Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

intrepidspirit

Hyundai is correct in that these tests were performed by an independent agency and are not used to set U.S. government standards. However, by stating that they are working with IIHS on solutions for future models, they are in fact giving credence to the IIHS tests.

Proper procedure would be to work with IIHS, study the tests and THEN decide whether a recall is warranted. By stating that there will not be a recall, they are telling us that though our cars may be unsafe, they meet regulatory standards and they really care only about the safety (and sales volume) of future models.

IMHO, Hyundai is at the crossroads of attaining excellence in reputation or retreating toward their abysmal reputation of the past. A bad reputation is a difficult thing to overcome. Hyundai has been making very good quality cars over the past few years and yet in the marketplace there is still a resistance to buy based on their historically bad reputation.

Huyandai is making a big mistake in dismissing recall options at this early stage...

mpgman

There is a big difference between what one is told and what official policy from the top is. I'd wait a while and see what transpires. If an enterprising soul out there can find out who to write to at the top of the Hyundai food chain, perhaps he/she can post it and those who are so inclined can spend a stamp and write to corporate telling them to do the right thing once they figure out what the right thing to do is. Might be more productive than us just posting to each other. E-mailing them is another option.

majorthomecho

I think it is too early to say whether or not this was a fluke or is normal? Hyundai is investigating which is a good sign.

I don't think that writing to the top of Hyundai is necessary. You can bet that the letter writer is just giving the Hyundai line as would the man at the top. I cannot imagine that the letter writer just threw together a response on his own.

browney

This is the e-mail address of the Hyundai Consumer Affairs spokesperson that I receive the response from.

rbrody@hmausa.com

And don't forget their phone number.
800-633-5151

intrepidspirit

Edmunds is in the 4th month of a long term road test on a 2001 Elantra GLS. So far, they love it!

dorf47

Glad to hear that your problem seems to be solved. Taking mine in to the shop tommorrow, will have to see what they say/do about my front end shimmy. Like yours, mine shows up at about 60mph and above, but seems to lessen at about 80mph.

csandste

My dealer corrected the check engine light. Made a note about the gas cap being caught on the tether (the work order is in my car and this is from memory).

The light came on before I ever added gas, although I did fill up twice.

When I checked the tank he had removed the gas cap tether completely. This certainly cheapens the car, every car I've purchased in the last ten years has had a tether and the check engine light certainly hasn't come on.

I did tighten the cap to the requisite three clicks, and I guess I could have screwed up the tether by over tightening, although for the life of me I can't figure how.

The only other explanation is that the tether gets in the way of things and they've found out that it's the cause of most check engine light malfunctions. Will complain on Monday.

Has anyone else been given this explanation as to why the check engine light came on?

My other [non-permissible content removed] about service was being made to wait for ten minutes while a porter got my car. The salesman told me that customers appreciate the extra service. Screw the extra service, let me get my own car, fire the porter, cut the cost by fifty bucks, and get me out of there earlier.

I always shy away from any kind of valet parking anyway. It's usually been a source of damage to my car. During the sweeps one of the TV stations followed a hospital valet parking operation and the abuse of the cars wasn't pretty.

Other than that I really like this car. Made a 300 mile trip yesterday and it was flawless. As I said in an earlier post, I took a car with slight (repaired) hail damage and no shimmy over a car with no hail damage and a slight shimmy. Hope I made the right decision.

tonykrapil

WHAT TETHER?! I dont have one on my 01 Elantra or 00 Sonata! I wish they did have em. Are you saying you had one???

Tony

tonykrapil

The Shimmy is gone. I am thinking seriously about marking where the weights are on the rims and how many etc.

MAYBE, the weights fling off the rims is all thats happening.

I have a Ford Ranger and had to use the stick on weights as they would always fling off.

I think RIGHT NOW is a good time to make up a little sketch of my tire weights and keep it in the glove box.

Good luck,

Tony

3mmiles

In early May I purchased a 2001 Elantra GLS about 2 weeks ago it had to go for service because the rubber gasket on the deflector began to tear. It was replaced and today I noticed it is ripping again and is in worse shape now than it was when I originally took it in for service. I hand wash my car so that is not the problem. I am calling the service department again tomorrow to have it replaced again.

