2002 Hyundai Elantra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 5%of 342 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,963miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra, 5% of the 342 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,963 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The inside of the headlight assembly has fogged up causing the brightness of the lamp to diminish to the point where I feel it is dangerous and I need to replace the entire assembly. I have spoken with Hyundai at the corporate level and they basically said that there is no way to clean the inside of the assembly and I would have to replace them at my expense. This is a major safety issue. As with other Elantra owners I have complaints about the headlights constantly needing replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10257786, filed 2009-02, 100,000 miles“Headlights on my vehicle keep burning out to rapidly. This will be the 4th time I have replaced them so far. I have used Hyundai bulbs to very expensive bulbs and the result is the same and the driver side bulb is very difficult to change.”
NHTSA complaint #10167389, filed 2006-09, 58,926 miles“Airbag light came on and remains on steady as I was driving in residential section today, around 10pm. It has been 104 degrees with humidity factor the last couple of days.”
NHTSA complaint #10895721, filed 2016-08, 123,000 miles“2002 Elantra headlight bulbs burn out every two months. First one then two weeks later the other, just like clockwork. I have never seen anything like this, auto headlamps generally last for years! Very expensive and annoying problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10163202, filed 2006-07, 10,000 miles“I have to continually replace my headlights. Since purchasing the car in 2002 I have had to replace the bulbs at least 3 times a piece. Dealer told me it was the bulbs I was buying but I am buying Hyundai bulbs. This problem is very annoying. It is hard to replace driver side by myself. Very expensive to take to dealership to be changed. Also there is no way of knowing when the bulb burns out, had to wait for cops to pull me over to find out.”
NHTSA complaint #10164906, filed 2006-08Related service bulletins
- 11025476Nov 6, 2025This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp…
- 10178175Jul 14, 2020This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 28 | 11% |
| 2019 | 65 | 26% |
| 2018 | 16 | 6% |
| 2017 | 23 | 3% |
| 2016 | 9 | 3% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 3% |
| 2013 | 72 | 5% |
| 2012 | 17 | 3% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 24 | 8% |
| 2007 | 23 | 9% |
| 2006 | 38 | 25% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 13 | 6% |
| 2002 | 18 | 5% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 4% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra
95 complaintsAir bags
70 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsFuel system
31 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTires
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology