What are the most common Hyundai Elantra problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Hyundai Elantra has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Belt Neglect Leading to Bent Valves and No-Start, Front Coil Spring Fracture and Tire Damage, Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Loss on Aging 2.0L Cars. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable?
The 2004 Hyundai Elantra has 11 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Timing Belt Neglect Leading to Bent Valves and No-Start and Front Coil Spring Fracture and Tire Damage. 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, Timing Belt Neglect Leading to Bent Valves and No-Start, typically costs $700-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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 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 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 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 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 2001-2020 Hyundai Elantra Rear Brake Caliper Piston and Slide Pin Seizure from Corrosion Causing Dragging Brakes and Warped Rotors?
Elantras run in road-salt regions suffer a consistent rear brake problem: the rear caliper piston and the caliper slide pins corrode and stop retracting, so the pads stay in light contact with the rotor. The tell-tale is rear pads wearing out faster than fronts - the reverse of t… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2001-2020 Hyundai Elantra Sunroof Drain Tube Clogging Causing Water in the Footwells and Headliner Staining?
Elantras fitted with a sunroof route water that gets past the glass seal into four corner drains and down tubes inside the A-pillars and rear pillars. On cars parked under trees the corner drains silt up with pollen, leaf debris and dirt, and the tubes themselves can pull off the… Repairs typically run $0-$600. 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 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.
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.
