Three problems related to radiator 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.
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.
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.
My car problems started approximately 6-8 mos after purchasing the vehicle. I was having problems with the car starting, engine, radiator, gasket, alternator, and fuel sector just to name a few issues. Over the years, I had this vehicle in and out of mechanic shop & Hyundai dealerships. The vehicle was brand new, and I left off of the lot with no more than 10 miles on it. I am furious because I knew that the vehicle was a lemon, however the Hyundai dealership kept fighting me on the claim. After 9 yrs. With this vehicle, I have spend approx. As much the vehicle, just on repair alone. I contacted the bbb and Hyundai about my concerns and would like for my claim to be reviewed in its entirety. The car fax report will show every repair on my vehicle. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at[xxx] or [xxx]. Thank you for addressing my concern. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).