2003 Hyundai Elantra Service and Repair Manual
Hyundai wrote one set of specifications for the 2003 Elantra, and this factory service and repair manual is matched to that exact year, engine and trim — every figure and sequence it gives is the one issued for this car, not a close approximation borrowed from the 2002 or 2004 model.
Engines covered
- 2.0L inline-four — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
Body styles covered
- 4-door sedan
- 4-door hatchback
Trims covered
- GLS
- GT
Known issues on the 2003 Elantra. Five recalls are on federal record for this model year. Two concern the fuel tank assembly, where a valve may not close properly; one of the two was issued because the vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, fuel system integrity. On both, fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire. Two more cover the hydraulic brake lines: the rear brake tubes pass behind the front suspension crossmember, where they can contact the steering gearbox mounting brackets welded to it, and fluid leakage could result in reduced braking capability, increasing the risk of a crash. The fifth, covering 160,904 model-year 2001–2003 Elantra and 2003 Tiburon vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in certain states, addresses the front control arm, whose fracturing could affect an owner's control over their vehicle. Owners have reported 310 complaints for the year and Hyundai has published 66 technical service bulletins. The factory diagnostic and repair procedures behind each of those systems are in this manual.
From a fuel tank valve check to tracing the rear brake tubes along the crossmember or replacing a front control arm, it holds the work to Hyundai's own procedure and the correct figures for your 2003 Elantra.
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 160,904 MY 2001-2003 ELANTRA AND MY 2003 TIBURON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT USED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IN THESE JURISDICTIONS MAY RESULT IN INTERNAL CORROSION AND THINNING OF THE STEEL IN THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM'S UPPER AND LOWER PANELS BECOME PERFORATED. A PERFORATED FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY FRAC
THE FRACTURING OF THE CONTROL ARM COULD AN OWNER'S CONTROL OVER THEIR VEHICLE THAT MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS FOR CORROSION DAMAGE. IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF INTERNAL CORROSION DAMAGE ARE FOUND, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS INCORPORATING ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS DO NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND WILL TREAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIALS TO ARREST THE INTERNAL C
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES PASS BEHIND THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER. TWO STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO THE CROSSMEMBER. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), THE REAR BRAKE TUBES COULD CONTACT BOTH STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS. ON VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH ABS, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES MAY CONTACT ONLY THE LEFT MOUNTING BRACKET. CONTACT BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE STEERING BRACKETS COULD CAUSE WEAR AND CORROSION THAT COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES SO THEY DO NOT CONTACT THE MOUNTING BRACKETS, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS TO CONTROL THE LOCATION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE TUBES IN THE AREAS WHERE CONTACT WITH THE MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY HAVE OCCURRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY" A VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE ROLLS OVER AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE TUBES FOR THE REAR BRAKES CAN CONTACT THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS.
CONTACT BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY RESULT IN REAR BRAKE TUBE WEAR AND CORROSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE REAR BRAKE TUBES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-633-5151.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous drivers-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These infla
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driverside airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN),
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th
This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming
This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can becom
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th
Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. Th
Showing the 8 most recent of 68 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
THE AIRBAGS IN THIS CAR HAVE FAILED TO OPEN EVEN THOUGH THIS CAR HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN 3 COLLISIONS IN WHICH CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE BUMPERS AND FRONT QUARTER PANELS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN ALL THREE CASES. *JB
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES BECAUSE IT WAS NOT STOPPING WHEN BRAKING. ON 9/9/2003, WHILE TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE HIT A TRUCK AND THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE PELVIC AREA AND BRUISES ON THE UPPER LEGS. FRONT PASSENGER'S HEAD BROKE THE WINDSHIELD, AND PASSENGER SUFFERED SEIZURES. CHILD IN THE REAR, AGE 11, SUSTAINED ARM BRUISES. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR
RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER ONCE. PRIOR TO ROLL OVER, DRIVER AND PASSENGER WORE SEAT BELTS. . HOWEVER, THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DISCONNECTED AND FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANTS. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES, AND THE PASSENGER SUFFERED FROM HEAD AND NECK PAIN. BOTH WERE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL. BOTH OCCUPANTS SURVIVED.*AK
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONTACT STATES THERE WAS A RIGHT SIDE FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISION THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACT HAS NOT BEEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER OR CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER.
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AT 45 MPH BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. . THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, BUT IDLING. UPON IMPACT, PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY . AS A RESULT, PASSENGER'S HEAD HIT THE WINDOW, AND HIS SIDE HIT THE CONSOLE. ALSO, DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES AND BRUISES.*AK
SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH DURING A SNOW STORM, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISH-TAIL AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE CHEST AREA AND INJURED THE BACK AND NECK AREAS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
MY VEHICLE, A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MY VEHICLE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER STRUCK A JEEP CHEROKEE IN THE REAR TEARING THE WHEEL COMPLETELY OFF AND MOST OF THE REAR FENDER, AT 40 MPH. *NM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE FAILURE AND CURR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH AND SWERVED IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. WHEN THE CONTACT SWERVED, HE CRASHED INTO A ROCK HEAD ON; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS HELD ONTO THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO FIND OUT WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. OVER TIME THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT T
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES. ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN FROM THE ACCIDENT BY AMBULANCE TO A NEARBY HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED FOR NECK AND LOWER BACK PAIN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA TRAVELING AT 70MPH HIT A LARGE DEER ON HIGHWAY. OVER $6200 DAMAGE DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE IMPACT. BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND A SUDDEN DECELERATION OCCURED BUT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP BODY SHOP SAID THE AIRBAGS SHOULD DEPLOY IN SUCH A MAJOR IMPACT BUT COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY THEY DID NOT. HYUNDAI WILL NOT RETURN CALLS OR OFFER ANY HELP. I FEEL THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY CONCERN SINCE THE IMPACT WAS QUITE SUBSTANTIAL AND THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THEIR COM
DT: CONTACT STATED ON 10-16-2002 HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. SOMEONE HIT THE CONTACTS VEHICLE ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, BUT IT ALSO AFFECTED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHICH WAS WHERE THEIR HANDICAPPED SON WAS SITTING AND WAS INJURED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG CAME OUT, BUT IT WAS NOT INFLATED, IT WAS TORN. HYUNDAI SAID THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE. EVERYONE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION. THERE WERE PICTURES, AND A POL
NO KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS. I WAS IN A T-BONE COLLISION WITH A LARGE SUV (SUBURBAN) TOTALING MY CAR. THE HIT WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE OFFICER STATED SUBURBAN WAS TRAVELING 35-40 MPH. *TR
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD THE PASSENGER, NO WARNING LIGHT APPEARED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. *AK *SC *JB
Showing the 15 most serious of 234 complaints filed with NHTSA.
