Front Suspension Control Arm problems of the 2003 Hyundai Elantra - part 1

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that her right control arm had become defective which cause difficulty while steering at various speeds. The contact then called superior Hyundai south(238 w mitchell Ave, cincinnati, OH 45232) where she made an appointment and was informed to check if there were any recalls on her vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA campaign number: 09v125000(suspension); however, her vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact also stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle would stall out without warning upon depressing the accelerator. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective O2 sensor which was then replaced. Despite the O2 sensor being replaced, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of either failures. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000. Jo.

Driving on highway and turning right; a tire blew. On inspection by a mechanic, the front passenger control arm was bent with rust on the exposed metal. The bent control arm allowed the tire to rub against the interior fender, eventually leading to the tire failing. The tire was in great condition before the sudden failure. On researching: there was a recall on 2003 Hyundai Elantra for front control arm problems. Nhtsa campaign number: 09v125000. This recall cites that road salt used in certain jurisdictions can cause internal degradation of the front control arms: leading to failure. Looking back through this car's history: it was originally registered in ohio, one of the states using road salt. I don't know why this car escaped recall, but it's having the same problems as other 2003 Elantras.

My lower control arm broke in two away from the body and other drive components due to rust and I'm not sure what else. I was driving at a slow speed heard a pop noise got out looked and the tire was all the way against the wheel well.

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, she noticed the suspension malfunctioned which caused her to lose control of the vehicle without warning. Also, the contact mentioned that the steering wheel became hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated the passenger side front lower control arm fractured between the ball joints due to excessive corrosion. The contact notified the manufacturer and they informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v125000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 220,000. . . Updated 08-28-14.

Front passenger side control arm fractured, allowing wheel to turn 90 degrees to the right resulting in an uncontrolled slide down the highway. This also blew out the tire and separated the axle from the transmission, spilling transmission fluid. Vehicle was uncontrollable, and once stopped unmovable, and so stranded in the middle of the highway.

The right side lower control arm suddenly complete broke in half close to the ball joint causing the tire to dangle and loss of steering and movement. This happened at a very low speed pulling out of our driveway. There was visible rust and corrosion on the inside of the boxed stamped steel control arm near the ball joint. This failure was exactly like NHTSA action number : pe09011 described. This vehicle was registered in va so the car was not subject to that specific recall although other states around us were. We received no notice of this recall in the mail or the potential problem even though we use and travel often to the states that did have the recall and they do put a lot of salt on northern va roads.

On April 1st 2014 the front right lower control arm broke off when I applied the brakes in order to avoid hitting a canadian goose that was sauntering majestically across the road (the goose was unhurt). The right front wheel was rotated about 60 degrees to the horizontal and was moved backwards enough to damage the right fender. Some two years ago, Hyundai recalled this model to inspect for possible corrosion in the front suspension components. At that time the local Hyundai dealer stated that there was no corrosion detected in this vehicle. While it is easy to blame this break on potholes, I would like to state that I am meticulous about avoiding them and I wonder if the suspension components were not weakned by poor quality corrosion protection and gave way when I braked. Sincerely, sarosh pasricha.

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.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. While driving 20 mph, the front driver side wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the front passenger lower control arm was rusted from the inside out and the axle detached from the transmission. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to columbia Hyundai (10981 montgomery rd, cincinnati, OH 45249, (513) 489-2000) where it was diagnosed that the front passenger lower control arm was completely safe and had a small amount of rust. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

I was behind two vehicles at a traffic light, the light turned green and we all just started to proceed forward when the front vehicle slammed his brakes on. The vehicle directly in front of me slammed his brakes on and I slammed mine also. I felt the front end give a little so I made a right turn and slowed down to around 5 mph. I proceeded to my home about 500 feet away and turned into the driveway. I got out of the vehicle and found the right lower control arm broken just past the ball joint. I forgot to say there wasn't any contact between any of the vehicles, no one was injured.

During a rapid stop at low speed the passenger side control arm snapped rendering the vehicle unsteerable. Had this occured at higher speed it is likely that serious personal injury would have also occured.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was driving 20 mph and completed a u-turn when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle continued to veer into oncoming traffic and the contact was unable to regain steering control. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder, where the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The mechanic advised the contact that the front driver¿s side lower control arm was fractured. The driver¿s side lower control arm was replaced by the mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 09v125000 (suspension: front lower control arms rusting), however the manufacturer advised that the VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The failure and current mileage was 123,000. Kmj.

As I was driving out of parking spot at work the front right side of car dropped. Got out and found that the right wheel had folded under car. After further checking found that that control arm had broken and fluid pouring out from under car. Was informed by fellow worker that this car had a recall on control arms. I checked into problem and found that the recall had been addressed but the arms were not replaced. I am the second ower of this car. The arms were waxed and drilled but it looks like it didn't take care of the problem. Mileage on the car at time of waxing was 113,715 miles . Im just glad that I wasn't out on the highway at the time. Will Hyundai take care of this for me and how many more cars are out there with same issue?.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 updated 02/22/10.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On June 12, 2009 I purchased a used 2003 Hyundai Elantra. On July 27, 2009 the lower control arm on my 2003 Hyundai Elantra broke off while driving and the wheel fell off. I contacted the Hyundai dealer in kalamazoo, mi about repairs and was told there was no warranty or coverage for repairs. I had the parts repaired by my mechanic at my expense for $484. 06. On August 27, 2009 I received a recall campaign 091 notice from the previous owner sent by Hyundai motors advising the lower control arm problems and advising to have it fixed at a dealer or seek reimbursement for repairs made before receiving notice. I then filed a claim with Hyundai motors of $484. 06 with all paperwork on August 29, 2009 seeking reimbursement. To this date and many calls to Hyundai motors I am told they are still reviewing the claim and it will be another 6-8 weeks. I feel I am getting a run around and will not be properly reimbursed under the recall law.

I had just exited the highway and was on the off ramp when the car came to a sudden stop. The right front tire was at a different angle than the car. I was unable to move the car. I was sitting on a very busy off ramp from the highway and couldn't move the car. I had it towed to a Hyundai dealer and found out that I had a right front broken axle and control arm. The car only had 66,953 miles. It was determined that it was caused by corrosion and Hyundai agreed to pay for the repairs. Lucky for myself and Hyundai no one was hurt. There is still a problem with the exhaust that is a direct result of the failure. It was not a problem before. I have an appointment for repairs, but no guarantee that Hyundai will pay for that. I believe this damage may have occurred when trying to get the car onto the tow truck. Since the wheel wouldn't move it caused some other damage. The police were called because the traffic was heavy at the time, but when they saw the tow truck was there by the time they arrived they didn't even stop, so no report was made.

The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 45-50 mph, the contact attempted to brake for a traffic light and had to apply more pressure to the brake pedal than normal. She pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the front passenger side tire was out of place. She drove the vehicle to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the front passenger side control arm failed. The dealer replaced the control arm at the cost of $396. 95. The failure mileage was 74,000 and current mileage was 75,000. Updated 06/12/09 updated 06/16/09.