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, Dec 4, 2008
MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT & THE AIRBAG MODULE WENT OUT & AM TOLD IT WILL COST OVER 800.00 TO FIX & IT WON'T DEPLOY IF I HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE HYUNDAI EXTENDED COVERAGE PLAN OF 10 YEARS/100,000 MILES & WAS TOLD IT COVERS 'EVERYTHING BUT THE SINK' THEY TELL ME IT WON'T COVER THIS. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 25, 2008
HEAD LIGHTS - I HAVE A 2003 ELANTRA AND HAVE TO REPLACE HEADLIGHTS EVERY TWO TO SIX MONTHS. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP ONLY CLAIMS THAT EVERYONE IS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME THING, BUT OFFER NO EXPLANATION. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 10, 2008
SINCE HAVING THE CAR, I BOUGHT IT USED A YEAR AGO, WHILE NOT NOTICING ANY MAJOR ISSUES, I STILL CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT. I HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHTS CHANGED THREE TIMES NOW WITH ALTERNATING SIDES GOING OUT EVERY FEW MONTHS. I CANNOT IMAGINE THIS BEING A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. *TR
Tires, Nov 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER MASTERCRAFT SENSYS 01 TIRES, SIZE 195/60/R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND THEY ROTATED THE TIRES FOUR TIMES. A TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE TIRES AND CONCLUDED THAT THE BELTS WERE BEGINNING TO SEPARATE. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE TIRE SHOP STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES. THE CONTACT STILL HAS POSSESSION OF THE TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 31, 2008
HEAD LIGHT BULBS KEEP BURNING OUT. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS IN MY CAR ABOUT EVERY 3-6 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN OCT 2002. AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THEM, GARAGES REPLACE THEM, A NEIGHBOR WHO IS A MECHANIC AND MYSELF SO IT'S NOT THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN DONE CORRECTLY. I HAVE STARTED BUYING THE 2 PACK OF BULBS BECAUSE ALMOST LIKE CLOCKWORK ONCE THE ONE BULB GOES THE OTHER GOES WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD. I HAVE PUT ABOUT 10-15 BULBS IN EACH HEADLIGHT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR BUT HAVE NEVER REPLACED THE HIGHBEAM BULBS ONLY THE LOW BEAM. *TR
Tires, Oct 10, 2008
I PURCHASED NEW TIRES FOR MY VEHICLE IN 2006, I DRIVE ONLY ABOUT 8000 MILES A YEAR. I HAVE HAD TWO FLAT TIRES THIS YEAR, ONE ON 5/21/08 AND THE OTHER ON 8/31/08 AND BOTH WERE CAUSE BY FAULTY VALVE STEMS. WITH THE INCIDENT ON 8/31/08, MY TIRES WERE ALL INFLATED PROPERLY WHEN LEFT I THE HOUSE TO RUN ERRANDS. I LEFT ONE PARKING LOT, TURNED ON THE MAIN STREET AND WITHIN SECONDS I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND I HAD A FLAT. IT HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN. THE FLAT WAS FIXED (ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE) AND I THEN WENT BACK TO SEARS WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE TIRES. I HAD THE ROADSIDE HAZARD AGREEMENT. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE AUTO CENTER SAID THERE HAD BEEN A PROBLEM WITH VALVE STEMS. I SAW SOMETHING ON TV ABOUT A HORRIBLE CRASH THAT HAPPENED WHEN THE VERY SAME THING HAPPENED TO SOME MAN. I WAS LUCKY, I HAD ONLY TURNED ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND WAS NOT GOING VERY FAST. *TR
Suspension, Aug 11, 2008
TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE ABOUT 50-60 MPH AND APPLIED BRAKES. DURING BRAKING (NOT SKIDDING) THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM FAILED AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE TURNED OUT SKIDDING THE CAR TO A STOP. MANAGED TO SKID THE CAR INTO THE MIDDLE MEDIAN AND HAD IT TOWED BACK TO REPAIR SHOP NEAR HOME. REPLACED BROKEN CONTROL ARM. WHEEL HITTING INSIDE OF FENDER ALSO BENT FENDER. THIS WAS ON A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH 113,000 MILES. CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTING OUT WHERE IT BROKE. *TR
Air bags, Jul 29, 2008, crash
A DEER LEAPED IN FRONT OF MY CAR CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO THE DIVIDER ON HIGHWAY - NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THIS INCIDENT. *TR
Seats, Jul 2, 2008, crash
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA DEFECTIVE SEAT AND HEAD RESTRAINT. CONSUMER SENT IN A STATEMENT FROM A COURT PROCEEDING. ***NAR*** *KB THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT FROM A DEFECT RELATED TO THE SEAT AND HEAD RESTRAINT. *JB
