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.
Air bags, Sep 30, 2010
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD BOUT 25-30 MILES SWERVED (VERY SHARP) DIDN'T THINK IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUCH A SHARP TURN- ANYWAY SWERVED FROM HITTING A DEER- SO I DID ACCELERATE AND ENDED UP WITH A DIRECT FRONT HIT- CAR IS TOTALED- ACTUALLY LOST A PIECE OF WHAT HOLDS THE ENGINE UP THE BOLT IS BROKEN IN HALF-HOOD OF CAR CAN NOT BE OPENED - IMPACT THROUGH MY NECK AND BACK OUT- NO AIRBAGS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 30, 2010
CK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 3 TIMES TOOK IT TO DEALER SAID NO PROBLEMS JUST NEEDED TO RESET CODES??? ABOUT 2 YRS. LATER WAS DRIVING IN MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN SEPT. OF 2009- A VERY HOT DAY101-WITHOUT WARNING NO TEMP LIGHTS (NOTHING) I SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AT FIRST THOUGHT MAYBE HEAT WAVES- THEN CAR STARTED TO LOOSE POWER-PULLED OVER (VERY DANGEROUS) DUE TO LOOSING POWER ON THE HIGHWAY QUICKLY WITH MANY PEOPLE DUE TO FRI.-LABOR DAY WEEKEND 5PM- ANYWAY PULLED OVER TO SEE THAT CAR WAS SMOKING (WHITE SMOKE) ENGINE WAS SO HOT IT MELTED THE RADIATOR-WENT TO DEALER (BILL DUBE HYUNDAI) SAID WARRANTY JUST RAN OUT- BECAUSE CAR ENGINE WAS SEIZED AND DID NOT WORK PLUS THAT FACT THAT I STILL OWED SO MUCH MONEY ON BANK LOAN THEY COULD NOT POSSIBLY TRADE IT IN-SO I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AND RADIATOR AND STILL PAY BANK LOAN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2010
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, 138,000 MILES. WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 9/18/10, SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SMELL (BURNING), WHITE SMOKE FROM ENGINE, THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND TEMP GAUGE SHOWED EXTREMELY HOT - NO WARNING BEFORE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. MECHANIC SAYS PROBLEM WAS CLAMP IN RADIATOR THAT EITHER CORRODED OR SOMEHOW CAME OFF. RESULT IS THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE IS DAMAGED, AND WE HAVE TO REPLACE IT. MY CONCERNS ARE (1) THIS SEEMED TO HAPPEN WITH NO WARNING. THERE WAS NO LEAK OR SYMPTOMS OF PROBLEMS BEFORE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS IRREPARABLY DAMAGED. (2) WE HAD THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. SAME SCENARIO - DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, ENGINE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSED MUCH ENGINE DAMAGE. AT THAT TIME, WE WERE ABLE TO FIGHT FOR SOME WARRANTY COVERAGE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. NOW, WE ARE WELL PAST THE LIMITS OF THE WARRANTY. I JUST FIND IT EXTREMELY STRANGE THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN TWICE TO THE SAME VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Aug 26, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE AXLE FRACTURE FROM THE VEHICLE BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF A POTENTIAL RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000-SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL AND ANY FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,540.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 21, 2010
AFTER DRIVING MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS ABOUT 60 MILES ON AUG. 18, 2010 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO BE SERVICED AT A SHOP AND WAITED UNTIL THE NEXT DAY FOR THE PURGE VALVE AND THE CONTROL VALVE (BOTH ACQUIRED DIRECTLY FROM THE MANUFACTURER) TO BE REPLACED. 2.5 HRS LATER, APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, MY CAR BEGAN ACCELERATING DESPITE MY REPEATEDLY HITTING THE BRAKE. I PUT THE CAR INTO N, PULLED UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKE & CONTINUED TO REV/ACCELERATE UNTIL I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND CRUISED INTO AN EMPTY INTERSECTION. ABOUT A MINUTE LATER, I TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON AND WAITED TO SEE IF I COULD FEEL OR HEAR ANYTHING ODD. I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 0.5 MILE. I CONTACTED THE AUTO SHOP THAT REPLACED THE VALVE AND WAS TOLD IT DID NOT SOUND LIKE IT WAS ASSOCIATED WITH WHAT WAS FIXED BUT TO LET HIM KNOW AFTER I HAD ANOTHER SHOP LOOK AT IT (SINCE I WAS 1.5 HRS AWAY). I CALLED THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. WHILE WAITING FOR THE TRUCK, ABOUT AN HOUR LATER, I STARTED THE ENGINE SO MY FATHER COULD LISTEN TO THE ENGINE AND MY ENGINE REVVED TO 7000 RPM JUST TURNING IT ON. IT WAS IN PARK AT THE TIME. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED IT OFF AND DIDN'T ATTEMPT TO START IT AGAIN. UPON THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER'S ARRIVAL, I EXPLAINED WHAT HAD HAPPENED EACH TIME. HE STARTED THE CAR, REVERSED IT, PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN A THIRD TIME WHILE IN DRIVE. HE TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND LOADED IT ONTO THE TRUCK. UPON INVESTIGATING ANY CAUSES, HE TOLD ME HE CLEANED OUT THE THROTTLE AND IT WAS RUNNING FINE. HE TEST DROVE IT SEVERAL TIMES AND SAID THERE IS NO INDICATION OF THE PROBLEM HAPPENING AGAIN BUT OF COURSE CANNOT GUARANTEE IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS IS CLEARLY AN INDICATION THAT THE PROBLEM MAY NOT BE FIXED AND NOONE CAN TELL ME WHETHER ITS SAFE TO DRIVE OR NOT. I'M SCARED FOR MY OWN SAKE AND FOR THE SAKE OF MY 3 YOUNG CHILDREN. I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT FOR FEAR ANOTHER INCIDENT MAY OCCUR. *TR
Steering, Jul 28, 2010
WIFE WAS DRIVING ELANTRA, MADE HARD BRAKE FOR RED LIGHT. CONTROL ARM FAILED RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, APPROXIMATE SPEED AT FAILURE WAS 35 MPH. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT RESULTED FROM THIS INCIDENT, TOTAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 800. RESEARCHED ISSUE AND LEARNED THERE IS A RECALL OUT FOR 2001-2003 ELANTRA CONTROL ARMS, HOWEVER NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THIS RECALL OR HEARD ABOUT IT. LOCAL MECHANIC AND DEALERSHIP BOTH CONFIRMED SEVERE RUST THROUGH OF CONTROL ARMS. VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN NC AND NOT SUBJECT TO SALT, CONTROL ARMS RUSTED THROUGH ANYWAYS. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE PUBLICIZED BEFORE MORE PEOPLE DIE FROM HIGH SPEED CONTROL ARM FAILURE. I HAVE RESEARCHED ISSUE ONLINE AND BELIEVE THAT MANY ELANTRA FATAL CRASHES ATTRIBUTED TO "DRIVER ERROR" ACTUALLY RESULTED FROM CONTROL ARM FAILURE. *TR
Air bags, Jul 28, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE AN UNKNOWN CABLE WITHIN THE ONE OF THE FRONT SEATS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS LATER THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THIS WAS NOT A KNOWN FAILURE AND HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Suspension, Jun 19, 2010
I WAS DRIVING 11 MILES TO THE AIRPORT, INVOLVING 8 MILES OF 60 MPH FREEWAY DRIVING; THE REST WAS CITY DRIVING, 25-45 MPH WITH SEVERAL STOPS. AFTER I STOPPED AT THE SECURITY GATE AND PROCEEDED FORWARD, I HEARD A LOUD CRUNCHING THUD ON THE FRONT END; THE CAR SCREECHED TO A HALT; AND I THOUGHT I COLLIDED WITH A CONCRETE BLOCK OR A DEEP POTHOLE. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS TURNED NEARLY 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT, WHILE THE LEFT WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT. THE DRIVE SHAFT AND TIE ROD WERE HOLDING THE WHEEL ON THE CAR, BUT THE MAIN STRUCTURAL COMPONENT OF THE RIGHT FRONT END WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SNAPPED, APPARENTLY BECAUSE OF RUST AND CORROSION. MY CAR WAS PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTING THE PARKING LOT ENTRANCE AND COULD NOT BE MOVED. I INFORMED THE AIRPORT POLICE OF THE INCIDENT AND PROMISED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED OFF THE LOT WHEN I COMPLETED MY 3-HOUR SHIFT. I MET THE AIRPORT POLICE AND THE AAA TOW DRIVER AT 1:45 AM. THE BROKEN FRONT END MADE TOWING VERY DIFFICULT, AND SOME BODY DAMAGE RESULTED FROM THE WHEEL WELL AND FENDER RESTING ON THE TIRE IN TRANSIT. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE AAA SHOP AT 2AM. I RESEARCHED THE FRONT END FAILURE ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A PRODUCT RECALL ON THE FAILED PART. I CALLED 800-633-5151 AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FRONT END COULD HAVE KILLED ME, IF IT HAPPENED 5 MINUTES SOONER, SO I FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT. I WAS ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER AND ADVISED TO HAVE THE HYUNDAI DEALER INSPECT THE DAMAGE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT I WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT SAID IT WAS VERY LIKELY THAT HYUNDAI WOULD REPAIR THE CAR BASED ON "GOOD WILL." THE RECALL EXCLUDED NEBRASKA CARS, ALTHOUGH IT WAS PURCHASED IN MO AND DRIVEN TO WORK DAILY IN IOWA. MY LIFE WAS PLACED IN JEOPARDY BECAUSE I WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HOPEFULLY, HYUNDAI WILL ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR CORRECTING AN OBVIOUSLY DANGEROUS DEFECT FOUND IN ALL 2003 ELANTRAS. *TR
Suspension, Jun 9, 2010
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMERS STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM HYUNDAI AND TEN DAYS LATER, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE.
