Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.
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 treatment. The vehicle was assessed by a repair mechanic, who determined air bag sensors were impacted, and the brakes failed. The vehicle would tremble, the A/C did not work, the engine light was intermittent (go on and off), and the seat belts were inoperative. (which occurred 2 weeks after purchase)
Recall # 03V257000, 09V125000, 03V496000 severe rusting and corrosion under my car which they claim was "fixed" under the recalls. They did not fix this! The front driver side axle is completely corroded and breaking - they claim they sprayed it with anti corrosion compound but this did not stop further corrosion and rust. The brakelines were also sprayed but this also did not work! My brakeline rusted out and all my brake fluid went out while driving. Hyundai is now refusing to correct the problem which by federal law has to be done!
While driving at 35 MPH, the consumer suddenly slammed on the brake pedal, but they failed to stop the vehicle, resulting in a rear end collision. Prior to this incident the brake squeaked. The consumer feels that something should be done about her damaged vehicle.
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.
Brakes failed, and consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle at 35 MPH. Steering failed, and air bags did not deploy. Consumer was not notified of any recalls. Recall 03V496000 was issued.
Dt*: the contact stated when the brake pedal was depressed at any speed there was extended braking distance. A significant amount of brake fluid was added to the master cylinder which did not correct the problem. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However, the problem could not be duplicated, and no repairs have been made. The manufacturer was contacted. There is NHTSA recall # 03V257000 concerning the service brakes: hydraulic: hose, pipes and fittings. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall. It is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 5/24/2006 - the vehicle has gone into repair on numerous times and has been reported many of the same brake issues each time, most of which have exacerbated to the point to make the vehicle completely unsafe to operate. Hyundai performed a diagnostic on the vehicle and found it to be more than completely inoperable. …
My concern with my 2003 Elantra is with the safety of rear braking system on the car. On oct 23, 2003 I had the service performed for the recall 31b03r1 brake campaign 061. At 10,834 miles. On oct 7, 2007 I had regular scheduled maintenance performed complete brake system flush at 45,072 miles. On July 8, 2008 both rear wheel cylinders were leaking an had to be replaced as well as the complete brake system flush again. At 51887 miles. On March 13, 2010 both rear wheel cylinders were found again to be leaking and had to be replaced at 64,638 miles. I have had my car serviced at regular 3,000 mile intervals with all required maintenance done at my dealership. My concern is the safety of the brake system on this car,leaking wheel cylinders that need to be replaced at 13,000 mile intervals seems like a serious safety issue to me.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. Beginning on December 17, 2005 the brake pedal extended to the floor when depressed. The failure occurred intermittently. When the vehicle was inspected by the manager at the dealer, the contact was informed that the brakes should not do that, but there was nothing wrong. The vehicle was towed a month and a half after it was purchased because the contact smelled brake fluid and the brake pedal was extending to the floor. The dealer initially believed that the brake cylinder failed. Currently, the front brakes are scraping and still extending to the floor. On October 1, 2007 and October 2, 2007, the vehicle was thoroughly inspected by the dealer and they found no failures. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 38,000 and failure mileage was 21,344.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. The contact had to depress the brake pedal down to the floor in order to stop the vehicle. The failure occurred while driving 35 MPH. While at the dealer for an oil change, they tested her power brakes while the engine was running. The brake failure occurred after the test was completed. The front brakes were replaced. The current mileage is 55,000 and failure mileage was 54,831. There was an EVAP leak. Updated 08/06/07. The consumer provided multiple repair invoices pertaining to the defect. Updated 08/09/07 updated 08/28/07 the dealer stated the transmission was fine but the motor lacks performance. Updated 09/06/07
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake tubes for the rear brakes can contact the steering gearbox mounting brackets.
Remedy: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Remedy: 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…
Brake complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Hyundai Elantra, 12% of the model year's 234 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Hyundai Elantra brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-496 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Dec 3, 2003); NHTSA recall 03V-257 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 22, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Hyundai Elantra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.