2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

310

Owner Complaints

59 Crashes 1 Fire

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

17

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

The 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has received a total of 310 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. 17 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Suspension (33 complaints), Air Bags (28 complaints), and Air Bagsfrontal (15 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, potentially affecting up to 740,076 vehicles.

Recall 09V125000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

| 160,904 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: THE FRACTURING OF THE CONTROL ARM COULD AN OWNER'S CONTROL OVER THEIR VEHICLE THAT MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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...

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Recall 04V369000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

| 919 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 04V178000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

| 263,968 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 03V496000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 1,993 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE TUBES FOR THE REAR BRAKES CAN CONTACT THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 03V257000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 312,292 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

310 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Suspension
Complaints: 33
Air Bags
Complaints: 28 16 Crashes 12 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 15 14 Crashes 14 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 15 2 Crashes
Structurebody
Complaints: 13 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 13
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 12 5 Crashes 3 Injuries
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 12
Electrical System
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 9
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 9
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 8 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 8
Structure
Complaints: 8
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 7
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 7 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 6
Seat Belts
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 6
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 4
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Power Train
Complaints: 3
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 3
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 2
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Tiresvalve
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11559695 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 132,000 miles
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.
#11559695 | SUSPENSION | | 132,000 miles
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.
#11551132 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
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.
#11551132 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
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.
#11551132 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
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.

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Safety Rating for the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Hyundai Motor America has issued 17 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

0540004 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

RESETTING AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE ADAPTIVE VALUES. *SC AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULE - RESET AND RELEARN ADAPTIVE VALUES. *TT

0401003 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT. *MR SERVICE CAMPAIGN T13. *TT

0440012 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE HARSH AND/OR DELAYED SHIFTS. TO INCLUDE 2005 ELANTRA. *TT

0440011 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE HARSH AND/OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. TO INCLUDE 2005 ELANTRA. *TT

0490010 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

POWER WINDOW REGULATOR MOTOR.*MR

03360142 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SULEAVE ELANTRA (ONLY APPLIED ON ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS SPECIFICATION AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION).*MR

070103 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP INSTALLATION FOR A ROUGH RUNNING CONDITION. *TT

0390017 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

KENWOOD RADIO RECEIVER INSTALLATION. *TT

0380003 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

INTERIOR DOOR TRIM PANEL FABRIC REPAIR. *TT

0380001 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DOOR FRAME BLACK TAPE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT

Showing 10 of 17 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI ELANTRA

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Other HYUNDAI Models

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