Is there anyone out there that has had this problem.

csandste

Well this is interesting, Tony says he hasn't had one on either of his cars. I'm sure I did have, the service order confirms it, but I sure don't have one now. Perhaps some dealers perceive them to be a source of check engine light misfires and automatically remove them, maybe even before delivery. I can't imagine that cars as loaded with doo-dads as these wouldn't have them as standard equipment. What about the rest of you?

dorf47

Went in and the service manager asked me a few questions, one being about the tire pressure. I'd checked it when the problem began and regularly since then. I've got 'em at 30psi. They told me when they were finished (about an hour) that they had found one front tire out of balance, so they balanced all 4 and took it out to the interstate (not too far away) and took it up to 70, no shimmy. I also use the interstate to go home, and they were right. So far, so good. I have a gas tether, it has to be held out of the way when I go to put the cap back on.

stevesail

Just bought a 2001 GLS with Option Pkg 2 in Minnesota and we love it. Now we're wondering what the simplest way is to add an after-market CD player? We'd like to NOT remove the AM/FM Cassette that's in place, if that's possible. We're not stereo afficionados, so we don't need anything terribly fancy. We do not plan to replace or add any speakers. Also, any recommendations on specific CD players that fit well, and that are a decent quality for the money?

vocus

You might wanna speak to your Hyundai dealer. You are going to have to go through them, since you want to have both cassette and CD players. If they don't offer an accessory, you might have to replace the entire radio with an aftermarket unit. You could also always take the cheap way out and buy one of those portable CD players.

alpha01

Although I'm not a Hyundai owner and not in the market for one, I am very impressed by this car as well as the level of conversation on this message board, so I hope you all don't mind me posting an opinion or two.
About the crash tests-- what I think is important to keep in mind is that the Elantra performed very well from a structural standpoint, a design attribute that will benefit those in many types of motor vehicle crashes, and not just the IIHS offset test. Also, the airbag senors seems to initially misread this type of crash only.. or else the car would not have done well in the NHTSA tests either...
My point: Although the IIHS test is a good measure of crashworthiness, the chances of someone being in that type of accident at that high of a speed are (and statistics show this) relatively unlikely. The strong structure of the Elantra is significant in protecting occupants in more types of crashes that just this one, and so, although the results of the IIHS test may be discouraging, I dont think any of you should feel uneasy driving your Elantra.

Note: the Echo has not been offset crash tested, although I believe I read that Toyota claims it would do as well as the Camry (I'm skeptical-the Camry is a "best pick" in its class)

csandste

I'm driving a last generation Nissan Sentra for a couple of days while the dealer handles some slight hail related detail work on the car. I know it's probably unfair to compare a car which is a generation behind (with 40K miles), and which also got little respect, with the new Elantra, but the differences in room, amenities, and interior quality are astounding. Makes me appreciate just how good a car the Elantra is.

My dealer sells Nissan, Hyundai, VW, Suzuki and Isuzu and reports that Hyundai has now surged past Nissan and is their biggest seller. However if the next generation of Nissan are as nice as the first glance at the new Altima this might change. Maybe it will take a kick in the pants from Renault to bring some interesting new Japanese cars to market.

majorthomecho

I would have sent this privately, but Alpha01 does not have an email listed.

I believe that Toyota said they were shooting for making the Echo fare as well as the Corolla in the side impact crash test (the only test you can compare outside of class). A goal that they achieved.

When the Echo is tested for offset crash protection and if it does not do well (when compared to others in its class), I will not make excuses for Toyota and say the test is not real world or some such. No, I will be a little upset at Toyota since safety is one of my hot buttons.

I think Hyundai is to be commended for their response so far. Yes, there is no recall as some (not I) would like, but they are investigating.

jerent

I have a 1995 Elantra that is like one of the family - 166000 miles with no problems. Recently, the compressor started grinding badly and loud. Interestingly, it still blew ice cold air. Just yesterday, the belt that runs the compressor broke. No big deal if, that belt only ran the compressor, but there is another circular disk that this belt turns. I do not know what this disk is for. It comes out of the motor and is not attached to any peripheral component (ie compressor, alternator, etc). 2 questions: does anyone know what this other disk operates? and Can I safelyrun the car without this belt? I turned on the car and the grinding is gone and it still runs smooth as silk. Thanks for any help in advance!!!! Keep changing the oil and they run forever!!!!

intrepidspirit

I purchased a 2001 Elantra GLS for my daughter earlier this month. It didn't have an security alarm or a CD player. I opted not to take the package with the CD player because it had no cassette player.

