2003 HYUNDAI Elantra Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
234
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
SUSPENSION
38 complaints
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND TURNING RIGHT; A TIRE BLEW. ON INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC, THE FRONT PASSENGER CONTROL ARM WAS BENT WITH RUST ON THE EXPOSED METAL. THE BENT CONTROL ARM ALLOWED THE TIRE TO RUB AGAINST THE INTERIOR FENDER, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO THE TIRE FAILING. THE TIRE WAS IN GREAT CONDITION BEFORE THE SUDDEN FAILURE. ON RESEARCHING: THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA FOR FRONT CONTROL ARM PROBLEMS. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V125000. THIS RECALL CITES THAT ROAD SALT USED IN CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS CAN CAUSE INTERNAL DEGRADATION OF THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS: LEADING TO FAILURE. LOOKING BACK THROUGH THIS CAR'S HISTORY: IT WAS ORIGINALLY REGISTERED IN OHIO, ONE OF THE STATES USING ROAD SALT. I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS CAR ESCAPED RECALL, BUT IT'S HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHER 2003 ELANTRAS.
Mar 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FUCCILLO LINCOLN HYUNDAI (518-379-0680, LOCATED AT 4101 STATE ST, SCHENECTADY, NY 12304) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.
Dec 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND THE AXLE DETACHED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COLUMBIA HYUNDAI (10981 MONTGOMERY RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249, (513) 489-2000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS COMPLETELY SAFE AND HAD A SMALL AMOUNT OF RUST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Jan 07, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Dec 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Aug 11, 2015
+ 33 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
34 complaints
AIR BAG SIGN ON, I TOOK DEALER MECHANIC SAID IT IS MANUFACTURING ISSUE.
Nov 16, 2016
DRIVING AT 45MPD AIR BAG LIGHT ACTIVATED. WENT TO MY REPAIR SERVICE RAM AUTO(FT. PIERCE,FL. TECH TESTED WITH CAR DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE. COULD NOT FIND ISSUE. TRIED TO DELETE CODE FOR AIR BAG, LIGHT COMES BACK ON. SUGGESTED I SEE IF ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE- NO REPORTS OF AIR BAG RECALLS FOR A HYUNDAI 2003 GLS.
Jun 09, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. HE STATED NO ONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON CONSTANTLY SINCE FEBRUARY 2011. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,500.
Mar 31, 2011
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION, TOTALING SAID VEHICLE, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE AS THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. HOWEVER, HYUNDAI MOTORS NEVER CAME TO INSPECT THE CAR, DESPITE BEING GIVEN AMPLE NOTICE. THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN SCRAPED. *TR
Dec 15, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH AND SWERVED IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. WHEN THE CONTACT SWERVED, HE CRASHED INTO A ROCK HEAD ON; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS HELD ONTO THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO FIND OUT WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. OVER TIME THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMING APART AND THAT THE AIR BAG WAS EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WANTS TO KNOW WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85000. UPDATED 01/12/11*LJ UPDATED 03/28/11
Oct 22, 2010
+ 29 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
16 complaints
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE. I JUST HAD MY VEHICLE REPAIRED FOR A FAILING VAPOR CANISTER PURGE VALVE THAT CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THIS VALVE IS PART OF THE EVAPORATIVE (EVAP) EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC, THE FAULTY VALVE STAYS IN THE OPEN POSITION WHICH ALSO CAUSES THE CHARCOAL FROM THE CANISTER TO RELEASE INTO THE FUEL LINES,CLOGGING IT. THE SYMPTOM OF THIS PROBLEM CAUSES YOU TO START HAVING TROUBLE FILLING YOUR GAS TANK. THE GAS HOSE KEEPS SHUTTING OFF AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FILL ACTING AS IF THERE IS A VAPOR LOCK. IT WON'T LET ME PUT IN MUCH MORE THAN 25-50 CENTS BEFORE THE GAS HOSE CUTS OFF. THIS REPEATS MANY TIMES. IT TAKES ME BETWEEN 15 TO 20 MINUTES TO FILL UP MY GAS TANK. I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF I COULD FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND TO MY SURPRISE, THERE ARE AN UNBELIEVABLE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR HYUNDAI'S. MANY PEOPLE ONLINE MADE COMMENTS ABOUT BEING SURPRISED THAT HYUNDAI DOESN'T HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS COMMON PROBLEM. MY REPAIR BILL TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED WAS $399.31. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION TO THIS PROBLEM. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Apr 25, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EMIT SMOKE AND STALLED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE DEALER FIRST REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AND ENGINE BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AGAIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR A THIRD TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
Dec 09, 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
Sep 30, 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
Sep 22, 2010
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.
