Body problems of the 2003 Hyundai Elantra

12 problems related to body have been reported for the 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Hyundai Elantra based on all problems reported for the 2003 Elantra.

1 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/21/2023

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.

2 Body problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2023

Rear sub-frame assembly nearly rusted through. Steering and handling noticebly effected with rear of vehicle feeling soft and sluggish in turns. Vehicle is available for inspection and was brought to my attention when the mechanic was beginning rear brake maintenance. Mechanic is a licensed mechanic and the repair shop is a licensed service facility. 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.

3 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/22/2019

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. . Read more...

4 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/03/2018

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.

5 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/29/2016

The whole rear metal beam holding the rear suspision rusted out and fell off while driving sent csrd into a spin before wegot it stopped could have been killed driving on interstate 70 from warrenton to wentzville mo yesterday mourning at 5. 30 am.

6 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2014

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 damanged. 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 thei 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?.

7 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2014

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 signifcant damage to the windshield, busted the dash vents, locked my drivers seatbelt and shattered windshield glass all over the car.

8 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2005

The car continues to make whistling sound when travel at sppeds in excess of 50 mph. The noise is distracting.

9 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2003

Clear coat on trunk and hood cracking.

10 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2003

Recently I had taken an interstate trip. There is a loud noise coming from somewhere at the front of the vehicle at higher speeds of 60-75 mph, which sounds like this noise is in the wheels? the front grill? happens on both front sides of the vehicle.

11 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2003

When traveling on highway at speeds of 65 mph or greater there is a very loud humming type noise at the corners of the windshield. I noticed it is greatly enhanced when there is a strong headwind.

12 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2002

While driving from 45 mph or greater with a cross wind across the car (left to right) the car will howl or whistle. The sound is so loud that it drowns out the radio and the road noise. Opening the window seems to stop the sound but you can't drive for 8 hours with the windows down in the rain or heat. I have tried the dealers suggestion of using tape on the vents to quiet the noise but to no solution.


Other Structure related problems of the 2003 Hyundai Elantra


Safety Ratings of Elantra Cars
Fuel Economy of Elantra Vehicles
Elantra Service Bulletins
Elantra Safety Recalls
Elantra Defect Investigations