10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
25,341 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #11

Feb 082011

Elantra 4-cyl

  • miles
2002 Hyundai Elantra. Consumer writes in regards to unintended acceleration the consumer stated as he was parking the vehicle, it suddenly accelerated forward uncontrollably. The consumer put the gear in reverse, as the tires screeched. He was finally able to stop the vehicle. The consumer went to the dealer to have the vehicle inspected, but they were unable to find a problem.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #10

Mar 102010

Elantra

  • 180,000 miles
My 2002 Hyundai Elantra accelerated after making a hesitation and a very loud noise. I crashed into a tree head on and had multiple injuries. A witness said he heard the loud noise and the car take off with a great amount of speed. After the car was towed to the towing yard, we were told that the accelerator was still wide open when they started the car to move it. I contacted Hyundai and filled out paperwork they requested and they sent a gentleman down to check the auto over and scan the computer system, within the month following the inspection I received a letter from Hyundai stating the inspection found no problems. I requested a copy of the report and was denied. I contacted an attorney and Hyundai also refused to give him the report stating "confidentially privileges. I'm the only owner of the auto and feel that Hyundai is hiding something since they refuse to turn over the report. Hyundai replaced the motor in app.2004 because it blew up after they repaired a recall.

- Benton, AR, USA

problem #9

Apr 272010

(reported on)

Elantra 4-cyl

  • miles
2002 Hyundai Elantra. Consumer describes unexpected acceleration issues the consumer stated she experienced sudden acceleration on three separate occasions which resulted in accidents.

- Ossining, NY, USA

problem #8

Aug 182006

Elantra

  • miles
2002 Hyundai Elantra with mats that curl under the accelerator customer states that his car suddenly accelerated out of control causing a accident* the consumer provided an article that details the same problem he was having with his vehicle.

- Florissant, MO, USA

problem #7

Jun 072006

Elantra 4-cyl

  • miles
2002 Elantra surged forward when brakes were applied. The dealer attributed the violent acceleration as possibly being due to the thick rubber floor mat which may have been wedge under the accelerator, however the consumer disagreed with that theory stating when he started the vehicle, the floor mat was at least 6-9 inches away from the accelerator. The consumer, his wife and the mechanic all experienced the sudden acceleration.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #6

Jun 082005

Elantra 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,550 miles
Consumer's mother drove this vehicle. On 5 separate occasions, the vehicle accelerated on its own. One incident was in a store parking lot, the consumer had the vehicle in reverse and it revved up like a jet engine, and did 2 1/2 circles. The vehicle was turned off to stop it.

- Amherst, MA, USA

problem #5

Jul 022004

Elantra 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,000 miles
While coming to a stop the rpms temporally raced at a high rate. Consumer continued to drive. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Bloomington, MN, USA

problem #4

Jul 272004

Elantra 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles
When I started my car the engine was revving super high. This is the third time. Its happened since April 2004 purchase date. I almost hit a parked car the first time it occured. The car lurched forward when I shifted out of "park"

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #3

Sep 162003

(reported on)

Elantra

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving automatic transmission stuck between gears, and vehicle lurched forward, causing driver to lose control. Vehicle ran off the road due to this problem.

- Jeannette, PA, USA

problem #2

Sep 242002

Elantra 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
After about 4,000 miles the engine developed a flat spot in the engine right at about 4000 RPM.it is annoying and potentially dangerous when trying to pass on the freeway. I have to reset the ECM about every 1500-2000 miles. After I reset the ECM. The flat spot, or lag, is gone for about 1500-2000 miles. I have had to reset it about 5 times so far. Two different dealers have beem able to locate, or correct the problem.

- Poway, CA, USA

problem #1

May 122003

Elantra 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,200 miles
When the brakes were applied, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. On several occasions, while parked the engine revved up, which caused the consumer to hit another vehicle.

- Hanoverton, OH, USA