Dec 07, 2009
+ 11 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
14 complaints
I WENT TO HAVE MY CAR LOOKED AT BECAUSE OF THE RATTLING NOISE AND THE POPPING WHEN I BRAKE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO REPLACE MY SUBFRAME. I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT MY CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN 2011 THE SAME YEAR I HAD BOUGHT IT. *TR
May 09, 2014
I WAS DRIVING, CAME TO A STOP. I THEN BEGAN GOING AROUND 35 MPH THE HOOD ON THE CAR CAME OPEN. I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD. I STOPPED THE CAR ONLY TO REALIZE THE HOOD WAS DAMAGED. THE HOOD WAS DENTED AND THE FENDERS WERE DAMAGED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES. I HAD TO POUND THE HOOD AND FENDERS OUT JUST TO GET THE HOOD CLOSED. WHEN I GOT HOME THE HOOD LATCH WAS NOT WORKING. I THEN NOTICED THAT THE CRACKS IN THE WINDSHIELD WERE 5 TO 6 INCHES LONG. THE HOOD NEEDS REPLACED, ALSO THE WINDSHIELD NEEDS REPLACED, THE FENDERS NEED FIXED ALSO. *TR
Dec 17, 2011
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.
Dec 21, 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
Apr 15, 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
Apr 03, 2009
+ 9 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
13 complaints
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
Mar 18, 2010
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.
Jan 10, 2008
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
Jan 29, 2007
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.
Nov 17, 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.
Nov 03, 2006
+ 8 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
10 complaints
*The rear sub-frame assembly nearly rusted through. Steering and Handling noticebly effected with rear of vehicle feeling soft and sluggish in turns. *The vehicle is available for inspection and was brought to my attention when the mechanic was beginning rear brake maintenance. *The mechanic is a licensed mechanic and the Repair shop is a licensed service facility. *The mechanic called me and asked me to return to the shop to show me the extent of the rust damage, to which I did return to the shop to examine his findings. I did take photos. *There were no warning lamps or messages. The symptoms were as described above.
May 16, 2023
MY REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTING SO BADLY THE REAR SUSPENSION IS FALLING APART.
Apr 17, 2021
OUR 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IS SUFFERING FROM SEVERE CORROSION ON THE SUBFRAME/UNIBODY, A PROBLEM FOR WHICH A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT WAS APPROVED (SEE THE FOLLOWING LINK HTTP://SALTBELTCORROSION.HYUNDAIUSA.COM/ FOR DETAILS REGARDING THE CIRULLI V. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA SETTLEMENT, WHICH REACHED FINAL APPROVAL ON MAY 25, 2011). THE SETTLEMENT PROVIDED REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI PERFORMED A "RUSTPROOFING/WAX" REPAIR IN 2010 ON THIS CAR, AS WELL AS A SUBFRAME REPAIR/REPLACEMENT IN 2015 (WHICH IS CONSIDERED BY HYUNDAI TO HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM AS ORIGINALLY DESCRIBED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT), WE BELIEVE THAT THE DEFECT AS DESCRIBED IN THE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT WAS IN FACT NOT RECTIFIED, AND THUS CONSISTS OF A FAILURE OF RECALL REPAIR. IN FACT, IT WOULD SEEM THAT ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI DID REPLACE ALL OR A PORTION OF THE SUBFRAME IS 2015, THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM HAS RE-OCCURRED ON THE CAR WITHIN LESS THAN 5 YEARS, AND IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE (IF THE SUBFRAME COLLAPSES UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR, THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS RISKS OF INJURY TO ANY PASSENGERS ON BOARD). THE DEEP SUBFRAME CORROSION ITSELF WAS ONLY NOTICED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC MORE THAN A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE FROM ITS SECOND OWNER AND IS EVIDENCED BY THE ATTACHED PICTURES. IN SUMMARY, ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA CONSIDERS THAT THE CORROSION PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN CIRULLI V. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA SETTLEMENT WAS REPAIRED SUCCESSFULLY IN 2015 ON THE CAR CORRESPONDING TO THE VIN NUMBER ATTACHED TO THIS COMPLAINT, WE BELIEVE THAT IT CONSISTED OF A FAILED RECALL REPAIR, AND THAT IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION AT THEIR EXPENSE. ALSO ATTACHED IS A PDF SHOWING A DESCRIPTION OF THE CORROSION WITHIN A LARGER ESTIMATE, WHICH WAS AUTHORED BY THE SAME SHOP THAT TOOK THE PHOTOS OF THE VEHICLE'S CORRODED SUBFRAME.
