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2002 Hyundai Elantra Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2002 Hyundai Elantra has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Control arm and subframe corrosion and failure.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2002 Hyundai Elantra.

Reported to NHTSA

Control arm and subframe corrosion and failure

SUSPENSION

100 NHTSA complaints · 2008-01 → 2020-05

“I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND SOMETHING UNDER MY CAR SNAPPED AND THE CAR SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE LOWER RIGHT CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10252372
“WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON OUR 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT, I DISCOVERED A RUST HOLE IN THE DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE HOLE IS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER LOCATED ABOUT 4 INCHES INWARD OF BALL JOINT ON THE UPPER PORTION OF THE CONTROL ARM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10363744
“FRONT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED AND BROKE . THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BECOME UNABLE TO STEER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER AND REPAIRED. NO CHARGE TO OWNER BECAUSE WE HAD PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY AT TIME OF PURCHASE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10217309

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight bulb burnout and assembly fogging

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2008-01 → 2011-01

“I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 YEARS. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10254172
“I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS APPROXIMATELY NINE TIMES SINCE PURCHASE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10374977
“SHORT HEADLIGHT BULB LIFE (LESS THAN 12 MONTHS). *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10320546

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Clutch slippage and failure

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2008-01 → 2010-12

“CLUTCH FAILURE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW AND AT 42,196 MILES THE CLUTCH WENT OUT, DEALER CLAIMS NORMAL WEAR. THE CAR NOW HAS 73,026 MILES AND AGAIN THE CLUTCH NEEDED REPLACED. THIS STARTED WHEN THE REPLACED CLUTCH HAD LESS THEN 29,000 MILES ON IT. AGAIN THEY CLAIM NORMAL WEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10254264
“CLUTCH WAS SLOW TO ENGAGE; SLIPPING. SERVICE PEOPLE AT THE DEALER SAID CLUTCH WAS NO GOOD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 29,700 MILES. THE NEW CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL PLUS LABOR COST ME OVER $1600. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10214176
“2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT MANUAL TRANSMISSION - REPLACED CLUTCH ON 10/13/09 AFTER CLUTCH WENT. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AFTER NO GRAB ON CLUTCH AGAIN!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10368495

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

27 NHTSA complaints · 2008-11 → 2019-03

“DASH BOARD AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON - NO CRASH, ETC. LIGHT STAYS ON. APPOINTMENT AT LOCAL DEALER TO DIAGNOSE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10307990
“AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON DUE TO LOOSE CONNECTION UNDER DRIVERS SEAT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10300460
“I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ONE DAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10268832

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump shutoff and spillback during refueling

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

19 NHTSA complaints · 2008-06 → 2020-01

“WE OWN A 2002 ELANTRA AND WHEN PUMPING GAS, IT CONSTANTLY SHUTS OFF AFTER ABOUT 50 CENTS WORTH OF GAS AND IT TAKES FOREVER TO FILL UP THE TANK. PRETTY AGGRAVATING TO SAY THE LEAST. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10375457
“THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL WOULD OVERFLOW AND SPRAY OUT OF THE FILLER NECK ONTO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE FUEL TANK CARBON CANISTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10515606
“2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. FUEL SHOOTS OUT OF TANK SOAKING OWNERS WITH GAS DURING FILL UP. CONDITION OCCURS REGARDLESS OF FUEL TANK LEVEL. A VENTING ISSUE IS DETERMINED. EVAP. CANISTER HAS RUPTURED CLOGGING VENTS AND VACUUM LINES WITH CHARCOAL PELLETS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10410153

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine shutdown while driving

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2008-07 → 2015-11

“VERY DANGEROUS: THE VEHICLES SHUTSDOWN WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DASHBOARD BLINKS AND ENGINE SHUTS DOWN CAUSING LOST OF STEERING AND POWER, SLOWING CAR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH VEHICLES BEHIND. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. MECHANICS CAN'T SOLVE ISSUES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10667473
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED, LOST POWER STEERING AND THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE FUEL GAUGE ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10233429
“THE ENGINE WOULD DIE AND NOT RESTART WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN BE COASTING DOWN THE ROAD WITH NO POWER BRAKES OR STEERING. THIS MADE CONTROLLING AND STOPPING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10430393

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

172 crashes 1990–2024

How the 172 occupant deaths break down

122

driver deaths

50

passenger deaths

172

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2002 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

58

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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