NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Hyundai Elantra; the most frequently affected component is air bags. Owners filed 182 complaints, most often about air bags. Among the 27 model years of this model in the database, 2004 ranks #7 for number of recalls.
Problem: Certain vehicles equipped with an advanced air bag system. The occupant classification system (ocs) installed in the right front seat of the vehicle may misclassify a child restraint seat (crs) as an adult. This may occur if the crs is installed after an adult has been seated in the right front seat. If there has not been a 'key on' ' key off' cycle with the right front passenger seat empty prior to installation of the crs.
Risk: The possibility of misclassification of a crs as an adult may allow the right front airbag or side impact airbag to deploy in a crash and could result in injury to the right front occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's ocs electronic control unit (ecu) to remove the feature that may cause the crs to be recognized as an adult. The recall began on november 15, 2005. Owners may contact hyundai of puerto rico at 1-800-981-0188.
Air bagsCampaign 05V395000 · 12 Sep 2005
Problem: Certain vehicles equipped with an advanced air bag system. The occupant classification system (ocs) installed in the right front seat of the vehicle may misclassify a child restraint seat (crs) as an adult. This may occur if the crs is installed after an adult has been seated in the right front seat. If there has not been a 'key on' ' key off' cycle with the right front passenger seat empty prior to installation of the crs.
Risk: The possibility of misclassification of a crs as an adult may allow the right front airbag or side impact airbag to deploy in a crash and could result in injury to the right front occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's ocs electronic control unit (ecu) to remove the feature that may cause the crs to be recognized as an adult. The recall began on october 31, 2005. Owners may contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Problem: During an insurance institute for highway safety (iihs) offset frontal barrier impact test, it was determined that fuel tan damage could occur. On certain passenger vehicles, a vapor tube hose clamp that is located near the fuel tank may not be positioned properly and could cause fuel leakage.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the position of the vapor tube hose clamp ears and correctly position the clamp, if necessary. The recall began on october 5, 2004. Owners should contact hyundai de puerto rico at 1-800-981-0188.
Fuel system, gasoline — Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCampaign 04V208000 · 03 May 2004
Problem: During an insurance institute for highway safety (iihs) offset frontal barrier impact test on certain passenger vehicles, fuel spillage occurred as a result of fuel tank damage caused by contact between a vapor tube hose clamp ear and the fuel tank. The vapor tube hose clamp ear was found to be mispositioned and facing toward the fuel tank.
Risk: In the event of a crash, damage to the vehicle could cause the mispositioned clamp to puncture the fuel tank causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the position of the vapor tube hose clamp and correctly position the clamp, if necessary. Owner notification began on may 24, 2004. Owners should contact hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Air bagsCampaign 03V322000 · 26 Aug 2003
Problem: On certain vehicles, if the front passenger seat is unoccupied or is occupied by someone lighter than 56.4 pounds, the passenger air bag is deactivated and will not deploy if a crash occurs. However, the occupant classification sensor may incorrectly interpret that a seated adult is an infant seat and deactivate the passenger air bag if someone heavier than 56.4 pounds who is seated with one leg resting on the outboard or inboard edge of the seat; with legs spread; or positioned off-center toward the center console and with his or her arm leaning on the console.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the air bag may not deploy, possibly resulting in serious injury to the right front passenger.
Remedy: The occupant classification sensor will be reprogrammed.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Air bags20 · 50%
Engine5 · 12%
Suspension5 · 12%
Seat belts4 · 10%
Steering3 · 8%
Fuel/propulsion system3 · 8%
Service brakes2 · 5%
Child seat2 · 5%
When complaints were filed
20115
20125
20133
20143
20159
20162
20175
20185
20192
20241
From owner complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 hyundai elantra. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt would not retract or sit tightly across the driver's chest. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who stated that the seat belt needed replacing. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 hyundai elantra. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an increase in engine rpms as the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage…
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 hyundai elantra. The contact stated that smoke emitted from the engine while driving 30 mph. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and the contact noticed that oil was leaking from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that a crank…
I went to get a safety check and they told me that i couldn't get it because my air bag light was on. I live on a isolated island that doesn't have a hyundai dealership and the car dealership where i bought the car isn't giving me a call back while in the mean time i am riding around with a expired safety check and is…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.