Hyundai Motor Co. is recalling about 170,000 of its 2001-2003 Elantras and 2003 Tiburons because of a problem with these defective cars front control arm. This recall involves vehicles sold or registered in 20 states and the District of Columbia. According to an article in Consumeraffairs.com, salt used to de-ice roads may result in internal corrosion and thinning of the steel in the front lower control arms. This could result in a fracture of the metal, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash.

When the recall begins, dealers will inspect the suspension, add drainage holes and treat the front lower control arms with rust-proofing material. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-327-4236 or the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236.

Since last year, we have written about several dangerous car defects and problems relating to the Hyundai Elantra. In August 2008, Hyundai recalled 150,000 of its 2002 and 2003 Elantra models for Hyundai defective airbags that would fail to deploy in the event of a car crash. Apart from those serious car product defects, the NHTSA was also investigating claims of catastrophic suspension failure in some Hyundai Santa Fe and Sonata models.

Apparently, the federal agency received 40 consumer complaints about severe corrosion in Sonatas, model years 1999 through 2002. In fact, some consumers reported large holes in the frame that could cause the vehicle's suspension control arm to detach and result in a car crash. No recalls related to these defective suspensions have been issued yet, although they seem to mirror the corrosion problems with these most recent Hyundai Elantra and Tiburon recalls.

Defective suspension caused by corrosion is a serious car defect problem, especially in the cold-weather states. Such defects put the lives of the people using these vehicles in danger. Hyundai, like several other large auto makers, does have the reputation of failing to report product defects and issuing prompt vehicle recalls. It's the consumer who ultimately pays for these auto makers' irresponsible behavior. Thousands of consumers pay for it with their lives! If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or if you have lost a loved one as a result of a defective car, please contact nationally renowned car product defect attorneys to find out how you can pursue your legal rights.

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