Front Suspension Control Arm Problems of Hyundai Elantra - part 1

Rear lower control arm detached from subframe while highway driving. Lost control of vehicle. The problem has been an issue for sonata and azera however not for Elantra when the same thing happened. The component has not been inspected yet. There were no warning lights. Happened suddenly. Is available for inspection. Subframe became corroded from road salt. Vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Road salt applied in these jurisdictions during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front sub-frame on the vehicles, and may result in thinning or perforation of the sub-frame steel. The corrosion is frequently visible and often discovered during inspection or routine maintenance, and owners may also hear noises or notice tire misalignment and steering pull. If these signals are undetected or unheeded, the corrosion may progress and the forward mounting of the lower control arm may detach from the sub-frame. That’s exactly what happened.

See all problems of the 2010 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

May 2019 vehicle went in had the steering column replaced due to a rubbing sound coming from inside the vehicle every time steering wheel was turned whether in town or highway or parked. Nov 2020 crash avoidance system activated while stopped at a light no one in front of me at the same time noise started coming from the front of the car (rattling) when turning left and when hitting bumps, it was determined that the motor mounts had become loose damaging the lower control arm, struts and after tighten they became loose again needed to be replace. This took them month and half to find the issue as well as replacing the crash avoidance system. The car still does not drive correctly nor does it align properly only slightly off in the front but way off in the rear. Since picking the vehicle up 2 weeks later the steering column is made a pop sound and has started making the same rubbing noise when turning. I bought it new no accidents to date. Hyundai is repurchasing the vehicle. Very slow process not to mention concerned with the steering wheel locking up as seen here.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that her right control arm had become defective which cause difficulty while steering at various speeds. The contact then called superior Hyundai south(238 w mitchell Ave, cincinnati, OH 45232) where she made an appointment and was informed to check if there were any recalls on her vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA campaign number: 09v125000(suspension); however, her vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact also stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle would stall out without warning upon depressing the accelerator. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective O2 sensor which was then replaced. Despite the O2 sensor being replaced, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of either failures. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000. Jo.

See all problems of the 2003 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Driving on highway and turning right; a tire blew. On inspection by a mechanic, the front passenger control arm was bent with rust on the exposed metal. The bent control arm allowed the tire to rub against the interior fender, eventually leading to the tire failing. The tire was in great condition before the sudden failure. On researching: there was a recall on 2003 Hyundai Elantra for front control arm problems. Nhtsa campaign number: 09v125000. This recall cites that road salt used in certain jurisdictions can cause internal degradation of the front control arms: leading to failure. Looking back through this car's history: it was originally registered in ohio, one of the states using road salt. I don't know why this car escaped recall, but it's having the same problems as other 2003 Elantras.

My lower control arm broke in two away from the body and other drive components due to rust and I'm not sure what else. I was driving at a slow speed heard a pop noise got out looked and the tire was all the way against the wheel well.

While driving I went to stop on a long downhill grade and suddenly a horrible metal on metal grinding sound occurred. The car swerved a bit and was hard to control. I was able to gain control and limped it home with the continuing extremely loud noise, especially when trying to turn, slow down or under braking. I was finally able to have my brother drive car to local mechanic very carefully and slowly and it has been diagnosed as having a broken left lower control arm. Local mechanic thought this might be an item covered under recall by Hyundai as he has seen a number of these issues. On investigating further on this site I could find no recall but did find a Hyundai TSB (17-01-038) that speaks to providing under body corrosion treatments for 2007-2010 Elantra's, for those registered in a salt belt state like mine. (new york). Obviously Hyundai realizes that they have a problem with under body components exposed to salt corrosion and is attempting to alleviate this problem after the fact. I was never notified of such a program and this defect is extremely serious as it can cause loss of control and a crash.

See all problems of the 2008 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Rear passenger side control arm rusted and disconnected from the support while driving.

See all problems of the 2007 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

Tl the contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Elantra touring. While driving 45 mph, a loud abnormal noise was detected from the vehicle. The contact noticed that the driver's side control arm was dragging on the ground. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic where it was determined that the rear subframe and driver's side control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 120,000.

See all problems of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

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 control arm broke. My mechanic and I were complexed, but after research I found this problem exist and recalls issued. After contacting hyunda they said this vehicle VIN# was not covered. I don't understand how this life threatening problem was not part of the recall. Something in the records of this car must be in error.