Anyway, I purchased an aftermarket alarm with remote entry and a 10-disc Sony CD changer (inside trunk-mounted) for a total of $300 plus tax (installed). It works great, but I wish the mounting were further inside the trunk as it blocks part of the trunk opening.

Anyway, now she has the CD and cassette, which Hyundai did not offer and I thought the total price (alarm and CD changer) was fair.

lngtonge18

As long as your car is not getting hot, than you don't have to worry about that belt not being there. Usually the AC is run separately from everything else. That other disk you see is probably just a tensioner pulley. If the car does get hot, than that other disk runs the water pump so be careful. As for the grinding noise you heard, the clutch that drives the AC compressor is shot. There is a bearing inside them that wears out and when it does, grinds as loud as a coffee maker. On most cars, you can replace the clutch separately as long as the compressor is still in good condition. This will save a lot of money as the compressor is the most expensive part. The clutch completely froze up after making the noises you described in my 84 VW GTI. The belt didn't break but smoke was pouring out from under the hood and the clutch was so hot it was glowing. I had to cut the belt off because it was dragging the engine and risking fire. I had the clutch replaced and am still running on the original compressor after 17 years. Quite an accomplishment for living in Florida! Some places will try to tell you that the compressor has to be replaced. Don't listen to them unless you have researched and found out that the clutch is not available separately. Good luck!

jkempskie

When I purchased by '01 Elantra several months ago I was interested in getting both CD and cassette player, if possible. At the dealership, they told me it was not. According to them, the wiring does not make it possible to connect a separate CD and cass. player stacked on top of eachother (filling in the spot under your cassette). There's supposedly a combination CD/cass. available or to be available for the Elantra as well as the Santa Fe later this year... but it costs something like $900... according to them.

All I'm saying is that unless you get a CD changer, you're stuck with just the tape. Good luck, and let us know if you do figure something out!

JK

magician11

I am a very budget conscious buyer and have been very impressed with the Elantra as the best value for money vehicle around. There is a $500 rebate currently for the GLS but that ends in a week. Does anybody know if Hyundai will increase the rebate next month? When is the 2002 model due out? Is there any change anticipated in the 2002 model? I have heard that once the 2002 models are out, the prices on the 2001 will drop. Does that make sense?

After visiting the dealership, I fell in love with the GT but unfortunately Hyundai is offering no rebate and the dealer is selling at almost sticker claiming high demand. . so I have gone back to the GLS but want to get the absolute lowest price. I don't mind waiting a couple of weeks if it would help. Any advice would be useful. Thanks

jenandjoelcom

REBATE: I asked a friend who works at a local dealer and he said the new 02 Elantras would be here in October and the rebate would go up to $1000. Don't know how true that is though.

STEREO: I have even bigger stereo needs. I need to play CD's, Burned CD's, MP3's, Talk Tapes, and Plug in the audio of a Laptop DVD player.

So far the best solution for me is the Aiwa CDC-MP3 player (Currently going for $220 on Ebay and Half.com) It of course plays MP3/CD's and has an input that I can use to plug in my Mini tape player or DVD. (With an adapter) I will have to have someone professional intall it with some rubber or foam somethingrather as it reportedly has probs with skipping on the MP3. But I saw a good review from someone with an 00 Hyundai Accent.

intrepidspirit

I don't know if the rebate will change, but traditionally, you should get the best deal on a 2001 when the 2002's come out (or just before), but choice is often limited. So if you don't care about color and/or auto vs. manual transmission,etc., you should be able to get a good deal on the GLS, but not on the GT...it's all supply and demand.

