2008 Hyundai Elantra

Introduction:

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan known for its budget-friendly price, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. It is available with two engine options: a 2.0L 4-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 143 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Consumers appreciate the Elantra’s reliability and practicality, but some have reported issues with specific components.

Engine

2.0L 4-cylinder

• Engine Oil Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks can occur from the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket, leading to low oil pressure and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, resulting in a rattling noise and engine misfire.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder

• No Issues Found

Transmission

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission Slippage:
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip or hesitate when shifting gears, causing difficulty accelerating or maintaining speed.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mounts Deterioration:
  • Description/Symptoms: The front strut mounts can deteriorate, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical Gremlins:
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues can occur, such as flickering lights, power window failure, or dashboard malfunctions.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the faulty electrical component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks can occur around the windshield seal, causing water to enter the interior during rain or car washes.
  • Solution: Reseal the windshield.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window motor can fail, causing windows to become inoperable or slow to move.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is generally a reliable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems reported by owners include engine oil leaks, timing chain tensioner failure, transmission slippage, front strut mount deterioration, electrical gremlins, windshield leaks, and power window motor failure. While some of these issues can be minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more severe and costly. It is important to note that not all Elantras will experience all of these issues, and some may have no issues whatsoever.