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.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE PARKED THE RPM'S INCREASED TO 7000 AND WOULD NOT DECREASE UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 77246.
Suspension, Nov 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST AND A CRACK. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Suspension, Oct 21, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. SHE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM) AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2009, SINCE THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000.
Suspension, Oct 13, 2009
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS HAD ISSUES WITH HYUNDAI SAFETY RECALL NOTICE: 09V125000: FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT 21 ST AND ASHLAND IN CHICAGO, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AWAY . THE CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED CLOSE TO THE SCENE , AS THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE; AND HAD TO BE TOWED BY ALLSTATE MOTOR CLUB TO THE NEAREST SHOP. I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR THE TOW AND THE REPAIR. *TR
Suspension, Oct 5, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, HE EXPERIENCED SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS IN THE PROCESS OF DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. ALSO HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL #09V125000 (SUSPENSION;FRONT;CONTROL ARM). HOWEVER, HIS CONTROL ARM HAS FAILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 119,00.
Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2009
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BUT THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP IS 40 MILES AWAY. *NJ
Suspension, Aug 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM WAS CORRODED AND WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION WITHOUT BEING REPAIRED. NHTSA RECALL# 09V125000, COMPONENT: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Air bags, Aug 12, 2009, crash
NO KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS. I WAS IN A T-BONE COLLISION WITH A LARGE SUV (SUBURBAN) TOTALING MY CAR. THE HIT WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE OFFICER STATED SUBURBAN WAS TRAVELING 35-40 MPH. *TR
Suspension, Jul 31, 2009
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ONE DAY I WAS COASTING DOWN A HILL BY MY HOUSE TO A STOP SIGN. AS I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE SOMETHING OBVIOUSLY HAPPENED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR. I THOUGHT THAT I HAD BLOWN A TIRE. WHEN I GOT OUT TO LOOK THE ENTIRE WHEEL WAS HANGING OFF OF MY CAR, PUSHED UP AGAINST AND CRUMPLING THE WHEEL WELL. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR. I WAS JUST LUCKY BECAUSE I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY 10 MINUTES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF CALLS TO HYUNDAI AND THEM CONDUCTING AN INVESTIGATION MY $300 I PAID FOR THE REPAIR WAS REIMBURSED. I TRADED MY CAR IN ANYWAY BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS NO WAY TO TELL IF THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE IT RUSTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT. *TR
Suspension, Jul 31, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FAILED AND FRACTURED, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTROL ARM AND THE BUSHING TO FAIL. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE CORROSION AND THINNING OF THE STEEL IN THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS CAUSED THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM). THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE REPAIR WILL NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE FRONT AND LEFT CONTROL ARMS AND SUBFRAME NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WERE WORKING WITH THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36,000.
Steering, Jul 30, 2009
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELECTRA I LOST POWER STEERING. I BROUGHT IT TO AMECHANIC SHOP THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE LINE HAD CORRODED AND WAS LEAKING POWERSTERRING FLUID FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR TO A SAFE STOP THEN HAD IT TOWED HOME I NOTIFIED MY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THEY RESPONDED BY INFORMING ME THEIR WERE SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FILED I WISH THE E NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WOULD LOOK INTO THIS VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 27, 2009
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS 69,173 MILES & HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT. THE MOST RECENT REPLACEMENTS DIDN'T EVEN LAST 1,000 MILES. 7/27/09 - LEFT HEADLIGHT- 69,173 (MILEAGE) 7/5/09 - BOTH HEADLIGHTS - 68,670 (MILEAGE) 5/6/08 - LEFT HEADLIGHT- 57,921(MILEAGE) 11/5/07 - RIGHT HEADLIGHT- 52,428(MILEAGE) 9/5/07 - LEFT HEADLIGHT- 50,633(MILEAGE) 4/9/07 - RIGHT HEADLIGHT- 45,223(MILEAGE) 6/3/06 - LEFT HEADLIGHT- 36,405(MILEAGE) 10/21/05 - 29,192(MILEAGE) I TALKED TO A MECHANIC- HE SAID THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM OTHER THAN KEEP REPLACING THE BURNED OUT LIGHTS. I FIND THIS AN UNACCEPTABLE SOLUTION - IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME ON 7/5/09 & BOTH HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT. HE HAD TO DRIVE HOME ON HIGH BEAMS. THERE IS NO REASON FOR A CAR TO KEEP BURNING OUT HEADLIGHTS. *TR UPDATED 08/04/09.8JB