Mar 14, 2019
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM CORROSION RECALL REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD *TR
Mar 29, 2018
THE WHOLE REAR METAL BEAM HOLDING THE REAR SUSPENSION RUSTED OUT AND FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING SENT CSRD INTO A SPIN BEFORE WE GOT IT STOPPED COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 70 FROM WARRENTON TO WENTZVILLE MO YESTERDAY MOURNING AT 5:30 AM. *TR
Nov 30, 2016
+ 5 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
9 complaints
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
Jul 27, 2009
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
Dec 13, 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
Nov 25, 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
Nov 10, 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
Oct 31, 2008
+ 4 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
8 complaints
UNABLE TO FILL GAS TANK BECAUSE THE GAS PUMP WOULD CLICK OFF JUST AFTER PUMPING A FEW DOLLARS OF GAS INTO CAR ALTHOUGH THE GAUGE INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS NEAR EMPTY. THIS CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND JUST STARTED OUT OF THE BLUE. ONE DAY IT WAS WORKING FINE, THEN, APPROX 1 MONTH AFTER I HAD THE CAR, I NOTICED I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH GAS PUMP CLICKING OFF. *TR
Jul 16, 2014
UNABLE TO FILL GAS TANK BECAUSE THE GAS PUMP WOULD CLICK OFF JUST AFTER PUMPING A FEW DOLLARS OF GAS INTO CAR ALTHOUGH THE GAUGE INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS NEAR EMPTY. THIS CONTINUED TO BE A PROBLEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND JUST STARTED OUT OF THE BLUE. ONE DAY IT WAS WORKING FINE, THEN I NOTICED I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH GAS PUMP CLICKING OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC AND DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM, THEY PULLED UP THE RECALL NOTICE. CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR "JUST MISSED" THE RECALL. RECALL EFFECTED THROUGH NOVEMBER 9, 2003 AND MY CAR WAS MADE DECEMBER 17, 2003. THEREFORE I WOULD NOT QUALIFY FOR THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE RECALL ID # 04V369000 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE 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. AFTER BEING TOLD I DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL I TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT STATES, FOUND CANISTER ASSEMBLY COME APART INTERNALLY RESTRICTING VALVE. THE COST WAS GOING TO BE $450.00 PLUS TAX AND LABOR. TRIED TO FIND A BETTER DEAL AND ALL MECHANICS ARE TELLING ME HYUNDAI IS REFUSING TO FIX THE FUEL TANKS ON SOME CARS, BUT ALL THE MECHANICS ARE DOING IS REPLACING THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE AND VEHICLES ARE RUNNING FINE WITH NO FURTHER COMPLAINTS. HYUNDAI IS RIPPING OFF CUSTOMERS BY FAILING TO INCLUDE ALL CARS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. AFTER TALKING TO SEVERAL MECHANICS THEY SAY IS ONCOMING FOR A CANISTER ASSEMBLY TO COME APART (NOTING IT COULD HAPPEN, BUT RARELY). THE HYUNDAI PEOPLE ARE SAYING MY CAR IS NOT "SENSING" WHEN IT IS FULL. WHICH SOUNDS LIKE THE EXACT THING THE RECALL IMPLIES. I'M IN THE PROCESS OF GATHERING THE MONEY TO HAVE THIS DONE (NOT AT THE DEALERSHIP) AND SEE IF IT FIXES MY PROBLEM AS WELL. *TR
Sep 12, 2013
DURING HOT WEATHER, ABOVE 100 DEGREES AND AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF DRIVING, MY ELANTRA WILL FEEL LIKE SOMEONE IS PUMPING THE GAS PEDDLE. IT IS HARD TO MAINTAIN A STEADY SPEED. IT IS HARD TO GET TO DEALER WITH PROBLEM PRESENT, BECAUSE IF CAR IS TURNED OFF PROBLEM GOES AWAY. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, PROBLEM STILL THERE. PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. WHEN THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS AND THE CAR IS PULLED INTO GARAGE, A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS IS PRESENT. MY FEAR IS THAT THE CAR WILL CATCH FIRE OR EXPLODE. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI, BUT THEY APPEAR NOT TO CARE. *TR
Aug 21, 2011
CAR WOULD NOT IDLE OR RUN PROPERLY. TOOK CAR TO AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP AND THEY FOUND THAT ALMOST THE ENTIRE GASOLINE FROM TANK TO ENGINE HAD RUSTED AND WAS LEAKING VERY BADLY. WAS TOLD THAT CAR COULD EASILY HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT UP. *KB
Jul 21, 2011
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS FILLING THE GASOLINE TANK EVERY TIME I HAVE TO PUT GAS. IT TRIGGERS THE NOZZLE EVERY 30 SECONDS AND IT TAKES ME ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES TO FILL UP TANK. STILL WORKING ON THE PROBLEM *KB
Jul 18, 2011
+ 3 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaints
Driver and front passenger inside plastic handles for doors broke apart from normal use. Drivers side outside plastic door handle also broke off. Getting out of the car requires power windows to be energized and lowered to access outside handles. The problem first appeared about a year ago.
