2002 Hyundai Elantra

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 342 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 6 times.

Not among the Hyundai Elantra years to avoid. Which Hyundai Elantra years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
72,000 milesMedian miles at failure

243 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Hyundai Elantra problems

89 of the 342 complaints (26%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags35
9010
Suspension › Front › Control Arm26
000
Suspension › Front25
210
Suspension24
101
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags19
16112
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system18
000
Steering12
100
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights12
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration10
401
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes10
402

2002 Hyundai Elantra suspension problems

26% of all complaints

89 of the 342 complaints are about the suspension. This is what owners describe:

  • knocks, grinds or clunks8% · 7
  • vibrates or shakes4% · 4
  • loses steering assist or the wheel locks4% · 4

Share of the 89 suspension complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
93,000 mi
median of 71 reports
Peak year of filing
2010
24 suspension complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
4 · 1 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the suspension
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 3, 2015 at 195,000 miles
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 13, 2009 at 41,865 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2001: 3 complaints, 0 about the suspension'012002: 16 complaints, 0 about the suspension2003: 39 complaints, 3 about the suspension'032004: 34 complaints, 4 about the suspension2005: 22 complaints, 0 about the suspension'052006: 17 complaints, 0 about the suspension2007: 11 complaints, 2 about the suspension'072008: 24 complaints, 10 about the suspension2009: 41 complaints, 23 about the suspension'092010: 51 complaints, 24 about the suspension2011: 19 complaints, 3 about the suspension'112012: 13 complaints, 6 about the suspension2013: 9 complaints, 2 about the suspension'132014: 15 complaints, 5 about the suspension2015: 14 complaints, 4 about the suspension'152016: 7 complaints, 0 about the suspension2017: 3 complaints, 1 about the suspension'172018: 1 complaints, 1 about the suspension2019: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension'192020: 2 complaints, 1 about the suspensionRecall 03V257000 (brakes)Recall 03V496000 (brakes)Recall 04V178000 (fuel system)Recall 04V369000 (fuel system)Recall 08V533000 (airbags)Recall 09V125000 (suspension)NHTSA investigation PE09011NHTSA investigation EA08012
All complaintsAbout the suspensionRecall (red: the suspension)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2002 Elantra peaked in 2010, with 51 filed that year. Owners had filed 27 complaints about the suspension before the first recall that covers it, 09V125000 in April 2009; 62 more have come in since. In 2020 owners filed 2 so far.

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Control Arm09V125000
Filed Apr 16, 2009160,904 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. THE FRACTURING OF THE CONTROL ARM COULD AN OWNER'S CONTROL OVER THEIR VEHICLE THAT MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive08V533000
Filed Oct 14, 2008150,541 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage04V369000
Filed Jul 26, 2004919 vehiclesHyundai Caribbean-Puerto Rico

Defect. 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.

Risk. FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly04V178000
Filed Apr 9, 2004263,968 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings03V496000
Filed Dec 3, 20031,993 vehiclesHyundai Caribbean-Puerto Rico

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE TUBES FOR THE REAR BRAKES CAN CONTACT THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings03V257000
Filed Jul 22, 2003312,292 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2002 Elantra.

FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS RUSTINGPreliminary evaluation PE09011Closed
Opened Feb 18, 2009Closed Apr 21, 2009Led to recall 09V125000suspension

On april 14, 2009, hyundai motor corporation submitted to odi a defect information report indicating that it would recall a salt-belt population of approximately 155,317 model year (my) 2001 through 2003 hyundai elantra vehicles to remedy a defect that can result in loss of vehicle control with an increased risk of a crash while driving (09v-125).the affected vehicles cover all my 2001, my 2002, and my 2003 through january 13, 2003 production.these include elantra vehicles that were originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, …

AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATIONEngineering analysis EA08012Closed
Opened Jul 10, 2008Closed Nov 14, 2008Led to recall 08V532000airbags

