2002 Hyundai Elantra: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Feb 4, 2015 · Electrical, Visibility · 40,000 miles · MD

Not long after purchasing the car from jones junction hyundai bel air, I noticed that the headlight/windshield wiper stalk was having problems. Sometime the headlights and the dashboard lights would not work properly. At night, the lights for the dashboard would go out. The stalk had problems. Also, the windshield wipers, the fluids would not squirt properly to effectively clean my windshield as it should. These are 2 separate problems that I have noticed over the years.

Filed Jan 6, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 100 miles · CT

I have replaced my headlights approximately nine times since purchase.

Filed Mar 17, 2010 · Lights · 75,000 miles · WA

Short headlight bulb life (less than 12 months).

Filed Jul 21, 2009 · Body · 50,400 miles · MA

I was driving in my town and I went to take a left turn and the next thing I knew my steering wheel jolted further to the left than I had turned it and I was in oncoming traffic. Luckily the oncoming car had enough time to stop and swerve out of the way to avoid a head on collision. At first I thought I had a flat tire, but upon closer inspection I noticed the bottom of the front right wheel was tilted inward on almost a 45 degree angle so that the hub cap was almost in contact with the pavement. I was about a mile from my house and was barely able to get the car back home with out swerving all over the road trying to steer. Upon inspection by a mechanic, who had to come to my home, there was a lot of rust underneath the car, especially on the lower control arms. I went online to research how much it might cost to fix and found that it had been a recall with hyundai, however I never got the recall notice. When I called hyundai consumer affairs to inquire, they claimed they didn't have my address and therefore I never received the recall. I bought the car used in 2004, it is now 2009, I do not believe there is any excuse as to why they should not have had my address and to why I did not receive a recall. Someone could have gotten seriously injured or killed. Hyundai will only cover the lower control arms and nothing else. None of the damage caused because of their negligence is covered and I can't even get a rental. I need new tires and new hub caps, there is a hole in my resonator from hitting the curb when I veered off the road, there are scratches on my rear and a cracked back headlight from the oncoming car brushing against my rear. Had I gotten the recall notice, none of this would have happened! The root cause is poor manufacturing, all other damages due to this should be reimbursed with out any hassle because hyundai should be grateful they have not killed anyone yet.

Filed Feb 7, 2009 · Lights · 100,000 miles · NJ

The inside of the headlight assembly has fogged up causing the brightness of the lamp to diminish to the point where I feel it is dangerous and I need to replace the entire assembly. I have spoken with hyundai at the corporate level and they basically said that there is no way to clean the inside of the assembly and I would have to replace them at my expense. This is a major safety issue. As with other elantra owners I have complaints about the headlights constantly needing replacement.

Filed Jan 7, 2009 · Lights · 112,400 miles · VA

I have had to replace the low beam headlights 4 times in the past 3 years.

Filed Jan 11, 2008 · Lights · 12,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 hyundai elantra. Both of the headlights continue to burn out and have been replaced five times. The dealer stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and is the contacts responsibility. The current mileage was 53,247 and failure mileage was 12,000. Updated 3/25/08 *cn the consumer stated replaced 5 times for each headlight for a total of 10 headlights. Updated 03/25/08

Filed Jan 4, 2008 · Lights · MN

Headlights burn out excessively. Every 1-2 months, one burns out and alternates between left and right side.

Filed Feb 9, 2007 · Lights · CA

Headlamp bulbs burn out every couple of months. I was using aftermarket bulbs which have no warranty. After I went through 4 bulbs. I purchased new bulbs from dealer and have not had an issue with them for over a year and a half and still working fine. I removed the assembly to make sure the bulbs were in correctly and secure and I made sure to use a tissue so not to have any oil from my hands get on the bulbs each time which could make bulbs burn out quicker.

Filed Jan 29, 2007 · Lights · MA

Headlight bulbs on my 2002 hyundai elantra burn out every few months. Most recently had to be replaced in september 2006 and again in december 2006. When I contacted the dealer, gary rome hyundai, holyoke, ma, (413) 536-4328, I was told that they would charge $90/hour to look at the problem and could not guarantee that they would find it. They suggested that the bulbs were being installed improperly, and also offered to limit work to 1/2 hour.

Filed Sep 12, 2006 · Lights · MO

My headlights keep burning out. The driver's side bulb is very difficult to change - not room for fingers to rotate bulb in and out. Replacement lights are expensive. Had never had this problem with any other car.

Filed Sep 5, 2006 · Lights · 58,926 miles · WI

Headlights on my vehicle keep burning out to rapidly. This will be the 4th time I have replaced them so far. I have used hyundai bulbs to very expensive bulbs and the result is the same and the driver side bulb is very difficult to change.