Apr 06, 2022
JUST WANT TO KNOW IF ALL RECALL WERE DONE TO THIS CAR. *TR
Jul 18, 2014
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA BUT THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP IS 40 MILES AWAY. *NJ
Sep 29, 2009
I OWN A 2003 ELANTRA GT AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THE RECALLS LISTED ON THIS SITE. *TR
Oct 29, 2007
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
Nov 19, 2005
+ 2 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE PEDAL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jan 09, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND SHIFTED INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.
Nov 09, 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
Aug 21, 2010
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
Dec 07, 2005
SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *AK
Jan 10, 2005
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
7 complaints
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT AND DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY DUE TO FAILURE TO RETRACT, LEAVING DRIVER UNPROTECTED. *TR
Jan 27, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT BACK TO THE ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER IN WAS USED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $391 TO REPLACE A PART OF THE SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,841.
Nov 04, 2010
RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER ONCE. PRIOR TO ROLL OVER, DRIVER AND PASSENGER WORE SEAT BELTS. . HOWEVER, THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DISCONNECTED AND FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANTS. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES, AND THE PASSENGER SUFFERED FROM HEAD AND NECK PAIN. BOTH WERE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL. BOTH OCCUPANTS SURVIVED.*AK
Sep 03, 2004
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
Dec 24, 2003
ALL OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS ARE DESIGNED INCORRECTLY. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BELT BUCKLES ARE NOT LOCKING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Aug 15, 2003
+ 2 more complaints for this component
TIRES
7 complaints
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.
Nov 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
Oct 10, 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
Feb 26, 2008
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
Dec 14, 2005
POOR GENERAL PERFORMANCE OF THE TIRE, WET WEATHER AND WINTER CONDITIONS, POOR BRAKING, POOR ACCELLERATION, EXCESSIVE TREAD WEAR FOR A 400 RATED TIRE. SIGNIFICANTLY CONCERNED ABOUT TIRES ABILITY TO DISPLACE WATER AND BRAKE UNDER SLIPPERY CONDITIONS, WATER OR ICE.*AK
Dec 20, 2004
+ 2 more complaints for this component
STEERING
6 complaints
POWER STEERING LINE WORE HOLE IN LINE WHERE LINE CROSSES OVER FRAME. POWER STEERING LINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROTECTED FROM FRAME AND ELEMENTS OF ROAD SALT AND WATER TO KEEP FROM WEARING OUT. VERY MUCH OF A SAFETY MATTER, SHOULD BE RECALLED & FIXED PROPERLY TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Feb 07, 2014
WHEN DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2003 HYUNDAI, SHE HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING (VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL)...WE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE THAT HAD DETERIORATED. WE ARE WONDERING IF OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AS WELL. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS FOR HER. COULD THIS BE RELATED TO OTHER ISSUES UNDER THE CAR RELATED TO CORROSION??? *TR
Jul 24, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR WHEEL ALIGNMENTS BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE ROADS WERE CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Feb 09, 2011
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
Jul 28, 2010
POWER STEERING FAILURE. 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CORROSION OF POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE. *TR
Dec 10, 2009
+ 1 more complaint for this component
POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
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
Feb 16, 2010
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
Dec 14, 2009
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
Jan 25, 2007
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
Apr 25, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF, EVEN WHEN IGNITION IS OFF. REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND TGE PROBLEM REMAINS.