I thought about waiting until September to buy an automatic 2001 Elentra GLS, but I found a good deal on July 1. MRSP was $14,032 -- paid $10,988 (including $500 rebate). So, if you keep your eyes open, a good deal often comes along. Check carsdirect.com to get a guaranteed price for your area...their prices are very good and it gives you a benchmark to work from...

stevesail

Thanks for the info. So, I gather the idea is that you just fill up your CD changer in the trunk with 10 CDs. Then what do you have in the car to navigate between CDs, etc? Is there another component that fits in the storage area under the existing AM/FM/Cassette? Do you use the existing setup for volume control? How tough was it to wire all of this stuff in? Do it yourself or go somewhere for installation? Do you have a model number on the Sony CD changer?

intrepidspirit

Wow! Lots of questions! I'll answer what I can...

You are right, you fill up the changer with 10 cd's. A vacant FM station is used as the "channel" for listening. There is a wired hand-held control that you can set in the area in front of the console (or maybe velcro to your dash beside the radio). This control turns the changer on and off and allows you to select CD's and tracks within the CD. There is no other component to place under the existing AM/FM cassette. Since it plays on a FM station, the volume is controlled by the radio control. I had the CD player installed along with a security keyless remote alarm as a package deal...it took them a long time but I think most of it was for the alarm.

I don't know what model # it is, but it is a Sony and was advertised as working with "any existing radio". As I mentioned my total cost was $300 installed (alarm and changer) and I would guess it would cost $125 to $175 total installed for the changer only.

By the way, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the CD sound on the base audio set-up -- it sounded much better than the FM stations!

elantra00

$300 for an alarm and CD changer....WOW what a deal! Where did you get that? I know those sony 10 disc changers run $300 alone!

therhino

I posted this question in the hatchback forum too.
I have a 2001 GLS with about 7500 miles, no problems so far aside from a musty smell from the ac. Brought it to the dealer twice, and both times they did some kind of cleaning which worked for a few days, then the musty smell returned! It usually goes away after the ac runs for a few minutes. Anyone else have this problem? Also, our new GT is great, only 800 miles so far, but a lot of fun, no regrets buying either of these two Elantras. By the way, WalMart has a 10 disc CD changer with wired remote (works off FM like others mentioned) for $99. It is a strange brand name, but I bet it's made by one of the larger makers. I haven't installed it yet, but the overall quality of it looks good...

mike91326

I have a 2001 GLS 5-Speed, Package 3 which I love. I have a question about my RPM's staying up. I notice that if I drive the car a second time within an hour or so of parking it, my RPM's will stay at 1500 to 2000 when I come to a stop. If it is a long light, the RPM's will drop back down to 700. Also, if I rev it up it will drop to 700. Is this normal if you have a stick? Someone told me that they thought it was a part of the smog control system. I live in the Los Angeles area so it has the California smog system.

tfrench

I have a 2001 Elantra too with about 1,500 miles on it--I've noticed the same thing. I have been afraid to take it in--my local dealership has a history of creating problems where they didn't exist before.

I know this isn't much comfort, but it's good to know that mine isn't the only one that seems to be constantly stuck with the choke open.

tonyg6

I can't believe it...

I drove my wife's GLS 5spd the other day under the same set of circumstances [drive, park, drive within 1 hour] and the same thing happened. I asked her if she noticed it happen other times but she mentioned she never payed attention. After tapping the gas pedal then it lowered.

Now I have to try it again myself. It either has 1 - a very sensitive choke
2 - something wrong with the gas pedal cabling or
3 - something wrong with some electronic sensor

Whoever finds out first please let the rest know!

Good Luck!

silver_bullet

Modern cars with electronic fuel injection don't have "chokes" - they went out with the carburetor. The extra air and fuel needed for cold starts is usually provided by an air bypass valve and cold start injector, both of which are controlled by sensors and signals from the engine control unit. Manual transmission equipped cars today often have programming that delays the return of engine idle, because it can be hard to control the emission "spike" that occurs when you suddenly lift off the throttle (such as between shifts). It sounds like there is a problem with the Elantra's calibration of this throttle delay function - I'd have it checked out.

tonykrapil

You may want to visually check your vacum hoses on the engine. Also, check to be sure that the ductwork from the air cleaner assembly is seucurely fastened to the throttle body.