Hyundai is conducting two safety recalls to correct two safety defects described below.under safety recall 08v-532, hyundai will install a vinyl protective shield/cover to prevent short circuits in the air bag control module cause by spills of liquids that seep into the module connector. This action applies to 78,369 my 2001 vehicles (built through 4/26/2001).the air bag control module connector in my 2001 vehicles built after 4/26/2001 is covered by the carpet.to improve the integrity of the side impact air bag wiring harness under the driver and front passenger seats, hyundai will install …

AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATIONPreliminary evaluation PE08017Closed
Opened Mar 10, 2008Closed Jul 10, 2008airbags

In certain model year (my) 2001 and 2002 vehicles, the air bag system is susceptible to air bag light illumination and air bag non-deployment or inadvertent deployment from liquid contamination of the air bag control module.the control module is located beneath and near center console cup holders.odi is also aware of complaints regarding air bag light illumination due to loss of proper air bag electrical integrity in wiring and connections located under the front seats.under investigation pe08-017, hyundai provided 472 owner reports and 9,108 warranty claims related to these issues for my …

Technical service bulletins

79 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Elantra. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 19transmission 19equipment 7electrical system 7body and frame 5visibility 3brakes 3equipment adaptive/mobility 3
20-SS-001HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 5, 2020suspension

This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.

0150009Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 1, 2001suspension

SUBJECT REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER ATTACHING BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. *JG

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed May 21, 2020248,000 milesOH

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

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 29, 2020237,242 milesKS

WHEN PUMPING GAS I CAN ONLY PUMP ABOUT $1.50 WORTH OF GAS AT A TIME BEFORE IT STARTS COMING BACK OUT AND SPILLING EVERYWHERE. I HAVE TRIED PUMPING GAS WITH THE CAR ON, NOT SAFE I KNOW, AND IT STILL ONLY TAKES ABOUT $1.50 BEFORE IT COMES BACK OUT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MULTIPLE ELANTRA OWNERS AND THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. IT TAKES ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO FILL UP. THE MORE GAS YOU GET IN YOUR TANK, THE LESS YOU CAN PUMP. FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE ONLINE IT'S THAT THE EVAP CANISTOR HAS FAILED AND IT'S PUSHING CHARCOAL THRU THE FUEL LINES. WHAT IF THAT GETS INTO THE FUEL TANK AND THE PUMP SUCKS IT UP? DON'T THINK THAT WOULD BE A GOOD THING. BUT THE GAS THAT COMES OUT IS STARTING TO EAT AWAY THE PAINT BECAUSE IT DOES IT MULTIPLE TIMES EACH TIME I'M REFUELING. MY VEHICLE HAS HIGH MILES BUT ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE THIS ISSUE SAY THEY HAVE BELOW 100K MILES.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 2, 2019130,098 milesVA

MY 2002 HUYNDAI ELANTRA GLS SUDDENTLY THE AIRBAG IS ON SOON ENGINE RUNNING, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TECHNICIAN THAT THE AIRBAG DEFECTIVE AND IT IS UNDER A RECALL.

Suspension
Filed Nov 7, 201845,000 milesKY

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
Filed Dec 28, 2017233,122 milesNY

REAR SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER ROTTED OUT

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 26, 2017AR

IT IS HARD TO FILL THE GAS TANK UP. THE FUEL PUMP KEEPS SHUTTING OFF AND YOU HAVE TO SLOWLY FILL THE GAS TANK UP. YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE PUMP TO EVEN GET GAS TO FILL THE TANK.

Structure › Body
Filed May 2, 2017MA

THE WHOLE FRAME IS RUSTY.

