FaultScore

2003 Hyundai Elantra suspension problems

62 of the 310 complaints about the 2003 Hyundai Elantra are about the suspension — 20% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 94,032 miles.

C

62

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Suspension 33 53.2%
Front 13 21.0%
Control ARM 12 19.4%
Wheel Bearing 2 3.2%
Lower ARM 2 3.2%

Suspension across every Hyundai Elantra year

1995 11 2.0%
2001 86 15.4%
2002 100 18.0%
2003 62 11.1%
2007 28 5.0%
2008 11 2.0%
2010 11 2.0%
2011 67 12.0%
2012 45 8.1%
2013 99 17.8%
2014 14 2.5%
2016 10 1.8%
2017 13 2.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 132,000 miles Rohnert Park, CA

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11559695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jonesboro, IN

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11551132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ballwin, MO

SUSPENSION

*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.

NHTSA complaint #11522292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Indiana, IN

SUSPENSION

MY REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTING SO BADLY THE REAR SUSPENSION IS FALLING APART.

NHTSA complaint #11408580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 153,000 miles Cincinnati, OH

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11352466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Vancouver, WA

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11319551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,000 miles Schenecpady, NY

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11289922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Erlanger, KY

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11220925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,000 miles Medford, MA

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11186815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Batavia, OH

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11164851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Allentown, PA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM CORROSION RECALL REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD

NHTSA complaint #10850577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 178,000 miles NEW Orleans, LA

SUSPENSION

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!

NHTSA complaint #11051250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,735 miles Patchogue, NY

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10933827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 208,000 miles Wentzville, MO

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10928753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,000 miles Commerce Township, MI

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10811141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Frackville, PA

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10747786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,573 miles Woodbridge, VA

SUSPENSION

AS MY WIFE WAS EXITING OUR DRIVEWAY THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO MALLOY HYUNDAI IN WOODBRIDGE, VA. I WAS NOT ADVISED OF ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR $1353.52 OUT OF POCKET. I RECENTLY LEARNED ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE SUSPENSION. EXCLUDING NORTHERN VIRGINIA DRIVERS PLACES US AT RISK. IT WAS FORTUNATE MY WIFE WAS NOT ON INTERSTATE 95 AND WAS NOT INJURED.

NHTSA complaint #10676989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bloomsburg, PA

SUSPENSION

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?

NHTSA complaint #10640172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 220,000 miles Beckley, WV

SUSPENSION

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

NHTSA complaint #10614974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,000 miles Nokesville, VA

SUSPENSION

THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM SUDDENLY COMPLETE BROKE IN HALF CLOSE TO THE BALL JOINT CAUSING THE TIRE TO DANGLE AND LOSS OF STEERING AND MOVEMENT. THIS HAPPENED AT A VERY LOW SPEED PULLING OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY. THERE WAS VISIBLE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE INSIDE OF THE BOXED STAMPED STEEL CONTROL ARM NEAR THE BALL JOINT. THIS FAILURE WAS EXACTLY LIKE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE09011 DESCRIBED. THIS VEHICLE WAS REGISTERED IN VA SO THE CAR WAS NOT SUBJECT TO THAT SPECIFIC RECALL ALTHOUGH OTHER STATES AROUND US WERE. WE RECEIVED NO NOTICE OF THIS RECALL IN THE MAIL OR THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH WE USE AND TRAVEL OFTEN TO THE STATES THAT DID HAVE THE RECALL AND THEY DO PUT A LOT OF SALT ON NORTHERN VA ROADS.

NHTSA complaint #10606538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Middletown Springs, VT

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10598495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 141,000 miles Runnemede, NJ

SUSPENSION

IN 2009, A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR RUST/CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS OF THESE VEHICLES (RECALL 091 PER HYUNDAI). WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS AND TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL DEALER IN 2011. HOLES WERE DRILLED AND THE CAR "PASSED" WITHOUT NEED TO REPLACE ANYTHING. A "PROTECTIVE COATING" WAS APPLIED. ON SATURDAY, MAY 3, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AND PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. HE HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AS HE BACKED OUT, THEN HEARD SOMETHING BREAK AND THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. WE COULDN'T EVEN PUSH THE CAR BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE, AS THE TIRE/ARM APPEARED TO BE DETACHED. WE FOUND OUT THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY, ALSO CAUSING DAMAGE OF THE AXLE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN FIRST TO OUR MECHANIC AND THEN THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE SAME RECALLED PART HAD RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING THE BREAK. THE CAR WAS FIXED BY HYUNDAI, INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF BOTH CONTROL ARMS. I'M JUST VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAVE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSED A CRASH AND SERIOUS INJURY. WE HAD NO IDEA OF THE RISK, ALTHOUGH WE DID HAVE A BAD WINTER WITH A LOT OF ROAD SALT USED SO I'M NOT SURPRISED. I AM SURPRISED, THOUGH, THAT IT WAS NEVER ADVISED TO RETURN AND HAVE THIS RE-CHECKED. I CALLED HYUNDAI'S CARE MANAGEMENT DEPT AND THE PERSON I SPOKE WITH ([XXX]) DENIED THIS ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL AND SAID IT MUST HAVE BEEN REPAIRED ONLY AS A COURTESY. I STRONGLY DISAGREE BY WHAT I HEARD FROM THE MECHANIC. I WANTED TO MAKE YOU AWARE AS I'M SURE THE SAFETY OF MANY IS AT RISK IF THIS A RESULT OF A RECALLED PART AND THEY ARE UN-KNOWINGLY AT RISK AFTER THIS BAD WINTER. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10587451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 94,032 miles Oakland, NJ

