Three problems related to structure have been reported for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra based on all problems reported for the 2002 Elantra.
I was coming up on a traffic light and was slowing down when the left lower control arm broke in half. Lost all steering,car had to be towed.
2002 Hyundai Elantra with 69,692 miles, original owner; driving in school parking lot, the driver-side lower control arm broke in two, subsequent inspection shows it to have rotted through. Tire was perpendicular to the vehicle. Towed to Hyundai dealer in natick, MA. Have not heard back from dealer yet, but obviously need a new lower control arm and at least an inspection of passenger-side lower control arm. I have pictures of the damage. I expect this to be covered under 100,000 mile transaxle warranty; we'll see. This would have been catastrophic at highway speed. Updated 04/22/09.
The driver side door leaked when it rained. The vehicle has been to the dealer four times for this same problem, but the water still leaks into the vehicle. The manufacturer is not aware of the problem.