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
Air bags, Apr 28, 2008
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, I IT REPLACED. I HAVE NO IDEA IF IT WILL WORK, IF IT WILL GO OFF AND KILL SOMEONE DRIVING THE CAR. PLEASE RECALL THE CARS AND HAVE HYUNDAI REPLACE OR REPAIR THIS SITUATION BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED. THANKS *TR
Tires, Feb 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE VEHICLE HAS MICHELIN ENERGY MXV4 PLUS, SIZE P/195/60R15 (NA) TIRES. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE BECAUSE THE TREAD AND SEAM COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE TO THE POINT WHERE THE CANVAS WAS VISIBLE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS NORMAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,000. UPDATED 03-18-08 *BF
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, GAS SPILLED ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL WILL ONLY ENTER THE VEHICLE 30 CENTS AT A TIME. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V178000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) AND COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND PAUSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 31,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WAS BUCKING FROM THE REAR. UPDATED
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 17, 2005 THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE MANAGER AT THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES SHOULD NOT DO THAT, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED A MONTH AND A HALF AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED BECAUSE THE CONTACT SMELLED BRAKE FLUID AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS EXTENDING TO THE FLOOR. THE DEALER INITIALLY BELIEVED THAT THE BRAKE CYLINDER FAILED. CURRENTLY, THE FRONT BRAKES ARE SCRAPING AND STILL EXTENDING TO THE FLOOR. ON OCTOBER 1, 2007 AND OCTOBER 2, 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS THOROUGHLY INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND NO FAILURES. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,344.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2007
I OWN A 2003 ELANTRA GT AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THE RECALLS LISTED ON THIS SITE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2007
ON MARCH 4, 2006 I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH 33,855 MILES FROM BUHLER & BITTER DODGE LOCATED ON ROUTE 35 IN HAZLET, NEW JERSEY. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE I WAS ADVISED THAT ALL USED CARS ARE CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLES AND ARE PUT THROUGH A 135 POINT CHECK PRIOR TO BEING PUT ON THE LOT. THE HYUNDAI THAT I PURCHASED PASSED THIS 135 POINT CHECK AND STILL HAD THE REMAINDER OF THE FACTORY WARRANTY WHICH WAS 5 YEARS OR 60,000 MILES. THE BALANCE OF THIS WARRANTY WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NEW OWNER. THE CAR RAN GREAT AND LIKE ALL OF OUR CARS IN THE PAST IT WAS GARAGE KEPT AND SERVICED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SERVICE SCHEDULE ISSUED TO US FROM THE DEALER UPON PURCHASE. ON AUGUST 22, 2007 I DROVE TO STATEN ISLAND FOR A DOCTOR?S VISIT. ON MY WAY HOME- WHILE TRAVELING ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY-THE CAR APPEARED TO BE LOSING POWER AS IT RELATED TO MY ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE. FOR MY SAFETY I BEGAN TO MOVE OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND PROCEEDED TO SHUT OFF THE CAR. UPON RESTART NOTHING OCCURRED SO I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AGAIN. THERE WAS NO SIGN OF TROUBLE ASIDE FROM THE LACK OF POWER (I.E. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, NO SMOKE OR NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE CAR), IT JUST WOULDN'T START AND THEN SLOWLY EVERYTHING APPEARED TO SHUT OFF INCLUDING THE ELECTRICAL POWER. AT THAT POINT, I SAT AND WAITED FOR HELP TO ARRIVE. A GENTLEMAN FROM JULIAN?S GARAGE NAMED SCOTT ARRIVED WITH A TOW-TRUCK AND AFTER TRYING TO START THE CAR HIMSELF STATED THAT THE EITHER THE TIMING BELT WENT OR THE HEAD GASKET FAILED. BASED ON EVERYTHING SHUTTING DOWN, IT APPEARED THAT IT MOST LIKELY WAS THE HEAD GASKET. HE THEN TOWED ME TO A GAS STATION NEAR MY HOME. ALTHOUGH DISTURBED BY THE SITUATION AND THE FACT THAT IT WAS CLEAR I WOULD BE WITHOUT A CAR FOR A FEW DAYS, I KNEW THAT I HAD THE WARRANTY AND WAS COVERED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. WHILE AT THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THEY TESTED HER POWER BRAKES WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE TEST WAS COMPLETED. THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 55,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,831. THERE WAS AN EVAP LEAK. UPDATED 08/06/07. *JB THE CONSUMER PROVIDED MULTIPLE REPAIR INVOICES PERTAINING TO THE DEFECT. UPDATED 08/09/07 *TR UPDATED 08/28/07 *TR THE DEALER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS FINE BUT THE MOTOR LACKS PERFORMANCE. UPDATED 09/06/07 *TR
