2011 Hyundai Elantra

2011 Hyundai Elantra

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that replaced the outgoing Elantra XD in 2006. It is offered with three engine options: a 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder, a 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter Theta II four-cylinder. The 1.6-liter engine produces 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.8-liter engine produces 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter engine produces 173 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Elantra is a popular choice for budget-minded shoppers, and it offers a number of features that are typically found in more expensive cars. It has a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a good fuel economy. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as a lack of power from the base engine, a noisy cabin, and a cheap interior.

Engine

• 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, oil leaks, and low oil level warnings on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replace piston rings and oil seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: 11V-066
  • Timing Chain Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or grinding noises from the engine, loss of power, and check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace timing chain and tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found
• 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder
  • No Issues Found
• 2.0-liter Theta II four-cylinder
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• Six-speed manual transmission
  • No Issues Found
• Four-speed automatic transmission
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of power, and check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace transmission or rebuild torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension
  • Strut Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Noises from the front end, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace struts and mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies quickly, even after a short drive.
  • Solution: Replace battery or locate electrical drain.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handles
  • Broken Door Handles
    • Description/Symptoms: Door handles become loose or break off.
    • Solution: Replace door handles.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per door
    • Recalls: None Found
• Headlights
  • Headlight Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: One or both headlights stop working.
    • Solution: Replace headlight bulb or assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard
  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appear on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replace dashboard.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found
• Seats
  • Seat Heater Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater does not work or overheats.
    • Solution: Replace seat heater element or switch.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• Steering Wheel
  • Steering Wheel Peel
    • Description/Symptoms: Steering wheel leather peels or wears off.
    • Solution: Replace or rewrap steering wheel.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is a good choice for budget-minded shoppers, but it does have some issues that buyers should be aware of. The most common problems are with the engine, transmission, and suspension. The engine issues can be serious and expensive to fix, so it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic before purchasing. The transmission issues can also be expensive to fix, but they are not as common as the engine issues. The suspension issues are less severe, but they can still affect the ride quality and handling of the vehicle. Overall, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is a good car for the price, but buyers should be aware of the potential issues before purchasing.