2002 Hyundai Elantra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 5%of 342 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,829miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra, 5% of the 342 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,829 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I exited a freeway ramp I was coming to a stop to make a turn. My front lower control arm on the driver side broke and it popped my driver side cv axle. My whole tire castered in against the wheel well and cambered outward. My car was barely movable. My control arm had completely corroded through.”
NHTSA complaint #10676846, filed 2015-01, 101,966 miles“On jan16th,2010 my car became disabled while driving. Luckily, I was only driving about 5 miles an hour when I suddenly lost control of steering my car. After stopping on the road, I tried to drive to the side of the road and was unable to get the car to move. At that point, I called a local towing company and they towed my car to a local auto shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10307427, filed 2010-02, 94,000 miles“I was traveling at 35 MPH on a secondary road when all of a sudden I heard a snap and I lost my steering. Luckily I was able to safely navigate my car to the side of the road without further incident. My vehicle was towed to my mechanic, who said the right front lower control arm and ball joint were completely rusted and collapsed. Hyundai had issued a recall (#09v125000) for my vehicle due to reported complaints about this same condition, and I took my vehicle to a Hyundai dealer in july 2009. …”
NHTSA complaint #10498418, filed 2013-02, 94,829 miles“The front lower control arm on my vehicle is rusted out, and is cracked on both sides. Local mechanic says it doesn't have long before it will fail. Researched price on internet and found there was a recall for that part. Dealer says that my VIN isn't included in the recall, even though my car was sold and driven in the snow belt states that are listed, and kentucky also salts the roads during winter. My vehicle is obviously affected, but the dealer tells me to call Hyundai, and Hyundai tells me to go to the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10490330, filed 2012-12, 180,000 miles“2002 Hyundai Elantra driver side ball joint noisy and lower control arms rusted. Repair shop states needs replacement asap a is not safe. I know of three others with same problem. Took to dealership for complaint as I thought is was a recall. They inspected and said not rusted through and was not covered. However they replaced some fuel cut valve that had a recall. Please note I can see day light through control arms. This is a major issue and someone is going to get hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10275028, filed 2009-06, 114,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 | 7 | 13% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 20 | 8% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% |
| 2018 | 16 | 6% |
| 2017 | 71 | 9% |
| 2016 | 19 | 6% |
| 2015 | 26 | 10% |
| 2014 | 28 | 7% |
| 2013 | 271 | 21% |
| 2012 | 88 | 13% |
| 2011 | 75 | 17% |
| 2010 | 195 | 51% |
| 2009 | 133 | 52% |
| 2008 | 55 | 17% |
| 2007 | 34 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 24 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 6 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra
95 complaintsAir bags
70 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsFuel system
31 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsSeat belts
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