Air bags, Jul 13, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. ON AUGUST 15, 2006, WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED (T-BONED) INTO THE FRONT END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST PAINS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL PRESSING INTO HER CHEST. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Tires, Apr 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED IT AS THE AIR BAG SENSOR. APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES LATE, THE FAILURE RECURRED. ALSO, CURRENTL YTHE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO ACTIVATED AUTOMATICALLY, THE VOLUME INCREASED, AND CERTAIN LIGHTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE, SUCH AS THE AIR CONDITIONER CONTROLLER LIGHTS, FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED . IN ADDEITION, THE TIRES WERE CONSTANTLY WEARING OUT, AND SHE WAS ABOUT TO PURCHASE FOURTH SET IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. SHE HAS NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 73,000 .AND FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 45,000. *AK ABL.PCO
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2007
WE PURCHASED A 2003 IN FEBRUARY 2006 , SINCE THEN THE HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BEEN CHANGED 3 TIMES, AND NOW AGAIN AFTER BEING STOPPED NOT KNOWING THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS OUT, IT WENT OUT RIGHT BEFORE WE GOT STOPPED ON API L 7,2007, BEING CHARGED WITH A TICKET. AND 3 POINTS OFF MY DRIVERS LICENSE WITHOUT A WARNING TICKET TO GET IT FIXED. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THESE CARS IT SHOULDNT HAPPEN THAT MANY TIMES. *AK
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Feb 18, 2007
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLAMP 3 TIMES IN 3 YEARS. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE, THE CHATS AND BLOGS ARE FULL OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS INTERNATIONALLY. ACCORDING TO WHAT I HAVE READ, I AM ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES. OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED MUCH MORE FREQUENT REPLACEMENTS. CURIOUSLY ENOUGH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LAMP IS THE ONE THAT BLOWS. I HAVE SAVED THE LAST LAMP REPLACED. IT IS A SYLVANIA SILVERSTAR. THIS IS THE THIRD BRAND OF BULB / LAMP. MY WIFE IS NIGHT BLIND. SHE TRIES TO AVOID DRIVING AFTER DARK. THE UNDEPENDABLE LIGHTING SYSTEM POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IN HER CASE AND I AM SURE IN SENIORS WHO REQUIRE MORE LIGHT TO SEE CLEARLY. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 29, 2007
THE BRAKES ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BEGAN GRINDING AT ONLY 39K MILES. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD BRAKES WERE NOT COVERED BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. I TOOK THE CAR TO MIDAS BECAUSE OF THE LIFETIME WARRANTY AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT FAILING DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE FRONT PADS HAD A METAL PLATE ON THE OUTSIDE WHICH HAD COME LOSE AND WAS CUTTING INTO THE HUB. THE MECHANIC SAID THIS WAS A DEFECT IN THE BRAKE PADS THAT OCCURRED WHEN THEY GOT HOT AND THE ADHESIVE CAME LOOSE. DURING THE INSPECTION, THEY ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE CYLINDERS ON THE REAR BRAKES WERE LEAKING. I ENDED UP WITH OVER $600 IN BRAKE REPAIRS. *NM
Visibility, Jan 25, 2007
01/10/07 WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE TO CLEAR WINDSHIELD WHEN USING THE WIPERS TO CLEAR SNOW FROM WINDSHIELD, THE MIDDLE OF BOTH WIPERS WOULD NOT CLEAR SNOW ENOUGH TO SEE OUT IN CERTAIN SPOTS. WINTER BLADES HAD JUST BEEN INSTALLED. I STOPPED THE CAR AND WIPED THEM OFF. BLADES CONTINUED TO SKIP OVER CERTAIN SPOTS ON WINDSHIELD. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. I AGREE WITH OTHERS STATEMENT THAT MAYBE THIS CAR IS NOT MEANT TO BE DRIVEN IN THE SNOW, OR AT LEAST WIPERS NOT MEANT TO CLEAR OFF SNOW AS IT LANDS ON WINDSHIELD. I TOO, HAD PREVIOUSLY COMPLETELY CLEARED BUILDUP OF WINDSHIELD BEFORE STARTING OUT. *JB