2002 Hyundai Elantra: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2002 Hyundai Elantra? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 349 complaints, with Suspension Failures as the top reported area.
2002 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2002 Hyundai Elantra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2002 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Hyundai Elantra has 349 owner complaints, 58 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Elantra
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 349
- Crash-related complaints
- 58
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2002 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Airbag Malfunctions, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2002 Hyundai Elantra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the suspension system for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag and suspension components.
- Request service records for reported components like brakes and fuel system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on suspension and airbags.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the suspension system for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag and suspension components.
- Request service records for reported components like brakes and fuel system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on suspension and airbags.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Hyundai Elantra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra are concentrated in suspension and airbag systems, with a notable number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of complaints limit definitive conclusions.
- Suspension Failures account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Airbag Malfunctions are the second most reported issue, with 71 complaints.
- Crash-related complaints total 58, indicating a possible safety concern.
- Suspension Failures: 96 complaints suggest a recurring issue with the suspension system.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 71 complaints indicate potential problems with airbag deployment or reliability.
- Brake System: 34 complaints point to possible braking performance or component failures.
All 2002 Hyundai Elantra Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 96 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 71 | 34 | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 34 | 12 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 32 | 11 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 27 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 23 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Gasoline | 22 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | 6 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 16 | 5 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 9 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE MOMENT I TRIED TO STOP AT THE TRAFFIC STOP SIGN THE LOWER ARM CONTROL FROM THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE AND THE WHEEL BROKE AND THE CAR SLID. THANKS GOD IT WAS AT NIGHT AND NO CARS WERE THERE. I REMEMBER THE NIGHT BEFORE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOT…
WHEN PUMPING GAS I CAN ONLY PUMP ABOUT $1.50 WORTH OF GAS AT A TIME BEFORE IT STARTS COMING BACK OUT AND SPILLING EVERYWHERE. I HAVE TRIED PUMPING GAS WITH THE CAR ON, NOT SAFE I KNOW, AND IT STILL ONLY TAKES ABOUT $1.50 BEFORE IT COMES BACK OUT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MULTIPLE ELANTR…
MY 2002 HUYNDAI ELANTRA GLS SUDDENTLY THE AIRBAG IS ON SOON ENGINE RUNNING, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TECHNICIAN THAT THE AIRBAG DEFECTIVE AND IT IS UNDER A RECALL.
I HAVE NOTED A RECALL #09V125000 RELATED TO THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR WITH THE EXACT PROBLEM IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. MY RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM COLAPSED. IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. WITH THAT SIDE FIXED I TRAVELED ABOUT 3 MILES AND MY LEFT SIDE …
REAR SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER ROTTED OUT
IT IS HARD TO FILL THE GAS TANK UP. THE FUEL PUMP KEEPS SHUTTING OFF AND YOU HAVE TO SLOWLY FILL THE GAS TANK UP. YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE PUMP TO EVEN GET GAS TO FILL THE TANK.
THE WHOLE FRAME IS RUSTY.
ON OCTOBER 28TH, 2016 THE LOWER, DRIVER'S SIDE, FRONT CONTROL ARM DISINTEGRATED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER ELANTRA IN A PARKING LOT. SHE WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN TO LEAVE THE LOT WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT MADE A "TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE." THE NEXT DAY I REMOVED …
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.
THERE IS RUST COMING THROUGH THE QUARTER PANELS IN THE FRONT
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN YOU MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD OR BACKWARD. SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL, BUT WHEN I CALL THE DEALER I AM TOLD THAT THERE ARE NOT OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. YET, THE RECALL LIST FOR FIXING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM LISTS 2002 HYUNDAI.
MY VEHICLE HAS CONTROL ARM RUST AND PERFORATIONS IN THE SUBFRAME, COVERED UNDER AN EXISTING RECALL. HYUNDAI HAS ADMITTED THAT THE PARTS ARE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, BUT STATES THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPLACE THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROL ARMS DUE TO RUST DAMAGE ON THE FRAME ITSELF. R…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V533000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,190.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE BRAKE FLUID. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD FAIL TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOT…
RANDOM ILLUMINATION OF AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH WITHOUT EXPLANATION.
ENGINE STOPS SUDDENLY ALMOST CREATING ACCIDENT. CAUSE ?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…
CAR RECALLED FOR "SALT BELT CORROSION" REPAIRS IN 2002. ORIGINAL OWNER SOLD CAR BACK TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. REPAIRS WERE NEVER DONE.WHEN I BOUGHT THIS USED HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN LATE 2002, IT HAD LESS THAN 13K MILES ON ITS ODOMETER. IT WAS SERVICED AT A 2ND HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP UNTIL …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LINK ASSEMBLY FRONT STABILIZER AND THE CONTROL ARMS COMPLETELY LOWERED AND THE FRONT END HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT TIRES FELL OFF DUE TO THE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR WARNING LIGHT FLICKERED AND THE BCD PLAYER WOULD NOT STOP OPERATING UNLESS THERE WAS A BCD INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTUR…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra.
2002 Hyundai Elantra Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2002 Hyundai Elantra Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Hyundai Elantra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 349 owner complaints, 58 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Hyundai Elantra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Hyundai Elantra?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (96 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (71 complaints). #3: Brake System (34 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Hyundai Elantra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Hyundai Elantra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Hyundai Elantra, NHTSA complaints include 58 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 349 total complaints. 40 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Hyundai Elantra. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2002 Hyundai Elantra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Suspension Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Elantra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Hyundai Elantra based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.