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.
Power train, Jan 25, 2007
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA : CLUTCH / TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 28,000 MILES. WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER. HYUNDAI HAS ISSUE WITH HIGH FAILURE RATES ON STANDARD CLUTCHS 2003 2004 MODELS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 14, 2007
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY APPROX 65 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD POP, LOOKING AT THE DASH BOARD ALL GAUGES REPORTED NOTHING WRONG. SUDDENLY A LARGE AMOUNT OF WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, BLINDING HER VISIBILITY AND CARS BEHIND HER. SHE WAS ABLE TO VEER OFF TO THE MEDIAN AND CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. THE REPAIR SHOP NOTED THAT A PLASTIC RESERVOIR TANK EXPLODED AND DRAINED ALL COOLANT AND DAMAGED THE RADIATOR AND RECOMMENDED CALLING HYUNDAI SINCE CAR IS IN WARRANTY AND SUGGESTS THAT ENGINE DAMAGE (SEAL DAMAGE MAY RESULT IN COMPLETE DAMAGE OF ENGINE AND NEED REPLACEMENT) THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A SIMILAR REPORT AS LISTED AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH DUE TO SMOKE DISABLING DRIVERS VIEW. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE HAD A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, HOWEVER NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, ANOTHER DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND DETERMINED THE REAR BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE AND THE FRONT BRAKES WERE DOING ALL THE WORK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ADJUSTED THE REAR BRAKES.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED PRIOR TO THE BRAKES FAILING, AN ODOR OF BRAKE FLUID WAS NOTICED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER, THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AS LEAKAGE OF THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, WHICH WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN OUT OF STATE SERVICE DEALER FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE BRAKES NEEDED ADJUSTMENT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING AGAIN, AFTER ONLY 8118 MILES AND 13 MONTHS TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
Air bags, Jul 14, 2006, crash
I WAS IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ON 7/7/06 AND MY AIRBAG IN MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT DID NOT ACTIVATE. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. THE CAR IS TOTALED. *JB
Exterior lighting, May 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE LENSES ON THE HEADLIGHTS CLOUDED OVER IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS, MAKING IT HARD TO SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT. BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAMS ARE AFFECTED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN ALERTED AND DETERMINED THE HEADLIGHTS NEED TO BE REPLACED.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE. A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID WAS ADDED TO THE MASTER CYLINDER WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, AND NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THERE IS NHTSA RECALL # 03V257000 CONCERNING THE SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC: HOSE, PIPES AND FITTINGS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL. IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 5/24/2006 - *NM THE VEHICLE HAS GONE INTO REPAIR ON NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS BEEN REPORTED MANY OF THE SAME BRAKE ISSUES EACH TIME, MOST OF WHICH HAVE EXACERBATED TO THE POINT TO MAKE THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO OPERATE. HYUNDAI PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE VEHICLE AND FOUND IT TO BE MORE THAN COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. UPDATED 06/01/ 2006. *AK UPDATED 07/17/2006. *AK UPDATED *JB
Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2006
I PURCHASED A USED 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4 DOOR SEDAN IN FEBRUARY 2005. IN JUNE 2005 I HAD TO HAVE BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS REPLACED. NOW IT IS JANUARY 2006 AND I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THEM BOTH AGAIN. *NM
Air bags, Dec 21, 2005, crash
MY VEHICLE, A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MY VEHICLE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER STRUCK A JEEP CHEROKEE IN THE REAR TEARING THE WHEEL COMPLETELY OFF AND MOST OF THE REAR FENDER, AT 40 MPH. *NM
Tires, Dec 14, 2005
CONSUMER REQUESTING INFORMATION OF FAILURE IN MCHELIN RADIAL XSE TIRES. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, SIDEWALL FAILED AND REAR AXLE BROKE. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED IF THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR IF THERE WAS A CRASH AS A RESULT OF THE TIRE FAILURE. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2005, crash
I STARTED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY, PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND LET THE CLUTCH OUT NORMALLY AND THE CAR JUST ROARED IN REVERSE, DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAD ONE FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND AT ONE POINT I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH AND NOTHING WOULD SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I HOPPED THE 8 INCH CURB ACROSS THE STREET AND SLAMMED INTO A 12 FT HIGH BUSH AND THEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. THE CAR IS REALLY IN BAD SHAPE. THERE ARE SKID MARKS IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE STREET. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 28, 2005
