Model year record

2002 Hyundai Elantra

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 431 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V125000

Suspension: front: control arm

Component: Suspension: front: control arm
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 160,904
Reported to NHTSA: 2009-04-16
Owners notified: 2009-07-17

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V533000

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Component: Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 150,541
Reported to NHTSA: 2008-10-14
Owners notified: 2008-11-30

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V369000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: storage
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO
Vehicles affected: 919
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-07-26
Owners notified: 2004-10-05

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V178000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 263,968
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-04-09
Owners notified: 2004-06-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V496000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO
Vehicles affected: 1,993
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-12-03
Owners notified: 2004-01-22

Defect description

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

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V257000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 312,292
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-07-22
Owners notified: 2003-10-13

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Air bags	40	99,030 mi
Suspension: front: control arm	29	97,000 mi
Suspension	27	115,000 mi
Suspension: front	27	80,992 mi
Air bags: frontal	22	24,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	19	58,000 mi
Steering	16	94,829 mi
Structure: body	13	94,178 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	12	35,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	11	8,800 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	11	80,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	11	29,550 mi
Electrical system	10	75,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	10	56,157 mi
Tires	10	48,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	8	100,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	7	66,758 mi
Unknown or other	7	82,300 mi
Exterior lighting	6	100,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	6	20,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	5	30,048 mi
Air bags: side/window	5	23,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor	5	22,329 mi
Power train	4	78,300 mi
Seat belts	4	34,000 mi
Seat belts: front	4	50,000 mi
Seats	4	8,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	4	40 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	4	72,225 mi
Electrical system: wiring	3	55,100 mi
Engine and engine cooling	3	34,796 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	3	59,858 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	3	42,537 mi
Power train: manual transmission	3	71,196 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	3	20,000 mi
Structure	3	69,692 mi
Suspension: rear	3	72,807 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	3	75,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	3	3,000 mi
Wheels: rim	3	53,767 mi
Engine	2	78,300 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	2	—
Equipment	2	120,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly	2	48,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	2	40,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	2	29 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum	2	13,794 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders	2	13,794 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments	2	40 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	2	100,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages	2	16,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	2	73,500 mi
Child seat: tether: strap/webbing	1	—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	1	70,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	1	80,100 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly	1	48,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	1	15,618 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	72,807 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	1	—
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer	1	71,500 mi
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: LPG systems: tank valve/gauge	1	30,600 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	1	23,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	1	96,188 mi
Fuel system, other	1	30,600 mi
Interior lighting	1	—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	1	18,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch	1	9,985 mi
Power train: axle assembly	1	—
Seat belts: rear/other	1	4,000 mi
Service brakes	1	165,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	1	79,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm	1	80,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar	1	95,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	1	—
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems	1	63,458 mi
Traction control system	1	91,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables	1	—
Visibility/wiper	1	40,000 mi
Wheels	1	40,000 mi
Wheels: hub	1	—
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	1	—

The 2001 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2003 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.