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2005 Hyundai Elantra

The 2005 Hyundai Elantra is a compact car known for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and spacious interior for its class. It came standard with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 138 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the car’s value and reliability, however common complaints include lackluster handling and a somewhat bland interior.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 (G4GC)

  • Check Engine Light due to Faulty Oxygen Sensors
    • Description/Symptoms: The check engine light illuminates, and diagnostic codes indicate issues with the oxygen sensors (typically pre-cat or post-cat sensors). This can lead to decreased fuel economy and potential emissions test failures.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty oxygen sensor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per sensor, depending on location and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, and a check engine light with a code related to the crankshaft position sensor.
    • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+, including parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine Stalling, poor engine performance and a check engine light with a code related to the camshaft position sensor.
    • Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+, including parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable harsh shifts between gears, especially from 1st to 2nd. Also, transmission slipping, particularly during acceleration.
    • Solution: In some cases, a fluid change can help. However, often requires transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid change $100-200, rebuild $1,500-$3,000, replacement $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

  • No Issues Found

Suspension

  • Worn Struts and Shocks
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll in corners, and reduced handling stability. May notice fluid leaking from the struts/shocks.
    • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ for all four corners, depending on parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Stabilizer Bar Bushings and End Links
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when driving over bumps.
    • Solution: Replace the worn stabilizer bar bushings and end links.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+, depending on labor and parts.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Faulty Window Regulators
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, making clicking noises but not moving, or moving erratically.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window, including parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Bulb Socket Corrosion
    • Description/Symptoms: Lights do not function due to corrosion in the bulb socket, requiring cleaning or replacement.
    • Solution: Clean or replace the bulb socket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $25 - $100+ depending on bulb socket type and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Speedometer or other gauges failing to work correctly, flickering lights, or complete instrument cluster failure.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on repair needs
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Rocker Panels and Wheel Wells
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower rocker panels and around the wheel wells.
    • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels, rust prevention treatments.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on severity of rust.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Airbag light malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Airbag light is illuminated on the dash, with no indication of why.
    • Solution: Repair faulty wiring or replace a faulty sensor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on location of the faulty wiring and the sensor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Center Console Latch Broken
    • Description/Symptoms: Center console latch breaks causing the storage compartment to not stay shut.
    • Solution: Replace Center Console Latch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $25 - $100+, depending on parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Hyundai Elantra, while generally a reliable and affordable vehicle, can experience a variety of common issues. The engine, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components all have their potential problems. The most severe and costly issues are related to the transmission and rust. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for signs of these problems and factor in the potential repair costs into their purchasing decision.

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