SUSPENSION

ON APRIL 1ST 2014 THE FRONT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING A CANADIAN GOOSE THAT WAS SAUNTERING MAJESTICALLY ACROSS THE ROAD (THE GOOSE WAS UNHURT). THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS ROTATED ABOUT 60 DEGREES TO THE HORIZONTAL AND WAS MOVED BACKWARDS ENOUGH TO DAMAGE THE RIGHT FENDER. SOME TWO YEARS AGO, HYUNDAI RECALLED THIS MODEL TO INSPECT FOR POSSIBLE CORROSION IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. AT THAT TIME THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO CORROSION DETECTED IN THIS VEHICLE. WHILE IT IS EASY TO BLAME THIS BREAK ON POTHOLES, I WOULD LIKE TO STATE THAT I AM METICULOUS ABOUT AVOIDING THEM AND I WONDER IF THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE NOT WEAKENED BY POOR QUALITY CORROSION PROTECTION AND GAVE WAY WHEN I BRAKED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10576656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roanoke, VA

SUSPENSION

THANKFULLY NO INCIDENT, MY MECHANIC POINTED OUT TO ME DURING NORMAL MAINTENANCE ON THE CAR, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SEVERE CORROSION DAMAGE THAT ITS ALMOST SPLIT HE ADVISED NOT TO TAKE IT ON THE HIGHWAY UNTIL IT WAS FIXED. HE PRINTED OUT THE RECALL NOTICE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. HYUNDAI IS GIVING ME PUSH BACK ON TAKING CARE OF IT BECAUSE IM NOT IN THE SALT BELT. I AM NOT IN A SALT FREE STATE THEY SALT HEAR AT THE THREAT OF FLURRIES. THAT KIND OF DAMAGE IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON A CAR THAT'S UNDER 60K MILES. I DON'T WANT THE WORLD I JUST WANT THEM TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT HAD MY MECHANIC NOT POINTED IT OUT I COULD HAVE PUT MYSELF OR OTHERS IN DANGER IF THIS SNAPPED AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. I CANT BE THE ONLY ONE OUTSIDE OF THE SALT BELT THAT IS HAVING THIS ISSUE AND MAY BE IN DANGER IF IT SEPARATES. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN.

NHTSA complaint #10568428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,542 miles Harrisburg, PA

SUSPENSION

I WAS BEHIND TWO VEHICLES AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND WE ALL JUST STARTED TO PROCEED FORWARD WHEN THE FRONT VEHICLE SLAMMED HIS BRAKES ON. THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED HIS BRAKES ON AND I SLAMMED MINE ALSO. I FELT THE FRONT END GIVE A LITTLE SO I MADE A RIGHT TURN AND SLOWED DOWN TO AROUND 5 MPH. I PROCEEDED TO MY HOME ABOUT 500 FEET AWAY AND TURNED INTO THE DRIVEWAY. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKEN JUST PAST THE BALL JOINT. I FORGOT TO SAY THERE WASN'T ANY CONTACT BETWEEN ANY OF THE VEHICLES, NO ONE WAS INJURED.

NHTSA complaint #10546313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles SAN Diego, CA

SUSPENSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH AND COMPLETED A U-TURN WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED BY THE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS RUSTING), HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

NHTSA complaint #10510302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102,000 miles Fairfax Station, VA

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #10509882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,434 miles Freeport, ME

SUSPENSION

AS I WAS DRIVING OUT OF PARKING SPOT AT WORK THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF CAR DROPPED. GOT OUT AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT WHEEL HAD FOLDED UNDER CAR. AFTER FURTHER CHECKING FOUND THAT THAT CONTROL ARM HAD BROKEN AND FLUID POURING OUT FROM UNDER CAR. WAS INFORMED BY FELLOW WORKER THAT THIS CAR HAD A RECALL ON CONTROL ARMS.I CHECKED INTO PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN ADDRESSED BUT THE ARMS WERE NOT REPLACED.I AM THE SECOND OWER OF THIS CAR. THE ARMS WERE WAXED AND DRILLED BUT IT LOOKS LIKE IT DIDN'T TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM.MILEAGE ON THE CAR AT TIME OF WAXING WAS 113,715 MILES .IM JUST GLAD THAT I WASN'T OUT ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. WILL HYUNDAI TAKE CARE OF THIS FOR ME AND HOW MANY MORE CARS ARE OUT THERE WITH SAME ISSUE?

NHTSA complaint #10491613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Laurel, MD

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME SLIGHTLY UNCONTROLLABLE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS BENT INWARD, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM) AND WAS TREATED WITH RUST PROOFING MATERIAL. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS ALREADY RUST PRESENT BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FRONT CONTROL ARM UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #10487547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,500 miles Walhalla, SC

SUSPENSION

AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF A STORES PARKING LOT TO ENTER A MAIN STREET, I TURNED LEFT AT THE INTERSECTION , AND AS THE CAR WAS ABOUT ONE FOURTH IN THE INTERSECTION I HEARD A NOISE, SUCH AS WHEN A CAR HITS A ROAD HOLE, AND THE CAR STOPPED BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUE TO RUN. THE MAIN STREET WAS DOUBLE LANE, AND THE CAR COMING TOWARDS MY DRIVER SIDE WAS ABLE TO STOP. I BELIEVE THAT IF HE HAD COME FASTER I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT. THE CAR DID NOT MOVE FURTHER , NEITHER FORWARDS OR REVERSE. SO I STEPPED OUT AND SAW THE PASSENGER WHEEL POINTING TO THE RIGHT INSTEAD OF THE LEFT, AND SO A PIECE OF METAL FRAME TORN APART. LATER THAT NIGHT I UNDERSTOOD THAT IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM.

NHTSA complaint #10461163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2003 Hyundai Elantra problems

← Full 2003 Hyundai Elantra report