Since new, our 2001 Elantra has had an intermittent "thumping" sound in the rear wheels while brakes are applied. It would go away for months, then return, usually after some maintenance event such as a tire rotation. Internet searches reveal that this is a very common complaint. People have replaced all sorts of parts; wheel bearing, suspension parts etc., usually with no fix. I found the cause, and there needs to be a recall !! on our model, the wheel nuts are "closed", meaning that they are not drilled and tapped all the way though. On our car, some of the wheel nuts bottom out on the wheel studs before the brake drum is secured. When brakes are applied, the resulting loose brake drum can "wobble" on the studs, making the sound, . another issue contributing to the problem: There is one phillips screw which secures the brake drum to the hub. In my case this screw was missing, probably having been left off during a safety inspection. However, if the nuts were not bottomed out, the drum would be secure even if the screw is missing. It would seem that this condition could eventually lead to stud failure. At the very least, it is a serious aggravation. Probably the least expensive way to fix this would be to replace the wheel nuts with ones that are deeper, allowing more clearance for the end of the wheel stud.

- Fort Defiance, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. While driving 25 mph, the driver was unable to stop the vehicle. The driver's side of the vehicle crashed into a curb. There were no injuries. The contact noticed that the frame of the vehicle was rotted. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the lower front control arm was rusted. No repairs have currently been made to the vehicle. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that they would cover the repair costs. The failure mileage was 99,000.

- Fairfield , CT, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 30 mph, the brake pedal extended to the floor when it was depressed. The brakes were pumped several times before the vehicle came to a complete stop. A small amount of smoke appeared underneath the hood. The air bag and engine warning lights illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact exerted more effort to turn the steering wheel as if there were no power steering. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they replaced the power steering hose. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 98,000.

- Hyde Park, MA, USA

10/28/05 car did not stop immediately while parking, went through fence and hit deck. Brakes did not hold in sand. Car towed to dealership who informed, nothing wrong with brakes. Advised by dealership that the recall on brakes for Hyundai Elantra 2001 was remedied by them. Brakes still do not hold well, advised by another mechanic that brake shoes are fine. Still do not have a good comfort level with brakes. Air bag light on, recall on file for model and year, dealer advised not for my car. Will fix at cost of approximately $700.

- Palm Coast, FL, USA

It is back at earnhardts, for the elec. System again 4th time. It started in 3/02 and went out again last fri. 6/6/03 but they don't consider it a problem. Because I filed a lemon law on the previous accent and replaced it with the Elantra 2001 and I filled out a survey saying they had bad customer service, the normal use of a rental while they fixed it for days was not granted. I am so upset I spent a day out in the AZ sun waiting for a tow of 205 miles to the next dealership and they tell me I have a bad record with them and don't deserve the courtesy of a rental car. This is my second hyndai and I have had nothing but trouble with it and the dealership. I have sent letters to the attorney general, three on my side, hyndai and earnhardts dealership. I want out of this car and don't feel safe in it any more. I was going down the salt river canyon (if you are not from AZ picture going down the twisting road to the grand canyon) without any power steering, brakes and trying to keep control of the car with kids in it. And they tell me I shouldn't be excited! 1 1/2 hrs in the sun waiting for the tow, the next dealership 200 mi away, no rental cars authorized, so my husband has to drive up and get me (198) miles from my house and go back so he could be at work in 3 hrs. No sleep for him. The dates are 3, 4, 6 of 2002 and now 6/6/03. The mileage is 27,694. The cost is theirs because it has the 100,000 warranty. Just the mental and physical anguish and inconvience of another car that won't work right now.

- Apache Junction, AZ, USA

Air bag light continued to illuminate even after (4) attempts by the dealership. The actual cause had not been identified. Mr also the vehicle experienced brake problems. Ph abl.pco

- Portland, OR, USA