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Jul 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MODULE FAILED AND WOULD COST OVER $600 TO REPAIR. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. IN ADDITION, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD BURN OUT EVERY 3-6 MONTHS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 36,700. UPDATED 9/1/09 *CN UPDATED 09/02/09.*JB
Parking brake, Jun 20, 2009
THE CALIPERS ON THE REAR BRAKE DO NOT RELEASE WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE IS RELEASED INSIDE THE PASSENGER CABIN. IN SOME CASES THE BRAKE WAS ON SO TIGHT THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL DRAGGED ON THE ROAD. I HAD THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER 6 TIMES BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET THE ISSUE CORRECTED. THE ISSUE IS MUCH WORSE IN THE WINTER BUT EVEN NOW IN THE SPRING WHEN I PUT THE BRAKE ON THERE IS NO RESISTANCE FOR THE FIRST 4 INCHES SO I KNOW IT IS STILL NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. *TR
Air bags, May 7, 2009
I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE IN APRIL 09 FOR OIL CHANGE, TIRE BALANCING. I HAD TO RETURN IT BECAUSE CAR WAS VEERING TO THE LEFT. WHEN I PICKED IT UP THE 2ND TIME THE THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING. ON 5/1/09 I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THE CAUSE IS "PPD SENSOR OPEN" WHICH THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $390 TO FIX. SINCE THE ELANTRA OF 2001-2002 HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH AN AIRBAG LIGHT THIS MAY BE A DEFECT IN THE 2003S AS WELL. *TR
Suspension, Apr 16, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND HAD TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THAN NORMAL. SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS OUT OF PLACE. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CONTROL ARM AT THE COST OF $396.95. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 06/12/09 *BF UPDATED 06/16/09.*JB
Suspension, Apr 16, 2009
I HAD JUST EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND WAS ON THE OFF RAMP WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS AT A DIFFERENT ANGLE THAN THE CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR. I WAS SITTING ON A VERY BUSY OFF RAMP FROM THE HIGHWAY AND COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALER AND FOUND OUT THAT I HAD A RIGHT FRONT BROKEN AXLE AND CONTROL ARM. THE CAR ONLY HAD 66,953 MILES. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION AND HYUNDAI AGREED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. LUCKY FOR MYSELF AND HYUNDAI NO ONE WAS HURT. THERE IS STILL A PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST THAT IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE FAILURE. IT WAS NOT A PROBLEM BEFORE. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR REPAIRS, BUT NO GUARANTEE THAT HYUNDAI WILL PAY FOR THAT. I BELIEVE THIS DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURRED WHEN TRYING TO GET THE CAR ONTO THE TOW TRUCK. SINCE THE WHEEL WOULDN'T MOVE IT CAUSED SOME OTHER DAMAGE. THE POLICE WERE CALLED BECAUSE THE TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AT THE TIME, BUT WHEN THEY SAW THE TOW TRUCK WAS THERE BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED THEY DIDN'T EVEN STOP, SO NO REPORT WAS MADE. *TR
Air bags, Apr 16, 2009, crash
MY SON WAS DRIVING A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND HIT BLACK ICE ON INTERSTATE 81S AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND IT SPUN AND HIT THE CENTER GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FORTUNATELY, HE WAS UNHURT, BUT I HAVE SEARCHED THE WEB AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE POSTED AT VARIOUS SITES. BUT IT SEEMS THAT HYUNDAI IS NOT TAKING ACTION. *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
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 23, 2008
I PURCHASED MY CAR ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASE, THE ENGINE LINE LIT UP. I NOTICED WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE RPM'S DROPPED AND THE CAR WOULD SPUTTER. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE CHECKED THE CAR BY COMPUTER AND FELT IT NEEDED 2 SENSORS. I LET HIM REPLACE THESE. 2 DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR THE SAME ISSUE BEGAN OCCURRING AGAIN. THIS TIME, WHEN I STOPPED AS FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR WOULD STALL, ALL WARNING LIGHTS WOULD GO ON, AND IT WOULD TAKE A COUPLE OF TRIES TO START. ALSO, I PURCHASED THIS CAR AT ARNOLD HYUNDAI IN ROSEVILLE, MI. THEY WENT OUT OF BUSINESS NOT LONG AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I TOOK THE CAR TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. THEY THOUGHT A GUIDE WIRE HAD COME LOOSE AND REPAIRED IT. A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE CAR WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON DECEMBER 22. THEY DID A THOROUGH INSPECTION AND SAID THERE IS A LEAK IN THE VACUUM SYSTEM? ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST. I'M WONDERING HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SYSTEM OR DO HAVE SOME SORT OF RECOURSE? *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 13, 2008
I'VE OWNED THIS 2003 ELANTRA SINCE JULY AND HAVE HAD BOTH HEADLIGHTS REPLACED. THIS IS UNCOMMON. THE CAR HAS ONLY 33,000 MILES. SOMETHING IS WRONG THE LIGHTS SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN THAT. *TR
Air bags, Dec 8, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000. UPDATED 01/14/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/21/09
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 5, 2008
DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE. GAUGE READS NORMAL TEMPERATURE WITH NO COOLANT IN THE ENGINE. *TR