE TO RUST . PART WAS PERSONALLY REPLACED AT GREAT EXPENSE. BROKEN PART IS AVAILABLE. *TR
Suspension, Apr 17, 2009
LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) FRONT CONTROL ARM FAILURE ON 4/16/09. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE OF 2002. CURRENTLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000 MILES. ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON VEHICLE (I.E., OIL CHANGES, 30K SERVICE, 60K SERVICE, 90K SERVICE). CONTROL ARM FAILED WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR. *TR
Suspension, Apr 14, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 ELANTRA THAT I'VE ALREADY REPLACED ONE CONTROL ARM ON. I HAVE THE ARM AND PICTURES IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED. CAR HAS HAD FREQUENT UNDERBODY WASHES AT THE CAR WASH AND WAS PURCHASED NEW BY US. I'VE FOUND MANY PEOPLE WITH COMPLETE FAILURE ONLINE, MANY CAUSING SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. FORTUNATELY, WE CAUGHT OURS EARLY. OURS HAS JUST OVER 70,000 ON THE ODOMETER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFO OR PICTURES. THANKS. *TR UPDATED 04/22/09.*JB
Suspension, Apr 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTY IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH OVER A SPEED BUMP, IT FELT AS IF THE PASSENGER SIDE COLLAPSED. HE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT SEE ANY VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT NOTICED STEERING, GRINDING, AND RUBBING ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY IDENTIFIED THE RUSTED CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CONTACT HAS NOT YET RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 30, 2009
2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH 69,692 MILES, ORIGINAL OWNER; DRIVING IN SCHOOL PARKING LOT, THE DRIVER-SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN TWO, SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION SHOWS IT TO HAVE ROTTED THROUGH. TIRE WAS PERPENDICULAR TO THE VEHICLE. TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALER IN NATICK, MA. HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM DEALER YET, BUT OBVIOUSLY NEED A NEW LOWER CONTROL ARM AND AT LEAST AN INSPECTION OF PASSENGER-SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE. I EXPECT THIS TO BE COVERED UNDER 100,000 MILE TRANSAXLE WARRANTY; WE'LL SEE. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *TR UPDATED 04/22/09.*JB
Suspension, Mar 12, 2009
AFTER BRAKING, MY ELANTRA JERK, MADE AND AWFUL GRINDING SOUND, AND WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION, I COULD SEE THAT A PART HAD BROKEN OFF. I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS "ROTTED THROUGH" AND THAT THIS IS OFTEN SEEN IN HYUNDAIS. THE LEFT SIDE ALSO SHOWS SIGNS OF DETERIORATION. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED REPLACING BOTH SIDES, AS THE LEFT SIDE MIGHT ONLY LAST A FEW MONTHS GIVEN THE DEGREE OF DETERIORATION. PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Mar 6, 2009
I HAD TO PUT ON THE BRAKES HARD TO STOP FROM HITTING A CAR THAT STOPPED SHORT. THE CAR JERKED AND WHEN I BEGAN TO PROCEED THERE WAS CLEARLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FRONT END. I GOT THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL DEALER WHO IS JUST A MILE AWAY FROM WHERE THIS OCCURRED AND AFTER THE CAR WAS INSPECTED WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT END CAME WITHIN 1/2" OF CORRODED METAL FROM BREAKING OFF. THERE WAS ONLY 1/2" OF METAL LEFT HOLDING IT IN PLACE. I WAS TOLD THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS WERE BOTH "ANNHILATED" AND WERE COMPLETED RUSTED OUT. I HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH OF THEM AT A COST OF MORE THAN $1000. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SPENT 2002-2008 IN NEW HAMPSHIRE SUBJECT TO THE SALT AND WINTER CONDITIONS. IT ONLY HAS LESS THAN 85,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS TREATED WELL AND SERVICED ROUTINELY. LIKE OTHER CONSUMERS, WHO HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE, I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AND THAT THERE IS CLEARLY A DEFECT ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO BECOME SUBJECT TO CORROSION. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE JUST 1 MILE TO THE DEALER WHO WILL BE PERFORMING SERVICE, BUT SHOULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED WHILE FURTHER AWAY, I WAS TOLD I WAS ONE POTHOLE AWAY FROM THE WHOLE FRONT END FALLING OFF. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT SEVERE DAMAGE AND POTENTIAL PERSONAL HARM COULD HAVE OCCURRED IF THE CAR HAD BEEN IN A COLLISION OR WORSE, IF THE CONTROL ARMS HAD BROKEN FREE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY OR AT INCREASED SPEEDS. THIS IS CLEARLY DANGEROUS AND I HAD NO REASON TO THINK THAT A CAR THAT'S 7 YEARS OLD COULD SUFFER SOMETHING LIKE THIS UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE DEALER MADE THE REPLACEMENT, INCLUDING THE TIE RODS AT THE COST OF $700. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 64,000.
Suspension, Feb 20, 2009
2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS A RUST PROBLEM WITH THE LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. *NJ
Suspension, Wheels, Jan 5, 2009
I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SHORT TO LET A POLICE CAR CROSS OUR LANE. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING THIS CAR. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE I HEARD A STRANGE SOUND, AS THOUGH I HAD A FLAT TIRE. AFTER BEING TOWED TO MY MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD SNAPPED BECAUSE IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I HAVE ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT I WAS VERY LUCKY THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEED. *TR