MyCarTSB

2001 Hyundai Elantra Suspension Problems

73 owner-reported suspension complaints from NHTSA data

73
Complaints
1
Recalls
7
Crashes
Jan 2012Dec 2012
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Suspension Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #09V125000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

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.

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.

Owner Complaints (73)

criticalSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2018

While driving at 18 mph, you heard an unusual noise and discovered that the control arm had separated from the driver's side suspension. Your vehicle had to be towed home. When you took it to a dealership, they refused to perform the recall repair, saying they needed manufacturer approval first, which delayed getting your car fixed.

NHTSA #: 11081221
criticalSUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2017

Your brakes aren't working properly — you have to pump the brake pedal multiple times to get your car to stop completely. You're also hearing abnormal noise from the front suspension, your check engine and airbag warning lights are on, and your fuel door is refueling very slowly. The brake system will likely need inspection and repair, the suspension components may need replacement, and the engine and fuel system will need diagnostic testing.

NHTSA #: 10939603
criticalSUSPENSION
Filed: Oct 2015

Your car was subject to a recall for front control arms that can corrode and break due to water and salt exposure in snowbelt states. Hyundai's repair involved drilling a drainage hole and treating the arms rather than replacing them, but the control arm broke anyway despite this repair. The owner notes that if this had happened at highway speeds instead of low speed, it could have caused serious injury or death. Hyundai says the recall repair resolved the issue, but the owner believes full replacement of the control arms should have been done initially.

NHTSA #: 10782236
criticalSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Apr 2015

While turning out of a parking lot, you heard a clicking noise and your car started swaying side to side so severely it almost flipped with you and a child inside. The car became extremely hard to steer, and you had to drive it carefully to safety. A Hyundai dealer inspection found the subframe was rusted, and while this model was recalled for front subframe issues, the dealer is refusing to fix it under warranty and is charging $1,200 for the repair instead.

NHTSA #: 10705957
highSUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
Filed: May 2017

While driving at 50 mph, your airbag warning light suddenly came on without any warning. At the same time, you noticed a rumbling noise and the vehicle jerked to the right. A mechanic diagnosed that your lower control arm needs to be replaced, which is likely causing both the suspension noise and the vehicle pulling to one side.

NHTSA #: 10990976
highSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2016

Your car is making a loud humming noise from the front passenger side when driving straight or turning right, but the noise stops when turning left. A certified mechanic diagnosed that the control arm and ball joint have failed and need to be replaced. The mechanic noted this failure is related to a suspension recall campaign, though your vehicle wasn't included in that recall. Replacing the control arm and ball joint will require removing the suspension components and installing new ones.

NHTSA #: 10927543
highSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2015

While driving at 25 mph, your rear control arm suddenly fractured and broke due to rust and corrosion from moisture exposure. Your car became undrivable and had to be towed. The manufacturer was notified but offered no fix or replacement. Fixing this will require replacing the corroded rear control arm and inspecting the suspension for other rust damage.

NHTSA #: 10747915
highSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2015

Your front driver side lower control arm fractured, causing you to safely park before a complete failure. The dealer found that your front passenger side lower control arm is also rusting and at risk. The fix will involve replacing the fractured control arm and likely addressing the rusted passenger side component before it fails.

NHTSA #: 10703514
mediumSUSPENSION
CrashFiled: Mar 2015

THE REAR AXLE CAME OFF OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING DUE TO CORROSION FROM RUST. *TR

NHTSA #: 10693465
mediumSUSPENSION,WHEELS
Filed: Dec 2014

I WENT TO CHANGE OIL AND THEY ADVISED ME TO CHANGE THE FRONT CONTROL ALARMS BECAUSE THEY WERE VERY RUSTED AND BAD. *TR

NHTSA #: 10667274
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2014

2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR CONTROL ARM PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS SON, HAD JUST COME OFF THE INTERSTATE, WHEN THE REAR CONTROL ARM BROKE AWAY FROM THE CROSS MEMBER, CAUSING HIM TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10582769
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY BACK AND FORTH. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE REAR CROSS MEMBERS WERE CORRODED, CAUSING THE CONTROL ARM TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000. ..UPDATED 12-26-13 *BF

NHTSA #: 10552043
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Sep 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A U-TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE FRONT END TO COLLAPSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT AXLE AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WERE BOTH REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

NHTSA #: 10542687
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
CrashFiled: Sep 2013