Suspension, May 21, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS, THE PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION OF THE FRAME AND CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
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
Suspension, May 10, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000, SUSPENSION, FRONT CONTROL ARM AND THE PART NEEDED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WAS CORRODED AND WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. TWO MONTHS FOLLOWING THE FAILURE, THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 89,000.
Suspension, May 3, 2010
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4DSD VIN # [XXX] ....I HAVE HAD A RECALL FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, SINCE 1/1/10, HERE IN SELDEN, NY 11784 FOR THE "SUSPENSION: FRONT CONTROL ARMS". I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL ON 4/1/10. THE DEALERSHIP AT HUSTED HYUNDAI AT 1752 MIDDLE COUNTRY ROAD CENTEREACH 11720 PH# 631-580-0800 INFORMED ME IT QUALIFIED FOR REPLACEMENT OF SAID SUSPENSION FRAME, BUT THE "PART(S) ARE NOT AVAILABLE". THEY DID NOT OFFER ME A LOANER VEHICLE OR ANY SHORT TERM REPLACEMENT PLAN. BEING THAT IT IS MY ONLY VEHICLE, I CANNOT LEAVE THE VEHICLE THERE WHILE THEY "WAIT FOR THE PARTS", AND I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO SIGN A DISCLAIMER OF "TAKING THE CAR AT MY OWN RISK" UNTIL THE PART(S) ARRIVE. I HAVE CALLED TODAY,5/3/10, AND THE PART(S) ARE NOT IN, AND THEY SAY THE DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL BE IN. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY, AND MY FAMILY'S, SAFETY IN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHILE IT IS DEEMED "UNSAFE" BY THE MANUFACTURER. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS THEY HAVE GIVEN ME NO OPTIONS BUT TO WAIT FOR THE PART TO COME IN, WHILE JEOPARDIZING MY SAFETY WITH THE CURRENT RECALL DUE TO BACK ORDER OF PARTS. IS THERE ANY AUTHORITATIVE OR GOVERNING ORGANIZATION THAT CAN HELP ME(AND OTHER RECALL CUSTOMERS) PROMPTLY RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI'S OBLIGATION TO RECALLS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Suspension, Apr 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT AND HEARD A NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO ENCOUNTER A POTHOLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SKID AND STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS POSITIONED AT AN ANGLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE CONTROL ARM ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.
