Subframe recall
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Joined: Mar 2010
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Subframe recall
So I received a letter in the main the other day...apparently there is some kind of recall going on for 2003 Elantras that were purchased/registered in the so-called "salt belt". There seems to be some issue with corrosion in the subframe, which could possibly lead to a dangerous situation, and they requested that owners go to a dealership to get this fixed.
I found out that this recall seemed to have taken place months and months ago. My first questions are --- why have I not heard of it until now? And going through Google searching and stuff, I did not see a single news article about this recall, nor is there anything on the website. I usually toss stuff from Hyundai in the garbage since they are usually just "special deal" ads.
More relevant to this, how dangerous is this situation? I know nothing about subframes, except that they hold up the engine, so that's what bothers me. I called my closest dealer (who isn't really that close), and they said that they are booked through mid April. And they cannot do work on this on weekends...it has to be during the week. Since I do not work anywhere close to public transportation, it would require I take time off from work (it could take several days, they say), or spring for a rental car. I already spent about $1,500 repairing and maintaining this vehicle since November alone (for a car barely worth that much)...so this isn't something I am too thrilled about. If it has to be done, I'll do it...but I am really starting to think it is time for a new car.
Any other people who got this letter, I would appreciate your comments.
I found out that this recall seemed to have taken place months and months ago. My first questions are --- why have I not heard of it until now? And going through Google searching and stuff, I did not see a single news article about this recall, nor is there anything on the website. I usually toss stuff from Hyundai in the garbage since they are usually just "special deal" ads.
More relevant to this, how dangerous is this situation? I know nothing about subframes, except that they hold up the engine, so that's what bothers me. I called my closest dealer (who isn't really that close), and they said that they are booked through mid April. And they cannot do work on this on weekends...it has to be during the week. Since I do not work anywhere close to public transportation, it would require I take time off from work (it could take several days, they say), or spring for a rental car. I already spent about $1,500 repairing and maintaining this vehicle since November alone (for a car barely worth that much)...so this isn't something I am too thrilled about. If it has to be done, I'll do it...but I am really starting to think it is time for a new car.
Any other people who got this letter, I would appreciate your comments.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 900
So I received a letter in the main the other day...apparently there is some kind of recall going on for 2003 Elantras that were purchased/registered in the so-called "salt belt". There seems to be some issue with corrosion in the subframe ( and control arms at front), which could possibly lead to a dangerous situation, and they requested that owners go to a dealership to get this fixed.
Yes, recall been public since maybe Oct/Nov 2009, mailing goes out in waves...
I found out that this recall seemed to have taken place months and months ago.
Still doing them... just finishing a Sonata frame replace right now, couple minute break to reply to this topic.
My first questions are --- why have I not heard of it until now?
Are you registered with Hyundai USA as the current registered owner ? Do you visit your neighborhood Hyundai dealer for service so advisor can run vehicle for open campaigns at time of write up for service ?
And going through Google searching and stuff, I did not see a single news article about this recall, nor is there anything on the website. I usually toss stuff from Hyundai in the garbage since they are usually just "special deal" ads.
More relevant to this, how dangerous is this situation?
More common problem is the lower control arm rots in 1/2 just inside of the ball joint, wheel gets sideway in wheel well and damages fender in the process, pops axle out of trans. We had 1 last week the advisor was bringing into shop, half way down the aisle the arm broke,, had to jack it into stall. Frame rot/replacement is low, it's the arms that are weak.
I know nothing about subframes, except that they hold up the engine, so that's what bothers me. I called my closest dealer (who isn't really that close), and they said that they are booked through mid April. And they cannot do work on this on weekends...it has to be during the week.
Yep, drop the car the night before, and plan to leave it all day, unknown what path of repair is until the thing gets inspected.. We gots 5 techs, we do 5 or 6 a day first, then regular work the rest of the day.
Since I do not work anywhere close to public transportation, it would require I take time off from work (it could take several days, they say), or spring for a rental car. I already spent about $1,500 repairing and maintaining this vehicle since November alone (for a car barely worth that much)...so this isn't something I am too thrilled about. If it has to be done, I'll do it...but I am really starting to think it is time for a new car.
Hyundai does not pay for rental.. no matter what, you "could be" getting $500 of free arm kit replace, maybe $700 of free frame replace, or just a free inspection/coating.. have it done to verify your wheels do not pop out of place on the front at an inopportune time..
Any other people who got this letter, I would appreciate your comments.
Yes, recall been public since maybe Oct/Nov 2009, mailing goes out in waves...
