What are the most common Hyundai Elantra problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2003-2003 Hyundai Elantra has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Coil Spring Fracture and Tire Damage, Front Lower Control Arm Corrosion and Possible Separation, Timing Belt Neglect Leading to Bent Valves and No-Start. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable?
The 2003-2003 Hyundai Elantra has 10 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Front Coil Spring Fracture and Tire Damage and Front Lower Control Arm Corrosion and Possible Separation and Timing Belt Neglect Leading to Bent Valves and No-Start. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Elantra problems?
Repair costs for known Hyundai Elantra issues range from $0 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front Coil Spring Fracture and Tire Damage, typically costs $500-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Front Coil Spring Fracture and Tire Damage?
Multiple owners reported front coil springs breaking, often in corrosion-prone regions, with the broken spring end contacting or puncturing the tire. Hyundai issued a safety recall on certain 2001-2006 Elantras for front coil springs that could fracture due to corrosion. Owners t… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Front Lower Control Arm Corrosion and Possible Separation?
Hyundai recalled certain 2001-2006 Elantras because front lower control arms could corrode and eventually fracture in salt-belt states. When severe, the arm can separate and cause sudden loss of directional control. Owner complaints commonly mention heavy rust, clunking, wanderin… Repairs typically run $700-$1,600. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2006 Hyundai Elantra Timing Belt Neglect Leading to Bent Valves and No-Start?
The 2.0L Beta engine in this generation relies on a timing belt service interval, and owner reports frequently describe belt breakage or stripped belt teeth causing sudden engine shutdown and, in many cases, internal valve damage. This is a well-known maintenance-sensitive failur… Repairs typically run $700-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Automatic Transmission Input/Output Speed Sensor Failure Causing Harsh Shifting?
Owners of automatic-transmission Elantras from this generation frequently report sudden harsh shifts, incorrect gear selection, limp mode, or a stuck speedometer caused by failing transmission speed sensors. Hyundai service literature and repair databases commonly reference input… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Front Wheel Bearing Premature Wear Causing Humming Noise and Hub Play?
Multiple owners of XD-generation Elantras report premature front wheel bearing wear, often beginning as a low growl or humming that gets louder with speed and while cornering. Hyundai issued service information for front hub/bearing noise and replacement procedures on this genera… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Brake Light Switch Failure Causing Inoperative Brake Lamps and Shift Interlock Problems?
Hyundai vehicles from this era, including the Elantra, are known for brake light switch failures that can cause the brake lamps to stop working or stay on. Owners also report inability to shift out of Park because the shift interlock does not see brake pedal input. This problem w… Repairs typically run $0-$150. Severity: medium.
What is the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Pump Module and Fuel Level Sender Failure Causing No-Start or Inaccurate Gauge Readings?
Owners of 2001-2006 Elantras frequently report in-tank fuel pump module problems, including hard starting, no-start conditions, and erratic fuel gauge behavior due to sender wear. On higher-mileage cars, the pump can become weak or fail intermittently, especially after hot soak. Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Loss on Aging 2.0L Cars?
As these Elantras age, the plastic radiator end tanks commonly crack near the seams or hose necks, leading to slow coolant loss or sudden overheating. Owners often first notice a sweet smell, dampness around the radiator, or overheating in traffic. This is a recurring maintenance… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Evaporative Emissions Purge Valve and Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Faults Triggering Check Engine Light?
A common recurring complaint on XD-generation Elantras is an illuminated check engine light caused by EVAP system faults, especially purge control valve issues, loose or aging gas caps, and fuel tank pressure sensor problems. Owners often notice no drivability problem, but the ca… Repairs typically run $50-$300. Severity: low.
What is the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks Onto Spark Plug Wells and Exhaust Manifold?
The 2.0L Beta engine in this generation commonly develops valve cover gasket leaks as the rubber hardens with age and heat. Owners report oil seepage down the cylinder head, burning-oil smell, and in some cases oil collecting in spark plug wells that contributes to misfires. This… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: low.
