2003 Hyundai Elantra Complaint Log

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.

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.

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. *TR

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. *TR

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

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

I WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN I HEARD A NOISE AND FELT MY CAR JOLT. I GOT OUT AND MY PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SNAPPED OFF THE CAR. *TR

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.

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

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

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

8/11/2009, MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE DRIVING A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA DOWN A SMALL STREET IN CHICAGO WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AT THE BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT . THE TIRE THEN CAME AWAY FROM THE ASSEMBLY AND WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE. IN OCTOBER OF 2009, I BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL REGARDING THIS AND FILED A COMPLAINT HERE AND HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CONTROL ARM. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER WHO SIMPLY "ADDED A PLUG KIT AND RUST PREVENTATIVE." AN INSPECTION OF THE SUBFRAME DID NOT OCCUR AT THAT TIME; WHICH SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED SINCE A CONTROL ARM HAD ALREADY FRACTURED AND THE RECALL C/091 CALLS FOR THIS INSPECTION, AS WELL AS REPAIR AND. OR REPLACEMENT OF ANY PARTS ATTACHED TO THESE ASSEMBLIES. ON 3/28/2011 , WHILE HAVING SOME BRAKE AND TIRE WORK DONE, A LOCAL GOODYEAR DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTICED SEVERE CORROSION ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CONTROL ARM AS WELL AS THE SUBFRAME. I IMMEDIATELY HAD THE CONTROL ARM REPLACED DUE TO MY NEAR FATAL PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE. I HAVE THE ORIGINAL CONTROL DRIVERS SIDE CONTROL ARM IN MY POSSESSION, AS WELL AS SEVERAL PHOTOS OF MY SUBFRAME. PLEASE PASS THIS COMPLAINT ALONG TO HYUNDAI FOR REVIEW.I HAVE ALREADY SPOKEN TO THE ATTORNEYS IN THE CIRULLI,D'ELIA CASE #[XXX] AND THEY URGED ME TO TRY TO DISCUSS THIS WITH HYUNDAI . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD BOUT 25-30 MILES SWERVED (VERY SHARP) DIDN'T THINK IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUCH A SHARP TURN- ANYWAY SWERVED FROM HITTING A DEER- SO I DID ACCELERATE AND ENDED UP WITH A DIRECT FRONT HIT- CAR IS TOTALED- ACTUALLY LOST A PIECE OF WHAT HOLDS THE ENGINE UP THE BOLT IS BROKEN IN HALF-HOOD OF CAR CAN NOT BE OPENED - IMPACT THROUGH MY NECK AND BACK OUT- NO AIRBAGS. *TR

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE AXLE FRACTURE FROM THE VEHICLE BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF A POTENTIAL RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V125000-SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL AND ANY FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,540.

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

I WAS DRIVING 11 MILES TO THE AIRPORT, INVOLVING 8 MILES OF 60 MPH FREEWAY DRIVING; THE REST WAS CITY DRIVING, 25-45 MPH WITH SEVERAL STOPS. AFTER I STOPPED AT THE SECURITY GATE AND PROCEEDED FORWARD, I HEARD A LOUD CRUNCHING THUD ON THE FRONT END; THE CAR SCREECHED TO A HALT; AND I THOUGHT I COLLIDED WITH A CONCRETE BLOCK OR A DEEP POTHOLE. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS TURNED NEARLY 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT, WHILE THE LEFT WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT. THE DRIVE SHAFT AND TIE ROD WERE HOLDING THE WHEEL ON THE CAR, BUT THE MAIN STRUCTURAL COMPONENT OF THE RIGHT FRONT END WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SNAPPED, APPARENTLY BECAUSE OF RUST AND CORROSION. MY CAR WAS PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTING THE PARKING LOT ENTRANCE AND COULD NOT BE MOVED. I INFORMED THE AIRPORT POLICE OF THE INCIDENT AND PROMISED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED OFF THE LOT WHEN I COMPLETED MY 3-HOUR SHIFT. I MET THE AIRPORT POLICE AND THE AAA TOW DRIVER AT 1:45 AM. THE BROKEN FRONT END MADE TOWING VERY DIFFICULT, AND SOME BODY DAMAGE RESULTED FROM THE WHEEL WELL AND FENDER RESTING ON THE TIRE IN TRANSIT. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE AAA SHOP AT 2AM. I RESEARCHED THE FRONT END FAILURE ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A PRODUCT RECALL ON THE FAILED PART. I CALLED 800-633-5151 AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FRONT END COULD HAVE KILLED ME, IF IT HAPPENED 5 MINUTES SOONER, SO I FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT. I WAS ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER AND ADVISED TO HAVE THE HYUNDAI DEALER INSPECT THE DAMAGE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT I WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT SAID IT WAS VERY LIKELY THAT HYUNDAI WOULD REPAIR THE CAR BASED ON "GOOD WILL." THE RECALL EXCLUDED NEBRASKA CARS, ALTHOUGH IT WAS PURCHASED IN MO AND DRIVEN TO WORK DAILY IN IOWA. MY LIFE WAS PLACED IN JEOPARDY BECAUSE I WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HOPEFULLY, HYUNDAI WILL ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR CORRECTING AN OBVIOUSLY DANGEROUS DEFECT FOUND IN ALL 2003 ELANTRAS. *TR

