2003 Hyundai Elantra Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

5 safety recalls on file

The 2003 Hyundai Elantra has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 234 complaints with NHTSA, including 42 crashes, 1 fire, 33 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Suspension (62 reports).

5Recalls
234Owner complaints
42Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Elantra?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2003 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Suspension:Front:Control Arm

Recall 09V125Apr 16, 2009160,904 vehicles affected

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Recall 04V369Jul 26, 2004919 vehicles affected

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Recall 04V178Apr 9, 2004263,968 vehicles affected

Most common 2003 Hyundai Elantra problems

Problem areas named in the 234 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Suspension62
Air Bags49
Structure33
Engine And Engine Cooling21
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21
Steering16
Exterior Lighting13
Seat Belts12
Fuel System, Gasoline10
Electrical System10

What owners report

2023-12-12, 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: 09V125
2023-10-21, Air Bags
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.
2023-05-16, 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.
2022-04-06, Unknown Or Other
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.
2021-04-17, Structure
MY REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTING SO BADLY THE REAR SUSPENSION IS FALLING APART.

2003 Hyundai Elantra questions

Does the 2003 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2003 Hyundai Elantra: Suspension:Front:Control Arm; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Hyundai Elantra?

Based on 234 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Suspension (62), Air Bags (49), Structure (33).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Hyundai Elantra has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Hyundai Elantra years

Other 2003 Hyundai models