general problems of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra

The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at approximate speeds of 35 mph, the contact noticed that the wheels were abnormally shaking. Upon further inspection, she found one of the drivers side tires was destroyed. The contact contributed the failure to an improper alignment performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for repairs. The current and failure mileages were 55,253. Updated 05/11/10.

2002 Hyundai Elantra. Consumer states vehicle has faulty lower control arms the consumer stated the lower control arm failed twice. The consumer became of aware of recall and the dealer replaced the lower control arm free of charge the second time. The first time, the consumer went to a repair shop and paid at his expense. The consumer was also informed the air bag light was on, all four struts needed to be replaced as well as the rims and tires.

2002 Hyundai Elantra, consumer took vehicle to a local garage for an inspection, on 6-20-05, and mechanic rotated/ balanced tires, and replaced two tires with new ones. Also, replaced fuel injection system/ replaced a gasket/ front wheels were aligned/ steering wheel was centered, and they checked caster and camber angles. Then mechanic told consumer that vehicle passed NY state inspection. The consumer started traveling from NY to va on 6-30, and on 7-2 vehicle stalled, check engine light came on, vehicle had completely stopped although engine was still running, oil gauge warning light came on, it went up to highest point. This was first time vehicle stalled. The consumer had the vehicle towed to a mechanic who ran a diagnostic test on the vehicle and told consumer that he should take it to a dealership because of the warranty. Dealership ran a diagnostic and then replaced radiator and radiator pump. They told consumer that was reason for vehicle overheating and stalling. This was after consumer was told by dealership that vehicle was safe to drive. So consumer traveled back home, roads were wet and it was late in da. The check engine light came on again. As soon as light came on the speed reduced but the engine itself was still on but, the vehicle was not able to move at a safe speed and stalled. Consumer's and his family lives were in dangered although there were no actual accidents. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. They told consumer that problem was with transmission. There was a hose not connected properly which caused vehicle to leak transmission fluid.

3 cooper tires - 19560 hr15- blew out on separate occasions while traveling on interstate highways within a period of 1 month. All three tires were purchased new 1 year ago and had less than 11,000 miles on them. The fourth tire was removed due to the high probability that it would fail as well.

Steering wheel vibrates @70 mph. Vibration could lead to a loss of control vibrations can be felt in front and rear seats as well.

The steering wheel and front wheels shake above 65 mph which can also be felt throughout the front of the car. I feel the excessive shake could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.

There is a terrible howling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle while driving on the highway. The rim's on the car are so flimsy that I have had to rims bent in the last 3 months. They can not handle non paved roads. Th front seat belt does not retract properly causing the seal on the door to be torn when the door is shut. The gas mileage is terrible. Supposed to be upwards of 35+ mpg on the highway and I only get approximately 24 - 26 mpg. The insurance on this vehicle is ridiculous!! you think that I had an Audi. The cost of the insurance is the same. I have brought up my concerns with the dealer that I purchased the car from and they don't seem to think that there is a problem with the howling since they couldn't get it to do it while they were driving the car. The gas mileage they said would improve when the engine was broke in at about 20,000 miles. Well I am past the 20,000 and the mileage has not improved. I am not at all happy with this car. I would get rid of it in a minute if I could get out from under the payments.