Hopefully you guys can find the cause before subjecting the car to the dealer.

Good luck,

Tony

intrepidspirit

I got the Sony 10 disc cd changer at Custom Sound in Covina, CA. They, and several other sound shops run rather misleading ads in the weekly "Penny Saver". I believe the ad said $59 and "free installation" at the top of the ad page. However, the free installation did not apply to advertised items I later found out.

I just wanted to get an alarm for my daughter and maybe get her a cd changer for Christmas. But I found it was cheaper to do it all at the same time. I think they quoted me an installed price of about $275 for the alarm (it needed a separate motor for the power locks because the Elentra uses the same wire for both open and close functions) and about $150 for the cd changer. When I didn't accept, they said they would do both for $300 (plus tax). It took them about 5 hours for the total installation. It was kind of like a used car place...they give you a high price and hope you agree and then reduce it if you don't agree...I didn't try to negotiate lower -- they said I wouldn't get a better deal anywhere else and I didn't want to waste time trying to find out!

gator_28

Hello,
Has anybody installed any rear custom spoilers on their elantras? I have a 2000 model that didn't come with one but I went to a custom car shop that installed one on my car for around $350 (painted to match the car also). only problem was that they couldn't locate any other spoilers to "fit" on the elantra other than the one the factory puts on. Still, I payed about $400 less than what the dealership wanted. has anyone installed fog/driving lights on their 2000 elantra? I was wondering which area did they install them under the front bumper. other than that I have 16000 trouble free miles on my car and consider it on the same class as a corolla or civic easily (if not better!)

gator_28

has anyone installed a good after market car alarm on their elantra? I'm looking to install one on my 2000 model but have no idea which one to look into. Does anyone have a alarm that works great with the power locks? If anybody could steer me in the right direction, I would appreciate hearing from you on this message board. Later, gator

elantra00

gator...I have a DEI keyless entry system. DEI makes Rattler, Your valet and the infamous VIPER alarm system. All the same. It has a LED light, Keyless entry, and a kill switch, so the starter is disabled. If people are going to steal your car, and they are professionals, then no alarm will stop them. But this will keep the 12 year old thief from taking it. I have a VIPER sticker on the front, and that has helped keep some away. All this was $150 installed. If you are in the NJ area, Circuit City has this one and at this price.

intrepidspirit....I hate those misleading ads! Usually you can call the better business bureau and then threaten the place with that, and then they usually come down But thats great that you got a great deal like that, BOTH items and INSTALLED for $300. Consider yourself lucky! I would go to that same place in Covina, CA, but it would cost close to $1000 for me to get that done, your $300 that you paid plus about a few hundred in airline tickets to get there...Im 3000 miles away in New Jersey

gator_28

elantra00,
I'll definitely check out that alarm. i have a circuit city less than a mile away from me but i'm in florida (tampa). I'm sure they all pretty much stock the same kind of stuff. Does your alarm have a panic button and also does the head/parking lights flash on and off when it is set off? Just curious. A friend of mine has a viper on his honda and he swears by them since he lives in a high crime area. Have you done some customizing on your elantra? I love the body style and it looks pretty nice with a good set of chrome rims and with a spoiler. (thats what I have on mine). I think the new elantras look great but I like the older style better.

rdeschene

Many makes & models of cars automatically adjust their idle to try to maintain the optimum engine temperature, catalytic converter temperature, etc. in order to reduce emissions. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it if it's not creating any problems.

saileanu

check out

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_small.htm

One of only 3 CARS to get a POOR SAFETY RATING

elantra00

First of all, I could care less about safety. Call me an ignorant SOB...just go read my post above. I have lived without airbags, traction control, antilock brakes and any other of that bull for years now. The elantra is my first car with airbags.

Secondly, I have heard that the elantra got great reviews on saftey....better then the civic from other sources. So everyone has their own way of testing them and different cars respond differently. But saftey doesn't phase me. I am more concerned with options appearence and performance.

