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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 348

Of the 2002 reports, 58 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 40 people were injured and 2 people died.

Primary concernSuspension96 reports · 28% of complaints
Owner complaints348Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship6 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Suspension96
  2. Air bags71
  3. Service brakes34
  4. Hydraulic32
  5. Structure27
  6. Fuel system23
  7. Gasoline22
  8. Power train19

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  1. Air bags, Jan 3, 2009

    THE CAR HYUNDAI 2002 ELANTRA USED TO BE VERY GOOD CAR .IT DID NOT GIVE ME COMPLAIN DURING 4 YEARS. BUT WHEN 80,000 MILES COVERED THE AIR BAGS LIGHTS KEEP ON AND OFF DURING HIGH SPEED. BUT THEN PROBLEM COME TO NORMAL AND ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT GO AWAY. *TR

  2. Air bags, Dec 29, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS ACTIVATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE MALFUNCTION SINCE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V53300 (AIR BAG FRONTAL SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) RECALL WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE ENGINE WAS ON. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

  3. Suspension, Dec 21, 2008

    I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND SOMETHING UNDER MY CAR SNAPPED AND THE CAR SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE LOWER RIGHT CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE. *TR

  4. Engine and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2008

    ALREADY A RECALL ON 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, BUT THE 2002 ELANTRA THAT I HAVE IS PAST THE RECALL DATE OF JAN. 31, 2002. MY CAR, # WAS BUILT IN MARCH 2002 SO NOT COVERED ON RECALL CAMPAIGN #05-01-001-1. CRACK BETWEEN PORT #3 AND #4 ON THE MANIFOLD. THE PART HAS BEEN INSTALLED ON THE CAR SO I EXPECT TO BE REIMBURSED COST OF PART AND LABOR TO INSTALL. *TR

  5. Air bags, Nov 20, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR IMMEDIATELY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG MODULE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V533000 (AIR BAGS, FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000. UPDATED 12/10/08 *CN UPDATED 12/16/08. *JB

  6. Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 16, 2008

    MY ELANTRA'S ISSUE IS WITH THE GAS TANK GETTING OVER-FILLED AT THE GAS PUMP DUE TO A SYSTEM FAILURE THAT ALLOWS THE PUMP TO FILL THE CAR UNTIL THE GAS REACHES THE FUEL SPIGOT AND THEN SHUTTING OFF. NOT ONLY DOES THIS RESULT IN GASOLINE POURING OUT OF THE FILLER CAP, BUT IT ALSO FLOODS THE ENTIRE GAS TANK EVAPORATION SYSTEM. AS A RESULT OF THIS, AFTER THE CAR HAS SAT FOR SEVERAL HOURS GAS STARTS DRAINING FROM THE EMISSION CANISTER, LEAVING A 1 TO 2 GALLON FUEL SPILL AND CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OR RUN ROUGH. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM ,INCLUDING THE CANISTER, SENSOR, AND SOLENOID WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST 2008. ON SEPTEMBER 3 2008 I FILLED THE CAR UP WITH FUEL AND THE CAR REPEATED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THE DEALERSHIP IS REPLACING THE PARTS BUT INSIST THAT THE PROBLEM IS FILLING THE CAR WITH FUEL TOO QUICKLY. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW IF THE CAR CANNOT HANDLE GETTING FUEL AT A PUMP WITHOUT CAUSING SERIOUS AND EXPENSIVE DAMAGE, AND IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD TO ALLOW THESE CARS TO BE DRIVEN WITH THE LIKELIHOOD OF A SIZABLE FLAMMABLE SPILL IN SPITE OF HAVING ALL MAINTENANCE DONE ON SCHEDULE BY THE DEALERSHIP. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI'S CORPORATE OFFICE AND THEY CONSIDER THIS A PREVIOUSLY UNREPORTED ISSUE. *TR

