Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

backy · October 2001

What was the date of this recall? The Elantra GLS had a recall on the side airbags last fall, for some early models with wiring problems. Most, like mine, were caught before delivery. Is this the same recall or a different one?

pearlbluesoul · October 2001

Info on the side airbag recall can be found at the NHTSA Recalls Database at:http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/index.cfm

Once there, do a search for 2001 Hyundai Elantra.

Seems to me as if this is the recall backy was referring to as the date listed is 10/27/2000.

buzz380 · October 2001

buzz380 · October 2001

I just got a smokin deal. (I think) I got a Silver, 5-sp, package 2 for $11939.08. Tell me what u think. I have a problem though. I had to drive it home 300mi on the freeway. I stayed below 65 and tried to vary my speed often. I had no choice. (I had to get it home) I'll keep everyone posted if any problems arise. I saw a maroon gls (on the show room floor!) with the paint starting to flake around the taillight. It was at the top of the drivers side. I would not even have noticed but by reading this board I was paranoid and looking for exactly that. Luckily, I was able to covertly warn the poor old man who was thinking of buying it.

backy · October 2001

That was the recall, on the day before I bought my Elantra. The dealer saw the air bag light on when they prepped the car and refused to let me drive away in it--good thing! So that's 972 '01 Elantras recalled out of over 100,000 sold to date. Compares pretty favorably to other new or recently redesigned compacts, such as the '99 Protege (23,000 vehicles recalled), '00 ECHO (4,500 vehicles), '00 Sentra (115,000 vehicles), and '01 Civic (177,000 vehicles in 2 recalls).

majorthomecho · October 2001

For some reason I had not seen that recall before. Thus I believed that it was issued in response to the poor showing of the Elantra in the IIHS test. I thought maybe Hyundai had deliberately rigged all airbags to deploy in Elantras in the event of any crashes.

Sorry, my mistake. But I wish it had been.

urbanzephyr · October 2001

I doubt this recall is sufficient to resolve the problems the IIHS test reported. They reported a problem with the seat rails, and a second problem with the timing of the air bag deployment, i.e. it went off too late. If you single step thru the video

http://www.progressive.com/resource_center/crash_videos.htm

you can see that the air bag is too late to avoid the dummy smashing into the steering column. Meanwhile I don't think there was a problem with the side air bag in that test.

backy · October 2001

The recall was almost one year ago, so it was not in reaction to the IIHS tests but was due to some other problem with the airbag sensors--maybe Hyundai got a bad batch from the supplier? I recall my dealer's service manager telling me they had to order a "wiring harness" to fix the driver's side airbag for the recall on my car.

joehyundai1 · October 2001

has anyone replaced the factory radio and speakers? was it difficult?

monjeri1 · October 2001

The bumper had to be replaced, and then painted to match the rest of the car.

Jerry

stevesail · October 2001

I'm having a problem with high idle again after cold starts. First thing in the morning and after sitting all day. Air temps of around 40 to 50 degrees. It revs up to about 3,000 rpm. I haven't yet let it come down by itself, since I've punched the accelerator after about 5 to 10 seconds each time to get it back down. Had the same problem after first 1,000 miles and the dealer service shop said there was oil in the PCV valve and they replaced it. Seemed to fix the problem. Car now has 4,000 miles on it. If it's oil in the PCV valve again, is this a sign of something more serious? What else could cause the high idle?

csandste · October 2001

usually about 2K. Seems to happen when the engine is almost, but not quite warmed up. Hasn't really bothered me, of course there's a pretty big difference between 2 and 3K.

hyundaima · October 2001

Does your copy of work order list the part number of the PCV valve?

backy · October 2001

I had my '01 GLS in for its one-year service today. For the last couple of weeks I've noticed a high-idle condition on a cold start (goes to between 2000-2900) as well as in neutral before I come to a complete stop (5spd). The rpms stay around 2000 in neutral for awhile until it finally kicks down. The service manager told me that Hyundai has a service bulletin out about this, and a computer update (software, not hardware) is due out soon to correct it--they told me it might be a couple of weeks.

stevesail · October 2001

Thanks for the input on the high idle.
To hyundaima: No part number for the PCV valve on the work order.
To backy: How will we know to have it looked at in response to the computer update? Do they notify us, or do we just keep checking with the dealer until they tell us the update is available? We bought at Rosedale in MN. If I remember right you're in MN also.