See all problems of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

All 4 brakes started to randomly lock up. I was driving and had to run it almost a 1/2 mile for a shoulder to pull over at. Upon stopping, the brakes were smoking all around the car and the front driver side actually caught flame. I'm guessing brake booster is the cause. Also front control arms are almost rusted through. The cars been well maintained and has around 185,000 miles on it. Has valve cover leak into spark plug port on cylinder 3 and has a very weak clutch that sometimes slips.

See all problems of the 2001 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. While driving 50 mph, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning. In addition, the vehicle made a rumbling noise and jerked to the right while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed as needing the lower control arm replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. When the brake pedal was applied, the brakes failed to function properly. The contact had to apply force to the brake pedal several times to ensure that the vehicle completely stopped. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to service the brake system. In addition, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle associated with the upper or lower control arms. The check engine and air bag warning indicators remained illuminated. Also, the vehicle failed to refuel in a reasonable time frame, which caused the contact to have to wait an extended period of time during refueling. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.

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. Replacing the damaged portions of the frame will cost well over the price of the vehicle. If the subframe did not have to be replaced, the frame would likely hold for some time and not require replacement in the near future. The frame damage is only an immediate issue because the recall repair needs to be done. Hyundai has offered me to either replace the frame damage at my own expense so they can complete the recall repair, or take a buyout equal to the kelly blue book value of the vehicle. Other compensation such as rental fees was refused. It has taken them ~25 days since receiving the vehicle to make this offer.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while at an independent mechanic for routine repair. The mechanic stated front lower control arm bushings had corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,248. Oo.

My 2001 Elantra had a recall on front control arms. This recall was limited to snowbelt states. The recall says control arms may corrode due to water and salt being trapped inside control arm and may break. Their solution was to replace if needed or drill drainage hole to allow water to escape and treat to prevent further corrosion. My car had the drill and treat solution but the control arm broke anyway. Luckily the car was being driven at a slow speed when the break occurred,if the car was at highway speed, serious injury or death could have been the result. Hyundai admits to the defect but is saying that since the recall was repaired it is no longer an issue. The control arms should have replaced from the beginning but instead they took the cheap way out. I will repair the car and try to recover the money from Hyundai as a repeat recall. Hyundai should replace all the control arms on cars that are affected before someone gets hurt.

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle emitted a rattling noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The technician diagnosed that the front lower control arm and the exhaust system clamp corroded prematurely. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

See all problems of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at 25 mph, the passenger side control arm fractured. The steering wheel became difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the control arm fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. When the accelerator or brake pedals were depressed, a loud abnormal clunking noise emitted from the front end of the vehicle and the vehicle veered to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the lower control arm and ball joint failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the front driver side lower control arm broke on the vehicle. The contact was able to park the vehicle before the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and it was determined that the front passenger side lower control arm was rusting as well. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA recall campaign:09v125 (suspension). The current mileage 150120. Rl.

There is a rust hole in my right lower front suspension control arm, related to Hyundai recall# 091. I contacted Hyundai customer assistance case# 5cb90025. I was told I would have to pay for the repairs and then attempt to seek reimbursement but was told there is no promise of a refund. I said their recall clearly states vehicles being recalled are in the salt belt states or cars that are registered in these states. My car came from virginia but has been registered and driven here in michigan for two years and should be included in this recall. My request for assistance was denied. All these vehicles were built with poor quality metal components, there are no VIN. Break points and should not matter where vehicle is located as vehicles move from state to state. I should not and will not wait for an incident to occur. I will pay for this repair to assure my families safety. I contacted my local dealer ann arbor automotive and talked to bethany patterson in service and emailed here pictures of the defective component(we have the email confirmation). She stated the service manager would review and get back to me. Three weeks later and no contact. I also took the car to them at ann arbor automotive which is my closest Hyundai dealer in ann arbor michigan just to show them the failure which is visible with the steering turned without putting on a lift. The service manager would not come out to look at, they asked me if I had an appointment and then told me I would have to leave the car for at least 3-5 days just to look and contact Hyundai with no assurance of anything being done. What a joke. I have tried to contact you buy phone but the calls will not go through, do you still have a phone? there are more procedures that have to be done related to this recall but right now I have to replace this one part to make the car safe for my family. Please help everyone with this.

The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard a clanking sound and then the control arm fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 110,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, she noticed the suspension malfunctioned which caused her to lose control of the vehicle without warning. Also, the contact mentioned that the steering wheel became hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated the passenger side front lower control arm fractured between the ball joints due to excessive corrosion. The contact notified the manufacturer and they informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v125000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 220,000. . . Updated 08-28-14.