Thirdly, I read your post in the Elantra vs. civic forum. If you were unimpressed with the GT, then you went in there with that "Honda is the best" ignorant attitude because the Elantra is comparable with the civic in build quality.

csandste

The safety rating was due to bad sensors on the airbag and a seat track malfunction, both easily fixed with a voluntary recall. The structural integrity of the car is among the best. There's been quite a bit written on the subject in this forum.

coupe2001

Ummm, the Elantra has never beat the Civic in any safety rating. Sad that you don't care about safety of your ride, but you shouldn't try influence other shoppers into the Elantra if it is indeed a death trap compared to the Honda Civic.

mattwa

Not true. According to the same IIHC, the Elantra was just behind the Civic overall in the Earlier Design category (1996-2000 models) and beat the Civic in

- Injury measures - chest
- Injury measures - leg/foot left
- head restraint design

In all of these categories, the Elantra got a "good." The Civic got "marginal" for the injury measures and "poor" for head restraint design.

I can understand why the Hyundai people might have been surprised by the IIHC results this year and asked for the retest.

bri70

"..., but you shouldn't try influence other shoppers into the Elantra if it is indeed a death trap compared to the Honda Civic."

Oh, come on. The structural integrity of the Elantra held up quite well.

leo24

I have a '99 Elantra. The AC used to smell, and I had it cleaned at the dealership. Now that smell is gone, but I got a new problem - air from the fan smells awful after every AC usage.

For its price, I think Elantra is a pretty good buy - solidly built, lots of standard equipments, etc. But after driving it for 24K, I am getting frustrated at a number of minor things, e.g., thin paint, funky smell, so-so gas mileage, noise from this and that belt. Dealer is nasty. I don't regret my decision to buy it, but I am definitely not going to get another Hyundai.

jkempskie

I haven't been here in a few days and I was just planning to post a similiar problem on my 5-spd '01 GLS with 8900 miles! For me, the "sticky throttle" problem occurs most often after I use the cruise control on the highway for about 30 minutes (I do this trip once a week). After getting off the highway, the RPMs always hover higher than usual at the first light... about 1500-2000 usually. Tapping the gas gets rids of it, and it lowers by itself... similiar to when the car warms up first thing in the morning. This almost leads me to believe it's normal, but I'm not sure. I mentioned it at my last 7500 mi. service. The tech took it for a spin and of course found nothing. Big surprise.

tonykrapil

Living in Florida, the AC never gets turned off. Here is what I do to avoid smell. When the first hint of ac smell occurs I close all the ducts. ON the Elantra you can only close the two end ducts with the control. The center ones I take a towel or sometimes just my hands and turn the fan on HIGH . This forces the air out of every crvice there is BUT MOST importantly it forces any minoor clot in the drain hose to be hopefully blown out bottom of car along with all the trapped water.

This has worked for the last 20 years on all of my cars, both my Elantra and Sonata are no exception.

Hope it works.

ALSO, is it just me? Does it annoy anyone else that the AC on the Elanttra has that button that needs to be pressed to recirculate the AC air EACH time the car is restarted?! This is the ONLY thing that annoys me about the car!

Tony

silver_bullet

FWIW, our Focus also defaults to the fresh air setting each time the car is turned off - you have to reselect the recirculation function each time you start. The thinking here is that you shouldn't be running the A/C with the recirc function engaged all the time - you run the risk of getting very stale cabin air, and the evaporator core can ice up as well. In reality, the recirc function is almost a necessity where I live (Houston) due to very high temps and HUMIDITY. Constantly admitting moist outside air into the car makes the A/C produce tons of condensation, more than the drain can deal with... a few dribbles of water invariably make their way onto the floor :-(

dbrowdy

Hey everyone. I just bought a brand new Elantra GLS (4 dr, auto) and I have only had it for a full day now. I have a question or two that I hope some of you experienced owners can help me with...

First, it looks like there's two little cutouts for foglights in the front of the car. Is that what they're for and if so, how hard are they to install? What kind would I get to fit well and install simply?

Second, the speakers seem to be pretty decent with the bass. I am putting in a new head unit, amp (100W/channel) and changer. Think the spakers can hold up?

Third, I know for the VWs, there's a product you can get that will open or close your windows using commands from the remote. Do they make anything like that for this car?

Fourth...well, there is no fourth right now, but any help with the first three would be swell.

Thanks in advance!

D