Steering
Filed Nov 7, 2016126,650 milesCO

ON OCTOBER 28TH, 2016 THE LOWER, DRIVER'S SIDE, FRONT CONTROL ARM DISINTEGRATED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER ELANTRA IN A PARKING LOT. SHE WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN TO LEAVE THE LOT WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT MADE A "TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE." THE NEXT DAY I REMOVED THE WHEEL AND DISCOVERED THE CONTROL ARM WAS TORN IN TWO SECTIONS AND BADLY CORRODED. I WENT TO TWO HYUNDAI DEALERS TO TRACK DOWN A NEW PART. NEITHER DEALER MENTIONED THE FACT THAT THIS MODEL HYUNDAI HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR PRECISELY THIS PROBLEM. WHEN I LEARNED OF THIS PROBLEM I CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTORS. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE RECALL ONLY APPLIED TO VEHICLES PURCHASED OR REGISTERED IN THE SO-CALLED "SALT BELT" STATES. MY WIFE BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN COLORADO AND HAS NEVER DRIVEN IT IN THE "SALT BELT." YET IT SUFFERED THE SAME CORROSION AND FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS FAILURE BECAUSE THE CORROSION IS INSIDE THE CONTROL ARM AND CANNOT BE DETECTED BY A NORMAL VISUAL INSPECTION. I SUSPECT THAT THE FAILURE THAT SHOWED UP YEARS AGO IN THE "SALT BELT" CARS IS NOW APPEARING IN OLDER CARS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. HYUNDAI APPARENTLY DOES NOT GIVE A [XXX]. I SUGGEST THE NHSTA IMPOSE A NATIONWIDE MANDATORY RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES. IF IT OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THIS FAILURE WOULD RESULT IN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH FOR PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. THIS VEHICLE IS A ONE OWNER CAR THAT WAS GARAGED ALL ITS LIFE. IT WAS REGULARLY SERVICED

Air Bags
Filed Aug 14, 2016123,000 milesVA

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINS ON STEADY AS I WAS DRIVING IN RESIDENTIAL SECTION TODAY, AROUND 10PM. IT HAS BEEN 104 DEGREES WITH HUMIDITY FACTOR THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 10, 2016114,000 milesMD

THERE IS RUST COMING THROUGH THE QUARTER PANELS IN THE FRONT

Air Bags
Filed Jun 15, 201697,000 milesUT

AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN YOU MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD OR BACKWARD. SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL, BUT WHEN I CALL THE DEALER I AM TOLD THAT THERE ARE NOT OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. YET, THE RECALL LIST FOR FIXING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM LISTS 2002 HYUNDAI.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 3, 201671,000 milesOH

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.

Air Bags
Filed May 12, 2016121,190 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V533000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,190.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 4, 2016165,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE BRAKE FLUID. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD FAIL TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 20, 2015146,571 milesCA

RANDOM ILLUMINATION OF AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH WITHOUT EXPLANATION.

Engine
Filed Nov 26, 201582,300 milesGA

ENGINE STOPS SUDDENLY ALMOST CREATING ACCIDENT. CAUSE ?

Suspension
Filed Nov 23, 2015153,248 milesDE

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 3, 2015CA

CAR RECALLED FOR "SALT BELT CORROSION" REPAIRS IN 2002. ORIGINAL OWNER SOLD CAR BACK TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. REPAIRS WERE NEVER DONE.WHEN I BOUGHT THIS USED HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN LATE 2002, IT HAD LESS THAN 13K MILES ON ITS ODOMETER. IT WAS SERVICED AT A 2ND HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP UNTIL 2012, WHEN ITS 10 YR/ 100 K MI WARRANTY EXPIRED. TODAY, EVEN THOUGH IT STILL HAS < 100 K ON ITS ODOMETER, THE ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT I'VE BEEN TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT SOURCES THAT THE CORROSION ON THE UNDERSIDE IS SO BAD THAT, DURING A 50 MPH OR GREATER ACCIDENT, IT IS LIKELY THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE CAR COULD FALL ONTO THE HIGHWAY, WHILE IT KEPT MOVING FORWARD, DECAPITATING EVERYONE INSIDE. JPG IMAGES OF THE EXTENT OF THE CORROSION ON THIS VEHICLE ARE AVAILABLE AT: WWW.HYUNDAIDCM.COM/WEB/ACTIVITYDETAILS.ASPX?ACTIVITYID=7738650-4. MY HYUNDAI IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE HYUNDAI NEVER PERFORMED THE MANDATED NHTSA SERVICE IN 2002. PLEASE TAKE MY CASE ON.. I'VE FILLED OUT THE WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? BOX BELOW WITH THE DATE WHEN HYUNDAI AMERICA HAD MY ELANTRA INSPECTED BY MANLY HYUNDAI (2702 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95402). EVER SINCE THIS INSPECTION, HYUNDAI AMERICA HAS OFFERED TO PAY ME $ 1K TO "TAKE MY CAR AWAY". WHEN I ASKED THEM WHY NOT $ 3K (IT'S HIGH KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE), THEY INFORMED ME IT "WAS A RUST BUCKET".YES, MY ELANTRA IS A "RUST BUCKET", BUT ONLY BECAUSE OF HYUNDAI'S FAILURE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS REQUIRED IN NHTSA'S 2002 RECALL, THAT NEVER GOT DONE.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 29, 201594,178 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LINK ASSEMBLY FRONT STABILIZER AND THE CONTROL ARMS COMPLETELY LOWERED AND THE FRONT END HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT TIRES FELL OFF DUE TO THE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,178. ...UPDATED 02/03/16 *BF *JS