I WAS MAKING A U TURN WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE, I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL MY CAR SEEM TO BE DRIFTING TO ONE SIDE UNTIL I HIT A CURB... WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO SEE WHAT HAPPEN I NOTICE THAT MY WHEEL WAS TURNED INWARDS AND THE CONTROL ARM WAS BROKEN AND THE AXLE HAD POPPED OUT... NO ONE WAS INJURED HOWEVER MY DAUGHTER WAS SHAKING UP ABOUT WHAT HAPPEN... I TOOK SEVERAL PICTURES OF THE WHEEL AND RUSTY PART.. IT AMAZED ME HOW METAL COULD RUST THAT BAD AND BREAK IN HALF... I THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPEN NO TELLING WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPEN...I CALLED HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPEN ALSO TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT PART AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA...

NHTSA #: 10542388
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Sep 2013

VEHICLE IS GARAGE KEPT IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, NOT A NORTHERN SALTY CLIMATE. TAKEN IN FOR MUFFLER REPAIR AND WHEN PUT ON LIFT THE REAR CROSSMEMBER FELL OUT. IT HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH FRAME ! LIKE I SAID THIS CAR IS BARELY DRIVEN AND WE USUALLY DON'T EVEN GET SNOW IN THE WINTER SO THERE IS NOT MUCH SALT IF AT ALL ! I HAVE HAD MY GRANDKIDS IN THE BACK OF THIS CAR ! IT'S NOT JUST WHERE THE REAR CROSSMEMBER IS THAT'S RUSTED EITHER ! TALKING ABOUT A RUST BUCKET, YOU CAN PEEL LAYERS AND CHUNKS OF RUSTED METAL OFF WITH YOUR HANDS ! THESE CARS SHOULD NOT EVEN BE ALLOWED ON THE ROADS ! SOMEBODY IS GOING TO DIE FROM THESE ! AFTER TALKING TO SOME OTHER ELANTRA OWNERS THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS SITUATION EITHER BUT HAVE FOUND ISSUES TO BE THE SAME ! THE FRONT CRADLE WAS ALREADY REPLACED DUE TO RUST RECALL AND CRASHES ! I GUESS HYUNDAI WON'T DO ANYTHING CAUSE OUR GOVERNMENT WON'T MAKE THEM ! I MEAN SERIOUSLY THINK ABOUT IT LIKE THIS- WOULD YOU PUT YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS IN THIS CAR ? I SURE HOPE YOU DON'T HAVE TO ! I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER KOREAN VEHICLE AS MY KIA WAS THE SAME WAY ! DANGEROUSLY RUSTED AND NEWER THAN THE HYUNDAI ! PLEASE, PLEASE. PLEASE SAVE SOMEBODY'S KIDS FROM FAILING THROUGH A RUSTY FLOOR. MINE IS SO EATEN UP WITH RUST I'M OBLIGATED TO SEND IT TO THE CRUSHER. FOR GODS SAKE IF YOU OWN A KOREAN VEHICLE CHECK MORE THAN YOUR OIL. I JUST WISH WE WOULD HAVE THOUGHT TO ! *JS

NHTSA #: 10538414
mediumSUSPENSION,WHEELS
Filed: Dec 2012

LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE BUT WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION, NOTICED THAT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND DISINTEGRATED. WHEEL WAS BASICALLY DETACHED FROM THE CAR AND FOLDING UP UNDER THE WHEEL WELL. THIS IS A RECALL ITEM IN ALL NORTHERN STATES BECAUSE THE MATERIAL RUSTS WHEN EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT. BECAUSE I'M IN NORTH CAROLINA, THE RECALL DOESN'T APPLY TO MY CAR. HOWEVER, I LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NC WHERE THE VEHICLE IS EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT THROUGHOUT THE WINTER SEASON. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AS IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10490534
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEGUN TO FISH TAIL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE REAR SUB FRAME AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED AND EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 12/04/12*LJ HYUNDAI AGREED TO PAY FOR THE PARTS ONLY. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE LABOR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE CORROSION WAS NOT NORMAL, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS GARAGED KEPT. UPDATED 12/05/12

NHTSA #: 10483417
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Oct 2012

2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATES FAILURE OF FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT LEFT AND THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE CONTROL ARM, THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR A NEW AXLE, STABILIZER LINK, A WHEEL BALANCE AND AN ALIGNMENT. *JB

