2002 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems

The 2002 Hyundai Elantra has 6 safety recalls and 342 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
6
Complaints
342
Crashes / fires
58 / 4
Injuries / deaths
40 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Recall 09V-125: Suspension

Reported Apr 16, 2009 · 160,904 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 08V-533: Air Bags

Reported Oct 14, 2008 · 150,541 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 04V-369: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 26, 2004 · 919 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 04V-178: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 9, 2004 · 263,968 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 03V-496: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Dec 3, 2003 · 1,993 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 03V-257: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 22, 2003 · 312,292 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2002 Hyundai Elantra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension100
Air Bags72
Service Brakes, Hydraulic34
Structure30
Fuel System, Gasoline24
Vehicle Speed Control18
Exterior Lighting18
Power Train17
Seat Belts16
Steering16
Electrical System14
Engine and Engine Cooling11

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm — 29
  • Suspension › Front — 27
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 22
  • Structure › Body — 13
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 12
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm — 11
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 10
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 7

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Hyundai Elantra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · at 248,000 miles · reported May 21, 2020
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 237,242 miles · reported Jan 29, 2020
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…
Air Bags · at 130,098 miles · reported Mar 2, 2019
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 · at 45,000 miles · reported Nov 7, 2018
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jul 26, 2017
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.

Other Hyundai Elantra years

Compare all Hyundai Elantra years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra: 09V-125 (suspension), 08V-533 (air bags), 04V-369 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-178 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-496 (service brakes, hydraulic) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report suspension problems most often (100 reports), followed by air bags (72). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.