2004 Hyundai Elantra Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,744miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Hyundai Elantra, 4% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,744 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The antilock machine is locking the wheels so much that stops the car completely right in the midle of the traffic and the tires smell like burning tires. I had the car towed twice. I am so afraid that this happens while driving in the highway, that I do not drive there, only the streets.”
NHTSA complaint #11067363, filed 2018-02, 68,000 miles“Car has been serviced three time for grinding in the rear of car when brakes are applied. I have never been told what the problem is, just that they have fixed it, but it never stays fixed. First time (10/06/04) they lubed backing plates and sanded shoes; second time (04/20/05) they replaced rear brake shoes and drums; third time (08/15/05) they replaced both rear wheel cyclinders. I am treated very well by the service department personnel, but, I have a car that continues to have brake problems. This is a bad accident waiting to happen!.”
NHTSA complaint #10133239, filed 2005-08, 2,381 miles“Traveling southbound on interstate 5. Accident occurred in front of me requiring sudden application of brakes (panic stop). Brakes failed completely. The brakes worked partially after swerving and pumping the brakes. It was also found that the brakes had failed completely upon backing the vehicle. A mechanical inspection determined that the engine-booster vacuum line check valve had failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10385648, filed 2011-02, 102,330 miles“Vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment while driving 40 MPH. The local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. Dealer and the manufacturer were notified. The consumer stated that she smelled smoke coming through the vents while driving. The engine light came on and the vehicle lost all power. Vehicle brakes went out. The consumer stopped the vehicle and her and the passengers got out of the vehicle within seconds of flames.”
NHTSA complaint #10111051, filed 2005-03, 1,500 miles“The contact stated while turning left at low speeds there was a grinding noise that came from the rear of the vehicle. The dealership was unable to determine why the rear brakes had failed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent repair shop. The mechanic determined the rear brake sensors were bent and both rear brakes were replaced and the rotors were turned. The manufacturer has been alerted.”
NHTSA complaint #10158596, filed 2006-05, 31,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10190038Mar 23, 2021This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10183963Nov 30, 2020This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 9% |
| 2024 | 4 | 7% |
| 2023 | 9 | 9% |
| 2022 | 7 | 7% |
| 2021 | 8 | 6% |
| 2020 | 14 | 6% |
| 2019 | 6 | 2% |
| 2018 | 15 | 5% |
| 2017 | 48 | 6% |
| 2016 | 15 | 5% |
| 2015 | 55 | 21% |
| 2014 | 87 | 23% |
| 2013 | 283 | 22% |
| 2012 | 99 | 15% |
| 2011 | 44 | 10% |
| 2010 | 39 | 10% |
| 2009 | 27 | 11% |
| 2008 | 52 | 17% |
| 2007 | 38 | 14% |
| 2006 | 32 | 21% |
| 2005 | 11 | 8% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 27 | 12% |
| 2002 | 34 | 10% |
| 2001 | 30 | 10% |
| 2000 | 9 | 5% |
| 1999 | 10 | 8% |
| 1998 | 5 | 9% |
| 1997 | 11 | 10% |
| 1996 | 6 | 6% |
| 1995 | 13 | 12% |
| 1994 | 5 | 7% |
| 1993 | 5 | 21% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2004 Hyundai Elantra
114 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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