2003 Hyundai HLD 150

The 2003 Hyundai Elantra (XD generation) is a compact car known for its affordability and practicality. It was offered with two main engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, and a 1.8-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. The 2.0L engine produced approximately 138 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Elantra’s fuel efficiency and roomy interior for its class. Common complaints often revolve around the car’s somewhat bland styling and less-than-exciting driving dynamics. Over time, issues related to age and wear are prevalent.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 (G4GC)

• Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may stall, run rough, misfire, or fail to start. The check engine light illuminates with a code related to the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover, leading to a burning smell and potential oil loss.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8L Inline-4 (G4GB)

• Rough Idle/Poor Performance due to Vacuum Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may idle roughly, have poor acceleration, or exhibit a lean condition. Vacuum leaks are often the culprit.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace any cracked or damaged vacuum hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts roughly, slips between gears, or fails to engage properly. Can be caused by low fluid level, contaminated fluid, or internal wear.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the problem persists, internal repairs or a transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (flush); $800 - $2500+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop. Can also cause stalling or difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting gears, or a grinding noise when shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, and bottoming out over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts and/or rear shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 (per axle)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken or Worn Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits unevenly, makes clunking noises over bumps, poor ride quality
  • Solution: Replace the coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700 (per axle)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows fail to operate, either intermittently or completely. Often caused by a faulty window motor or regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Turn Signal Switch
  • Description/Symptoms: Turn signals fail to operate or only work intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the turn signal switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Especially in areas with road salt)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust develops on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels. In severe cases, rust can compromise the vehicle’s structural integrity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity; $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop in the dashboard plastic, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or install a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Door Handles
  • Description/Symptoms: The interior or exterior door handles break, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Hyundai Elantra, while generally reliable for its time, is now prone to issues associated with age and wear. Engine problems can range from minor sensor failures to more significant valve cover leaks. Transmission issues, particularly with the automatic, can be expensive to repair. Suspension components like struts and springs will likely need replacement on older models. Electrical gremlins such as power window and turn signal switch failures are also common. Rust is a significant concern, especially in colder climates. While individual repair costs may be relatively low for some issues, the cumulative effect of these age-related problems can make ownership more costly over time.