  7. Steering, Sep 16, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR ROUTINE INSPECTION. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING LINES WERE LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE LINES WERE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $338.01. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY PARTIALLY REIMBURSE HIM FOR THE REPAIRS IN THE AMOUNT $173.46. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 29,438. UPDATED 10-07-08 *BF UPDATED 10/15/08. *JB

  8. Steering, Sep 16, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED ERRATIC STEERING BEHAVIOR WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE POWER STEERING LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,700 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,155. UPDATED 10/14/08 *BF THE DEALER REPLACE THE POWER STEERING RETURN PRESSURE LINE. UPDATED 10/15/08. *JB

  9. Suspension, Aug 20, 2008

    2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA FRONT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER TOLD US IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER 10YR/100,000 WARRANTY AND THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. CALLED HYUNDAI DIRECTLY AND TOLD THE SAME THING. ALSO LEFT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS RUSTED THROUGH AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ALSO. *TR

  10. Suspension, Aug 15, 2008

    LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS VERY WEAK AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ON MY WIFE'S HYUNDAI 2002 ELANTRA GLS. *TR

  11. Suspension, Aug 15, 2008

    THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BENT IN HALF WHILE STOPPING MY 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT, AND THE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON MY WIFE'S 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS BEGAN TO SAG. BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED IN THE LAST 90 DAYS. *TR

  12. Fuel system, Other, Equipment, Aug 5, 2008

    THE CAR JUST STARTED SPILLING OUT FUEL AFTER HOURS OF BEING FILLED. WE TOOK THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER (WHERE WE PURCHASED IN 2002) AND THEY SAID THAT WE HAD OVER FILLED THE GAS TANK WHICH CAUSED IT TO GO INTO THE CARBON BOX. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAME STATEMENT MANY OTHER DRIVERS WERE TOLD FROM DEALERS. $869 DOLLARS LATER, THEY REPLACED THE RECALLED FAULTY TANK CAP (WHICH TO ME WOULD HAVE CAUSED SOME OF THE FUEL TO SWOOSH AROUND WHILE DRIVING - IF NEVER PROPERLY FIT), AND THEN CHARGED US FOR NON-WARRANTY TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINE. AT WHICH TIME, OUR CAR HAS 30,800 MILES AND ORIGINAL OWNERS. UPON PICKING UP THE "FIXED" VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED LIT. WE CALLED THE DEALER BACK IMMEDIATELY, BUT COULD NOT GET IN FOR A WEEK, WE DROVE THE CAR DURING THIS TIME. BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK (7/08) AND THEN WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE THREE "ERROR" READINGS THAT WERE RELATED TO THE FUEL LINE. AFTER SPEAKING TO A COMBATIVE SERVICE TECH, I EXPLAINED THAT THEY DID SOMETHING AND THEY NEEDED TO FIX IT, AS THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON PRIOR TO THEIR TECH "FIXING" OUR CAR. SUDDENLY, AFTER I EXPLAINED THAT IF IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY THEN THEY ARE NOT CHARGING ME AGAIN FOR SERVICES THAT SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONE THE FIRST TIME (UNDER WARRANTY IN MY OPINION). IT WAS AMAZING THAT THE CAR WAS READY TO GO WITH NO OTHER NEEDED SERVICE AND THE "ERROR" LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER DETECTED. HOWEVER, TWO DAYS LATER 7/31/08, OUR CAR WAS TO BE SERVICED AGAIN BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL NOT GOING OFF. NOW, AFTER HAVING AN SMOG CHECK, OUR CAR DID NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO:FAILED - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM DETECTED - GROSS LEAK. EMISSIONS SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY AND NOW THE DEALER - PLANET HYUNDAI, LAS VEGAS, IS REFUSING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM THAT HAS OCCURRED WHILE THEIR TECH "FIXED" THE FUEL LINE PROBLEM. IT IS MY OPINION THAT AFTER READING SEVERAL OTHER CASES LIKE THIS THAT THE FUEL LINE SPILLAGE IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. *TR

