2002 Hyundai Elantra Suspension Problems

Which parts fail

• Front › Control arm
  29
• Front
  27
• Front › Control arm › Lower arm
  11
• Rear
  3
• Front › Wheel bearing
  1
• Front › Stabilizer bar
  1

Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  11%
• 25k–50k
  1114%
• 50k–75k
  1418%
• 75k–100k
  1823%
• 100k–150k
  2431%
• 150k+
  912%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

My vehicle has control arm rust and perforations in the subframe, covered under an existing recall. Hyundai has admitted that the parts are covered under the recall, but states that they are unable to replace the subframe and control arms due to rust damage on the frame itself. Replacing the damaged portions of the frame will cost well over the price of the vehicle. If the subframe did not have to be replaced, the frame would likely hold for some time and not require replacement in the near future. The frame damage is only an immediate issue because the recall repair needs to be done. Hyundai has offered me to either replace the frame damage at my own expense so they can complete the recall repair, or take a buyout equal to the kelly blue book value of the vehicle. Other compensation such as rental fees was refused. …

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 but never told me about the recall. Can Hyundai company give me some money back that I spent for towing and loosing my car because of this incident. I even paid for the car registration weeks before.

Tl contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra which was purchased in June 2004. He heard a popping noise coming from the right front end of the vehicle. The contact made an appointment to have the vehicle diagnosed, however before he could take the vehicle in for service, while driving at speeds of less than 30 MPH the right front wheel component fell off the vehicle. The vehicle swerved and caused him to crash with a cement curb. The vehicle was taken to an auto body mechanic where they repaired the front right lower control arm and other unknown repairs. There was an open recall on the vehicle (NHTSA campaign id number: 09V125000) however he did not receive notification until weeks after the incident. The failure and current mileages were under 132,000.

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.

Tl contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 70 MPH the front control arms failed and the driver lost control of the vehicle which resulted in a fatal crash. The police and fire department arrived on the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a collision center. The VIN is a part of recall NHTSA id number 09v12500 (suspension front: control arm). An appointment was previously scheduled before the crash occurred. The current and failure mileages were 118,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. When the accelerator or brake pedals were depressed, a loud abnormal clunking noise emitted from the front end of the vehicle and the vehicle veered to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the lower control arm and ball joint failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at 25 MPH, the passenger side control arm fractured. The steering wheel became difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the control arm fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. Updated 07/27/16

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. While at an independent mechanic for routine repair. The mechanic stated that the front lower control arm bushings were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 153,248.

I had to put on the brakes hard to stop from hitting a car that stopped short. The car jerked and when I began to proceed there was clearly something wrong with the front end. I got the car to our local dealer who is just a mile away from where this occurred and after the car was inspected was told that the front end came within 1/2" of corroded metal from breaking off. There was only 1/2" of metal left holding it in place. I was told the front control arms were both "annhilated" and were completed rusted out. I have to replace both of them at a cost of more than $1000. This car was purchased in new hampshire and spent 2002-2008 in new hampshire subject to the salt and winter conditions. It only has less than 85,000 miles on it and was treated well and serviced routinely. …

2002 Hyundai Elantra-great car no major problems. Memorial day coming home on a secondary road approaching a stop sign-bang! Couldn't move the car.a driver going by tells me don't move-the wheel is off the car! Had to be towed from scene-the lower control bar had completely rusted through and let go. The metal used on this particular part is so thin it is scary! You would expect the metal used for this part would be rather thick due to the serious purpose it serves and the constant stress it must endure.at seven years old it should not be rusted away to the point of breaking in two. The only symptoms I experienced was a high pitched sound which occurred every once in a while-sounded like chain jingling, and a somewhat smoother ride like my tires were low on air. …

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Suspension complaints in other Elantra years