RoadVitals

2003 Hyundai Elantra Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
32
Latest Oct 21, 2023
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
14%
of 234 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 Hyundai Elantra submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 32 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming body or structure

The 25 most recent of 32, in the owner's own words

AirbagsBody & structureSuspension
Filed Oct 21, 2023

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 ID
11551132
Incident
Oct 21, 2023
Body & structureSuspension
Filed May 16, 2023

*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 ID
11522292
Incident
May 15, 2023
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Apr 17, 2021

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

NHTSA ID
11408580
Incident
Apr 10, 2019
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Mar 14, 2019

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 ID
11186815
Incident
Feb 22, 2019
Mileage
82,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Jun 3, 2018
Crash reported1 injury reported

I HAD A WRECK TODAY ON A HIGHWAY WHERE I WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. MY CHEST RAMMED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.THE CAR WAS TOTALLY SMASHED IN THE FRONT AND THE DOOR HAD A HARD TIME OPENING. I WAS RUSHED TO THE ER AND HAD CONTUSIONS TO MY STERNUM AREA OF MY CHEST. *I DID WEAR SEAT BELTS.

NHTSA ID
11099449
Incident
Jun 3, 2018
Mileage
200,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Mar 29, 2018

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

NHTSA ID
10850577
Incident
Nov 14, 2014
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Nov 30, 2016

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. *TR

NHTSA ID
10928753
Incident
Nov 29, 2016
Mileage
208,000 mi
Body & structurePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Sep 30, 2014

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? *TR

NHTSA ID
10640172
Incident
Sep 1, 2014
Mileage
100,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structureSeat belts
Filed Jun 17, 2014
Crash reported

I HAD A LOW SPEED ACCIDENT APPROXIMATELY 10-20MPH IN A PARKING LOT WHERE I HIT A CEMENT SURROUNDING OF A POLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD, BUSTED THE DASH VENTS, LOCKED MY DRIVERS SEATBELT AND SHATTERED WINDSHIELD GLASS ALL OVER THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10599046
Incident
Jun 2, 2014
Mileage
57,465 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 9, 2014

I WENT TO HAVE MY CAR LOOKED AT BECAUSE OF THE RATTLING NOISE AND THE POPPING WHEN I BRAKE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO REPLACE MY SUBFRAME. I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT MY CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN 2011 THE SAME YEAR I HAD BOUGHT IT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10587522
Incident
May 3, 2014
Body & structureSuspension
Filed May 9, 2014

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). *TR

NHTSA ID
10587451
Incident
May 3, 2014
Mileage
141,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Feb 27, 2014

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. *TR

NHTSA ID
10568428
Incident
Feb 1, 2014
Body & structure
Filed Dec 17, 2011

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

NHTSA ID
10440286
Incident
Dec 7, 2011
Body & structureSuspension
Filed May 19, 2010

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

NHTSA ID
10331161
Incident
May 18, 2010
Mileage
57,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 21, 2009

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.

NHTSA ID
10296620
Incident
Sep 22, 2009
Mileage
81,000 mi
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 13, 2009

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

NHTSA ID
10295510
Incident
Dec 11, 2009
Mileage
93,132 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 15, 2009

2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. BROUGHT IN TO TIRE DEALER TO HAVE SNOW TIRES REMOVED, WAS SHOWN THAT BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND FRONT FRAME WERE DANGEROUSLY ROTTED. TOOK VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI. THEY SAY IT IS PARTIALLY COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WILL INCUR $250 OUT OF POCKET COSTS. CAR HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10265467
Incident
Apr 8, 2009
Mileage
65,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 3, 2009

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH ON 3-18-09. NO WARNING. GOING 30 MPH IN VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC. FELT LIKE WE FELL INTO A BIG POTHOLE AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. HAPPENED VERY CLOSE TO POLICE STATION SO THEY HELPED BUT NO REPORT MADE. WAS LATE SO CAR TOWED TO HOUSE THEN TO DEALERSHIP IN MORNING. NO INJURIES (2 ADULTS AND 2 SMALL CHILDREN IN VEHICLE). OTHER DAMAGE- FRONT AXLE BROKE, DAMAGE TO WHEEL WELL, FRONT BUMPER, WIPER FLUID RESERVOIR AND OTHER INCIDENTAL PARTS. ALL FIXED BY HYUNDAI INCLUDING BODY DAMAGE AND PAINT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS TO HAVE EXAMINED DRIVERS SIDE ARM AND STATED IT WAS "FINE". WE DO NOT TRUST THIS AND ARE HAVING IT LOOKED AT BY ANOTHER MECHANIC. *TR

NHTSA ID
10264070
Incident
Mar 18, 2009
Mileage
74,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Mar 6, 2009

I OWN A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT THAT CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 58000 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING HOME, WHEN I WAS APPROX 2 MILES AWAY I NOTICED THAT THE CAR STARTED TO PULL TO ONE SIDE A BIT. THINKING IT WAS A FLAT, I DROVE SLOW FOR THE REMAINING MILE OR SO AND WHEN I WAS ABOUT 200 YARDS FROM MY DESTINATION, THE FRONT END DROPPED AND THE CAR STOPPED. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION, IT LOOKS LIKE THE FRAME WHERE THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE MEETS THE STEERING ROD COMPLETELY ROTTED THROUGH AND BROKE. AFTER LOOKING ON THE WEB, IT SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO INVESTIGATION PE09011. *TR

