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, Hydraulic, Feb 27, 2004
CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA (FILE # 815991) AND LOCAL DEALERSHIP (HEMET, CA) ABOUT SERVICE BRAKE RECALL (03V49600). BOTH ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF IT AND THEREFORE, COULDN'T PERFORM WORK. *AK
Air bags, Feb 20, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE BLEW OUT, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY; HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *AK
Structure, Feb 14, 2004
CLEAR COAT ON TRUNK AND HOOD CRACKING.*AK
Air bags, Feb 4, 2004
AIR BAG CONTROLLER SENSOR IS LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE CUP HOLDER. IN THE EVENT OF A LIQUID SPILL THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL SHORT OUT. WHEN THIS OCCURS IT WILL RESULT IN PREMATURE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS. *AK ABL.PCO
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 28, 2004
DRIVER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 03V496000 CONCERNING BRAKE FAILURE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT, BUT MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE MACHINERY TO DO REPAIRS. *AK
Tires, Jan 26, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS, THE CAR HYDROPLANED SEVERAL TIMES. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST INCIDENT OF THIS - IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THESE TIRES. I BARELY ESCAPED AN ACCIDENT IN DECEMBER, 2003, AFTER HYDROPLANING. I HAVE DRIVEN FOR 22 YEARS IN THE PACIFIC NW AND NEVER HAVE I BEEN SO SCARED ABOUT DRIVING IN THE RAIN AS I AM WITH THESE TIRES. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jan 2, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE SKIDDED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. BOTH AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.*AK
Seat belts, Dec 24, 2003
TWICE ALREADY APPROX. 3 MONTHS APART DRIVER SIDE SAFETY BELT ON 2003 ELANTRA SOMEHOW TWIST AND DOES NOT RETRACT, LACKING TENSION WHEN CLIPPED TO SEAT BELT LOCK'. *AK
Air bags, Dec 23, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH DURING A SNOW STORM, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISH-TAIL AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE CHEST AREA AND INJURED THE BACK AND NECK AREAS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
Structure, Dec 18, 2003
VEHICLE IS LOW TO THE GROUND. WHEN PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY THE BUMPER HIT THE GROUND AT LEAST TEN TIMES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. WHENEVER THE BUMPER HIT THE GROUND THE BOLTS HOLDING IT FELL OUT. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 10, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONSUMER SUDDENLY SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THEY FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE BRAKE SQUEAKED. *AK THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT HER DAMAGED VEHICLE. *CB *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 3, 2003
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AFTER BRAKES WERE APPLIED.*MR CONSUMER APPLIED ALL HIS WEIGHT ONTO THE PEDAL AND IT DIDN'T STOP UNTIL A COUPLE OF FEET BEHIND THE LINE. HE REALIZED THE ENGINE WAS REVVING UP WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND NOT THE GAS. HIS WIFE SUGGESTED HE SHIFT TO PARK. WHEN HE DID, IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO FLY OUT. HE SHIFTED BACK TO DRIVE, KEEPING FULL PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL. AFTER THE LIGHT CHANGED, HE CAREFULLY RELEASED HIS FOOT AND THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLING. CONSUMER PLANNED TO GET IT SERVICED BUT WANTED A RECORD OF THE FAILURE ON FILE. *PH
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2003
I PURCHASED A DEFECTIVE VEHICHLE,THAT BECAME DISSABLED, AND TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS TO THE ENGINE WITH ONLY 2800 MILES.I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS CALLS TO THE DEALER, INQUIRING ABOUT THE VEHICLE.THE SERVICE MANAGER COULD NOT LOCATE MY CAR AND COULDNT GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION ON ITS WHERE ABOUT'S OR ANYTHING.*AK
Structure, Oct 31, 2003
RECENTLY I HAD TAKEN AN INTERSTATE TRIP. THERE IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM SOMEWHERE AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS OF 60-75 MPH, WHICH SOUNDS LIKE THIS NOISE IS IN THE WHEELS? THE FRONT GRILL? HAPPENS ON BOTH FRONT SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Structure, Oct 8, 2003
DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD-2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS. *MR THERE WAS A TERRIBLE GLARE FROM THE SUN HITTING THE WINDSHIELD WHICH MADE IT EXTREMELY HARD TO JUDGE THE DISTANCE OF OBJECTS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE GLARE WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE NOISE. THE DEALER DID SOME WORK ON THE CAR BUT IS WAS STILL NOISY. THE DEFROSTER TOOK 15-20 MINUTES TO CLEAR THE WINDOWS AND HEATED MIRRORS. WHEN IT RAINED THE WATER WAS ON THE INSIDE THE VEHICLE ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR DOOR. *SCC *JB *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 15, 2003, crash