NHTSA #: 10481924
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jan 2012

DRIVING DOWN TWO LANE SECONDARY ROAD MAKING LEFT MERGE INTO TURNING LANE HEARD LOAD BANG THEN PROCEEDED INTO A SKID. FOUND FRONT LEFT WHEEL STICKING OUT SIDEWAYS, POLICE ARRIVED SAID THAT I WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY, CALLED AAA AND THE DRIVER ON THE SCENE SAID I HAD BROKEN MY LOWER CONTROL ARM. CAME HOME GOOGLED ISSUE AND FOUND RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 09V125000 AND CALLED THE HYUNDAI NUMBER TO REPORT INCIDENT. CALLED AAA TO TOW CAR FROM HOME TO THE DEALER RECOMMENDED BY THE HYUNDAI HOTLINE. DID NOTICE PLENTY OF CORROSION WHERE THE BREAK WAS....SCARY SITUATION, NOT HURT JUST SHOOK-UP. *TR

NHTSA #: 10442105
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Dec 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO COMPLETELY DEFLATE. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE FRACTURED LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. TWO YEARS PREVIOUSLY, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM); HOWEVER THE REMEDY TEMPORARILY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA #: 10439695
mediumSUSPENSION
CrashFiled: Feb 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A SNOW BANK. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES BY STRIKING HER HEAD ON THE PASSENGER DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS ONE YEAR PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUT APPLIED A CORROSION TREATMENT AND ADDED A WAX APPLICATION INSTEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 78,800.

NHTSA #: 10381558
mediumSUSPENSION
CrashFiled: Oct 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME BROKE ON THE VEHICLE A YEAR AGO. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AXLE AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL TO BREAK. THE LEFT FRONT FENDER WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THIS WORK WAS DONE, THE FRONT RIGHT AXLE AND THE WHEEL WELL BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND A CRASH OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT RECALL 09V125000, FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE CONTACT DIDN'T MENTION IF THERE WERE ANY INJURIES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

NHTSA #: 10361197
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. UPON EXAMINATION THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND SWAY BAR LINKS WERE REPLACED DUE TO RUST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA #: 10349000
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2010

I DRIVE A USED 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT. AFTER RUNNING A SEARCH AND FINDING THAT YOU INVESTIGATED THE SONATAS FOR SEVERE RUST ISSUES IN THE WHEEL WELL AREA, I KNEW I SHOULD WRITE TO YOU. MY CAR STARTED VEERING TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THEY FOUND A RUST-CAUSED HOLE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM. IT HAD COME FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND EATEN ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE ARM. THEY TOLD ME I WAS LUCKY THAT MY WHEEL WELL HAD NOT SNAPPED OFF THE CHASSIS. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR AFTER IT WAS FIXED, THEY SAID THEY HAD PUT THE BROKEN CONTROL ARM IN A VICE AND IT HAD SNAPPED EASILY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10348246
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY THE FRONT END COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM). THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BOTH CONTROL ARMS EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT HAD SAFETY CONCERNS REGARDING THE REMEDY REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA #: 10343902
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION FRONT CONTROL ARM). THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PARTS NEEDED TO MAKE THE REPAIR WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS A NATIONAL BACK ORDER FOR THE PART AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT FEEL THE RECALL REPAIR WAS BEING HANDLED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.

NHTSA #: 10343253
mediumSUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
Filed: May 2010

I HAVE A PENDING CASE NO. [XXX] WITH HYUNDAI. MY SON'S VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT ADVANTAGE HYUNDAI IN HICKSVILLE, NY (THE "DEALER") SINCE APRIL 5 PENDING A RECALL REPAIR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 09V125000). I CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN TODAY AND SPOKE TO MICHAEL KEILY (516-465-7700) WHO INFORMED THAT HE HAD NO IDEA WHEN THE NEEDED PART WILL BE AVAILABLE AND THEREFORE HE WAS UNABLE TO GIVE ME A DATE BY WHICH I CAN EXPECT THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. MR. KEILY ALSO INFORMED ME TODAY THAT HYUNDAI CORPORATE WILL ONLY PAY $35 PER DAY FOR A RENTAL REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. I CONTACTED ENTERPRISE CAR RENTAL AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT A COMPACT VEHICLE WILL COST $58.50 PER DAY GIVEN THAT MY SON IS 21 YEARS OLD. MY SON HAS BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR A MONTH, HAS NO MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION TO GET TO HIS SUMMER JOB AND CANNOT AFFORD THE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP OF PAYING AN ADDITIONAL $23.50 PER DAY. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CORPORATE (1-800-633-5151) AND AFTER BEING ON 'MUSIC HOLD' FOR OVER 2 HOURS, TWO DIFFERENT CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD NEED AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 3 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD PROVIDE ME WITH AN ANSWER AS TO WHETHER HYUNDAI WOULD ABSORB THE FULL COST OF A RENTAL VEHICLE. HYUNDAI HAS FAILED TO REPAIR MY SON'S VEHICLE 'WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME" (PAGE 14 NHTSA "MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY DEFECTS AND RECALLS- WHAT EVERY VEHICLE OWNER SHOULD KNOW") AND THEREFORE THEY SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO PAY FOR THE FULL COST OF A RENTAL VEHICLE WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA #: 10329068
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: May 2010

