2002 Hyundai Elantra: jerking or lurching

Filed Apr 24, 2009 · Body, Steering · 130,000 miles · NY

10/2008, I was driving down a steep hill and began to downshift, while braking. My car jerked and skidded at the bottom. I was able to get it to the side of the road. A flatbed towed it and determined that the front drivers side wheel/tie rod had broken. The mechanic noted some corrosion, but repaired what needed to be done. March 2009, I had new front tires placed and balanced. Shortly afterwards, I got a flat tire, had the spare put on and brought it back for replacement. The front end seemed out of alignment, so it was brought back to the mechanic for realignment. It was then they saw that the entire subframe was corroded and "dangerous" to drive. The front arms were bent and subsequently collapsed. The repairs at this time would exceed the value of the car and I am reduced to "junking" my 7 year old vehicle.

Filed Mar 12, 2009 · Suspension · 68,000 miles · PA

After braking, my elantra jerk, made and awful grinding sound, and was extremely difficult to steer. Upon visual inspection, I could see that a part had broken off. I had it towed to a local mechanic who said that the right front control arm was "rotted through" and that this is often seen in hyundais. The left side also shows signs of deterioration. The mechanic recommended replacing both sides, as the left side might only last a few months given the degree of deterioration. Parts are being replaced.

Filed Mar 6, 2009 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · NC

I had to put on the brakes hard to stop from hitting a car that stopped short. The car jerked and when I began to proceed there was clearly something wrong with the front end. I got the car to our local dealer who is just a mile away from where this occurred and after the car was inspected was told that the front end came within 1/2" of corroded metal from breaking off. There was only 1/2" of metal left holding it in place. I was told the front control arms were both "annhilated" and were completed rusted out. I have to replace both of them at a cost of more than $1000. This car was purchased in new hampshire and spent 2002-2008 in new hampshire subject to the salt and winter conditions. It only has less than 85,000 miles on it and was treated well and serviced routinely. Like other consumers, who have reported this issue, I feel that this should not have happened and that there is clearly a defect on the front control arms which allows them to become subject to corrosion. Luckily I was able to drive just 1 mile to the dealer who will be performing service, but should this have happened while further away, I was told I was one pothole away from the whole front end falling off. It goes without saying that severe damage and potential personal harm could have occurred if the car had been in a collision or worse, if the control arms had broken free while on the highway or at increased speeds. This is clearly dangerous and I had no reason to think that a car that's 7 years old could suffer something like this under normal conditions.

Filed Jun 3, 2005 · Electrical · NY

2002 elantra has been blowing bulbs since the car was 2wks. I have replaced all bulbs in the car appox. 40times. Hyundai has replaced bulbs and now even charges me for bulbs I have been fighting this for 3 years now. Hyundai says there is no short. Meanwhile my trunk alarm has never worked. Manfrediy where I bought the car new said the factory installed alarm does not alarm the trunk. Guiffre hyundai said the trunk was alarmed and just doesn't work. Give me a break, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that there is a [xxx] short in the car. The regional office did nothing and did not even meet with me. I was told to call an arbitration comp. More time lost I sent them 350.00 in bills that I paid on the out side to replace bulbs and that's not counting the bulbs that hyundai had the nerve to charge me. Now today I get a letter that my car is too old to go through arbitration. Hyundai just jerked me around and I will be stuck with the bills and continue to pay for bulbs. I cant think of anything else to do except go to the media. If you have any help you can give me. I would greatly appreciate it.hyundai also expected me to make an appointment everytime a bulb or bulbs blew. They would have had the car more than me if that was the case. They have insulted my intelligence. And have lost me for a future customer. And the problem is, I really love my car and the way it drives. If only it would not keep shorting out information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 29, 2004 · Acceleration · 51,000 miles · CA

When I started my car the engine was revving super high. This is the third time. Its happened since april 2004 purchase date. I almost hit a parked car the first time it occured. The car lurched forward when I shifted out of "park"

Filed Jan 23, 2004 · Acceleration · 16,000 miles · PA

While at a complete stop, the vehicle lurched forward. The dealer replaced the throttle piston twice, but the problem continued. *ak *sc

Filed Sep 16, 2003 · Acceleration, Transmission · PA · crash

While driving automatic transmission stuck between gears, and vehicle lurched forward, causing driver to lose control. Vehicle ran off the road due to this problem.