Hyundai Elantra / 2003
2003 Hyundai Elantra problems
Owners have filed 310 complaints about the 2003 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 20% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 15.8%.
Complaints310
Crashes59
Fires1
Injuries51
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Suspension 20.0% · 62
Air bags 15.8% · 49
Structure 10.6% · 33
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.8% · 21
Engine and engine cooling 6.8% · 21
Steering 5.2% · 16
Exterior lighting 4.2% · 13
Seat belts 3.9% · 12
Severity
Of those complaints, 59 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 51 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 29 model years of the Hyundai Elantra in this data, 2003 sits 17th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 10 in the last three years against 17 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 65,500 miles.
In owners' own words
2003 Hyundai Elantra has had issues with Hyundai safety recall notice: 09v125000: front suspension control arm failure while driving at 21 st and ashland in chicago, the front lower control arm broke away . The control arm was replaced close to the scene , as the vehicle was rendered inoperable; and had to be towed by allstate motor club to the nearest shop. I have receipts for the tow and the repair. Suspension · reported at 80,250 miles
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. Suspension · reported at 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was told that the front suspension control arm was corroded and would not pass inspection without being repaired. Nhtsa recall# 09v125000, component: suspension:front:control arm was related to the failure. The dealer stated that his vin was not included. The failure mileage was 130,000. Suspension · reported at 130,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…