I HAVE WAITED NEARLY 3 MONTHS DUE TO BACKORDERED PARTS TO REMEDY ELANTRA SUSPENSION RECALL. (NHTSA RECALL 09V125000). *TR

NHTSA #: 10328779
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: May 2010

2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH SUSPENSION: FRONT CONTROL ARM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UP THE STREET. THE CONSUMER HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE TOW DRIVER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE FRONT CONTROL ARM HAD FAILED. HE ALSO TOLD THE CONSUMER A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE RECALL NOTICE ARRIVED IN THE MAIL TWO WEEKS LATER. *JB

NHTSA #: 10328495
mediumSUSPENSION
CrashFiled: Apr 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ABRUPTLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE DRIVERS SIDE CONTROL ARM SNAPPED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHING INTO A DRAINAGE DITCH. THE POLICE ARRIVED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,036.

NHTSA #: 10327714
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROL ARM (RECALL 09V125000 SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM) SO SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT BECAUSE THEY WERE BACKED UP, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNTIL APRIL 24, 2010. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN DRIVABLE CONDITION BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME WAS WEAKENED AND THE PARTS FOR REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL MAY 5, 2010 OR MAY 11, 2010. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER CONCERNING THE LENGTH OF TIME FOR THE REPAIRS (FIVE DAYS TO COMPLETE) BUT WAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE REPAIR TIME WAS UNACCEPTABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,000.

NHTSA #: 10327622
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2010

2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED CAUSING THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO COLLAPSE. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL AFTER THE WHEEL COLLAPSED. CONSUMER STATED THAT HYUNDAI REFUSES TO REIMBURSE BECAUSE THE REPAIR WORK WAS DONE IN 2009. *KB

NHTSA #: 10323094
mediumSUSPENSION,WHEELS
Filed: Apr 2010

HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN 091 - LATE RECALL NOTICES, INABILITY TO FIX THE PROBLEM DUE TO LACK OF PARTS, PUTTING THE DRIVERS AT RISK. *TR

NHTSA #: 10324605
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO STOP SIGN, THE FRONT LEFT CONTROL ARM BROKE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM BROKE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. UPDATED 06/29/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE SECOND CONTROL ARM FAILED, THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE AS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. IT WASN'T UNTIL MARCH 2010, THAT THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL. UPDATED 07/01/10.*JB

NHTSA #: 10323286
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. ON FEBRUARY 27, 2010, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A REPAIR ON RECALL 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM). ON MARCH 27, 2010, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A RUBBLING SOUND. SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN SHE RE-STARTED IT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE A MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS THE FRONT CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 88,000.

NHTSA #: 10322727
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND DRIVE AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM). THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THE DRIVE AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FREE REMEDY REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA #: 10320654
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM). THE RECALL MANUFACTURER REPORT DATE WAS APRIL 14, 2009. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THE EXTENSIVE TIME FRAME THE MANUFACTURED HAD TAKEN TO MAIL RECALL NOTIFICATION REGARDING SUCH A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT.

NHTSA #: 10315466
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jan 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2009. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 20 MPH AND PROCEEDING DOWN A HILL, THE VEHICLE CAME TO A VIOLENT SCREECHING HALT. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE TOW TRUCK STATED THAT THE FRONT CONTROL ARM HAD RUST ON IT AND CORROSION FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE FRONT CONTROL ARM (SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000) HOWEVER HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 60,000.