Traction Control System
Filed Oct 28, 201591,000 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR WARNING LIGHT FLICKERED AND THE BCD PLAYER WOULD NOT STOP OPERATING UNLESS THERE WAS A BCD INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

Suspension
Filed Aug 5, 2015115,000 milesOR

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
Filed Aug 3, 2015195,000 milesNJ

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
Filed Jul 8, 2015CA

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

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 21, 2015110,000 milesMD

WAS TRAVELING HOME AT 6 PM AND I WAS COMING OVER A HILL AND A CAR STOPED SHORT I SWERVED TO AVOID COLLISSION AND SIDE SWIPED A TELEPHONE POLE.THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND I WAS HIT WITH A PIECE OF SHARPNAL THAT WENT INTO MY LIP CAUSING ME TO GET STITCHES AND HAS LEFT MY FACE DISFIGURED.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 4, 201540,000 milesMD

NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR FROM JONES JUNCTION HYUNDAI BEL AIR, I NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHT/WINDSHIELD WIPER STALK WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. SOMETIME THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. AT NIGHT, THE LIGHTS FOR THE DASHBOARD WOULD GO OUT. THE STALK HAD PROBLEMS. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE FLUIDS WOULD NOT SQUIRT PROPERLY TO EFFECTIVELY CLEAN MY WINDSHIELD AS IT SHOULD. THESE ARE 2 SEPARATE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE NOTICED OVER THE YEARS. *TR

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jan 31, 201573,500 milesVA

I ARRIVED HOME AROUND 4:00PM, SATURDAY JAN 31, 2015 AND PARKED MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OUTSIDE MY CONDO BUILDING. I UNLOADED MY CAR TRUNK, THEN CLOSED THE TRUNK AND HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. I WAS NOT SURE WHAT IT WAS AT FIRST BUT I KNEW IT CAME FROM THE CAR. I WALKED AROUND THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR TO LOOK INSIDE. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING UNUSUAL, BUT WHEN I CLOSED THE DRIVER DOOR I HEARD THE RATTLE AGAIN ON TOP OF MY CAR, WHEN I LOOKED AT THE ROOF I NOTICED THE SUNROOF GLASS WAS WARPED UPWARD AND A HOLE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GLASS. WHEN I LOOKED CLOSER AT THE SUNROOF THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED WITH A HOLE ABOUT 3-4 INCHED WIDE AND THE EDGES OF THE GLASS WERE POINTING UPWARD. IT LOOKED LIKE THE SUNROOF EXPLODED FROM WITHIN. THE REST OF THE SUNROOF WAS CRACKED AND SPLINTERED BEING HELD TOGETHER SIMPLY BY THE SAFETY GLASS OR I THINK IT WOULD HAVE ALL FALLEN IN WARD. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jan 22, 201575,000 milesMD

I NOTICED SOME TIME IN 2014 THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOWS BEGAN TO FALTER AFTER IT HAD RAINED OR PRECIPITATED IN SOME FORM. THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW ASSEMBLY WOULD GET WET WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPEN DURING NORMAL OPERATING USE, SUCH AS ENTERING OR EXITING THE 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE, IN MY OPINION, PRODUCED VEHICLES WHICH COULD TOLERATE A MEASURE OF PRECIPITATION IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR THROUGH NORMAL USE, SUCH AS ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. I COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI USA ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO ME. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I WILL SEEK TO KNOW WHAT THE NHTSA WILL DO ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I THINK THAT THE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR HYUNDAI TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Steering
Filed Jan 20, 2015101,966 milesTX