I found out that this recall seemed to have taken place months and months ago.
Still doing them... just finishing a Sonata frame replace right now, couple minute break to reply to this topic.
My first questions are --- why have I not heard of it until now?
Are you registered with Hyundai USA as the current registered owner ? Do you visit your neighborhood Hyundai dealer for service so advisor can run vehicle for open campaigns at time of write up for service ?
And going through Google searching and stuff, I did not see a single news article about this recall, nor is there anything on the website. I usually toss stuff from Hyundai in the garbage since they are usually just "special deal" ads.
More relevant to this, how dangerous is this situation?
More common problem is the lower control arm rots in 1/2 just inside of the ball joint, wheel gets sideway in wheel well and damages fender in the process, pops axle out of trans. We had 1 last week the advisor was bringing into shop, half way down the aisle the arm broke,, had to jack it into stall. Frame rot/replacement is low, it's the arms that are weak.
I know nothing about subframes, except that they hold up the engine, so that's what bothers me. I called my closest dealer (who isn't really that close), and they said that they are booked through mid April. And they cannot do work on this on weekends...it has to be during the week.
Yep, drop the car the night before, and plan to leave it all day, unknown what path of repair is until the thing gets inspected.. We gots 5 techs, we do 5 or 6 a day first, then regular work the rest of the day.
Since I do not work anywhere close to public transportation, it would require I take time off from work (it could take several days, they say), or spring for a rental car. I already spent about $1,500 repairing and maintaining this vehicle since November alone (for a car barely worth that much)...so this isn't something I am too thrilled about. If it has to be done, I'll do it...but I am really starting to think it is time for a new car.
Hyundai does not pay for rental.. no matter what, you "could be" getting $500 of free arm kit replace, maybe $700 of free frame replace, or just a free inspection/coating.. have it done to verify your wheels do not pop out of place on the front at an inopportune time..
Any other people who got this letter, I would appreciate your comments.
Last edited by sbr711; Mar 15, 2010 at 11:23 AM.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,297
From: Cyberspace
You must have missed the stuck thread at the top of this forum about this recall: https://www.hyundaiforum.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=6251
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 900
Tow truck left another out back.. pulled out of space, got straight, and "CRUNCH"..... GRIND GRIND GRIND GRIND all way into my stall, steering was worse than trying to fly helicopter...Gets arms, and a VO4 exhaust manifold inspect.....
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 900
No crack in the manifold, so he keeps his as-is..
Installed arm kit (2 arms), left lower arm rotted right through at next to the ball joint.. Drilled frame, it pass, so it got coated with goo, changed oil as it was past his window sticker, and 2 front side mark bulbs in the bumper cover.
Installed arm kit (2 arms), left lower arm rotted right through at next to the ball joint.. Drilled frame, it pass, so it got coated with goo, changed oil as it was past his window sticker, and 2 front side mark bulbs in the bumper cover.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1
rust 2008 elantra
Get rid of the car. Its the subframe now but then came my gas tank followed by brake pads tie rods and everything under the car. a complete rust bucket! so dangerous to even be on the road! hyundai should be ashamed when my subframe broke i thought i could make them send out safely warnings but NO!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1
Subframe corrosion Genesis RSpec
Have significant corrosion on my Genesis RSpec subframe. I have no idea when it began, but a recent visit to a dealership for an unrelated issue brought it to my attention. Apparently Hyundai says its rust so no coverage but come on. Does anyone have suggestions, dealer says unsafe, so why wont they stand by the product at 9 years...
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,892
If you purchased the vehicle used, pretty sure warranty may be 30 days, period.
You might get a few estimates for replacing the sub frame and make your decision from there.
There are a few things connected to the sub frame, engine, trans, suspension, possibly steering.
If you lose control of any of those , you could lose control of the vehicle.
Depending on the cost to replace and time a shop (your choice) needs to do the job. ,you might get it done much sooner and maybe have less grief. The kicker is you would eat the expense which I believe would be much cheaper than buying a newer vehicle.
Please let us know what you decide because we might be able to offer some suggestions to prevent a repeat performance.
You might get a few estimates for replacing the sub frame and make your decision from there.
There are a few things connected to the sub frame, engine, trans, suspension, possibly steering.
If you lose control of any of those , you could lose control of the vehicle.
Depending on the cost to replace and time a shop (your choice) needs to do the job. ,you might get it done much sooner and maybe have less grief. The kicker is you would eat the expense which I believe would be much cheaper than buying a newer vehicle.
Please let us know what you decide because we might be able to offer some suggestions to prevent a repeat performance.
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