NHTSA #: 10298276
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2009

2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, 72K MILES, DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED WHILE GOING 5 MPH. IT HAD RUSTED PAPER THIN AND GAVE NO WARNING. AXLE, FENDER AND FRONT BUMPER ARE DESTROYED TOO. LOREN HYUNDAI OF GLENVIEW, IL ACTED STUPID ABOUT IT, LIKE THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT AND NO CONCEPT OF THE POTENTIAL LIABILITY INVOLVED IN SUCH A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I WILL TALK TO CORPORATE ON MONDAY. I AM REPORTING THIS INCIDENT OUT OF CONCERN FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED BY A RECALL, IN MY OPINION. *TR

NHTSA #: 10292177
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2009

EXTREME CORROSION LED TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE LEFT-SIDE WHEEL CONTROL ARM. RIGHT SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS ALSO CORRODED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10285716
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Sep 2009

WE PURCHASED A USED 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA FOR OUR SON TO TAKE TO COLLEGE. ON MONDAY EVENING (9/21/09), HE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN WHEN THE WHEEL FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT AXLE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE POLICEMAN AT THE SCENE INFORMED MY SON THAT HE AVOIDED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE HE WAS STOPPED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. UPON RESEARCHING A "CARFAX" SITE, I FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO RECALL FOR CORROSION AND FRACTURE OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL, NEITHER BY THE MANUFACTURER NOR BY THE DEALER FROM WHOM WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.\ MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS WAS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY CONDITION AND WE HAD NO IDEA THAT IT EXISTED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10285104
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2009

2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BOTH OF THE CONTROL ARMS SNAPPED TOOK TO DEALER TOLD IT WAS DUE TO THE AGE OF THE CAR,(7 YEARS) COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD IT HAPPEN AT A GREATER SPEED. HYUNDAI CANADA HAS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE IT HAPPENS, IF IT HASN'T ALREADY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10284986
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2009

BOTH CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2001 ELANTRA WENT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT A DEFECTIVE PART BY HYUNDAI. MY MECHANIC REPORTED HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. HE WAS IMPRESSED THAT I HAD NOT BEEN KILLED. *TR SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS AUTOMOBILE. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO STAND UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10282327
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2009

DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT APPROX 40 MPH MY WIFE'S HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL POPPED AND BEGAN RUBBING THE BACK OF THE WHEEL WELL. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES AND CONTINUE ABOUT ONE BLOCK INTO A REPAIR SHOP LOT. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND JUST BROKE. THE SHOP REPLACED BOTH SIDE CONTROL ARMS WITH USED PARTS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10275518
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jun 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED AND CAUSED THE STEERING COLUMN TO LOCK. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WAS NOT POSITIONED IN THE WHEEL WELL AND THERE WAS VISIBLE RUST WITHIN TWO INCHES OF THE BALL JOINT. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF REPAIRING THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,865. UPDATED 05/06/10.*LJ UPDATED 07/19/10*JB

NHTSA #: 10272836
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 TO 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE SPEED DECREASED TO APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS AGAINST THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT STABILIZER FAILED AND WAS CORRODED. THE TOTAL REPAIR COST WAS $1,200. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,500.

NHTSA #: 10264827
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Apr 2009

I MADE A RIGHT TURN OFF OF M59 IN HOWELL, MI ON TO N OLD US HWY 23. I SLOWED TO ALMOST A STOP, YIELDING FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO KROGER. UPON TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND TRYING TO DRIVE FORWARD I HEARD SOMETHING BREAK AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. UPON INVESTIGATION THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BROKEN NEAR THE BALL JOINT. IT WAS NOT A BALL JOINT FAILURE, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM EITHER FATIGUED OR SHEARED, MAYBE DUE TO CORROSION. THE DRIVERS SIDE HALFSHAFT WAS PULLED FROM THE TRANSAXLE AT THE INNER CV JOINT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A FRIENDS HOUSE IN THE AREA AND IT SITS THERE PENDING A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER SO THAT REPAIRS CAN BE MADE. I LIVE IN LANSING WHICH IS AN HOUR AWAY FROM WHERE MY CAR IS. I PLAN TO TAKE PICTURES AND INVESTIGATE MORE WHEN I GET THE PARTS AND RETURN TO REPAIR IT, IF POSSIBLE. *TR UPDATED 04/22/09.*JB

