2003 Hyundai Elantra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 7%of 234 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,566miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Hyundai Elantra, 7% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,566 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11220925, filed 2019-06, 160,000 miles“When daughter was driving her 2003 Hyundai, she had difficulty steering (very difficult to turn wheel)...we took it to a local repair shop who replaced the power steering pressure hose that had deteriorated. We are wondering if others have had this issue as well. It was very dangerous for her. Could this be related to other issues under the car related to corrosion???”
NHTSA complaint #10531679, filed 2013-07, 78,000 miles“While driving my 2003 Hyundai electra I lost power steering. I brought it to amechanic shop the power steering pressure line had corroded and was leaking powersterring fluid fortunately I was able to control the car to a safe stop then had it towed home I notified my Hyundai dealership they responded by informing me their were several similar complaints filed I wish the e national highway traffic safety administration would look into this very serious problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10278777, filed 2009-07, 71,000 miles“When pressing the brakes it sounds like it's metal to metal, the steering makes a funny noise when you turn the steering wheel. Also car keeps saying 02 sensor but there's nothing wrong with it and the check engine light keeps coming on because of it.”
NHTSA complaint #11319404, filed 2020-03, 41,000 miles“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 immovable, and so stranded in the middle of the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10598495, filed 2014-06, 200,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 | 7 | 13% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 20 | 8% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% |
| 2018 | 16 | 6% |
| 2017 | 71 | 9% |
| 2016 | 19 | 6% |
| 2015 | 26 | 10% |
| 2014 | 28 | 7% |
| 2013 | 271 | 21% |
| 2012 | 88 | 13% |
| 2011 | 75 | 17% |
| 2010 | 195 | 51% |
| 2009 | 133 | 52% |
| 2008 | 55 | 17% |
| 2007 | 34 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 24 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 6 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Hyundai Elantra
61 complaintsAir bags
48 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsTires
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology