2003 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 234 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 42 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 33 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, control armApr 16, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 160,904 MY 2001-2003 ELANTRA AND MY 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. ROAD SALT USED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IN THESE JURISDICTIONS 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.
THE FRACTURING OF THE CONTROL ARM COULD AN OWNER'S CONTROL OVER THEIR VEHICLE THAT MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 BEGAN ON AUGUST 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V125000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 26, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY" A VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE ROLLS OVER AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.
Campaign 04V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyApr 9, 2004
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 04V178000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 3, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE TUBES FOR THE REAR BRAKES CAN CONTACT THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS.
CONTACT BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY RESULT IN REAR BRAKE TUBE WEAR AND CORROSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE REAR BRAKE TUBES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 03V496000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJul 22, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES PASS BEHIND THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER. TWO STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO THE CROSSMEMBER. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), THE REAR BRAKE TUBES COULD CONTACT BOTH STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS. ON VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH ABS, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES MAY CONTACT ONLY THE LEFT MOUNTING BRACKET. CONTACT BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE STEERING BRACKETS COULD CAUSE WEAR AND CORROSION THAT COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES SO THEY DO NOT CONTACT THE MOUNTING BRACKETS, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS TO CONTROL THE LOCATION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE TUBES IN THE AREAS WHERE CONTACT WITH THE MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY HAVE OCCURRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 03V257000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: structure
32 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Air bags, Structure, Oct 21, 2023
Live in Indiana where the weather is super salty in the winters and all of the salt in Indiana has really really affected the whole underside of my car. The whole subframe is falling apart and the rust has gotten to everything under the car. I have spent about 4 thousand dollars into this car doing all the work myself to make this car run In pristine conditions. I am very very worried that my whole back end will just fall apart going down the road due to the rust.
Suspension, Structure, May 16, 2023
*The rear sub-frame assembly nearly rusted through. Steering and Handling noticebly effected with rear of vehicle feeling soft and sluggish in turns. *The vehicle is available for inspection and was brought to my attention when the mechanic was beginning rear brake maintenance. *The mechanic is a licensed mechanic and the Repair shop is a licensed service facility. *The mechanic called me and asked me to return to the shop to show me the extent of the rust damage, to which I did return to the shop to examine his findings. I did take photos. *There were no warning lamps or messages. The symptoms were as described above.
Suspension, Structure, Apr 17, 2021
MY REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTING SO BADLY THE REAR SUSPENSION IS FALLING APART.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 14, 2019
OUR 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IS SUFFERING FROM SEVERE CORROSION ON THE SUBFRAME/UNIBODY, A PROBLEM FOR WHICH A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT WAS APPROVED (SEE THE FOLLOWING LINK HTTP://SALTBELTCORROSION.HYUNDAIUSA.COM/ FOR DETAILS REGARDING THE CIRULLI V. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA SETTLEMENT, WHICH REACHED FINAL APPROVAL ON MAY 25, 2011). THE SETTLEMENT PROVIDED REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI PERFORMED A "RUSTPROOFING/WAX" REPAIR IN 2010 ON THIS CAR, AS WELL AS A SUBFRAME REPAIR/REPLACEMENT IN 2015 (WHICH IS CONSIDERED BY HYUNDAI TO HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM AS ORIGINALLY DESCRIBED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT), WE BELIEVE THAT THE DEFECT AS DESCRIBED IN THE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT WAS IN FACT NOT RECTIFIED, AND THUS CONSISTS OF A FAILURE OF RECALL REPAIR. IN FACT, IT WOULD SEEM THAT ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI DID REPLACE ALL OR A PORTION OF THE SUBFRAME IS 2015, THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM HAS RE-OCCURRED ON THE CAR WITHIN LESS THAN 5 YEARS, AND IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE (IF THE SUBFRAME COLLAPSES UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR, THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS RISKS OF INJURY TO ANY PASSENGERS ON BOARD). THE DEEP SUBFRAME CORROSION ITSELF WAS ONLY NOTICED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC MORE THAN A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE FROM ITS SECOND OWNER AND IS EVIDENCED BY THE ATTACHED PICTURES. IN SUMMARY, ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA CONSIDERS THAT THE CORROSION PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN CIRULLI V. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA SETTLEMENT WAS REPAIRED SUCCESSFULLY IN 2015 ON THE CAR CORRESPONDING TO THE VIN NUMBER ATTACHED TO THIS COMPLAINT, WE BELIEVE THAT IT CONSISTED OF A FAILED RECALL REPAIR, AND THAT IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION AT THEIR EXPENSE. ALSO ATTACHED IS A PDF SHOWING A DESCRIPTION OF THE CORROSION WITHIN A LARGER ESTIMATE, WHICH WAS AUTHORED BY THE SAME SHOP THAT TOOK THE PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE'S CORRODED SUBFRAME.