backy · October 2001

Steve, it looks like we bought from the same dealer, Denny Hecker's Rosedale Dodge/Hyundai. I asked the service manager to let me know when the computer update is available, and he mumbled something about calling them in a couple of weeks. Not a very service-oriented response! I had been pleased with the dealer up until this service visit, but besides not being able to fix the idle problem (not really their fault, but not offering to contact me did not impress me) they did not fix a buzz in the dash (said it might be related to the idle problem-huh??) and did not wash the car after I asked them to do it and they said they would (this was a service they talked up a lot when I bought the car). So they won't be getting a great survey response from me this time.

stevesail · October 2001

We got ours at the same place. Our first visit for the 1-month checkup and look at the high idle went reasonably well. Beyond that, I had a minor rattle in the dash a couple of weeks ago, when we had the cold weather. I think it was due to the dash parts contracting in the cold, making something not fit quite the same. Had a similar noise in another car in cold weather. I'll see if the noise comes back next time it gets cold, which shouldn't be long now. I'll check up with the service dept regarding the computer software update in a couple of weeks. Whichever one of us hears about it first ought to post it here.

avorobiev · October 2001

I'm a little confused which one to choose - carsdirect.com price for 2002 is about $300 higher. I'm considering configuration with automatic trans. and option 5 package (ABS). It's not clear what the difference is. The only thing that I managed to find was that 2002 has CD player. Is that all?

backy · October 2001

The 2002 is identical to the 2001. The CD player comes with package 5 for both years. $300 more for a 2002 seems like a good deal, considering the moment you drive the 2001 off the lot you lose one year of depreciation (although for a very low-mileage year-old car!).

backy · October 2001

Just noticed that Edmunds.com has named the Elantra GLS their top pick for Economy sedans (under $13,000), replacing the Sentra XE pick from last year. With all the raves from the Edmunds.com editors on their long-term Elantra tester, this is not much of a surprise.

rbeaudin · October 2001

the CD player comes with Package 4....not 5.

backy · October 2001

Actually, the CD player comes with packages 3, 4, and 5. Only package 1 (base model) and package 2 (which I got) do not include a CD player. RBeudin, have you seen some package 5s without the CD player? They are supposed to have it.

pokerdoc · October 2001

Got my 2001 GLS package 5 last December. Nope, no CD player; finding ABS was my main concern. Would have been nice, though...but I knew from Edmund's own description that only radio/tape player was included. Bought a $40 car CD player that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Despite all the wires, it works just fine for me.

backy · October 2001

My apologies, you are correct, rbeudin and pokerdoc--the 2001 GLS had the CD only with packages 3 and 4. I was looking at the 2002 options chart. What does that say about Hyundai's marketeers--do they believe that safety-conscious people who like ABS don't listen to CDs? This packaging makes sense only if you could order multiple packages, which to my knowledge you can't. That makes the $300 extra for the 2002 even a better deal.

lgoldin · October 2001

Hi all. I am looking for the small car for my parents with the lowest cost of ownership for 4 years. I narrowed my choice to Elantra and Echo. Since I live in Canada and they live in Nebraska, I have no idea what should I expect there in terms of price. I am looking for 4 years lease automatic, with power lock. Can anyone from Omaha area suggest good dealer and what deal I can get there with 0 down?
Your input would be really appreciated. Thanks.

backy · October 2001

I don't live in NE (MN), but I do have one bit of advice for your parents: do NOT get the Elantra on a lease. Hyundais historically have poor resale value, which means leases are no bargain. A lease on an Echo may make sense because Toyotas do have high resale value. I'll leave it to the Nebraskans to give you some idea on price there, but I will tell you I have heard reports from that part of the country (actually, Kansas) that dealers were willing to deal, e.g. a base model Elantra GLS (package 1) with automatic for less than $12,000 US. But if they do a lot of highway driving, they may appreciate package 2 with cruise control (and remote locking with security system), retail $400 US. There is a $500 rebate on the GLS at least through Oct. 31, but that rebate has been in effect for a year now so it's not likely to go away soon, with the current economic climate.

lgoldin · October 2001

hyundaima · October 2001

I'm trying to find out who makes the throttle position sensor in '01s. I sent e-mails to Hyundai, but I haven't got any reply from them... I'd really appreciate it if you'd get the the manufacturer's name on the sensor for me. Thanks.

rbeaudin · October 2001

I know I've seen messages about this a ways back, but when I start my cold '01 GLS 5 speed (appr. 2500 miles), rpm's go up to about 3, stay there for appr. 6 seconds, and then comes down...also, when I shift, I generally wait one or two seconds after clutching to shift, since it seems to be at too high an rpm...is it that PCV valve thing? Is it normal (as a function of the engine warming up?)?

