18th Apr 2007, 15:26

I have a 2000 Hyundai Elantra. I didn't start having major problems until it hit 100,000 miles. While it was under warranty, I've had 3 oxygen sensors replaced, 2 pulse generators, all 4 window assemblies, door handle, my glove compartment. All of this led me to believe that the engine was good, but the other parts of the car were very poorly built.

Then my car hit 100,000 miles. Now all of a sudden, my transmission needs to be replaced. I think it's ridiculous that my transmission needs to be replaced at this point. My dealer just said well it'd be 2100.00 or you can buy a new elantra. AS IF!! I would never suggest buying a Hyundai to anyone. Spend the extra money and get something that lasts for 10+ years instead of 6.

The funny things is on a hyundai forum I saw that people were having the same problems with their hyundais even though they were 2004, 2005 models. If a company can't fix their problems in 4 years... they shouldn't be trusted, obviously they don't care.

12th Aug 2007, 10:38

I have a 2001 Hyundai Elantra with about 85000km.

While the car was under warranty, I had the wiper arms replaced.

Recently my check engine light came on and the car started to hesitate on initial take off in the morning, and the check engine light also came on. It had an O2 sensor code and 2 transmission codes. I replaced the O2 sensor MAF sensor, VSS sensor and a transmission flush.The problem is still there; it is getting very expensive.

I have a friend with the same car who has the same problems, and nothing he does is working also. Has anyone seen this problem and do they know how to fix it?

15th Apr 2008, 10:37

If starting problems are intermittent in that you get absolutely nothing when you turn the key sometimes and other times it starts right up - read on. I have a 2004 Elantra with a standard tranny and have the same issues. First, check the battery - a hand held tool costing about $10 will tell you if it's dead. Batteries don't go dead overnight, you should notice it cranking slower over months. If battery is okay - a safety feature of the car is that the shifter must be in neutral and the clutch pedal completely pushed in. Behind the clutch up on the firewall is a standard push-in button switch. If the clutch does not engage and push that switch completely in or the switch is bad or a wire is loose - you get nothing when you turn the key. The starter circuit is not completed. Checking this out is complicated because the button is in such a place that it is hard to locate without getting out of the car and looking up under there. Once you see it though you can figure out a way to manually push that button in and turn the key normally - takes two people. Also, see if you can start the car by old-fashioned push start method.

18th Apr 2008, 12:43

I own a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. I bought it in Sept of 2006. It has 115000 miles, and has been relatively dependable.

My only big complaint is the headlights. They burn out about every 2 months. I can't figure out why, but it's VERY frustrating and costly, not to mention how hard they are to install, especially the driver side one!

6th May 2008, 15:30

For those of you hating to change your headlights, I have the solution. After numerous times of removing the battery and trying to put in the passenger side one around the washer fluid, my boyfriend realized that you can remove the whole assembly and replace them from the outside. All you have to do is remove the screws holding the assembly in. They are underneath the hood, but easier to get to, and it is a lot easier to put that stupid paper clip thing that holds the bulb back in.

23rd May 2008, 19:48

Thank you everyone for your valuable comments. I was about to buy a Hyundai Elantra 2.0 for my son. I have now decided to keep well away. Thanks for the insights.

14th Jul 2008, 11:45

I bought my 2001 Hyundai Elantra hatchback used in 2003 with 17K miles. Still driving it today with 117K miles and next to no problems--very reliable car and it is our go-to car for road trips because it is so comfortable, has great power, and excellent gas mileage. I did have to replace the clutch at 80K miles, but we live in the mountains and I taught my husband how to drive a manual in my car, so the clutch did get some abuse. I am religious about car maintenance, which might be why I've been so lucky.

I do have the "occasional start" problem--in my case it is due to a bad connection in the clutch sensor. Re-clutching usually allows me to start the car, then I know I need to clean up the wire connector for another year or so or trouble-free starting. I live in coastal Northern California and the relatively small temperature changes here mean that car batteries DO seem to die completely overnight.

29th Jul 2008, 13:50

I just bought a 2001 Hyundai Elantra GT. I haven't even driven it yet... ya'll have me scared = (

16th Aug 2008, 11:34

To worried about your new/used Elantra, keep in mind the majority of people who take the time to write comments are the very unhappy and most likely in the minority. There are a great number of Elanta owners who have not visited this forum because they are satisfied with their car.

That being said, we use our 2001 Elantra (80K) as my wife's 'get around town car' and outside of the head light issue have had no major repairs. However, I would not buy another Hyundai, it just seems cheap as little things break or fail. I had all 3 tail lights burn out simultaneously so I thought it must be the fuse or brake switch, but sure enough it was the bulbs.

As for the earlier comment regarding the POS Cavalier, I have a 1996 with 190K and would trust it any day over the Hyundai; head gasket at 100k and 3 alternators but nothing else--that car has been fully funding my 401K for years, 2 more years and I have a feeling it will outlast my Hyundai.