Jul 17, 2019
IN THE PAST 6 WEEKS, I HAVE DROVE MY CAR MAYBE 5 TIMES BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP SO MANY TIME FOR DEFAULT BRAKES. ONCE IT SEEMS TO BE FIXED, THEY STARTING SMOKING. SO IT GOES BACK IN THE SHOP FOR ANOTHER WEEK. THEN I GET IT BACK, AND I DON'T HAVE ANY BRAKES. GOES BACK IN SHOP, GET IT BACK AND THEN MY CALIPERS STICK AGAIN AND CAUSE MY BRAKES TO SMOKE. I HAVE NOT HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN SITTING ON MY DRIVEWAY AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT, NOR IS IT EVEN DRIVABLE BECAUSE IT IS PROBABLY GOING TO SET ON FIRE. I HAVE ABOUT $2000 DUMPED INTO THIS CAR DUE TO DEFAULT EQUIPMENT ON THE CAR, WHICH THE RECALL PEOPLE CLAIM IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR CAMPAIGNS, SO THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM CHECK IT OUT. THEY FOUND I NEED NEW BRAKE SEALS, CALIPERS ON ALL 4 SIDES AND NEW ROADERS (THAT WE JUST REPLACE A MONTH AGO BRAND NEW) BECAUSE THEY ARE WORN DOWN SO MUCH DUE TO THE CALIPERS STICKING, LOCKING UP AND SMOKING ONCE A WEEK FOR THE PAST MONTH. I WORK A FULL TIME JOB AND A PART TIME JOB TO PAY OFF MY COLLEGE LOANS. I CANNOT KEEP PUTTING MONEY INTO A 2003 CAR THAT I HAVE ONLY HAD FOR A YEAR. IT IS NOT WORTH ME SPENDING ANOTHER $600 TO REPLACE THE BRAKE SYSTEM AGAIN FOR A CAR WHO HAS SO MANY RECALLS ON IT, I CAN'T COUNT ON BOTH OF MY HANDS. SINCE I AM A NEW OWNER, DON'T YOU THINK I WOULD OF RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICES IN THE MAIL? YEAH, THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED. I DO HAVE A LAWYER AND I WILL NOT BE AFRAID TO GIVE HER A CALL BECAUSE MY CAR IS COMPLEXLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND BY THE TIME I AM DONE FIXING ALL THESE PROBLEMS (THAT ARE ON THE LIST OF RECALLS) THIS CAR WILL BE ALMOST A $10,000 CAR WHICH I ONLY PAID $5000 FOR. *TR
Jul 09, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND CAUSED ALL THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS ALSO SEVERE SUB-FRAME RUST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Jan 04, 2013
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
STARTING ON 6/10/2016, EVERY TIME I FILL UP THE FUEL TANK, THE FILL TUBE BACKS UP AND THE PUMP NOZEL SHUTS OFF. MAKING IT TAKE LONGER TO FILL THE TANK. THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WITH ENGINE OFF, AT ALL SERVICE STATIONS.
Jul 29, 2016
ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL FILLING. IT TAKES ALMOST 1/2 HOUR TO FILL A TANK. IT CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF. THIS IS NOT GETTING BETTER, BUT ACTUALLY WORSE. PLEASE ADVISE ON ANY RECALLS OR SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE GASOLINE/TANK. THANK YOU. *TR
Mar 15, 2015
WE BOUGHT OUR 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA USED BUT IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. NOW AFTER ABOUT A YEAR WHEN WE TRY TO FILL THE GAS TANK THE PUMP SHUTS OFF REPEATEDLY. IS THERE ANY RECALL COVERING THIS? *TT
Apr 16, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
MY LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN TWO AWAY FROM THE BODY AND OTHER DRIVE COMPONENTS DUE TO RUST AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE. I WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED HEARD A POP NOISE GOT OUT LOOKED AND THE TIRE WAS ALL THE WAY AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL.
Jun 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, SHE NOTICED THE SUSPENSION MALFUNCTIONED WHICH CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED BETWEEN THE BALL JOINTS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000...UPDATED 08-28-14 *BF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 09/11/14
Jul 21, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND WOULD TURN OFF AND ON. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER (SACRAMENTO HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 6250 FLORIN RD, SACRAMENTO, CA 95823, (916) 476-8005) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED TO TAKEN IN THE VEHICLE TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONCERN. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,119.
May 14, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE IT WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.
Sep 22, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE ACTIVATING THE TURN SIGNALS IN EITHER DIRECTION, THE SIGNAL LIGHTS WOULD EITHER WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT WORK AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Jun 09, 2017
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.