Front passenger side control arm fractured, allowing wheel to turn 90 degrees to the right resulting in an uncontrolled slide down the highway. This also blew out the tire and separated the axle from the transmission, spilling transmission fluid. Vehicle was uncontrollable, and once stopped unmovable, and so stranded in the middle of the highway.

The right side lower control arm suddenly complete broke in half close to the ball joint causing the tire to dangle and loss of steering and movement. This happened at a very low speed pulling out of our driveway. There was visible rust and corrosion on the inside of the boxed stamped steel control arm near the ball joint. This failure was exactly like NHTSA action number : pe09011 described. This vehicle was registered in va so the car was not subject to that specific recall although other states around us were. We received no notice of this recall in the mail or the potential problem even though we use and travel often to the states that did have the recall and they do put a lot of salt on northern va roads.

I applied the brakes at a stop sign and the front driver side control arm colapsed . I had it inspected and treated under recall in 2009.

I applied brakes at a stop sign and front driver side control arm col lapsed. I had it inspected and treated under recall in 2009.

2001 Hyundai Elantra. Consumer writes in regards to rear control arm problems. The consumer stated his son, had just come off the interstate, when the rear control arm broke away from the cross member, causing him to loose control of the vehicle.

On April 1st 2014 the front right lower control arm broke off when I applied the brakes in order to avoid hitting a canadian goose that was sauntering majestically across the road (the goose was unhurt). The right front wheel was rotated about 60 degrees to the horizontal and was moved backwards enough to damage the right fender. Some two years ago, Hyundai recalled this model to inspect for possible corrosion in the front suspension components. At that time the local Hyundai dealer stated that there was no corrosion detected in this vehicle. While it is easy to blame this break on potholes, I would like to state that I am meticulous about avoiding them and I wonder if the suspension components were not weakned by poor quality corrosion protection and gave way when I braked. Sincerely, sarosh pasricha.

Thankfully no incident, my mechanic pointed out to me during normal maintenance on the car, the lower control arm had severe corrosion damage that its almost split he advised not to take it on the highway until it was fixed. He printed out the recall notice of the problems with the front lower control arm. Hyundai is giving me push back on taking care of it because im not in the salt belt. I am not in a salt free state they salt hear at the threat of flurries. That kind of damage is not normal wear and tear on a car that's under 60k miles. I don't want the world I just want them to fix the defective product, more important than that had my mechanic not pointed it out I could have put myself or others in danger if this snapped and I lost control of the passenger side wheel. I cant be the only one outside of the salt belt that is having this issue and may be in danger if it separates. Thank you for taking the time to listen.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. While driving 20 mph, the front driver side wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the front passenger lower control arm was rusted from the inside out and the axle detached from the transmission. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to columbia Hyundai (10981 montgomery rd, cincinnati, OH 45249, (513) 489-2000) where it was diagnosed that the front passenger lower control arm was completely safe and had a small amount of rust. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

I was behind two vehicles at a traffic light, the light turned green and we all just started to proceed forward when the front vehicle slammed his brakes on. The vehicle directly in front of me slammed his brakes on and I slammed mine also. I felt the front end give a little so I made a right turn and slowed down to around 5 mph. I proceeded to my home about 500 feet away and turned into the driveway. I got out of the vehicle and found the right lower control arm broken just past the ball joint. I forgot to say there wasn't any contact between any of the vehicles, no one was injured.

I was making a u turn when I heard a loud noise, I was unable to control my car seem to be drifting to one side until I hit a curb. . . When I got out of the car to see what happen I notice that my wheel was turned inwards and the control arm was broken and the axle had popped out. . . No one was injured however my daughter was shaking up about what happen. . . I took several pictures of the wheel and rusty part. . It amazed me how metal could rust that bad and break in half. . . I thank god I was not on the highway when this happen no telling what could have happen. . . I called Hyundai dealership to explain what happen also to find out if there was a recall on that part and was told there was no recall on 2001 Hyundai Elantra. . .

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 25 mph, the rear control arm fractured. The contact stated that upon further inspection, it was found that the rear control arm had extensive rust and corrosion due to moisture. The vehicle was not able to be driven and was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v125000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

During a rapid stop at low speed the passenger side control arm snapped rendering the vehicle unsteerable. Had this occured at higher speed it is likely that serious personal injury would have also occured.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was driving 20 mph and completed a u-turn when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle continued to veer into oncoming traffic and the contact was unable to regain steering control. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder, where the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The mechanic advised the contact that the front driver¿s side lower control arm was fractured. The driver¿s side lower control arm was replaced by the mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 09v125000 (suspension: front lower control arms rusting), however the manufacturer advised that the VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The failure and current mileage was 123,000. Kmj.