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
234 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Jul 9, 2013
IN THE PAST 6 WEEKS, I HAVE DROVE MY CAR MAYBE 5 TIMES BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP SO MANY TIME FOR DEFAULT BRAKES. ONCE IT SEEMS TO BE FIXED, THEY STARTING SMOKING. SO IT GOES BACK IN THE SHOP FOR ANOTHER WEEK. THEN I GET IT BACK, AND I DON'T HAVE ANY BRAKES. GOES BACK IN SHOP, GET IT BACK AND THEN MY CALIPERS STICK AGAIN AND CAUSE MY BRAKES TO SMOKE. I HAVE NOT HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN SITTING ON MY DRIVEWAY AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT, NOR IS IT EVEN DRIVABLE BECAUSE IT IS PROBABLY GOING TO SET ON FIRE. I HAVE ABOUT $2000 DUMPED INTO THIS CAR DUE TO DEFAULT EQUIPMENT ON THE CAR, WHICH THE RECALL PEOPLE CLAIM IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR CAMPAIGNS, SO THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM CHECK IT OUT. THEY FOUND I NEED NEW BRAKE SEALS, CALIPERS ON ALL 4 SIDES AND NEW ROADERS (THAT WE JUST REPLACE A MONTH AGO BRAND NEW) BECAUSE THEY ARE WORN DOWN SO MUCH DUE TO THE CALIPERS STICKING, LOCKING UP AND SMOKING ONCE A WEEK FOR THE PAST MONTH. I WORK A FULL TIME JOB AND A PART TIME JOB TO PAY OFF MY COLLEGE LOANS. I CANNOT KEEP PUTTING MONEY INTO A 2003 CAR THAT I HAVE ONLY HAD FOR A YEAR. IT IS NOT WORTH ME SPENDING ANOTHER $600 TO REPLACE THE BRAKE SYSTEM AGAIN FOR A CAR WHO HAS SO MANY RECALLS ON IT, I CAN'T COUNT ON BOTH OF MY HANDS. SINCE I AM A NEW OWNER, DON'T YOU THINK I WOULD OF RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICES IN THE MAIL? YEAH, THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED. I DO HAVE A LAWYER AND I WILL NOT BE AFRAID TO GIVE HER A CALL BECAUSE MY CAR IS COMPLEXLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND BY THE TIME I AM DONE FIXING ALL THESE PROBLEMS (THAT ARE ON THE LIST OF RECALLS) THIS CAR WILL BE ALMOST A $10,000 CAR WHICH I ONLY PAID $5000 FOR. *TR
Suspension, May 1, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH AND COMPLETED A U-TURN WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED BY THE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS RUSTING), HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Apr 29, 2013
DURING A RAPID STOP AT LOW SPEED THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM SNAPPED RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSTEERABLE. HAD THIS OCCURED AT HIGHER SPEED IT IS LIKELY THAT SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY WOULD HAVE ALSO OCCURED. *TR
Suspension, Jan 7, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING OUT OF PARKING SPOT AT WORK THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF CAR DROPPED. GOT OUT AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT WHEEL HAD FOLDED UNDER CAR. AFTER FURTHER CHECKING FOUND THAT THAT CONTROL ARM HAD BROKEN AND FLUID POURING OUT FROM UNDER CAR. WAS INFORMED BY FELLOW WORKER THAT THIS CAR HAD A RECALL ON CONTROL ARMS.I CHECKED INTO PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN ADDRESSED BUT THE ARMS WERE NOT REPLACED.I AM THE SECOND OWER OF THIS CAR. THE ARMS WERE WAXED AND DRILLED BUT IT LOOKS LIKE IT DIDN'T TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM.MILEAGE ON THE CAR AT TIME OF WAXING WAS 113,715 MILES .IM JUST GLAD THAT I WASN'T OUT ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. WILL HYUNDAI TAKE CARE OF THIS FOR ME AND HOW MANY MORE CARS ARE OUT THERE WITH SAME ISSUE? *TR
Service brakes, Jan 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND CAUSED ALL THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS ALSO SEVERE SUB-FRAME RUST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Suspension, Dec 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME SLIGHTLY UNCONTROLLABLE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS BENT INWARD, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM) AND WAS TREATED WITH RUST PROOFING MATERIAL. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS ALREADY RUST PRESENT BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FRONT CONTROL ARM UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2012
MY CAR PROBLEMS STARTED APPROXIMATELY 6-8 MOS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR STARTING, ENGINE, RADIATOR, GASKET, ALTERNATOR, AND FUEL SECTOR JUST TO NAME A FEW ISSUES. OVER THE YEARS, I HAD THIS VEHICLE IN AND OUT OF MECHANIC SHOP & HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS. THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW, AND I LEFT OFF OF THE LOT WITH NO MORE THAN 10 MILES ON IT. I AM FURIOUS BECAUSE I KNEW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A LEMON, HOWEVER THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP KEPT FIGHTING ME ON THE CLAIM. AFTER 9 YRS. WITH THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE SPEND APPROX. AS MUCH THE VEHICLE, JUST ON REPAIR ALONE. I CONTACTED THE BBB AND HYUNDAI ABOUT MY CONCERNS AND WOULD LIKE FOR MY CLAIM TO BE REVIEWED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE CAR FAX REPORT WILL SHOW EVERY REPAIR ON MY VEHICLE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT[XXX] OR [XXX]. THANK YOU FOR ADDRESSING MY CONCERN. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Jun 11, 2012
AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF A STORES PARKING LOT TO ENTER A MAIN STREET, I TURNED LEFT AT THE INTERSECTION , AND AS THE CAR WAS ABOUT ONE FOURTH IN THE INTERSECTION I HEARD A NOISE, SUCH AS WHEN A CAR HITS A ROAD HOLE, AND THE CAR STOPPED BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUE TO RUN. THE MAIN STREET WAS DOUBLE LANE, AND THE CAR COMING TOWARDS MY DRIVER SIDE WAS ABLE TO STOP. I BELIEVE THAT IF HE HAD COME FASTER I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT. THE CAR DID NOT MOVE FURTHER , NEITHER FORWARDS OR REVERSE. SO I STEPPED OUT AND SAW THE PASSENGER WHEEL POINTING TO THE RIGHT INSTEAD OF THE LEFT, AND SO A PIECE OF METAL FRAME TORN APART. LATER THAT NIGHT I UNDERSTOOD THAT IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM. *TR
Suspension, Jan 22, 2012
I WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN I HEARD A NOISE AND FELT MY CAR JOLT. I GOT OUT AND MY PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SNAPPED OFF THE CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE PEDAL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 21, 2011
DURING HOT WEATHER, ABOVE 100 DEGREES AND AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF DRIVING, MY ELANTRA WILL FEEL LIKE SOMEONE IS PUMPING THE GAS PEDDLE. IT IS HARD TO MAINTAIN A STEADY SPEED. IT IS HARD TO GET TO DEALER WITH PROBLEM PRESENT, BECAUSE IF CAR IS TURNED OFF PROBLEM GOES AWAY. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, PROBLEM STILL THERE. PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. WHEN THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS AND THE CAR IS PULLED INTO GARAGE, A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS IS PRESENT. MY FEAR IS THAT THE CAR WILL CATCH FIRE OR EXPLODE. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI, BUT THEY APPEAR NOT TO CARE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 21, 2011
CAR WOULD NOT IDLE OR RUN PROPERLY. TOOK CAR TO AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP AND THEY FOUND THAT ALMOST THE ENTIRE GASOLINE FROM TANK TO ENGINE HAD RUSTED AND WAS LEAKING VERY BADLY. WAS TOLD THAT CAR COULD EASILY HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT UP. *KB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 18, 2011
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS FILLING THE GASOLINE TANK EVERY TIME I HAVE TO PUT GAS. IT TRIGGERS THE NOZZLE EVERY 30 SECONDS AND IT TAKES ME ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES TO FILL UP TANK. STILL WORKING ON THE PROBLEM *KB
Suspension, Apr 1, 2011
8/11/2009, MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE DRIVING A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA DOWN A SMALL STREET IN CHICAGO WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AT THE BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT . THE TIRE THEN CAME AWAY FROM THE ASSEMBLY AND WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE. IN OCTOBER OF 2009, I BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL REGARDING THIS AND FILED A COMPLAINT HERE AND HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CONTROL ARM. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER WHO SIMPLY "ADDED A PLUG KIT AND RUST PREVENTATIVE." AN INSPECTION OF THE SUBFRAME DID NOT OCCUR AT THAT TIME; WHICH SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED SINCE A CONTROL ARM HAD ALREADY FRACTURED AND THE RECALL C/091 CALLS FOR THIS INSPECTION, AS WELL AS REPAIR AND. OR REPLACEMENT OF ANY PARTS ATTACHED TO THESE ASSEMBLIES. ON 3/28/2011 , WHILE HAVING SOME BRAKE AND TIRE WORK DONE, A LOCAL GOODYEAR DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTICED SEVERE CORROSION ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CONTROL ARM AS WELL AS THE SUBFRAME. I IMMEDIATELY HAD THE CONTROL ARM REPLACED DUE TO MY NEAR FATAL PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE. I HAVE THE ORIGINAL CONTROL DRIVERS SIDE CONTROL ARM IN MY POSSESSION, AS WELL AS SEVERAL PHOTOS OF MY SUBFRAME. PLEASE PASS THIS COMPLAINT ALONG TO HYUNDAI FOR REVIEW.I HAVE ALREADY SPOKEN TO THE ATTORNEYS IN THE CIRULLI,D'ELIA CASE #[XXX] AND THEY URGED ME TO TRY TO DISCUSS THIS WITH HYUNDAI . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Mar 31, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. HE STATED NO ONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON CONSTANTLY SINCE FEBRUARY 2011. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,500.
Steering, Feb 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR WHEEL ALIGNMENTS BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE ROADS WERE CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Seat belts, Jan 27, 2011
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT AND DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY DUE TO FAILURE TO RETRACT, LEAVING DRIVER UNPROTECTED. *TR
Air bags, Dec 15, 2010, crash
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION, TOTALING SAID VEHICLE, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE AS THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. HOWEVER, HYUNDAI MOTORS NEVER CAME TO INSPECT THE CAR, DESPITE BEING GIVEN AMPLE NOTICE. THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN SCRAPED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 9, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EMIT SMOKE AND STALLED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE DEALER FIRST REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AND ENGINE BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AGAIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR A THIRD TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND SHIFTED INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.
Seat belts, Nov 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT BACK TO THE ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER IN WAS USED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $391 TO REPLACE A PART OF THE SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,841.
Air bags, Oct 22, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH AND SWERVED IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. WHEN THE CONTACT SWERVED, HE CRASHED INTO A ROCK HEAD ON; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS HELD ONTO THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO FIND OUT WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. OVER TIME THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMING APART AND THAT THE AIR BAG WAS EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WANTS TO KNOW WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85000. UPDATED 01/12/11*LJ UPDATED 03/28/11
Air bags, Oct 1, 2010, crash
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY *TGW THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB
Equipment, Sep 30, 2010
BOUGHT A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA- NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI OR THE DEALER OF ANY RECALLS-THESE RECALLS WERE DANGEROUS AND I DRIVE A HANDICAP GENTLEMAN TO AND FROM WK. 5 X WEEK- I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *TR