NHTSA #: 10264265
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2009

LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CAR HAS 79000 MILES ON IT AND CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND THE DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH AND CRACKED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO TILT AND PULL THE VEHICLE. ALSO CAUSED THE SUB FRAME TO CRACK. THANKFULLY I WAS ONLY ON A SIDE STREET AND NOT ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. WHO KNOWS THE CAR WOULD HAVE REACTED AT 65 MPH, WOULD I STILL BE ALIVE? CAR HAS BEEN FIXED AT A BILL OF $2400.00. THIS IS MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH AT THIS TIME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10262987
mediumSUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
CrashFiled: Feb 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS ROTTED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED. NO REPAIRS HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD COVER THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA #: 10259763
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Feb 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND EXTREME DIFFICULTY IN OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

NHTSA #: 10258252
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Feb 2009

LTR FROM CONGRESSMAN MURPHY ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT WHO IS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION AN AUTOMOTIVE FAILURE WITH HER 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. *NJ WITHOUT WARNING, THE FRONT SUSPENSION BROKE APART; THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN TWO SEPARATE SPOTS WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE END RESULT WAS THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE FELL ONTO THE PAVEMENT. *JB

NHTSA #: 10257929
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Feb 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN A TURN WAS MADE. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THEN COMPLETELY FAILED. THE DRIVER SAFELY PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

NHTSA #: 10257476
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jan 2009

JUST CAME OFF INT. 95 APPLIED BRAKES AT RED LIGHT AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF. SENT CAR INTO CURB AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. SHOP SHOWED ME THE DAMAGE AND THE CONTROL ARM IS COMPLETELY ROTTED. STILL THERE WAITING ON PARTS. *TR UPDATED 04/22/09.*JB

NHTSA #: 10255468
mediumSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2009

ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THERE HAS BEEN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF FRONT SUSPENSION (LOWER CONTROL ARM) FOR MY 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. ONE INCIDENT IN WHICH THE DRIVERS SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT CAUSING IT TO SNAP, HAPPENING ABOUT 7 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT HAPPENING LAST NIGHT. THE CAR THEN SPUN IN THE ROAD CAUSING ENDANGERING TO TRAFFIC AND A NEAR HEAD ON ACCIDENT. THIS NEW INCIDENT, (SAME PROBLEM) THE CONTROL ARM SNAPPED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF THE ROAD. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING AND NEARLY EXPERIENCED A ROLL OVER WHILE DRIVING. FROM RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE NHTSA HAS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION ON THE HYUNDAI SONATA FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM, LOWER CONTROL ARM SUSPENSION FAILURE WITH RUST CORROSION. I AM AFRAID THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI AND IS GOING TO CAUSE SOMEONE TO GET SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED. AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED WITH A RECALL OF BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *TR

NHTSA #: 10255328
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Dec 2008

WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR LOST STEERING CONTROL AND WENT INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF OF THE ROAD AND LUCKILY AVOIDED A HEAD ON COLLISION. I HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC, AND HE SAID THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED AWAY. HE SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PART TO HAVE A FAILURE ON, YOU LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA #: 10253057
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Dec 2008

DURING ROUTINE OIL CHANGE MY MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS RUSTED SO SEVERELY THAT FAILURE IS IMMANENT. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS IS NORMAL FOR A 7 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 66K MILES ON IT AND THEY WOULD REPAIR AT THE NORMAL CHARGE. FROM MY RESEARCH THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE HANDLED BY THE DEALERSHIP AT NO COST AND IS NOT "NORMAL". LUCKILY IT WAS CAUGHT BEFORE THE PART FAILED ON MY COMMUTE DOWN INTERSTATE 495 TWICE A DAY. I WILL BE FOLLOWING UP WITH HYUNDAI CORPORATE TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED - THEY SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10251936
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Dec 2008

LEFT FRONT, LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE, WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT LESS THAN FIVE MILES AN HOUR, WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN ACROSS ROADWAY, TO ENTER DRIVEWAY. AT EDGE OF ROADWAY, JUST BEFORE REACHING DRIVEWAY, EXPERIENCE FALL OF FRONT PORTION OF VEHICLE TO ROAD AND LOSS OF CONTROL. INSPECTION REVEALS LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED INTO TWO PIECES. ONE PIECE REMAINS ATTACHED TO BALL JOINT, ONE PIECE REMAINS ATTACHED TO CAR. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALS LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH, FROM INSIDE OUT. ONLY A MINUTE BEFORE, VEHICLE WAS OPERATED ON LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NOTE: VEHICLE GARAGED, WITHIN ATTACHED GARAGE, WITH CONCRETE FLOOR. VEHICLE SERVICED REGULARLY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10251469
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Oct 2008

