Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2000 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact crashed into another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained broken ribs and a head injury that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
I was driving north bound on highway 99. On a Saturday afternoon in rush hour, in sacramento, ca. When I was hit on the rear passenger side by a black Nissan. When the cars touched we spun 3 times in the middle of traffic. We were lucky enough to not hit any other vehicle. The car stopped 8 feet away from the retaining wall, facing north bound. My infant (1 month old ) and 13 yr. Old were in the back. The infants car seat sifted about a foot towards the left of the drivers side. That means the rear seat belts were not working properly. My 13 yr. Old screamed as she hovered over her brother to protect him. Her seat belt was loose enough for her to allow her to do that. The total impact was on her side. She and I saw the car coming but there was no where to move. My front air bags did not deploy or open up. I was able to shield my face on the time of the impact. …
In head on collision, estimated speed on impact roughly 20-25 MPH--airbag did not deploy---should it have? Not sure what speed would caue airbag to deploy- if there is a defect in my airbag system,because it did not deploy, resume with a class action, which I will check off, if there is no recourse or reason why my airbag did not deploy, I feel that it should have, but anyway, if there is reason to substanciate the air bag not going off, the I will disregard the class action. Please reply asap if possible. And yes, I received minor injury anyway. Thank you. Carol coyle
While driving between 35 and 40 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a front end collision, both air bag deployed, but the drivers seat belt, didn't restrain the consumer. The consumer stated the seat belt on the drivers side did not lock in the crash. The driver of the vehicle is 5ft 6in. The consumer broke both sides of his/her chest bone. Please provide further information. When the driver side air bag deployed, it when in the air and did not protect the consumer from hitting the steering wheel.cw
While driving at 45 MPH consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle in front . Seat belts were worn, but seat belt did not hold. Also, driver's air bag did not deploy. Consumer suffered neck/back, and knee injuries. Police did arrive on the scene, and vehicle was totaled. Dealer and manufacturer were informed of the accident.
While driving 55 MPH vehicle was involved in a three car crash. As a result, vehicle was thrown across the median, crashing into a pole. Upon impact, dual air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained major head and neck injuries.
During a collision, the front air bags deployed, but did not inflate. The consumer suffered injuries to the face and upper torso. The consumer had the vehicle towed.(point of impact unknown). Please provide more information.
While going around a bend approximately 50-60 MPH vehicle hit a ditch, which caused the vehicle to spin out of control, and hit a tree one driver's side door. Upon impact, driver's side air bag failed to deploy.
While away on vaccation in virginia, drivers seat belt sprung and tightened up on driver, air bag light went on on the dash. About 200 miles later upon starting the car while in process of putting on pax seat belt, it sprung and tightened up. Upon returning home, visited dealer for service. Told to make appt for following week and they put seat belts on order. Wnr in 8/3 for scheduled appt, they didn't have the belts and told they weren't ordered. Dealer then ordered air bage mode & belts. As of 8/13 still don't have and car warranty not honored, yet.
Dt: the contact stated when car had 20,000 miles on it started having electrical problems. The SRS light came on, and it was making a funny sound at 31,000 miles. She said different lights on the dashboard would come on, but she was not sure which ones. The car ran out of oil, and the consumer stated there was no light to come on to indicate the car was low on oil. The car had 118,000 miles on it at that time. The contact has to replace the engine.
Airbag complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2000 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the air bags of the 2000 Hyundai Elantra, 20% of the model year's 197 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Hyundai Elantra airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2000 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Hyundai Elantra airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 31 crashes, 0 fires and 27 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.