Air bags, Structure, Jun 3, 2018, crash
I HAD A WRECK TODAY ON A HIGHWAY WHERE I WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. MY CHEST RAMMED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.THE CAR WAS TOTALLY SMASHED IN THE FRONT AND THE DOOR HAD A HARD TIME OPENING. I WAS RUSHED TO THE ER AND HAD CONTUSIONS TO MY STERNUM AREA OF MY CHEST. *I DID WEAR SEAT BELTS.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 29, 2018
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM CORROSION RECALL REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 30, 2016
THE WHOLE REAR METAL BEAM HOLDING THE REAR SUSPENSION RUSTED OUT AND FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING SENT CSRD INTO A SPIN BEFORE WE GOT IT STOPPED COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 70 FROM WARRENTON TO WENTZVILLE MO YESTERDAY MOURNING AT 5:30 AM. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Sep 30, 2014
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL AND THE STRUT/AXLE BROKE AND CAUSED HER TO SKID OFF THE RODE, LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT INJURED AND WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP IN AN EMPTY LOT. THE TIRE WAS RUINED AND THE FENDER WAS ALSO DAMAGED. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THIS FIXED AT THE REPAIR SHOP, FOR JUST UNDER $500, HOWEVER NOW THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO THE SUBFRAME BEING DETERIORATED. UPON RESEARCHING THE COST TO REPLACE THIS, I FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL RECALLS, AND WOW BOTH OF THESE WERE ON THE LIST. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE VEHICLE IS 2003 AND WE ARE NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. I AM CONCERNED NOW THAT THE OTHER RECALLS MAY ALSO AFFECT THEIR VEHICLE. THE SAFETY OF MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON IS TOP PRIORITY. WHAT CAN YOU HELP ME WITH. CAN WE STILL USE THE RECALL TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED? *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Structure, Jun 17, 2014, crash
I HAD A LOW SPEED ACCIDENT APPROXIMATELY 10-20MPH IN A PARKING LOT WHERE I HIT A CEMENT SURROUNDING OF A POLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD, BUSTED THE DASH VENTS, LOCKED MY DRIVERS SEATBELT AND SHATTERED WINDSHIELD GLASS ALL OVER THE CAR. *TR
Structure, May 9, 2014
I WENT TO HAVE MY CAR LOOKED AT BECAUSE OF THE RATTLING NOISE AND THE POPPING WHEN I BRAKE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO REPLACE MY SUBFRAME. I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT MY CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN 2011 THE SAME YEAR I HAD BOUGHT IT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 9, 2014
IN 2009, A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR RUST/CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS OF THESE VEHICLES (RECALL 091 PER HYUNDAI). WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS AND TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL DEALER IN 2011. HOLES WERE DRILLED AND THE CAR "PASSED" WITHOUT NEED TO REPLACE ANYTHING. A "PROTECTIVE COATING" WAS APPLIED. ON SATURDAY, MAY 3, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AND PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. HE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AS HE BACKED OUT, THEN HEARD SOMETHING BREAK AND THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. WE COULDN'T EVEN PUSH THE CAR BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE, AS THE TIRE/ARM APPEARED TO BE DETACHED. WE FOUND OUT THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY, ALSO CAUSING DAMAGE OF THE AXLE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN FIRST TO OUR MECHANIC AND THEN THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE SAME RECALLED PART HAD RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING THE BREAK. THE CAR WAS FIXED BY HYUNDAI, INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF BOTH CONTROL ARMS. I'M JUST VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAVE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSED A CRASH AND SERIOUS INJURY. WE HAD NO IDEA OF THE RISK, ALTHOUGH WE DID HAVE A BAD WINTER WITH A LOT OF ROAD SALT USED SO I'M NOT SURPRISED. I AM SURPRISED, THOUGH, THAT IT WAS NEVER ADVISED TO RETURN AND HAVE THIS RE-CHECKED. I CALLED HYUNDAI'S CARE MANAGEMENT DEPT AND THE PERSON I SPOKE WITH ([XXX]) DENIED THIS ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL AND SAID IT MUST HAVE BEEN REPAIRED ONLY AS A COURTESY. I STRONGLY DISAGREE BY WHAT I HEARD FROM THE MECHANIC. I WANTED TO MAKE YOU AWARE AS I'M SURE THE SAFETY OF MANY IS AT RISK IF THIS A RESULT OF A RECALLED PART AND THEY ARE UN-KNOWINGLY AT RISK AFTER THIS BAD WINTER. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 27, 2014
THANKFULLY NO INCIDENT, MY MECHANIC POINTED OUT TO ME DURING NORMAL MAINTENANCE ON THE CAR, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SEVERE CORROSION DAMAGE THAT ITS ALMOST SPLIT HE ADVISED NOT TO TAKE IT ON THE HIGHWAY UNTIL IT WAS FIXED. HE PRINTED OUT THE RECALL NOTICE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. HYUNDAI IS GIVING ME PUSH BACK ON TAKING CARE OF IT BECAUSE IM NOT IN THE SALT BELT. I AM NOT IN A SALT FREE STATE THEY SALT HEAR AT THE THREAT OF FLURRIES. THAT KIND OF DAMAGE IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON A CAR THAT'S UNDER 60K MILES. I DON'T WANT THE WORLD I JUST WANT THEM TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT HAD MY MECHANIC NOT POINTED IT OUT I COULD HAVE PUT MYSELF OR OTHERS IN DANGER IF THIS SNAPPED AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. I CANT BE THE ONLY ONE OUTSIDE OF THE SALT BELT THAT IS HAVING THIS ISSUE AND MAY BE IN DANGER IF IT SEPARATES. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN. *TR
Structure, Dec 17, 2011
I WAS DRIVING, CAME TO A STOP. I THEN BEGAN GOING AROUND 35 MPH THE HOOD ON THE CAR CAME OPEN. I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD. I STOPPED THE CAR ONLY TO REALIZE THE HOOD WAS DAMAGED. THE HOOD WAS DENTED AND THE FENDERS WERE DAMAGED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES. I HAD TO POUND THE HOOD AND FENDERS OUT JUST TO GET THE HOOD CLOSED. WHEN I GOT HOME THE HOOD LATCH WAS NOT WORKING. I THEN NOTICED THAT THE CRACKS IN THE WINDSHIELD WERE 5 TO 6 INCHES LONG. THE HOOD NEEDS REPLACED, ALSO THE WINDSHIELD NEEDS REPLACED, THE FENDERS NEED FIXED ALSO. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 19, 2010
AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA OUT OF WORK, THE STRUCTURAL METAL COMPONENT THAT CONNECTS TO THE FRONT, PASSENGER SIDE TIRE (OR REFERRED TO AS LOWER ARM OR A-FRAME) SNAPPED AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND STOPPED MOVING IMMEDIATELY. THE TIRE WAS ESSENTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, FRONT BUMPER AND WHEEL COVER. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT ON A MAIN ROAD YET IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC DRIVING 40-50 MPH OR I AM CERTAIN THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT WHEN I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THIS LATENT STRUCTURAL DEFECT. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER TO BE EXAMINED AND TOOK PHOTOS OF THE CONDITION OF THE RUSTED METAL CONTROL ARM THAT HAD SNAPPED. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON RECALLS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A 4/2009 RECALL IN CERTAIN STATES WITH HEAVY WINTERS AND USE OF SALT TO CLEAR ROADS, ETC. MY STATE (NEBRASKA) WAS NOT LISTED AS AN AFFECTED STATED BUT ALL OF THE SURROUNDING STATES (I.E. IOWA, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, COLORADO, WISCONSIN) WERE. NEBRASKA HAS JUST AS MUCH SNOW OR MORE SNOW THAN IOWA IN MY OPINION. THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN OMAHA, NE WHICH IS RIGHT ON THE BORDER OF IOWA. I BELIEVE THIS WILL ALSO BE A PROBLEM IN NEBRASKA AND SURROUNDING STATES POSSIBLY. IF THIS CONTROL ARM SNAPS WHILE SOMEONE IS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE OR OTHER ROADS AT HIGHER SPEEDS, SOMEONE WILL BE SERIOUSLY INJURED. I AM EVEN MORE UPSET BY THE FACT THAT MY ONE YEAR OLD SON VERY WELL COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NOT GOOD. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE ONLY DAMAGE WAS TO THE VEHICLE ITSELF. THE DEALER CALLED TODAY AND THEY EXPLAINED WE ARE NOT A PART OF THE RECALL BUT THE EVIDENCE IS PRETTY OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM AND THEY ARE TRYING TO USE ARBITRARY STATE BOUNDARIES TO GET OUT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. WE ALSO CARRY A FULL WARRANTY UNTIL 2013 ON THE VEHICLE SO WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. *TR