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.

AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA OUT OF WORK, THE STRUCTURAL METAL COMPONENT THAT CONNECTS TO THE FRONT, PASSENGER SIDE TIRE (OR REFERRED TO AS LOWER ARM OR A-FRAME) SNAPPED AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND STOPPED MOVING IMMEDIATELY. THE TIRE WAS ESSENTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, FRONT BUMPER AND WHEEL COVER. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT ON A MAIN ROAD YET IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC DRIVING 40-50 MPH OR I AM CERTAIN THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT WHEN I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THIS LATENT STRUCTURAL DEFECT. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER TO BE EXAMINED AND TOOK PHOTOS OF THE CONDITION OF THE RUSTED METAL CONTROL ARM THAT HAD SNAPPED. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON RECALLS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A 4/2009 RECALL IN CERTAIN STATES WITH HEAVY WINTERS AND USE OF SALT TO CLEAR ROADS, ETC. MY STATE (NEBRASKA) WAS NOT LISTED AS AN AFFECTED STATED BUT ALL OF THE SURROUNDING STATES (I.E. IOWA, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, COLORADO, WISCONSIN) WERE. NEBRASKA HAS JUST AS MUCH SNOW OR MORE SNOW THAN IOWA IN MY OPINION. THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN OMAHA, NE WHICH IS RIGHT ON THE BORDER OF IOWA. I BELIEVE THIS WILL ALSO BE A PROBLEM IN NEBRASKA AND SURROUNDING STATES POSSIBLY. IF THIS CONTROL ARM SNAPS WHILE SOMEONE IS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE OR OTHER ROADS AT HIGHER SPEEDS, SOMEONE WILL BE SERIOUSLY INJURED. I AM EVEN MORE UPSET BY THE FACT THAT MY ONE YEAR OLD SON VERY WELL COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NOT GOOD. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE ONLY DAMAGE WAS TO THE VEHICLE ITSELF. THE DEALER CALLED TODAY AND THEY EXPLAINED WE ARE NOT A PART OF THE RECALL BUT THE EVIDENCE IS PRETTY OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM AND THEY ARE TRYING TO USE ARBITRARY STATE BOUNDARIES TO GET OUT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. WE ALSO CARRY A FULL WARRANTY UNTIL 2013 ON THE VEHICLE SO WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT AND HEARD A NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO ENCOUNTER A POTHOLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SKID AND STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS POSITIONED AT AN ANGLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE CONTROL ARM ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.