Otherwise, love the car. I was pleased to hit 80 after the break-in and find none of the infamous shimmy. I have ABS...did others with ABS have shimmy?

hyundaima · October 2001

3000? that can't be an idle rpm; you need to have the accel. pedal and throttle cable checked by a Hyundai dealer..

stevesail · October 2001

To rbeaudien:
I have the exact same situation. Take a look at messages 1863 to 1869. Backy indicates that Hyundai is coming out with a computer software fix shortly.

avorobiev · October 2001

I'm in the process of purchasing 2002 GLS with auto transmission and option pack 5 (ABS). Acceptable colors red, blue or champagne. I'm in a big city - Chicago. Sounds simple? No way!
I'm trying to buy through carsdirect.com, who promised acceptable price of about $14000 for the configuration. After 2(!) days of calling many dealers in Chicago area (she claims) the sales person could only find 2(!!!) cars with option pack 5 but not of the colors that I want.
She claims that _nobody_ wants ABS on this car so the dealers simply don't order them. They could custom order the car for me of course but it'll arrive in 6-9 weeks and that means that some manufacturer-to-dealer incentive will have expired (on 10/31/2001) so the price will be much higher. So it looks like that I'll end up buying a car of some different color (midnight gray probably). Did anybody else have any problems buying ABS?

backy · October 2001

A weird thing has happend on my Elantra's high RPMs problem, which had the same symptoms as rbeudin described: it went away all by itself a few days ago! So it acted up for about three weeks, then--poof--gone, back to its original behavior. That leads me to believe the problem is NOT in the engine computer software, unless this software is self-healing (more than I would expect on a $1 million mainframe computer let alone an economy car). Unless it acts up again I won't worry about it, but now I'm wondering what kind of software update is coming from Hyundai...

backy · October 2001

IMO it is unlikely that Hyundai will eliminate the rebate on the GLS, because (1) it has been in effect for a year now, renewed each month, and (2) competition is stiff, with all the 0% offers and other discounts out there.

fangio2 · October 2001

2002 Elantra's with that equipment for a little over $14,000.In fact the ad is the only Elantra package they are advertising.Strange you would think,due to weather,your area would be loaded with ABS equiped models.

bluewinds · October 2001

Hyundai's Korean domestic model has Hyundai-Siemmens TPS( especially for Beta engine which is installed in Elantra/Avante-XD). I don't think Hyundai put different TPS for U.S version.

All TPS hyundai put in its engines are under licensed produts.

bluewinds.

hyundaima · October 2001

Thanks, but I'm not sure what "Hyundai-Siemens" is....2001 Elantra has Siemens EMS/ECU though...

nittanytara · October 2001

Hi everyone. I just started my new vehicle search and NEVER thought about a Hyundai until I did a comparison. WOW!!! I am so impressed.
However, I have been reading these posts and am wondering if it will be worth it to buy one. I seem to be 'the one' who ALWAYS gets the lemons. Not always, but most of the time.
Has anyone bought a 2002 Elantra? If so, how would you address the problems previously talked about on this board, i.e. Engine, brakes, ABS, computer software.
Like I said before, I have just started my vehicle search. If anyone has any recommendations as far as purchasing an Elantra or other Hyundai (for around the same price as Elantra) please let me know. I have never bought a brand new car and this would be my first.

csandste · October 2001

I was waiting for a 5 speed 5 door or a 5 door Focus. Had to move fast so it was between the GLS and the 3 door Focus. I've put almost 7K on and it's been a wonderful experience. Some of the cars I drove had the high speed wheel skip-- whether that's tires or wheels I don't know, it doesn't seem to be happening with the GT. Although I'm satisfied with the Michelins, I probably won't replace them with the same thing when they wear out. Tread wear at first check was slightly higher than I'd like and they are expensive tires with only fair user ratings.

I've had a bit of problem with elevated idle, but nothing serious. I was a bit disturbed by the crash tests showing the late deploying air bag, although I expect that may have been an anomoly.

Other than that my experience has been nothing but first rate. This is absolutely the best car I've ever had. I specifically chose the Elantra over the Focus because the owners comments on these and other boards were far superior to the Focus in terms of reliability. Also if you check owner ratings in Microsoft Carpoint, you'll find that the Elantra had significantly higher ratings than the Civic or Corolla.