TRAVELING LESS THAN 25 MPH I APPLIED BRAKES TO AVOID A PEDESTRIAN RUNNING ACROSS TRAFFIC. AFTER STOPPING VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER AND MADE LOUD GRINDING NOISE. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE TRAFFIC FLOW. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SERVICE STATION. REPAIR WAS MADE TO THE LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM THAT RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED .SERVICE MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE FAILURE HAD HAPPENED A SLOWER SPEED AND THAT A FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLE INJURIES. THE PART WAS RETURNED TO ME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10246385
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2008

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND HAD JUST COME TO A STOP WHEN THE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. SHE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO OUR PREFERRED REPAIR SHOP. THEY TOLD USE THAT THE SUSPENSION HAD RUSTED OUT AND THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10236329
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2007

REPLACED LOWER CONTROL ARMS LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES. *TR

NHTSA #: 10209505
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2007

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT 30 MPH, VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND WAS NEARLY INVOLVED IN A CRASH. PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS DETERMINED TO BE ROTTED AWAY. NO OTHER SIGNS OF VISIBLE RUST ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS IMPRESSED BY THE FAILURE AND TOOK PHOTOS TO EMAIL TO HYUNDAI DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE WHO DENIED ANY DEFECTIVE PARTS OR BLAME ON HYUNDAI'S PART. DEALER IS REPLACING THE CONTROL ARM AT MY EXPENSE. PART IS BEING SAVED. *TR

NHTSA #: 10200994
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2007

DRIVING AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 25MPH, I STOPPED QUICK TO AVOID A CAR COMING OUT OF SIDE STREET. AFTER STOPPING THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. WHEN CHECKED BY A MECHANIC HE SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE LEFT SIDE OF CAR HAD ROTTED AWAY AT ONE POINT, AND THE METAL WAS PAPER THIN. HE THAN TOLD ME IT WAS GOOD THAT I WAS NOT GOING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS HAPPENED, OR I WOULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY, BUT IF THIS DEFECT IS ON OTHER CARS SOMEONE MAY GET KILLED. THIS WAS ON A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. I'M NOW WAITING FOR THE PART TO REPLACE IT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10200476
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Feb 2007

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND NOTICED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS CRUMBLED AND THE TIRE WAS PUSHED INTO THE INNER FENDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER ,WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DAMAGED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. *AK UPDATED 10/31/07 *TR

NHTSA #: 10183541
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Sep 2005

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED AND RESULTED IN THE WHEEL FALLING OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM ALSO RUSTED. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE SAME THING IS LIKELY TO HAPPEN AGAIN WITH THE OTHER SIDE. DEALER SUGGESTED THEY SHOULD CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER CALLED THE DEALER, AND THE DISTRICT MANAGER SAID THAT THE PART WAS NOT DEFECTIVE AND DENIED THE CLAIM. THE COST OF REPAIRS WAS $1,500.00. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED BY CONSUMER'S SON IN LAW. ALSO PICTURES WERE AVAILABLE. *AK *NM

NHTSA #: 10132904
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: May 2005

I HAVE HAD BALL JOINTS ON MY 2001 SANTA FE REPLACED THREE TIMES SINCE 5/03. THE FIRST WAS 5/03 AT 44K AND THE DEALER REPLACED COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THE SECOND WAS 9/04 AT 80K NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY HAD A PRIVATE MECHANIC COMPLETE, AND THE THIRD WAS 3/05 AT 100K AGAIN BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI 3 TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE TO MY INQUIRIES.

NHTSA #: 10121357
mediumSUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2005

THE BALL JOINTS CRACKED WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT LEFT TIRE TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE. *AK THE VEHICLE'S TCM/ECM SOFTWARE FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP/SURGE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE DUE TO AN INTERNAL FAILURE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE A/T ASSEMBLY AND FLUSHED THE A/T FLUID. THE LEFT SUNVISOR WAS COMING APART. THE VISOR CLIPS BROKE AND AS A RESULT THEY COULD NOT HOLD THE VISOR IN A STABLE POSITION. SEAT BELT BOLT COVER BROKE. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK WAS HARD FOR THE PASSENGER TO UNLOCK FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR LATCH AND ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE'S HEATER TOOK ABOUT AN HOUR TO EFFECTIVELY WARM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE BLEND DOOR WAS LOOSE AT THE ACTUATOR. *NM