Apr 03, 2010
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
2 complaints
RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND RIGHT FRONT AXLE, BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL, WHICH WAS DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. REPLACEMENT OF THE CONTROL ARMS WERE NOT REQUIRED AT THE TIME. INSPECTION, UNDERCOATING AND ,DRILLED DRAINAGE HOLES WERE THE FIX. WHILE STRANDED ON THE ROAD, A CROSS COUNTRY DRIVER STOPPED. HE INFORMED ME THAT HE IS SEEING THIS SAME PROBLEM ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH THE 2002 AND 2003 ELANTRAS. IT LOOKS AS IF THE RECALL FIX ONLY POSTPONED THE PROBLEM. THE ARMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED, NOT HOLES DRILLED TO LET THE WATER DRAIN, THE DAMAGE WAS ALREADY IN THE WORKS, AND NOW WITH SO MANY OF THESE CARS STILL ON THE ROAD,, WE ARE LOOKING AT A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. I HAD JUST EXITED FROM A MAIN HIGHWAY, ONTO A LOCAL ROAD WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, NO ONE WAS INJURED. A FEW MOMENTS EARLIER WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DIFFERENT SCENE. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS AAA REPAIR SHOP , INVOICE FOR THE REPAIR. *TR
Dec 08, 2016
DURING A RAPID STOP AT LOW SPEED THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM SNAPPED RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSTEERABLE. HAD THIS OCCURED AT HIGHER SPEED IT IS LIKELY THAT SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY WOULD HAVE ALSO OCCURED. *TR
Apr 29, 2013
VISIBILITY
2 complaints
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
Jan 25, 2007
AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES DURING A SNOW STORM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER QUIT WORKING. THE WIPER WOULD NOT MOVE. OF COURSE I COULD NOT SEE TO DRIVE IN THE HEAVY SNOW STORM. THIS ALSO HAPPENED LAST WINTER DURING A HEAVY SNOW STORM. BOTH WIPERS QUIT WORKING DURING THAT STORM. LAST YEAR THE DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE WIPERS SAID THEY WERE FROZEN. THIS YEAR ANOTHER DEALER STATED IT WAS A BOLT DESIGNED TO POP SO THE MOTOR TO THE WIPERS WOULDN'T BURN UP. THE CAR WAS HEATED UP BOTH TIMES, AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS CLEANED OF SNOW AND ICE BOTH TIMES BEFORE EVEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE DURING THE SNOW STORMS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO HAVE HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. VISIBILITY IS ZERO. LUCKILY I WAS NOT ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING, IN WHICH THERE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IF THE DEALER IS SAYING IT'S DUE TO DESIGN, THEN THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN. THE DEALER IS MORE OR LESS SAYING THIS CAR IS NOT DESIGNED TO DRIVE WHEN SNOWING. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND A BOLT WAS REPLACED.*AK
Dec 27, 2004
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. Additionally, while attempting to complete a turn, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front driver’s side of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the driver's side brake pad and rotor were abnormally worn and needed to be replaced; however, the power train failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V125000 (Suspension) and 04V369000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Dec 12, 2023
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
Live in Indiana where the weather is super salty in the winters and all of the salt in Indiana has really really affected the whole underside of my car. The whole subframe is falling apart and the rust has gotten to everything under the car. I have spent about 4 thousand dollars into this car doing all the work myself to make this car run In pristine conditions. I am very very worried that my whole back end will just fall apart going down the road due to the rust.
Oct 21, 2023
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM BECAME DEFECTIVE WHICH CAUSED DIFFICULTY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED SUPERIOR HYUNDAI SOUTH (238 W MITCHELL AVE, CINCINNATI, OH 45232) WHERE SHE MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND WAS INFORMED TO CHECK IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE O2 SENSOR WHICH WAS THEN REPLACED. DESPITE THE O2 SENSOR BEING REPLACED, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.
Sep 01, 2020
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKES IT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S METAL TO METAL, THE STEERING MAKES A FUNNY NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO CAR KEEPS SAYING 02 SENSOR BUT THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON BECAUSE OF IT.*DT
Mar 26, 2020
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I HAD A WRECK TODAY ON A HIGHWAY WHERE I WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. MY CHEST RAMMED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.THE CAR WAS TOTALLY SMASHED IN THE FRONT AND THE DOOR HAD A HARD TIME OPENING. I WAS RUSHED TO THE ER AND HAD CONTUSIONS TO MY STERNUM AREA OF MY CHEST. *I DID WEAR SEAT BELTS.
