2004 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems

The 2004 Hyundai Elantra has 5 safety recalls and 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
182
Crashes / fires
24 / 2
Injuries / deaths
26 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Recall 05V-479: Air Bags

Reported Oct 17, 2005 · 2,105 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO

Problem: Certain vehicles equipped with an advanced air bag system. The occupant classification system (Ocs) installed in the right front seat of the vehicle may misclassify a child restraint seat (Crs) as an adult. This may occur if the crs is installed after an adult has been seated in the right front seat. If there has not been a 'key on' ' key off' cycle with the right front passenger seat empty prior to installation of the crs.

Risk: The possibility of misclassification of a crs as an adult may allow the right front airbag or side impact airbag to deploy in a crash and could result in injury to the right front occupant.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's OCS electronic control unit (Ecu) to remove the feature that may cause the crs to be recognized as an adult. The recall began on november 15, 2005. Owners may contact hyundai of puerto rico at 1-800-981-0188.

Recall 05V-395: Air Bags

Reported Sep 12, 2005 · 231,160 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Certain vehicles equipped with an advanced air bag system. The occupant classification system (Ocs) installed in the right front seat of the vehicle may misclassify a child restraint seat (Crs) as an adult. This may occur if the crs is installed after an adult has been seated in the right front seat. If there has not been a 'key on' ' key off' cycle with the right front passenger seat empty prior to installation of the crs.

Risk: The possibility of misclassification of a crs as an adult may allow the right front airbag or side impact airbag to deploy in a crash and could result in injury to the right front occupant.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's OCS electronic control unit (Ecu) to remove the feature that may cause the crs to be recognized as an adult. The recall began on october 31, 2005. Owners may contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Recall 04V-370: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 30, 2004 · 582 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO

Problem: During an insurance institute for highway safety (Iihs) offset frontal barrier impact test, it was determined that fuel tan damage could occur. On certain passenger vehicles, a vapor tube hose clamp that is located near the fuel tank may not be positioned properly and could cause fuel leakage.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the position of the vapor tube hose clamp ears and correctly position the clamp, if necessary. The recall began on october 5, 2004. Owners should contact hyundai de puerto rico at 1-800-981-0188.

Recall 04V-208: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported May 3, 2004 · 44,530 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: During an insurance institute for highway safety (Iihs) offset frontal barrier impact test on certain passenger vehicles, fuel spillage occurred as a result of fuel tank damage caused by contact between a vapor tube hose clamp ear and the fuel tank. The vapor tube hose clamp ear was found to be mispositioned and facing toward the fuel tank.

Risk: In the event of a crash, damage to the vehicle could cause the mispositioned clamp to puncture the fuel tank causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the position of the vapor tube hose clamp and correctly position the clamp, if necessary. Owner notification began on may 24, 2004. Owners should contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Recall 03V-322: Air Bags

Reported Aug 26, 2003 · 75 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain vehicles, if the front passenger seat is unoccupied or is occupied by someone lighter than 56.4 pounds, the passenger air bag is deactivated and will not deploy if a crash occurs. However, the occupant classification sensor may incorrectly interpret that a seated adult is an infant seat and deactivate the passenger air bag if someone heavier than 56.4 pounds who is seated with one leg resting on the outboard or inboard edge of the seat; with legs spread; or positioned off-center toward the center console and with his or her arm leaning on the console.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the air bag may not deploy, possibly resulting in serious injury to the right front passenger.

Fix: The occupant classification sensor will be reprogrammed.

2004 Hyundai Elantra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags116
Seat Belts13
Engine and Engine Cooling11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Vehicle Speed Control7
Suspension7
Power Train7
Electrical System6
Steering5
Engine5
Child Seat4
Seats3

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 34
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 18
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 5
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 4
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 2
  • Seat Belts › Front › Retractor — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 31,000 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 2004 Hyundai Elantra complaints

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

Unknown or Other · reported Feb 1, 2024
Rapid rusting of rear subframe cross member. Car rarely gets driven in snow or even bad weather. Went from minimal signs of rust to looking pretty rotted within the past year. Saw recalls on similar Hyundai vehicles. Maybe possible the same steel was used, or same lack of corrosion preventative.
Air Bags · at 150,000 miles · reported Jun 14, 2019
Vehicle 2004 hyundai involved in accident on the street, this vehicle owner was belted when the accident occurred, the airbags deployed, this vehicle owner sustained severe injuries including fractured vertebrate of lumbar 1 and 2 and fractured ribs, note no other vehicle was involved, this vehicle owner side swiped a tree and sustained minimal damage to the front end, this vehicle owner was treated at the scene, transported to the emergency room was hospitalized for 7 days; currently, receiving out patient care with scheduled medical appointments, this vehicle owner is not cleared to return…
Air Bags · at 137,000 miles · reported Feb 26, 2019
Srs (Airbag) service reminder indicator came on. I went to an auto parts store and they ran an OBDII report on a bosch scanner. A b1448 oc (Occupant classification) - passenger sensor mat defect came back. This is the same problem that the 2006-2008 hyundai sonatas have a recall on. The front passenger seat sensor, to detect a child seat or adult in the seat, may recognize a small adult as a child seat. If this happens and the front passenger air bag is deactivated, the risk of injury in a crash may be increased. I went to hyundai motor america headquarters in fountain valley, california at…
Air Bags · at 154,216 miles · reported Jun 25, 2018
I have contacted customer care and was told it's standard to remove a front seat and give the car back until they get parts for the recall I feel this could cause air bag systems not to be active and also without the seat the cars ability to hold up in a crash is reduced due to missing components that provide some structural support all I have requested was a rental car for the time it takes to perform my recall as I do not feel safe driving a car without a front seat I have had the dealer decline my request and said if I want it done the seat will be removed and the car given back to me is…
Steering · at 112,790 miles · reported Feb 15, 2018
I was driving to work and suddenly while trying to change lane the steering freezes on me, this happen now for the second time.

Other Hyundai Elantra years

Compare all Hyundai Elantra years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Hyundai Elantra: 05V-479 (air bags), 05V-395 (air bags), 04V-370 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-208 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-322 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Hyundai Elantra?

Owners report air bags problems most often (116 reports), followed by seat belts (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 31,000 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.