NHTSA #: 10101969
mediumSUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,WHEELS
Filed: Mar 2004

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THREE DIFFERENT TIMES FIRST REPAIR WAS ENGINE MANIFOLD, SECOND REPAIR WAS OXYGEN SENSOR, THIRD TIME THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. DEALER PROBABLY UNPLUGGED THE LIGHT ALL REPAIRS WERE UNDER WARRANTY BUT DEALER SUGGESTED I GET THE SERVICE DONE SINCE THEY HAD IT IN THE SHOP. BOTH SUN VISOR PLASTIC CLIPS THAT HOLD THE VISOR IN PLACE BROKE OFF AND ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THE VISOR IS BROKEN AT THE SWIVEL ARM. ALL OF THE SMALL PLASTIC DOOR PLUGS HAVE FELL OUT. REMOTE GAS TANK DOOR WILL NOT OPEN ON COLD DAYS. VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND WHEEL SHAKES AT SPEEDS 35 AND ABOVE. SMALL SCRATCH IN PAINT GOES DOWN TO THE PRIMER. *JB

NHTSA #: 10060635
mediumSUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Dec 2003

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE SEAT BELT WAS WORN, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB THE REAR STRUTS HAD GONE OUT AND LEAKED. *SCC *JB

NHTSA #: 10044709
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Nov 2003

AS WITH OTHERS THAT I HAVE READ THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES OVER 60-65 MPH AND STOPS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE VECHICLE ALSO PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE THE ORIGINAL TIRES AND HAVE HAD MY CAR SINCE NEW. I HAVE HAD 2 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS, 2 TIRE ROTATIONS AND ALL TIRES BALANCED. ALL TEMPORARY FIXES. THE PULLING GRADUALLY RETURNED AS DID THE VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR.*AK

NHTSA #: 10045595
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2003

DURING THE WINTER OF 2002, I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL, ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO, AFTER CHARGING ME FOR A BALANCE AND ROTATION TO "IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM" TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE TIRES AND ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM IN THE FRONT END. IN JUNE, 2003 I HAD THE FACTORY MICHELIN'S (WHICH HAD ABOUT 32,00 MILES WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTED) REPLACED WITH NEW TIRES AND A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE PULLING IS GONE, BUT THE VIBRATION REMAINS. IT IS PARTICULALRY NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.*AK

NHTSA #: 10025537
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2003

AT 20,000 MILES, THE REAR TIRES WERE WORN BADLY AND UNEVENLY. WAS TOLD BY A MICHELIN DEALER IT WAS UNSAFE TO RIDE ON TIRES. WAS TOLD BY 2 DEALERSHIPS (WHO DID NOT LOOK AT THE CAR) THIS WAS A ROTATION PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THE FRONT TIRES WERE FINE. DEALERSHIP FINALLY REALIGNED REAR WHEELS, BOTH WERE OUT OF TOE TO THE SAME DEGREE. I COMPLAINED THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THE TIRES SINCE IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FACTORY SETTING AND NOT DUE TO NEGLIGENCE IN MAINTENANCE. THEY FINALLY AGREED TO PAY HALF THE REPLACEMENT COST OF THE TIRES. *NLM

NHTSA #: 10010588
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2003

THE VEHICLE HAS A MODERATE TO SEVERE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION THAT OCCURS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE VIBRATION CAN, AT TIMES, SHAKE YOUR HANDS BACK AND FORTH AS THE WHEEL IS GRIPPED. OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW THAT OWN ELANTRAS COMPLAIN OF THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NOBODY SEEMS TO HAVE ANY SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THE DATE PROVIDED IS THE FIRST TIME I HAD THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE CAR FOR THE VIBRATION. I FIRST REPORTED IT DURING THE 12 MONTH/12,000 FREE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD. SINCE THEN, THE CAR HAS BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS TO ATTEMPT TO FIX THE VIBRATION. THE LAST SERVICE DONE TO TRY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WAS A RADIAL FORCE BALANCE. THIS SEEMED TO HELP SLIGHTLY, BUT THE VIBRATION STILL PERSISTED AND REMAINS ENTIRELY UNACCEPTABLE.*JB

NHTSA #: 10010329
mediumSUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2002

RIGHT FRONT END VIBRATION. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA #: 8005127

Other 2001 Hyundai Elantra Issues