  13. Suspension, Aug 4, 2008

    I HAVE A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS THAT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW OFF THE DEALER LOT. I AM CURRENTLY HAVING MY MECHANIC REPAIR A RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM FOR MY FROM WHEEL. IT WAS RUSTED ALMOST COMPLETELY THROUGH AND ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHERE I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL MY CAR. I NOTICED THIS YESTERDAY WHILE CHANGING MY OIL IN PREPARATION FOR TAKING MY WIFE AND 2 YOUNG DAUGHTERS ON A 1400 MILE ROUND TRIP VACATION FROM CINCINNATI TO MINNEAPOLIS. THE CHANCES OF MY ENTIRE FAMILY GETTING KILLED IN A CAR WRECK ON THIS TRIP WOULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY HIGH. I CHECKED SOME INTERNET FORUMS AND FOUND SEVERAL PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME THING. OF COURSE, HYUNDAI CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. I HAVE 78K MILES ON MY CAR. *TR

  14. Tires, Aug 3, 2008

    ON JULY 30, 2008 I WAS SOLD 2 NEW TIRES BY WALMART AFTER ONLY 20,000 MILES ON A 60,000 MILE WARRANTY. ON AUGUST 2, 2008 I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO BIG O TIRES BECAUSE THE AIR WAS LOW IN MY NEW FRONT TIRE.. BIG O DISCOVERED 2 NAILS IN MY BACK SIDEWALLS. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE NEW TIRE HAD NO NEW VALVE STEM. THE RIM OF THAT TIRE WAS BENT (AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT 4 DAYS PRIOR AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE SEAL AND THE AIR COULD NOT STAY IN THE TIRE. THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF I WERE TO HIT ANYTHING. ALL OF THESE THINGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN APPARENT 4 DAYS EARLIER. I AM WRITING TO EXPRESS MY SERIOUS CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE WALMART PATRONS AND A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR THE GOODYEAR TIRE COMPANY. ?THERE WERE 2 NAILS IN MY BACK SIDE-WALL THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN VISIBLE WHEN THE CAR WAS RAISED. ?THERE WAS A BENT FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY TO SEE AND ALERT ME TO 4 DAYS PRIOR (AND I PAID FOR A 16 POINT INSPECTION). ?THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS NOT SEATED, THUS MAKING ME VULNERABLE TO HAVING A FLAT TIRE IMMEDIATELY UPON ANY IMPACT. ?I HAD NO NEW VALVE STEMS ON MY NEW TIRES IN THE FRONT. ?ANY AND ALL OF THIS INFORMATION CAN BE VERIFIED BY WITNESSES AND THE STAFF AT WALMART AND AT BIG O TIRE CENTER. ?BELOW YOU WILL FIND BOTH ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS. ?PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS FLAGRANT DISREGARD FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CONSUMERS, THEIR PASSENGERS, AND PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE DRIVING ON THE SAME ROAD WHEN A TIRE BLOWS OUT, FALLS OFF, OR DETERIORATES! I HAVE THE WORK ORDER FOR JULY 30, 2008 AND A STATEMENT IN WRITING FROM BIG O TIRES. WALMART SERVICE CENTER 4210 EAST HIGHLAND AVE HIGHLAND, CA 92346 BIG O TIRE AT 2536 E. HIGHLAND AVE. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 909-862-4980 9) 425-8846 *TR

  15. Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 20, 2008

    I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CAMPAIGN ACKNOWLEDGED BY HYUNDAI TO CORRECT A DEFECTIVE FUEL VALVE ASSEMBLY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V178000 WWW.NHTSA.DOT.GOV MANUFACTURER HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY RECALL DATE: APR 06, 2004 POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 263968 DESCRIPTION FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY SUMMARY 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. CONSEQUENCE FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE. REMEDY 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 I TOOK MY 2002 ELANTRA TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER TO GET MY FUEL VALVE ASSEMBLY FIXED HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THAT MY VIN DID NOT SHOW UP IN THE RECALL. MY CAR HAS NOT ROLLED OVER AND CAUGHT ON FIRE YET BUT IT DOES TAKE ME ABOUT 30 MINS TO FILL MY FUEL TANK FROM EMPTY TO FULL DUE TO A DEFECTIVE FUEL ASSEMBLY VALVE. NO MATTER WHAT GAS STATION I CHOOSE I CAN ONLY PUT 1/2 GAL OF FUEL AT A TIME AND THE PUMP SHUTS OFF AS IF THE TANK IS FULL. SO I SIT THERE FOREVER FILLING MY TANK A LITTLE AT A TIME. *TR