AS I EXITED A FREEWAY RAMP I WAS COMING TO A STOP TO MAKE A TURN. MY FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE AND IT POPPED MY DRIVER SIDE CV AXLE. MY WHOLE TIRE CASTERED IN AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL AND CAMBERED OUTWARD. MY CAR WAS BARELY MOVABLE. MY CONTROL ARM HAD COMPLETELY CORRODED THROUGH. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 21, 201478,300 milesGA

VERY DANGEROUS: THE VEHICLES SHUTSDOWN WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DASHBOARD BLINKS AND ENGINE SHUTS DOWN CAUSING LOST OF STEERING AND POWER, SLOWING CAR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH VEHICLES BEHIND. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. MECHANICS CAN'T SOLVE ISSUES. ON THE INTERNET, SIMILAR INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER HYUNDAI DRIVERS . THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, IDLE CONTROL VALVES, AND IN/OUT OUTPUT SENSOR TRANSMISSION ARE REPORTED AS POSSIBLE PROBLEMS. IN ANY EVENT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. PROBLEM SHOULD BE STUDIED AND REPORTED. IT HAPPENS NOT ONLY TO THIS MODEL, BUT ON OTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLES. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 4, 2014158,860 milesMI

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 C

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 23, 2014100,000 milesTX

AFTER REFUELING, THE CAR HAS DIFFICULTY STARTING. THE CAR STALL LIKE IT HAS FLOODED. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TRYING TO START THE CAR (THE CAR SPUTTERS), IT FINALLY STARTS. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER HYUNDAI ELANTRA OWNERS IN THIS AREA HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR INITIAL STARTED WITH DIFFICULTY REFUELING. AFTER PUTTING IN 0.25 - $1.00 WORTH OF GASOLINE, THE PUMP WOULD CLICK OFF. REFUELING COULD TAKE UP TO 5-10 MINUTES TO FILL THE TANK. I HAVE SPENT OVER $500.00 DOLLARS TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI OF AMERICA AND RECEIVED LITTLE TO NO ASSISTANCE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 23, 2014100,000 milesTX

AFTER REFUELING, THE CAR HAS DIFFICULTY STARTING. THE CAR STALL LIKE IT HAS FLOODED. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TRYING TO START THE CAR (THE CAR SPUTTERS), IT FINALLY STARTS. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER HYUNDAI ELANTRA OWNERS IN THIS AREA HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR INITIAL STARTED WITH DIFFICULTY REFUELING. AFTER PUTTING IN 0.25 - $1.00 WORTH OF GASOLINE, THE PUMP WOULD CLICK OFF. REFUELING COULD TAKE UP TO 5-10 MINUTES TO FILL THE TANK. I HAVE SPENT OVER $500.00 DOLLARS TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI OF AMERICA AND RECEIVED LITTLE TO NO ASSISTANCE. *TR

Steering
Filed Aug 21, 2014110,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Suspension
Filed Jul 23, 2014115,000 milesIA

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
Filed Jul 23, 2014115,000 milesIA

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 › Front › Control Arm
Filed Jul 14, 2014110,000 milesFL

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.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 30, 201480,100 milesGU

VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT PRIOR SIGN OF MALFUNCTION. HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 201499,146 milesFL

WHEN I GOT A NEW BATTERY THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND TRIED TO RESET IT, IT DIDN'T WORK. I THEN TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AT NAPLES DODGE AND HE TRIED TO GET IT OFF BY HOOKING IT UP TO A COMPUTER. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES HE SAID HE COULD NOT DO IT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 21, 2014LA

MY CAR PAINT STARTED CHIPPING IT'S BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2010. I'VE RESEARCHED AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THERE CARS PAINT CHIPPING. BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE DEALERSHIP WOULD DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 2014120,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT THAT WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE AND AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS ATTACHMENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V533000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Suspension
Filed May 29, 2014165,000 milesKY