2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA DRIVEN UNDER VARIOUS BUT PRIMARILY MODERATE CONDITIONS, PURCHASED AND ORIGINALLY RESIDING IN COASTAL VIRGINIA, TRAVELING OCCASIONALLY ANYWHERE FROM NEW YORK TO FLORIDA, RESIDING IN EASTERN ENGLAND FOR FOUR YEARS (OWNER WAS ACTIVE DUTY US MILITARY), AND NOW HAVING BEEN IN OKLAHOMA FOR TWO AND A HALF YEARS, RECENTLY EXCEEDING 90,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CAR HAS BEEN PRIMARILY HIGHWAY DRIVEN SINCE IN OKLAHOMA WITH SOME TRAVEL ON GRAVEL ROADS. SEVERAL FEET AFTER ENTERING A PARKING LOT, WITH WHEELS TURNED, THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED RESULTING IN THE TIRE CONTACTING THE CAR BODY AND COMING TO A SKIDDING HALT. NO SIGNIFICANT BODY DAMAGE OCCURRED, THOUGH LOADING ONTO A TOW TRUCK WITHOUT FURTHER DAMAGE WAS DIFFICULT. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP REPAIR FACILITY BUT THEY SHOW NO RECALL FOR THE ITEM. AT THIS TIME I (THE OWNER) AM ASSUMING THIS IS BECAUSE THE PURCHASE AND REGISTERED STATE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL. *TR

2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY *TGW THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB

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

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.

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000, SUSPENSION, FRONT CONTROL ARM AND THE PART NEEDED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WAS CORRODED AND WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. TWO MONTHS FOLLOWING THE FAILURE, THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 89,000.

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

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT AND DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY DUE TO FAILURE TO RETRACT, LEAVING DRIVER UNPROTECTED. *TR

2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4DSD VIN # [XXX] ....I HAVE HAD A RECALL FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, SINCE 1/1/10, HERE IN SELDEN, NY 11784 FOR THE "SUSPENSION: FRONT CONTROL ARMS". I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL ON 4/1/10. THE DEALERSHIP AT HUSTED HYUNDAI AT 1752 MIDDLE COUNTRY ROAD CENTEREACH 11720 PH# 631-580-0800 INFORMED ME IT QUALIFIED FOR REPLACEMENT OF SAID SUSPENSION FRAME, BUT THE "PART(S) ARE NOT AVAILABLE". THEY DID NOT OFFER ME A LOANER VEHICLE OR ANY SHORT TERM REPLACEMENT PLAN. BEING THAT IT IS MY ONLY VEHICLE, I CANNOT LEAVE THE VEHICLE THERE WHILE THEY "WAIT FOR THE PARTS", AND I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO SIGN A DISCLAIMER OF "TAKING THE CAR AT MY OWN RISK" UNTIL THE PART(S) ARRIVE. I HAVE CALLED TODAY,5/3/10, AND THE PART(S) ARE NOT IN, AND THEY SAY THE DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL BE IN. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY, AND MY FAMILY'S, SAFETY IN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHILE IT IS DEEMED "UNSAFE" BY THE MANUFACTURER. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS THEY HAVE GIVEN ME NO OPTIONS BUT TO WAIT FOR THE PART TO COME IN, WHILE JEOPARDIZING MY SAFETY WITH THE CURRENT RECALL DUE TO BACK ORDER OF PARTS. IS THERE ANY AUTHORITATIVE OR GOVERNING ORGANIZATION THAT CAN HELP ME(AND OTHER RECALL CUSTOMERS) PROMPTLY RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI'S OBLIGATION TO RECALLS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000, SUSPENSION, FRONT CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AND WAS DISPLEASED THAT HE INCURRED A SERVICE FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF $83.43. THERE WAS A CONCERN OF THE RECALL NOTIFICATION NOT INDICATING THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE REMEDY REPAIR. UPDATED 2/17/10 *CN UPDATED 02/22/10.*JB

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

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.

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST AND A CRACK. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF THE STEERING CONTROL. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SUB AXLE EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION NOT UNTIL FEBRUARY 25, 2010; CONCERNING SUCH A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, HE EXPERIENCED SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS IN THE PROCESS OF DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. ALSO HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL #09V125000 (SUSPENSION;FRONT;CONTROL ARM). HOWEVER, HIS CONTROL ARM HAS FAILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 119,00.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. SHE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 09V125000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM) AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2009, SINCE THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000.

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

TL*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.

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. *TR

NO KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS. I WAS IN A T-BONE COLLISION WITH A LARGE SUV (SUBURBAN) TOTALING MY CAR. THE HIT WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE OFFICER STATED SUBURBAN WAS TRAVELING 35-40 MPH. *TR