  16. Electrical system, Jul 7, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED, LOST POWER STEERING AND THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE FUEL GAUGE ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS UNABLE TO DETECT THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN OPERATING NORMALLY. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TIGHTENED A COMPONENT ON THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND ADJUSTED THE RELAY SWITCH. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY IS NOT OPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

  17. Suspension, Jul 1, 2008

    ON MY WAY TO WORK ONE MORNING, I APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR STOPPED TRAFFIC. I HEARD SOMETHING CRACK, AND THE CAR SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. AFTER BACKING, AND CHECKING UNDER THE CAR TO SEE IF I HIT SOMETHING, WHICH I DIDN'T I PROCEEDED, AND IT SEEMED NORMAL UNTIL I HIT THE BRAKES AGAIN TO HAVE THE SAME THING HAPPEN. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK, WHEN HE ARRIVED HE LOOKED UNDER AND TOLD ME THAT MY LOWER RIGHT CONTROL ARM HAD BROKEN. I HAD IT TOWED IN AT A COST OF $61.00. THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED AND TOLD ME I WAS LUCKY I HADN'T BEEN ON THE TURNPIKE, AS I COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, AND THEY HADN'T SEEN THIS BEFORE. THE REPAIR COST $324.85. I CALLED HYUNDAI, AND THEY ISSUED ME A CASE#3271798. AFTER FAXING THEM THE BILLS, I WAITED ABOUT A WEEK, WHEN THEY CALLED ME BACK, THEY DENIED THE CLAIM,SAYING (A) THE CAR WAS SOME 30,000 MILES AND A YEAR AND A HALF OUT OF WARRANTY,AND (B) THAT THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IMAGINE HOW I FELT WITH THAT STATEMENT WHEN MY WIFE AND SON ALSO ARE DRIVING HYUNDAI'S. UNTIL THIS HAPPENED I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT 10 MORE OF THEM, THEY HAVE BEEN GREAT CARS, BUT I HAVE SEARCHED OTHER COMPLAINTS , AND I T SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT HYUNDAI HAS NOT ADDRESSED. WHEN MINE WAS REPAIRED, THEY LOOKED FOR A USED PART, AND WERE TOLD THIS THEY WERE ALL IN THE SAME SHAPE, AND WHEN BUYING THE PART FROM THE DEALER THEY HAD SEVERAL ON THE SHELF, INDICATING A PROBLEM. I WOULD HAVE BEEN SATISFIED IF THEY HAD REIMBURSED ME, BUT THEY CHOSE TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM. WAS THIS THE ONLY YEAR IT AFFECTS?OR ARE THERE OTHER POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS OUT THERE WAITING TO HAPPEN? *TR

  18. Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 2, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE PLACING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE BEGAN SPEWING BACK OUT. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO FILL UP THE TANK. A LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED A BUMPER-TO-BUMPER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT GASOLINE SHOOTS BACK OUT OF THE TANK. THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED IT AS A POSSIBLE RECALL FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE DEALER; HOWEVER, SHE CALLED NHTSA FIRST TO VERIFY THE RECALL. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,761.

  19. Suspension, Feb 22, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT IS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTING AND CORRODING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM TO FAIL. HE HAS REPAIRED TWO VEHICLES WITH THE SAME FAILURE. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY FAILURE. HOWEVER, THEY OFFERED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS A FREE REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,000.