THE DEFECT STATED IN THE BRAKE HOSE RECALL 03 V 257 000 OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT 50-60 MPH. THIS RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 27, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND HESITATED TO ENGAGE. THIS ALSO OCCURRED WHILE PARKING, AND VEHICLE RAN INTO A BUILDING. *AK
Seat belts, Aug 15, 2003
ALL OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS ARE DESIGNED INCORRECTLY. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BELT BUCKLES ARE NOT LOCKING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 4, 2003
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW HYUNDAI ELANTRA ON 5-8-03 AND ON 6-30-03 AND AGAIN ON 7-30-03 I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE SERVICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, WHICH I FOUND OUT THIS LAST SERVICE CALL, HAD BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THAT PARTICULAR CAR IN THAT YR OF MODEL, AND NO ONE HAS A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM YET. THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM MADE NO ATTEMPT TO INFORM ME OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE I PURCHASED IT, AND THE FIRST DEALER I TOOK IT TO DID NOT MAKE ANY ATTEMPT TO INFORM ME OF THIS KNOWN PROBLEM EITHER. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOLD, BEING THAT IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM, THERE IS A VAPER LOCK PROBLEM, WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AT UNPREDICTABLE TIMES. IT IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE IT THIS WAY, BEING THAT AT ANY GIVEN TIME, THE CAR LOSES THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, AND THEREFORE OFFERS A VERY HIGH CHANCE OF ME GETTING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHERE I DO NOT HAVE THE DRIVING POWER TO MOVE MY CAR OUT OF THE WAY OF ON COMING TRAFFIC. I AM VERY , VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS, AND AS OF YET, THE ONLY THING THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS TOLD ME IS, " IT IS A PROBLEM THAT OUR COMPANY IS WORKING ON FINDING A FIX FOR, BUT AS OF YET, THERE IS NO CURE FOR THIS PROBLEM". THAT BEING THE CASE, I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO KEEP THIS CAR. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN IT ALONE, LET ALONE AKING MY 9YR OLD DAUGHTER, AND 5YR AND 4 YR OLD SONS INTO THIS CAR WITH ME AT ALL.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jul 7, 2003
WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE ACCELERATES SLOWLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 7/2/2003. DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE REFORMULATED GASOLINE THAT WAS USED. *AK
Air bags, Jun 27, 2003, crash
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, AND THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB PH *JB
Tires, Jun 15, 2003
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA MAKES LOUD NOISE AND THUMPING SOUND FROM FRONT TIRES WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, (MSN AUTOS). *NLM
Power train, Structure, Wheels, Jun 5, 2003
WE GET A WIND NOISE WHEN DRIVING INTO THE WIND AND OTHER MISC TIMES. NOISE SOUNDS LIKE AN ALARM CLOCK WITHOUT THE PAUSES IN TONE. IT SOUNDS TO BE EMINATING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE, WINDSHEILD, OR THE DOORS. THE DEALER THINKS ITS THE DOOR SEALS. WAITING TO SEE. BEEN TO THE SHOP 5 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM NOW! 1ST TIME THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS, NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, COULDN'T DUPLICATE, SECOND TIME THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS, ORDERED DOOR SEALS. 3RD TIME THEY GOT THE WRONG DOOR SEALS, FORTH TIME, THEY GOT ONE WRONG DOOR SEAL AGAIN! FIFT TIME THE HAVE HAD IT FOR ONE WEEK THREE DAYS TO THIS DATE! ALSO REVS UP TO HIGH DURING START UP. DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS AT FAULT???? THAT IT HAD TO CATCH IN GEAR????? THIS IS A MANUAL! WHAT IS HE TALKING ABOUT!!!!?? ALSO HAS BENT RIMS! WE HAVE BABY-ED THAT CAR! ONLY 2400 MILES AND BENT RIMS! THIS CAR IS A LEMON!! WHAT DO YOU THINK? BEAR@TBHOD.TK . *AK
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, May 30, 2003
I HAVE A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANANTA GT. THERE IS A WHINING NOISE FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS, SOMETIMES AT 55 MPH OR AT 75 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON 4/22/03. THE NOISE ON THE LEFT WENT AWAY. THE SAME NOISE SURFACED ON THE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. ON 5/22/03 THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT ENGINE MOUNT, THEY SAID IT WAS COMING APART. ONCE I DROVE THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN ON 5/29/03 THE NOISE WAS THERE. I ALSO STILL HEARD THE WHINNING NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR AGAIN, BUT FOR JUST A COUPLE OF SECONDS. THE RIGHT SIDE WILL MAKE NOISE CONTINUOUSLY. NOW I HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN, WASTING MORE OF MY TIME, MONEY, AND EXTRA MILES ON MY CAR. I LIVE 130 MILES FROM THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FROM 4/08/03 AND THE CAR HAS 2400 MILES ON IT AND WILL NOW BE ON MY THIRD ATTEMPT TO HAVE THIS CAR REPAIRED.*AK
Suspension, May 16, 2003
THE VEHICLE'S TIRES WERE OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND ALL FOUR TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NLM