In short, this is one remarkable car and I'm extremely happy with my decision.

intrepidspirit · October 2001

I'm like you...would have never considered a Hyundai when I started my search for a car for my daughter. After 2 weeks of research, I was sold on the 2001 Elantra. When I was able to get a new 2001 Elantra GLS with auto transmission for $10,988 (7/1/01), there was no turning back. My daughter loves the car! It drives smoothly and you have to watch your speed on the freeway -- you can easily reach 75 -80 without realizing it -- there is very little engine and road noise.

My daughter and I are both very impressed with the car. It is an excellent value and drives and feels like a larger car. We have had no problems.

I don't think there are any changes for the 2002 model.

pat · October 2001

The Elantra has won top honors in the "Economy Car -- Under $13,000" category. Follow the link on the left sidebar of this page to read the story.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

intrepidspirit · October 2001

but we're 1 week ahead of you (see post #1872). But it is still a great car...

pat · October 2001

Yeah, I saw that at the time and I know that many of you have already seen the article. I've just now had a chance to get it on the sidebar and just wanted to point that out. Guess I shouldn't have sounded like I was making some grand announcement, though. :^)

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

intrepidspirit · October 2001

I was just giving you a hard time...

pat · October 2001

backy · October 2001

One year ago tomorrow I plopped my money down for a '01 Elantra GLS 5-spd, champagne, package 2. Here's a one-year summary:

Miles: 7520
Fuel Economy: I have not kept a detailed record. Started off at 24-25 mpg during some cold weather last November and December, but recently has been consistently averaging 28-29 mpg in mostly around-town driving, no trips over 20 miles.
Maintenance costs: $45.27 total. $45.27 for "one year" service based on 7500 miles driven, performed by the dealer (oil/filter, fluids, checks, rotate tires). Also did a 1000 mile check at the dealer (free) and an oil/filter service at 3400 miles at the dealer, but was free (coupon).
Repair costs: $120.00 - insurance deductible for hail damage repair, done with paintless dent removal (looks great, no disruption of the factory finish).
Problems since delivery: Only three very minor problems: 1) a few plastic screw hole covers fell off the armrests in cold weather last winter. Dealer replaced them. They've stayed on since. 2) Fast-idle condition appeared at about 6500 miles, then disappeared around 7400 miles. Dealer says it might be due to a computer software problem and an update is expected soon. 3) Little buzz coming from somewhere in the dash, mostly when between gears. Will have it looked at again at next service in six months, if it is still there.

Overall I am very pleased with the car, which is my first Hyundai after owning several Japanese makes (Civics, Corollas, Celica, 626, Sentras) and a couple of domestic cars. It has been as trouble-free in its first year as any other car I have owned. I love the driving comfort, especially the driving position and seat comfort, the quiet and smooth ride, and the performance (going and stopping). The shifter, initially a little sticky, freed up in the first 1500 miles and is now quite smooth, just a tad under Civic level. It has the fastest-warming heater (within one mile, incredible!) and coldest A/C of any car I have owned. The little touches like softly padded armrests for both arms, heated folding side mirrors, auto-off headlights, dual-compartment arm rest, adjustable rear headrests, and damped sunglass holder are welcome and make me feel that I am driving a more expensive car, as does the solid feel of the car. If the reliability holds up, I will gladly drive this car for several years before turning it over to my oldest son for college (at which time it will still have 4 years left on the powertrain warranty). I still think it is one of the best bargains on the market, given that new GLSes can be had for around $11,000 or less.

camryv6 · October 2001

About how much would it would coast for a 2002 elantra gls with package 2 ( cruise control, keyless enry). Does any one no if the keyless entry system can open the trunk?
thank

csandste · October 2001

Dealer is offering the same prices on 02's. If you live in certain markets (CA) you should pay considerably less. The keyless entry system doesn't open the trunk (unless this was changed for the 02's-- doubtful-- I think they're the same).

mariners · October 2001

Pat>>

What exactly is a "economy" car? It says that an economy car is under $13,000, but is Civic economy? A Corolla? A Protge? A Sentra?

Or does the Civic, Corolla, Protge, and Sentra go into the "Small car" catagory because of the price?

Is a small car a Echo, Rio, Accent?

What is Edmund's definition?

pat · October 2001

Take a look at this link for more information - there are several links on the page that you may want to pursue which explain how the awards occur - Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002.

If there are further questions about the selection and categorization process, or if anyone wants to make comments directly to the editors about the awards or the categories, you can send an email to editor@edmunds.com. Be aware that emails sent to that address may be published in the monthly Letters to the Editors feature of Edmunds.com.

Hope this helps.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

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