NHTSA ID
10260918
Incident
Mar 5, 2009
Mileage
58,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed May 28, 2008

I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL TO A STOP SIGN (FROM ABOUT 20MPH), AND PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, AT WHICH POINT I HEARD AN AWFUL CRUNCH NOISE, AND THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER OF MY CAR JOLTED, SHOOK, AND SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS GRINDING TOGETHER. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO LOOK AT THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL, AND SAW THAT IT WAS TURNED IN TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE CAR, AND BENT UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR, ABOUT 1/4" AWAY FROM THE BACK OF THE WHEEL WELL, WHILE MY OTHER FRONT WHEEL WAS AIMED STRAIGHT AHEAD. I DROVE THE CAR 100 FEET TO A SAFE PLACE OFF THE STREET, DURING WHICH TRIP THE STEERING WHEEL TRIED TO SPIN WILDLY IN VARIOUS DIRECTIONS, AND THE CRUNCHING, JOLTING NOISES AND MOTIONS CONTINUED. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE, SO I CALLED A FLATBED TOW TRUCK, WHO TOWED IT TO MY MECHANIC.. WHEN THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, HE DETERMINED THAT THE CONTROL ARM HAD COMPLETELY SNAPPED IN HALF, AS A RESULT OF RUST CORROSION FROM THE INSIDE OUT. VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE CONTROL ARM CONFIRMED THAT THE METAL IT IS CONSTRUCTED OUT OF WAS CORRODED DOWN TO A THICKNESS OF APPROXIMATELY 5 OR 6 SHEETS OF PAPER. WATER KICKED UP FROM WET ROADS BY THE TIRES HAD GOTTEN INSIDE THE CONTROL ARM (THROUGH A FAULTY SEAL) AND, AS THERE ARE NO DRAINAGE HOLES IN THE CONTROL ARM, IT REMAINED INSIDE, EATING AWAY AT THE METAL UNTIL FINALLY THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR SNAPPED THE ARM IN HALF. THIS FAILURE OF THE CONTROL ARM ALSO WRECKED THE SUSPENSION OF THE CAR, AS WELL AS THE CV SHAFT, THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE, AND THE SWAY BAR LINKS. THE CONTROL ARM, THE CV SHAFT, AND THE SWAY BAR LINKS HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED, AND THE CAR NEEDED A REALIGNMENT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10229138
Incident
May 22, 2008
Mileage
78,234 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 8, 2008

A TRUCK STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING, IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT MY BRAKES AND TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISON, MY CAR FELT LIKE IT HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CHECKED AND THERE WAS NO FLAT, BUT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS NOT GOING STRAIGHT AS THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE A-FRAME HAD RUSTED AND SNAPPED. I HAD THE A-FRAME REPLACED, AND THE MECHANIC ALSO CHECKED OUT THE A-FRAME ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR, AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO RUST OR DAMAGE ON THAT SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10227061
Incident
May 7, 2008
Mileage
73,083 mi
Body & structureDriver assistance
Filed Oct 26, 2005

CONSUMER 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS A DESIGN FLAW, IN THE POSITIONING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ITS PROXIMITY TO THE GAS PEDAL. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *TS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BACKED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY INTO THE CURBSIDE MAILBOX. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE BUCKED AND HIT A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THEM. THE CONSUMER NOTICED HOW THE PEDAL WAS CONSIDERABLY HIGHER AND NOT AS CLOSE TO THE GAS PEDAL. *SC

NHTSA ID
10142124
Incident
Oct 1, 2005
Body & structure
Filed Jun 27, 2005

THE CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE WHISTLING SOUND WHEN TRAVEL AT SPPEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH. THE NOISE IS DISTRACTING

NHTSA ID
10126631
Incident
Jun 1, 2005
Body & structure
Filed Oct 5, 2004
1 injury reported

THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED VIA E-MAIL. "I HAVE BEEN HURT ON 4 OCCASIONS BY THE TRUNK LID OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN THE TRUNK LID DOES NOT OPEN ALL THE WAY UP AND BACK. THIS IS COMPLICATED BY THE FACT THE LOCK ON THE LID STICKS OUT (PROTRUDES). THIS IS THE PIECE THAT HAS HIT THE TOP OF MY HEAD WHEN I FORGOT ABOUT IT AND TRIED TO PUT OR TAKE THINGS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE TRUNK. I AM 5 FEET 6 INCHES TALL. I DON'T SEE HOW ANYONE OF MY HEIGHT CAN AVOID IT IN IT'S CURRENT CONFIGURATION. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD. I AM TRIED OF GETTING INJURED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10095047
Incident
Oct 5, 2004
Body & structure
Filed Feb 14, 2004

CLEAR COAT ON TRUNK AND HOOD CRACKING.*AK

NHTSA ID
10058144
Incident
Dec 15, 2003

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data on this page last refreshed .