Structure, Dec 21, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP FOR A STOP LIGHT THE AXLE, CONTROL ARM, AND BALL JOINT FRACTURED AND THE TIRE SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT SUB-FRAME CORROSION CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ASKED FOR ALL INVOICES OF THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THAT THE SUB-FRAME HAD CORRODED. HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE PARTS WERE ORDERED FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Dec 13, 2009
DURING SERVICE ON 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT TO REPAIR THE SUBFRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS DUE TO CORROSION DAMAGE (THIS WAS PART OF RECALL CAMPAIGN), THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE 2 HOSES TO AND FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP WERE CORRODED AND LEAKING. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE DEALER BROKE THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF THE LEAK. BOTH THE HIGH PRESSURE AND RETURN HOSES HAD CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *TR
Structure, Apr 15, 2009
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. BROUGHT IN TO TIRE DEALER TO HAVE SNOW TIRES REMOVED, WAS SHOWN THAT BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND FRONT FRAME WERE DANGEROUSLY ROTTED. TOOK VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI. THEY SAY IT IS PARTIALLY COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WILL INCUR $250 OUT OF POCKET COSTS. CAR HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Structure, Apr 3, 2009
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH ON 3-18-09. NO WARNING. GOING 30 MPH IN VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC. FELT LIKE WE FELL INTO A BIG POTHOLE AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. HAPPENED VERY CLOSE TO POLICE STATION SO THEY HELPED BUT NO REPORT MADE. WAS LATE SO CAR TOWED TO HOUSE THEN TO DEALERSHIP IN MORNING. NO INJURIES (2 ADULTS AND 2 SMALL CHILDREN IN VEHICLE). OTHER DAMAGE- FRONT AXLE BROKE, DAMAGE TO WHEEL WELL, FRONT BUMPER, WIPER FLUID RESERVOIR AND OTHER INCIDENTAL PARTS. ALL FIXED BY HYUNDAI INCLUDING BODY DAMAGE AND PAINT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS TO HAVE EXAMINED DRIVERS SIDE ARM AND STATED IT WAS "FINE". WE DO NOT TRUST THIS AND ARE HAVING IT LOOKED AT BY ANOTHER MECHANIC. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 6, 2009
I OWN A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT THAT CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 58000 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING HOME, WHEN I WAS APPROX 2 MILES AWAY I NOTICED THAT THE CAR STARTED TO PULL TO ONE SIDE A BIT. THINKING IT WAS A FLAT, I DROVE SLOW FOR THE REMAINING MILE OR SO AND WHEN I WAS ABOUT 200 YARDS FROM MY DESTINATION, THE FRONT END DROPPED AND THE CAR STOPPED. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION, IT LOOKS LIKE THE FRAME WHERE THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE MEETS THE STEERING ROD COMPLETELY ROTTED THROUGH AND BROKE. AFTER LOOKING ON THE WEB, IT SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO INVESTIGATION PE09011. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 28, 2008