  20. Suspension, Feb 19, 2008

    BACKLICK ROAD IN SPRINGFIELD VA. I GENTLY PRESSED ON THE BRAKES BECAUSE OF SLOWING TRAFFIC, MY CAR IMMEDIATELY SLID TO THE LEFT AND WITH OUT WARNING CAME TO A SUDDEN HALT. CALLED 911 FOR POLICE ASSISTANCE IN DIRECTING TRAFFIC AND ALSO AAA FOR TOWING. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE GARAGE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM OF MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2002 WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE OFF JAMMING ITSELF INTO THE WHEEL OF MY CAR CAUSING IT TO NOT MOVE AT ALL. IRONICALLY, MY CAR WAS JUST SERVICED BY MY DEALERSHIP 6 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING FOR AN OIL CHANGE, TIRES ROTATED AND ALIGNMENT. THEY NEVER MENTIONED A RUSTY CONTROL ARM. HYUNDAI WAS GOING TO CHARGE $400 TO HAVE THE CONTROL ARM REPAIRED. THEN I ASKED THEM FOR PICTURES OF THE CONTROL ARM AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT DO THAT BECAUSE THE CAMERA BELONGED TO HYUNDAI AND THEY DID KNOW HOW TO GET PICTURES TO ME. I TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD LIKE TO COME IN AND TAKE PICTURES OF THE CONTROL ARM MYSELF. WITH IN MINUTES - THEY TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE IT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY! THEY DID COVER IT UNDER GOOD WILL WARRANTY AND THE PART WAS REPLACED. NEVER DID THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGE THE SEVERITY THIS COULD HAVE TURNED INTO HAD I BEEN TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE AT THAT TIME. I PICKED UP MY CAR ON MONDAY 2/18. THEY BROUGHT OUT THE RUSTED CONTROL ARM FROM MY CAR BUT THEY ALSO BROUGHT OUT ANOTHER ONE THAT WAS REPLACED ON SATURDAY, JUST AS RUSTED THROUGH AS MINE HAD BEEN. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE ONE FROM MY CAR. THEY WOULD NOT LET ME KEEP THE PART BECAUSE THEY SAID IT HAD TO BE SENT BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER. WHEN I CALLED TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM TO HYUNDAI OF AMERICA (VIA 800 #) THEY SAID THEY WERE CLOSING MY CASE BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP HAD RESOLVED THE PROBLEM AND THAT I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR THE GOODWILL SERVICE. I'M EXPECTING A CALL FROM A SUPERVISOR W/IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. *TR

  21. Seat belts, Feb 11, 2008

    DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS. *TR

  22. Suspension, Feb 6, 2008

    FRONT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED AND BROKE . THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BECOME UNABLE TO STEER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER AND REPAIRED. NO CHARGE TO OWNER BECAUSE WE HAD PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY AT TIME OF PURCHASE. *TR

  23. Suspension, Jan 14, 2008

    2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HATCHBACK, DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING IT BREAK IN HALF, NO BODY WAS HURT, NO COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES OCCURRED. THE DAMAGE CAME TO OVER $1,000.00. THE CONTROL ARM ON A CAR SHOULD NEVER UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES FAIL. IT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. IF WE HAD BEEN ON A MAIN HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS. THE CONTROL ARM METAL IS EXTREMELY THIN MAKING US THINK IT MAY BE A DEFECT FROM HYUNDAI. *TR

  24. Exterior lighting, Jan 11, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. BOTH OF THE HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO BURN OUT AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND IS THE CONTACTS RESPONSIBILITY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,247 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. UPDATED 3/25/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED REPLACED 5 TIMES FOR EACH HEADLIGHT FOR A TOTAL OF 10 HEADLIGHTS. UPDATED 03/25/08 *TR

  25. Power train, Jan 8, 2008

    CLUTCH WAS SLOW TO ENGAGE; SLIPPING. SERVICE PEOPLE AT THE DEALER SAID CLUTCH WAS NO GOOD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 29,700 MILES. THE NEW CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL PLUS LABOR COST ME OVER $1600. *TR