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.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 24, 201472,000 milesAL

SOMETHING HIT CAR OVER DRIVERSIDE WINDSHIELD AND DOOR DURING TRANSPORT. INSURANCE TOTALED. AIRBAG LIGHT ALREADY ON. BEFORE SETTLING WITH INSURANCE CO, BOUGHT TAG AND INSURANCE. BOUGHT CAR BACK FROM INS CO. DROVE UNTIL TAG EXPIRED.CAN"T GET SALVAGE TITLE UNTIL AIRBAG LIGHT IS FIXED. TOOK IT TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN MONTGOMERY AL. DIAGNOSIS (AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE), WHICH IS RECALL PART. TALKED WITH HYUNDAI SUPERVISOR [XXX]. HE TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WASN"T IN THE RECALL NUMBER, BUT COINCIDENTALLY MY CAR NEEDS THE SAME RECALL PART. MAYBE THEY MADE MISTAKE AND LEFT MY CAR OUT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jan 5, 2014100,000 milesRI

I HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR OF MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA 02 AND UPON BRINGING IT TO A SERVICE STATION WAS INFORMED THAT THE LEFT REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS CORRODE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THERE WAS A CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE, HOWEVER THE 02 ELANTRA WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. THIS LEFT ME WITH AN 11 YEAR OLD VEHICLE THAT HAD NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAD BEEN HOUSED INSIDE A GARAGE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THAT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 31, 2013PA

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY THE HOOD SIMPLY POPPED OPEN COMING BACK SMASHING THE WINDSHIELD. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 23, 201390,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, GASOLINE SPEWED OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 18, 2013138,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V533000 (AIR BAGS) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 7, 2013FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL WOULD OVERFLOW AND SPRAY OUT OF THE FILLER NECK ONTO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE FUEL TANK CARBON CANISTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,500.

Suspension
Filed Apr 17, 2013110,000 milesNY

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 3, 2013114,000 milesCT

HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2002 LOWER UNDER CARRIAGE CORROSION. PLUS EXCESSIVE BODY CORROSION SIMILAR TO TOYOTA PICKUPS. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 14, 2013PA

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

Complaints 1-50 of 342, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263300Routine
202522000Routine
202456100Routine
2023101200Routine
2022102510Routine
2021132611Fatalities reported
2020254362Fatalities reported
2019252131Fatalities reported
2018284071Fatalities reported
2017770460Above average
2016293250Above average
2015262380Above average
20143862162Fatalities reported
20131,3144310High concern
20126544120Above average
2011433580Above average
2010380391Fatalities reported
20092544110Above average
20083157240High concern
20072676130Above average
2006155100Routine
2005137430Routine
2004182520Routine
2003234510Above average
2002 — this page342642Fatalities reported
2001315641Fatalities reported
2000197120Routine
1999128220Routine
199855000Routine
1997115301Fatalities reported
1996100332Fatalities reported
1995112150Routine
199476220Routine
199324010Routine
199229040Routine

Compare every Elantra year →

2002 Hyundai Elantra: questions buyers ask

Is the 2002 Hyundai Elantra a good car?

It is not among the Elantra years to avoid. Owners filed 342 complaints, against about 243 for a typical Elantra year. The most common complaint is about the suspension (26%).

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Hyundai Elantra?

The suspension: 89 of the 342 complaints (26%) are about it. Owners most often say it knocks, grinds or clunks (8%), vibrates or shakes (4%) and loses steering assist or the wheel locks (4%). The typical report comes at 93,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2002 Hyundai Elantra have?

6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 16, 2009. The largest, 03V257000, covered 312,292 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2002 Hyundai Elantra problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 72,000 miles. For the suspension the midpoint is 93,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Hyundai Elantra?

Yes, 3 times. The latest, PE09011 ("FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS RUSTING"), was opened Feb 18, 2009 and closed Apr 21, 2009.

Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra?

The manufacturer filed 79 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (19), the transmission (19) and the electrical system (7). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 16, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.