Jun 03, 2018
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
RECALL # 03V257000, 09V125000, 03V496000 SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION UNDER MY CAR WHICH THEY CLAIM WAS "FIXED" UNDER THE RECALLS. THEY DID NOT FIX THIS! THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AXLE IS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND BREAKING - THEY CLAIM THEY SPRAYED IT WITH ANTI CORROSION COMPOUND BUT THIS DID NOT STOP FURTHER CORROSION AND RUST. THE BRAKELINES WERE ALSO SPRAYED BUT THIS ALSO DID NOT WORK! MY BRAKELINE RUSTED OUT AND ALL MY BRAKE FLUID WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. HYUNDAI IS NOW REFUSING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WHICH BY FEDERAL LAW HAS TO BE DONE!
Nov 29, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
ISSUES WITH PUMPING FUEL, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO CALL IT, BUT WHILE PUMPING GAS I CAN PUMP 15 +/- CENTS AND THE HANDLE CUTS OF ASS IF THE TANK IS FULL, TAKES FOREVER TO PUT $10 IN. 2ND ISSUE IS THE ELECTRICAL, EACH TIME I BUMP THE DASH AT THE RADIO AREA THE LIGHTS EITHER COMES ON OR GOES OUT AND 2 WEEKS AGO THE RADIO QUIT WORKING (NOT THE FUSE) I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT AXLES, MOTOR MOUNT BROKEN, THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN SINCE DAY ONE THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE , I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC PIECE BEHIND THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Oct 21, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
REPLACED SENSORS BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, NOW THE CAR WON'T PASS INSPECTION. THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WON'T READ ANY MALFUNCTION AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF
Sep 07, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAD TO REPLACE STRUTS IN FRONT
Jun 22, 2016
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES. ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN FROM THE ACCIDENT BY AMBULANCE TO A NEARBY HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED FOR NECK AND LOWER BACK PAIN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Sep 25, 2015
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL AND THE STRUT/AXLE BROKE AND CAUSED HER TO SKID OFF THE RODE, LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT INJURED AND WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP IN AN EMPTY LOT. THE TIRE WAS RUINED AND THE FENDER WAS ALSO DAMAGED. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THIS FIXED AT THE REPAIR SHOP, FOR JUST UNDER $500, HOWEVER NOW THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO THE SUBFRAME BEING DETERIORATED. UPON RESEARCHING THE COST TO REPLACE THIS, I FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL RECALLS, AND WOW BOTH OF THESE WERE ON THE LIST. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE VEHICLE IS 2003 AND WE ARE NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. I AM CONCERNED NOW THAT THE OTHER RECALLS MAY ALSO AFFECT THEIR VEHICLE. THE SAFETY OF MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON IS TOP PRIORITY. WHAT CAN YOU HELP ME WITH. CAN WE STILL USE THE RECALL TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED? *TR
Sep 30, 2014
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I HAD A LOW SPEED ACCIDENT APPROXIMATELY 10-20MPH IN A PARKING LOT WHERE I HIT A CEMENT SURROUNDING OF A POLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD, BUSTED THE DASH VENTS, LOCKED MY DRIVERS SEATBELT AND SHATTERED WINDSHIELD GLASS ALL OVER THE CAR. *TR
Jun 17, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED, ALLOWING WHEEL TO TURN 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT RESULTING IN AN UNCONTROLLED SLIDE DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THIS ALSO BLEW OUT THE TIRE AND SEPARATED THE AXLE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, SPILLING TRANSMISSION FLUID. VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE, AND ONCE STOPPED IMMOVABLE, AND SO STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Jun 16, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
A FEW MONTHS BACK I BEGAN NOTICING THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WOULD TAKE 10- 15 MINS TO FILL UP GAS TANK. SENSOR WAS TRIGGERED EVERY FEW SECONDS, SUGGESTING GAS TANK WAS FULL, BUT IT WAS NOT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. WITH IN THE LAST MONTH I HAVE BEEN NOTICING THAT REAR AUTOMATIC LOCKING SEAT BELT IS NOT STAYING LOCKED. CHILD CAR SEATS DO NOT STAY SECURED. CAR OCCASIONALLY STALLS WHEN STARTED, AND AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE TO DETERMINE IF AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY OR NOT. *TR
Sep 29, 2013
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY CAR PROBLEMS STARTED APPROXIMATELY 6-8 MOS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR STARTING, ENGINE, RADIATOR, GASKET, ALTERNATOR, AND FUEL SECTOR JUST TO NAME A FEW ISSUES. OVER THE YEARS, I HAD THIS VEHICLE IN AND OUT OF MECHANIC SHOP & HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS. THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW, AND I LEFT OFF OF THE LOT WITH NO MORE THAN 10 MILES ON IT. I AM FURIOUS BECAUSE I KNEW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A LEMON, HOWEVER THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP KEPT FIGHTING ME ON THE CLAIM. AFTER 9 YRS. WITH THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE SPEND APPROX. AS MUCH THE VEHICLE, JUST ON REPAIR ALONE. I CONTACTED THE BBB AND HYUNDAI ABOUT MY CONCERNS AND WOULD LIKE FOR MY CLAIM TO BE REVIEWED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE CAR FAX REPORT WILL SHOW EVERY REPAIR ON MY VEHICLE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT[XXX] OR [XXX]. THANK YOU FOR ADDRESSING MY CONCERN. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Sep 01, 2012
