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
348 reports, newest first.
Structure, May 22, 2009
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE FRONT OF MY 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA COLLAPSED. TRANSMISSION FLUID EVERYWHERE, DRIVER'S FRONT WHEEL AT A RIGHT ANGLE, AND THE SUBFRAME WAS BROKEN COMPLETELY IN HALF. LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. *TR
Air bags, May 15, 2009
I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ONE DAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SERVICE GARAGE AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT THE WIRING UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED DUE TO A FEW ITEMS THAT WERE UNDER THE SEAT. I CALLED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO SEE IF THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THIS, AS IT SEEMED ODD TO ME THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN SIMPLY DUE TO AN OBJECT BEING UNDERNEATH A CAR SEAT, AND THEY INDICATED THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL FOR THIS SAME EXACT SITUATION FOR MY YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL, BUT THAT THE MANUFACTURE DATE ON MY VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS OUTSIDE OF THE RANGE OF THE RECALL, SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I FIND IT SUSPECT THAT THEY CANNOT COVER THE COST TO FIX THIS ISSUE, WHICH IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE CURRENT RECALL DESCRIPTION, JUST BECAUSE THEY DETERMINED THAT MY VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THE MANUFACTURING DATE RANGE. I WOULD LIKE MY VEHICLE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SO THAT THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, CAUSING A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. THE RECALL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE. THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER IS EA08012. *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
Steering, Structure, Apr 24, 2009
10/2008, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STEEP HILL AND BEGAN TO DOWNSHIFT, WHILE BRAKING. MY CAR JERKED AND SKIDDED AT THE BOTTOM. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. A FLATBED TOWED IT AND DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL/TIE ROD HAD BROKEN. THE MECHANIC NOTED SOME CORROSION, BUT REPAIRED WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. MARCH 2009, I HAD NEW FRONT TIRES PLACED AND BALANCED. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, I GOT A FLAT TIRE, HAD THE SPARE PUT ON AND BROUGHT IT BACK FOR REPLACEMENT. THE FRONT END SEEMED OUT OF ALIGNMENT, SO IT WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE MECHANIC FOR REALIGNMENT. IT WAS THEN THEY SAW THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND "DANGEROUS" TO DRIVE. THE FRONT ARMS WERE BENT AND SUBSEQUENTLY COLLAPSED. THE REPAIRS AT THIS TIME WOULD EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE CAR AND I AM REDUCED TO "JUNKING" MY 7 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. *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
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2009
FEBRUARY 2009 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE PERTAINING TO MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2002-THE ELECTRICAL WIRING UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT HAVING SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I TOOK MY CAR IN AND THEY DID THE RECALL WORK AND NO PROBLEM. NEXT MORNING, I GO OUT TO MY CAR AND TURN THE KEY AND IT IS DEAD!!! NOTHING !!! SO I GAVE IT THE ALL OR NOTHING JIGGLE OF THIS THAT AND THE OTHER THING-AND ALAS! IT STARTED. I BRUSHED IT OFF AS A FLUKE-THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED FOUR TIMES WITHIN A MONTH AND TODAY IT IS STILL SITTING WHERE I PARKED IT THIS MORNING. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER TWICE TODAY JUST TO PICK HIS BRAINS AND GIVE ME SOME IDEA AS TO WHAT IT MIGHT BE CAUSING THIS-THE BATTERY IS NEW, TRIED JUMPING IT EARLIER TODAY. THE SHIFTER DOES NOT SEEM LIKE IT WANTS TO MOVE AT ALL EVEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL-THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED IT MIGHT BE THE ELECTRONIC SWITCH FOR THE SHIFTER-THIS MADE SENSE SINCE THE WIRING CORRECTION IS LOCATED IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA. PERHAPS OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME THING. *TR
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
Exterior lighting, Feb 7, 2009
THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS FOGGED UP CAUSING THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LAMP TO DIMINISH TO THE POINT WHERE I FEEL IT IS DANGEROUS AND I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH HYUNDAI AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL AND THEY BASICALLY SAID THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE ASSEMBLY AND I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THEM AT MY EXPENSE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. AS WITH OTHER ELANTRA OWNERS I HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY NEEDING REPLACEMENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 29, 2009
MY 02 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS TWO BAD CRACKS IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. I KNOW THAT OTHER 02 ELANTRA'S HAD A RECALL, AND I THINK IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE ALL THE BAD MANIFOLDS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT CAN LEAD TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, OR STUCK IN WINTER CONDITIONS CARBON MONOXIDE CAN BUILD UP INSIDE THE VEHICLE LEADING TO DEATH OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Jan 28, 2009
BRAKE ROTORS FEEL AS IF THERE WARPED WHEN VEHICLE SITS FOR 2 OR 3 DAYS WITHOUT DRIVING. WHEN DRIVEN AFTER THAT TIME PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE, WHEN BRAKES ARE PRESS TO STOP VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE GETS A VERY NOTICEABLE PULSATING FEEL IN THE FOOT PETAL. POSSIBLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO STOP. A DEFINITE STOPPING CONTROL HAZARD. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 21, 2009
SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY CAR (I BOUGHT IT NEW), IT HAS A PROBLEM IN WHICH IN COLD WEATHER (BELOW ABOUT 35 DEGREES FAHR), THE BRAKES ARE VERY TIGHT AND DO NOT WORK PROPERLY FOR THE 1ST 2-3 MINUTES. AS THE CAR WARMS, BRAKE FUNCTION RETURNS TO NORMAL. AN INTERNET SEARCH SHOWED MULTIPLE OWNERS OF HYUNDAI'S AND OTHER VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, AND YOUR OFFICE ISSUED A RECALL OF SATURN SKY AND PONTIAC SOLSTICE VEHICLES IN 2008 FOR AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM (RECALL NUMBER PE08016). PLEASE INVESTIGATE--IT APPEARS TO ME THAT HYUNDAI ELANTRAS SUCH AS MINE SHOULD RECEIVE A SIMILAR RECALL. *TR
Power train, Jan 8, 2009
CLUTCH FAILURE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW AND AT 42,196 MILES THE CLUTCH WENT OUT, DEALER CLAIMS NORMAL WEAR. THE CAR NOW HAS 73,026 MILES AND AGAIN THE CLUTCH NEEDED REPLACED. THIS STARTED WHEN THE REPLACED CLUTCH HAD LESS THEN 29,000 MILES ON IT. AGAIN THEY CLAIM NORMAL WEAR. THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAS NO PRESSURE WHEN ENGAGED AND THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT. CUSTOMER SERVICE OR DEALER WILL DO NOTHING AND I HAD TO PAY FOR ANOTHER CLUTCH. IF YOU LOOK AT THE LIST OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM IT HAS TO BE A DEFECTIVE CLUTCH OR TRANSMISSION. I HAD OVER 130,000 MILES ON MY OTHER CAR WITH NO PROBLEM. I ALSO TAUGHT DRIVING AND KNOW HOW TO OPERATE A CLUTCH. THANK YOU. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2009
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. *TR
Air bags, Jan 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. TWO YEARS LATER, HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V533000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BECAUSE THEY PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED A NEW SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS, CONNECTOR CLIPS, REVISED THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS ATTACHMENTS UNDER THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS, AND BECAUSE THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS STILL ILLUMINATED, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UPDATED 02-23-09 *BF UPADTED 02/24/09. *JB
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