I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL TO A STOP SIGN (FROM ABOUT 20MPH), AND PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, AT WHICH POINT I HEARD AN AWFUL CRUNCH NOISE, AND THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER OF MY CAR JOLTED, SHOOK, AND SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS GRINDING TOGETHER. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO LOOK AT THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL, AND SAW THAT IT WAS TURNED IN TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE CAR, AND BENT UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR, ABOUT 1/4" AWAY FROM THE BACK OF THE WHEEL WELL, WHILE MY OTHER FRONT WHEEL WAS AIMED STRAIGHT AHEAD. I DROVE THE CAR 100 FEET TO A SAFE PLACE OFF THE STREET, DURING WHICH TRIP THE STEERING WHEEL TRIED TO SPIN WILDLY IN VARIOUS DIRECTIONS, AND THE CRUNCHING, JOLTING NOISES AND MOTIONS CONTINUED. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE, SO I CALLED A FLATBED TOW TRUCK, WHO TOWED IT TO MY MECHANIC.. WHEN THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, HE DETERMINED THAT THE CONTROL ARM HAD COMPLETELY SNAPPED IN HALF, AS A RESULT OF RUST CORROSION FROM THE INSIDE OUT. VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE CONTROL ARM CONFIRMED THAT THE METAL IT IS CONSTRUCTED OUT OF WAS CORRODED DOWN TO A THICKNESS OF APPROXIMATELY 5 OR 6 SHEETS OF PAPER. WATER KICKED UP FROM WET ROADS BY THE TIRES HAD GOTTEN INSIDE THE CONTROL ARM (THROUGH A FAULTY SEAL) AND, AS THERE ARE NO DRAINAGE HOLES IN THE CONTROL ARM, IT REMAINED INSIDE, EATING AWAY AT THE METAL UNTIL FINALLY THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR SNAPPED THE ARM IN HALF. THIS FAILURE OF THE CONTROL ARM ALSO WRECKED THE SUSPENSION OF THE CAR, AS WELL AS THE CV SHAFT, THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE, AND THE SWAY BAR LINKS. THE CONTROL ARM, THE CV SHAFT, AND THE SWAY BAR LINKS HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED, AND THE CAR NEEDED A REALIGNMENT. *TR
Structure, May 8, 2008
A TRUCK STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING, IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT MY BRAKES AND TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISON, MY CAR FELT LIKE IT HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CHECKED AND THERE WAS NO FLAT, BUT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS NOT GOING STRAIGHT AS THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE A-FRAME HAD RUSTED AND SNAPPED. I HAD THE A-FRAME REPLACED, AND THE MECHANIC ALSO CHECKED OUT THE A-FRAME ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR, AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO RUST OR DAMAGE ON THAT SIDE. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Oct 26, 2005
CONSUMER 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS A DESIGN FLAW, IN THE POSITIONING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ITS PROXIMITY TO THE GAS PEDAL. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *TS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BACKED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY INTO THE CURBSIDE MAILBOX. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE BUCKED AND HIT A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THEM. THE CONSUMER NOTICED HOW THE PEDAL WAS CONSIDERABLY HIGHER AND NOT AS CLOSE TO THE GAS PEDAL. *SC
Structure, Jun 27, 2005
THE CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE WHISTLING SOUND WHEN TRAVEL AT SPPEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH. THE NOISE IS DISTRACTING
Structure, Oct 5, 2004
THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED VIA E-MAIL. "I HAVE BEEN HURT ON 4 OCCASIONS BY THE TRUNK LID OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN THE TRUNK LID DOES NOT OPEN ALL THE WAY UP AND BACK. THIS IS COMPLICATED BY THE FACT THE LOCK ON THE LID STICKS OUT (PROTRUDES). THIS IS THE PIECE THAT HAS HIT THE TOP OF MY HEAD WHEN I FORGOT ABOUT IT AND TRIED TO PUT OR TAKE THINGS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE TRUNK. I AM 5 FEET 6 INCHES TALL. I DON'T SEE HOW ANYONE OF MY HEIGHT CAN AVOID IT IN IT'S CURRENT CONFIGURATION. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD. I AM TRIED OF GETTING INJURED.*AK
Structure, Feb 14, 2004
CLEAR COAT ON TRUNK AND HOOD CRACKING.*AK