I PURCHASED MY 2003 ELANTRA IN OCTOBER 2003, SINCE THEN HAVE NEEDED THE REAR BRAKES REPLACED TWICE, MECHANIC CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY THE REAR BRAKES GO SO QUICKLY. *JB
Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2005
ONLY 10,000 MILES CLEAR-COAT ON HOOD AND ROOF STARTED TO CRACK. NOW AT 24,000 MILES, PAINT IS COMING OFF HOOD AND ROOF. CAR IS KEPT IN A GARAGE AND IS WASHED AT LEAST EVERY TWO WEEKS AND HAND WAXED ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS. DEALER KEEPS CLAIMING AIR POLLUTION. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2005
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASH. 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA EVAP SYSTEM HAD A SMALL LEAK, FOUND PURGE CONTROL. *TS THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATE DUE TO THE SYSTEM DETECTING A SMALL EVAP LEAK. THE DIAGNOSIS WOULD BE GAS CAP WAS LOOSE, SECURE THE CAP, CLEARED CODE/OPERATING TO SPECIFICS AND FOUND FUEL CAP HARDLY THREADED/VERY LOOSE, FOUND FAULT CODE FOR LARGE VAPOR LEAK, PURGE VALVE TO HAVE INTERNAL DAMAGE, AND EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK DETECTED (SMALL LEAK). THE CONSUMER WOULD ENSURE THAT THE GAS CAP FITTED TIGHTLY. THE PURGE VALVE HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC
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
Air bags, Oct 11, 2005, crash
THE AIRBAGS IN THIS CAR HAVE FAILED TO OPEN EVEN THOUGH THIS CAR HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN 3 COLLISIONS IN WHICH CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE BUMPERS AND FRONT QUARTER PANELS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN ALL THREE CASES. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 1, 2005
MY FUEL PUMP WENT OUT ON MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 40 MILES FROM HOME ON THE HIGHWAY ON A DAY THAT WAS NEAR 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE. WHEN PICKING MY CAR UP 4 DAYS LATER (BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART IN STOCK) I FIND OUT THAT THE PART WAS A RECALLED PART ON MY CAR. I ASKED THE SERVICE PERSON WHY I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS AND HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT THE RECALL WAS "ONLY IN COLORADO". KEEP IN MIND THAT CHEYENNE WYOMING IS ONLY 10 MILES FROM COLORADO AND OFTEN DEALERS IN CHEYENNE GET THEIR CARS FROM COLORADO. I AM A CONSULTANT AND I TRAVEL ACROSS THE STATE OF WYOMING-MY CAR IS MY EMPLOYMENT. THIS PUT ME IN A SITUATION WHERE I COULD HAVE LOST MY JOB. I HAD TO BORROW A FRIENDS CAR, TRANSFER ALL MY EQUIPMENT FROM MY CAR TO THEIRS. ALSO, I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE ON A VERY HOT DAY, NOT ONLY IS IT DANGEROUS TO BE STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY HOT OUTSIDE AND THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I WAS NOT NOTIFIED AHEAD OF TIME OF THIS, IT WOULD HAVE SAVED ME AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF TROUBLE. ALSO, MY CAR WAS FULL OF GAS FUMES AFTER THE REPAIR--I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL BECAUSE OF HOW THE REPAIR IS DONE AND THAT IT WOULD BE GONE IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. IT TOOK OVER A WEEK FOR THE STENCH IN MY CAR TO DISAPPEAR. I HAD TO USE MY CAR IMMEDIATELY TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE STATE-I HAD TO DRIVE DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WINDOWS OPEN IN ORDER TO NOT GET SICK. I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS DEFECT/RECALL-BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. I WAS VERY FRUSTRATED THAT THE SERVICE CENTER IN CHEYENNE WAS "DUMBFOUNDED" ABOUT THE WHOLE EVENT. *NM
Air bags, Aug 23, 2005, crash
DT: CONTACT STATED ON 10-16-2002 HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. SOMEONE HIT THE CONTACTS VEHICLE ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, BUT IT ALSO AFFECTED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHICH WAS WHERE THEIR HANDICAPPED SON WAS SITTING AND WAS INJURED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG CAME OUT, BUT IT WAS NOT INFLATED, IT WAS TORN. HYUNDAI SAID THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE. EVERYONE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION. THERE WERE PICTURES, AND A POLICE REPORT. *AK THE AIR BAG DISPLAYED A 4-5 INCH GASH. IT DEPLOYED BUT IT WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2005
EVER SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA NEW 2 YEARS AGO, I HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD SERIOUS EXHAUST PROBLEMS, AND HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS. I HAVE BEEN REALLY SICK, BREATHING IN THE FUMES FROM THE CAR. MY CARBON MONOXIDE LEVEL IS HIGH, AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING FOR A LONG TIME NOW. THE DEALER REFUSES TO SEE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I HAVE HAD PEOPLE DRIVE IN MY CAR, AND SMELL THIS EXHAUST. THE EXHAUST SMELLS LIKE A SKUNK, AND BACKS UP THROUGH THE FRONT INSIDE VENTS, IT SMELLS BEHIND THE CAR, AND I CANNOT OPEN THE WINDOWS, BECAUSE THE SMELL IS SO STRONG IT COMES THROUGH THE WINDOWS WHEN OPENED TO. THE DEALER KEEPS SAYING THEY DON'T SMELL ANYTHING. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER, AND IT AMAZES ME THAT PEOPLE CARE ABOUT MONEY, INSTEAD OF SOMEONE'S HEALTH AND SAFETY. *NM
Air bags, Jun 29, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONTACT STATES THERE WAS A RIGHT SIDE FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISION THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACT HAS NOT BEEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER OR CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER.
