Recall 09V125000: Front Lower Control Arm Corrosion

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

Hyundai/Elantra 2001-2003

Hyundai/Tiburon 2003

MANUFACTURER: Hyundai Motor Company

MFR'S REPORT DATE: April 14, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE09011

COMPONENT: Suspension: Front: Control Arm

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 170610

SUMMARY:
Hyundai is recalling 170,610 M/Y 2001-2003 Elantra and M/Y 2003 Tiburon 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. During winter months, large quantities of salt are used to de-ice roads in the salt belt states. Road salt may result in internal corrosion and thinning of the steel in the front lower control arms. The corrosion may progress to the point where the lower control arm's upper and lower panels become perforated. A perforated front lower control arm may fracture between its ball joint attachment and the forward and rearward pivot attachments to the chassis. This could affect your control over the tire and wheel assembly.

CONSEQUENCE:
Reduced control of the front wheel direction may increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Dealers will inspect the front lower control arms for corrosion damage. If specified levels of internal corrosion damage are found, the front lower control arms will be replaced with new front lower control arms incorporating additional holes in the upper and lower panels. If the front lower control arms do not require replacement, the dealer will add drainage holes to the front lower control arms and will treat the front lower control arms with rust-proofing materials to arrest the internal corrosion process. These procedures will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009 owners may contact Hyundai's customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

NOTES:
Hyundai recall No. 091. Owners may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.