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BOUGHT A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA- NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI OR THE DEALER OF ANY RECALLS-THESE RECALLS WERE DANGEROUS AND I DRIVE A HANDICAP GENTLEMAN TO AND FROM WK. 5 X WEEK- I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *TR
Sep 30, 2010
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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
Dec 13, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
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
Jul 23, 2009
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
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
Jun 20, 2009
SEATS
1 complaint
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
Jul 02, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
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
Jul 20, 2007
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,TIRES
1 complaint
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
Apr 26, 2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
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
Feb 18, 2007
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
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
Mar 09, 2006
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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
Oct 26, 2005
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
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
Mar 31, 2005
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER'S SON'S BRAKES FAILED AND LOST STEERING CONTROL WHEN DRIVING DOWN AN EXIT RAMP. *SC RECALL CAMPAIGN: NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10004464. CAMPAIGN 061 PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES FOR REPOSITIONING THE REAR BRAKE TUBES TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER'S STEERING GEAR BOX MOUNTING BRACKETS. THE VEHICLE HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF LOSS OF BRAKES AND STEERING. EARLIER IN THE WEEK THE CONSUMER FELT A VIBRATION AT 60 MPH. *TC
Jan 05, 2005
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON SLAMING ON THE BRAKES GEAR AUTOMATICALLY PUT ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL, CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. ALSO,THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Dec 30, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE SHE WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING AT ABOUT 65-70 MPH, SHE WITNESSED AN OBJECT FLYING BY. SHE STATED SHE LOOKED DOWN AND ALL OF HER GAGES WERE FINE, THEN SUDDENLY SHE SAW SMOKE, SHE STATES SHE PULLED TO THE SIDE AND GOT HERSELF AND HER CHILD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW PIECES WERE HANGING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE STATES BY THIS TIME ALL OF THE SMOKE THAT SHE HAD SEEN WAS GONE. SHE STATED THAT SHE CALLED THE TOW TRUCK AND HAD HER VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER. SHE STATES SHE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED, ALONG WITH HER INFANT. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.*TC
Dec 01, 2004
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
BRAKES FAILED, AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 35 MPH. STEERING FAILED, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS. RECALL 03V496000 WAS ISSUED. *AK
Oct 27, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE HESITATED AND SLOWED DOWN, THEN IT STALLED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Aug 26, 2004
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD THE PASSENGER, NO WARNING LIGHT APPEARED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. *AK *SC *JB
Aug 05, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES BECAUSE IT WAS NOT STOPPING WHEN BRAKING. ON 9/9/2003, WHILE TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE HIT A TRUCK AND THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE PELVIC AREA AND BRUISES ON THE UPPER LEGS. FRONT PASSENGER'S HEAD BROKE THE WINDSHIELD, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED SEIZURES. CHILD IN THE REAR, AGE 11, SUSTAINED ARM BRUISES. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS ASSESSED BY A REPAIR MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED AIR BAG SENSORS WERE IMPACTED, AND THE BRAKES FAILED. *AK THE VEHICLE WOULD TREMBLE, THE A/C DID NOT WORK, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENT (GO ON AND OFF), AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE. (WHICH OCCURRED 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE) *SC *JB
Apr 20, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
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
Jan 02, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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
Oct 08, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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
Jul 07, 2003
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
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? [email protected] . *AK
Jun 05, 2003
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
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
May 30, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 HYUNDAI Elantra have?
The 2003 HYUNDAI Elantra currently has 234 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 HYUNDAI Elantra?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 HYUNDAI Elantra are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 HYUNDAI Elantra problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 HYUNDAI Elantra comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - HYUNDAI Elantra
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2017 Problems
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2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1998 Problems
1997 Problems
1996 Problems
1995 Problems
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