Structure, Jun 27, 2005
THE CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE WHISTLING SOUND WHEN TRAVEL AT SPPEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH. THE NOISE IS DISTRACTING
Power train, Apr 25, 2005
I OWN A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT FROM A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE UNTIL 3/10/05 I HAD BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO MOTOR WORLD (WILKES-BARRE, PA) FOR SERVICE 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ON".ONE TIME THE SERVICE GUY TOLD ME TO JUST PUT BLACK TAPE OVER THE LIGHT AND I WILL NOT SEE THE LIGHT .THROUGHOUT MY OWNERSHIP OF THIS CAR I HAD IT SERVICE EVERY 3,000 MILES FOR OIL CHANGES AND 1 TIME FOR TIRES / BRAKES. I HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL SERVICES. ON SUNDAY NIGHT 3/20 I WAS DRIVING MY MOTHER AND 10 YEAR OLD BROTHER HOME WHEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR.MONDAY MORNING 3/21 I HAD TO TAKE THE DAY OFF WORK AND ARRANGE FOR TOWING DOWN TO MOTOR WORLD (HYUNDAI CO. IN WILKES BARRE, PA THAT HAS BEEN SERVICING THE CHECK ENGINE PROBLEMS).I RECEIVED THE CALL ON 3/22 THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AS I DID NOT HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES THAT IT IS RECOMMENDED TO HAVE THE FLUID CHANGED AT 30,000 MILES IF NECESSARY, IT WAS NOT NECESSARY. THE CAR HAS 34,000 MILES, THERE WAS NO SIGNS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. I HAVE MADE CONTACT SEVERAL TIMES WITH MOTOR WORLD AND THE HYUNDAI REP. WHO MADE THE DECISION AND THEY WILL NOT SPEAK TO ME AS I HAVE A CASE WITH THE LEMON LAW. I HAVE MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE CAR PICKED UP FROM THERE LOCATION , HOWEVER I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION ENGINE) AND PAY $ 300 A MONTH. THE LAST TIME IT WAS SERVICED AT MOTOR WORLD FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THE REP. I DEALT WITH (MIKE TAYLOR) TOLD ME TO RELAX THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE OR THE CAR, THIS KIND OF THING IS SIMPLE AND CONTINUED ON THAT I WAS BLOWING IT OUT OF PROPORTION. I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH THAT SAME REP. AND FOR THE SERVICE MANGER AT MOTOR WORLD TO SPEAK WITH THAT SAME REP. AND I WAS TOLD HE DOES NOT WORK THERE ANY LONGER. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 31, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE HOOD POPOED UP. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THEN, DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT HOOD LEVER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 26, 2005, crash
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS GOING 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE SKIDDED. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH ANOTHER. *AK *SC *JB
Air bags, Jan 28, 2005, crash
MY HUSBAND WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, WHERE HE REAR ENDED A DODGE TRUCK. THE AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF UNTIL THE CAR HAD STOPPED. WHEN THE AIRBAG WENT OFF, IT WENT OFF TO THE SIDE INSTEAD OF FULL FACE. MY HUSBAND BROKE HIS CLAVICLE AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS PER THE INSURANCE COMPANY. MY CAR WAS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA.*AK