Suspension, Apr 16, 2010
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA DRIVEN UNDER VARIOUS BUT PRIMARILY MODERATE CONDITIONS, PURCHASED AND ORIGINALLY RESIDING IN COASTAL VIRGINIA, TRAVELING OCCASIONALLY ANYWHERE FROM NEW YORK TO FLORIDA, RESIDING IN EASTERN ENGLAND FOR FOUR YEARS (OWNER WAS ACTIVE DUTY US MILITARY), AND NOW HAVING BEEN IN OKLAHOMA FOR TWO AND A HALF YEARS, RECENTLY EXCEEDING 90,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CAR HAS BEEN PRIMARILY HIGHWAY DRIVEN SINCE IN OKLAHOMA WITH SOME TRAVEL ON GRAVEL ROADS. SEVERAL FEET AFTER ENTERING A PARKING LOT, WITH WHEELS TURNED, THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED RESULTING IN THE TIRE CONTACTING THE CAR BODY AND COMING TO A SKIDDING HALT. NO SIGNIFICANT BODY DAMAGE OCCURRED, THOUGH LOADING ONTO A TOW TRUCK WITHOUT FURTHER DAMAGE WAS DIFFICULT. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP REPAIR FACILITY BUT THEY SHOW NO RECALL FOR THE ITEM. AT THIS TIME I (THE OWNER) AM ASSUMING THIS IS BECAUSE THE PURCHASE AND REGISTERED STATE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 3, 2010
HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT. I HAVE REPLACED 10 DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHTS AND 2 PASSENGER HEADLIGHTS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2003. THE DEALER SAYS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 18, 2010
MY CONCERN WITH MY 2003 ELANTRA IS WITH THE SAFETY OF REAR BRAKING SYSTEM ON THE CAR. ON OCT 23, 2003 I HAD THE SERVICE PERFORMED FOR THE RECALL 31B03R1 BRAKE CAMPAIGN 061. AT 10,834 MILES. ON OCT 7, 2007 I HAD REGULAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSH AT 45,072 MILES. ON JULY 8, 2008 BOTH REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING AN HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSH AGAIN. AT 51887 MILES. ON MARCH 13, 2010 BOTH REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS WERE FOUND AGAIN TO BE LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 64,638 MILES. I HAVE HAD MY CAR SERVICED AT REGULAR 3,000 MILE INTERVALS WITH ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE DONE AT MY DEALERSHIP. MY CONCERN IS THE SAFETY OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON THIS CAR,LEAKING WHEEL CYLINDERS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 13,000 MILE INTERVALS SEEMS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. *TR
Suspension, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF THE STEERING CONTROL. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SUB AXLE EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION NOT UNTIL FEBRUARY 25, 2010; CONCERNING SUCH A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Feb 16, 2010
CAR WOULD NOT GO IN GEAR. WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. DEALER SAID TRANSMISSION WAS SHOT. WOULD NOT FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY CLAIM IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE WHEELS SPINNING IN THE SNOW. THE CAR WAS NEVER SPUN AS IT WAS ON CLEARED ROADS. THEY SAID TIRES SHOW SPINNING WEAR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. DEALER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WITH A REBUILD TRANNY. I THINK WE ARE GETTING THE RUN AROUND ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Jan 5, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000, SUSPENSION, FRONT CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AND WAS DISPLEASED THAT HE INCURRED A SERVICE FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF $83.43. THERE WAS A CONCERN OF THE RECALL NOTIFICATION NOT INDICATING THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE REMEDY REPAIR. UPDATED 2/17/10 *CN UPDATED 02/22/10.*JB
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.
Suspension, Dec 18, 2009
ON JUNE 12, 2009 I PURCHASED A USED 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. ON JULY 27, 2009 THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THE WHEEL FELL OFF. I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN KALAMAZOO, MI ABOUT REPAIRS AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO WARRANTY OR COVERAGE FOR REPAIRS. I HAD THE PARTS REPAIRED BY MY MECHANIC AT MY EXPENSE FOR $484.06. ON AUGUST 27, 2009 I RECEIVED A RECALL CAMPAIGN 091 NOTICE FROM THE PREVIOUS OWNER SENT BY HYUNDAI MOTORS ADVISING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM PROBLEMS AND ADVISING TO HAVE IT FIXED AT A DEALER OR SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE BEFORE RECEIVING NOTICE. I THEN FILED A CLAIM WITH HYUNDAI MOTORS OF $484.06 WITH ALL PAPERWORK ON AUGUST 29, 2009 SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. TO THIS DATE AND MANY CALLS TO HYUNDAI MOTORS I AM TOLD THEY ARE STILL REVIEWING THE CLAIM AND IT WILL BE ANOTHER 6-8 WEEKS. I FEEL I AM GETTING A RUN AROUND AND WILL NOT BE PROPERLY REIMBURSED UNDER THE RECALL LAW. *TR
Power train, Dec 14, 2009
I OWN A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH THE BRAKES ON THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 4 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY BREAKING AGAIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 97000. I HAD A 90000 MILE CHECK UP AND MAINTENANCE ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. THIS HAS OCCURRED ONCE SINCE THEN. IF I WAS ANY CLOSER TO THE CAR IN FRONT THAN 1 CAR LENGTH I WOULD HAVE HIT IT. I AM GETTING IT CHECKED BY THE DEALER THIS FRIDAY. *TR
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
Steering, Dec 10, 2009
POWER STEERING FAILURE. 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CORROSION OF POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE. *TR