Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On 11/03/05 I had an accident where I rear ended another vehicle. I did not realize exactly what happened at the time of the accident, but did tell the police something was wrong with either the brakes or the tires. I just had a very uncomfortable feeling when attempting to stop! I felt as though the vehicle was coasting. The damage to my vehicle was $1,385.00 and I have no idea of the damage to the other vehicle. I subsequently discovered, after duplicating the incident, my foot was on both the brake and accelerator. The brake pedal, on the Hyundai Elantra, is 2.25 inches from the accelerator. A similar incident resulted in a 424,000 vehicle recall and correction by Ford motor co. …
The brakes failed and as a result the consumer crashed the vehicle crashed into a pole. The vehicle was no longer under warranty since salt water was involved. The dealership is not responding to the needs of the consumer and the manufacturer is in denial of any brake problems. Please provide any additional information. There was also oil leaking from the vehicle. The consumer later received a recall notice regarding brake failure, however the consumer was told it was not the problem.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving down a hill at 60mph in icy conditions, the brake pedal was depressed. However, the vehicle did not slow down and as a result, the vehicle struck a guard rail with minor damage sustained. The police were notified and a written report was provided. The vehicle was towed to an impound yard to await inspection from the insurance company. Additionally, while attempting to use the latch system, the seat belt covered the latch bracket.
While driving at any speed and when pressing the brakes consumer felt vibration in the pedal. While driving out of a parking space brake pedal was depressed and vehicle started moving back and forth erratically. Consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided into the side of a building. Two people were in the vehicle sustained whiplash and head bruises. Vehicle had been in the dealer's repair shop five times for brake problems.
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.
When the brakes were applied, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. On several occasions, while parked the engine revved up, which caused the consumer to hit another vehicle.
From day of purchase, I noticed a vibration in the steering, starting about 42 MPH. Took the vehicle to dealer, who rotated and balanced tires. Vibration then started about 50 MPH, back to the dealer rotated and balanced tires again along with alignment. Vibration about 58 MPH back to dealer again, rotation, forced balancing, rotor turned down, still had vibration. Filed under lemon law, final attempt by service department involved hma regional chief mechanic trouble shooter. He claimed they loosened motor mounts and let engine center itself, changed tires, balanced and aligned again. After a week I picked up car which he said was fine. Vibration still noticeable. Gave up on hma and drove car about 20,000 more miles till vibration got so bad I had to go to a brake shop because it was almost impossible to stop. They changed pads, adjusted brakes and rebuilt right front caliper. …
Driving 25 MPH - approached stop sign - brakes failed completely, no pedal, pumped brakes, no petal and no stopping - no warning, no brake light on dash - ran through a stop sign unable to stop - no one was coming fortunately - pulled over to side of road - has vehicle towed to dealership. Was advised my vehicle was 3 months out of warranty and repairs would cost $1400.00 to replace a leaking ABS anti lock brake module. I questioned why all brakes failed at once without warning since this is a dual master cylinder system which should segregate braking front from rear. I also questioned why such a serious defect would not be covered since this car only has 40,000 miles, is 3 months beyond the 5 year applied warranty, and reportedly has a 10 year, 100,000 warranty. I am concerned because we have another exact same year and model car in our family. …
Knocking noise from rear brakes. After the following repairs I am now being told it is general maintenance and since I live in maui it is not abnormal to have dirt on the brake pads and for it to make the knocking noise. This general maintenance is at my cost and has been happening for months. Could end up a monthly expense. I don't believe this is the problem if so why are more cars having the same problems. 3/2003 front pads glazed before I got home the knocking 3/2003 knocking noise and window pillar around windows 5/2003 found -improperly formed brake shoes- replaced 5/28-29/2003 shoe & lining-improperly formed brake shoes 6/5-6/6/2003 bad seals -rear wheel cylinders ordered 6/23/2003 replaced bad seals -rear wheel cylinders ordered 7/14-7/18/2003 painted door frames due to warping of door trim 10/13/2003 cleaned brake pads 10/14/2003 noise is back
Dt: the contact's vehicle was in an accident on March 3, 2005, the vehicle received damage to the right front wheel. Afterwards, the contact received NHTSA recall campaign 03V496000 on August 10, 2005. Since the vehicle was in an accident the insurance company advised the body shop to install an after market axle to correct the problem. There have been no recall repairs made due to the after-market parts being installed, and the sensors were installed wrongly. The manufacturer has been contacted, and they did not provide assistance.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake tubes for the rear brakes can contact the steering gearbox mounting brackets.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
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…
Brake complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra, 10% of the model year's 342 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Hyundai Elantra brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-496 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Dec 3, 2003); NHTSA recall 03V-257 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 22, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Hyundai Elantra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 64% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death to brakes 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.