Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2000 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal odor entering the cabin of the vehicle, causing the contact to be nauseated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no cabin air filter installed in the vehicle. The cabin air filter was not replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 19,000.
At 65 MPH, on the highway, the engine stalled, all lights on the instrument panel came on and I was able to coast to a nearby off ramp. Five weeks later, the engine will start, and the onl ylight on the instrument panel is the air bag light which has never gone off since the stalling episode. The check engine light has come on for a year, with the same multiple misfire readings (300 and 301). I have had mechanics make almost every possible replacement in the last 12 months. Aspark plugs and wires were replaced twice in a four month period with an unknown factor burning them out. There are numerous accounts of both of these problems reported on reliable internet sites, especially the engine stalling which is especially dangerous. This vehicle is reported to have had both recall repairs completed in 2005. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Hyundai Elantra. While driving, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the evac valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The contact also stated that the front driver side and the rear passenger side windows could not be opened or closed and the front passenger side door would not unlock from outside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 30,750.
This vehicle was purchased as a used vehicle in April 2004. It only had 38,000 miles on it. I replaced all the belts, tires and fluids in the vehicle. In August 2004, the car overheated. I called atlantic Hyundai in east islip and they told me to have the car towed there. Three days later they informed me that the heat of the engine had actually melted the radiator. They also told me that it had blown a head gasket. The car was still under warranty but they didn't want to honor the warranty. After much arguing with them and the warranty dept., they finally agreed to do the repairs. Much to my disappointment, the problem was not fixed. The car continually overheated. I took it to another mechanic who said the thermostat had not been replaced and it looks like they never replaced the head gasket. I then paid to replace the thermostat. …
My wife purchased a 2000 Hyundai Elantra VIN#[redacted] from brown Hyundai of toledo oh. On 4/18/05 she brought the car to brown Hyundai at 63,000 miles due to a notice about possible for cracks forming in the exhaust manifold, specifically TSB 05-01-001. No replacement was made at that time. Recently, I noticed an existing crack in the exhaust manifold and performed some research on the internet about the problem. I am sure you are aware how common of a problem this has been as there are numerous complaints on various automotive forums, the NHTSA, and various states' department of consumer protection. I had the vehicle recently (10/08/12) inspected at voss Hyundai of centerville oh who has confirmed the existing crack. At 125,000 miles the car is passed its powertrain warranty. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Hyundai Elantra. The contact's vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 00V259001 (electrical system:wiring). The contact was unaware of the repair. Several months after the repair was made, the vehicle lost power while driving various speeds and caused him to decelerate. The vehicle also lost power steering ability, and eventually the vehicle would stall. The contact has to place the vehicle into neutral and then restart it in order for it to be functional. He took the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions, but the failure could not be duplicated. Over the past several years, the dealer repeatedly replaced the crankshaft position sensors and power relay. Secondly, because the vehicle was previously repaired according to the recall, the dealer would not assume financial responsibility for the repair. …
Car continues to overheat. This is the fourth time it has happened; sometime the problem can not be duplicated and I am sent on my way even though it has happen before. The cylinder heads, water pump, thermostat, sensor and many others are only a few of the things that have been replaced on this problem. The car shuts-off without warning, and drives like a desiel engine (rough), you almost have to floor it to make the car stop and the dealer says it is normal; even though I hit another car going about 5mph because the car jerked foward and smashed my hood (I hit a Ford:excrussion so he had no damage) and the transmission does not shift correctly. Sure the dealer ship tries to fix the problem but there have been times I have been out of my car for a long as 7 to 8 weeks and many times there don't even know whats wrong. …
I thought my muffler had a hole in it so I took to a shop and they told me there was nothing wrong with my muffler. To another shop and told I have a cracked manifold. I think it's absurd that a 2000 model car could go through 2 manilfolds in 7 1/2 years. Was at the dealership on 10/09/03 reporting the exhaust system was noisy. Was told it was not muffler but was a cracked manifold. Luckily it was repaired under warranty. That was less than 5 years ago. Sounds like a big problem to me. I can understand one manifold getting cracked...but two in less than 4 1/2 years. This car is driven less than six miles round trip to work a day. It's not like I'm out tearing up the town all the time in the car.
Vehicle hesitates going down road. Also stalls and cuts off at low speeds and at a stop. Sometimes hesitates when trying accelerate. Recall 00V259001 has been done several times and does not correct problem. Car has been to dealer six times for same problem and still not fixed. I've talked to the service manager, dealership manager, owner, and customer service with no help. This has been going on for over 2 years. The first web sight I checked for other complaints was mycarstats.com. I found 21 complaints of the exact same problem with no solution.
The vehicle stalled when slowing down to make a turn. Dealer was not able to duplicate the problem . The dealer has duplicated the problem and replaced the mass air flow sensor, the throttle position sensor and crank sensor. Each time the problem recurred shortly after it was repaired. This problem has been ongoing since 2002. There was a recall for the wiring which was completed but the consumer wonders if this has anything to do with the stalling. The vehicle will be taken back to the dealer on 6/28/04 because it continues to stall.
Engine complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Hyundai Elantra, 25% of the model year's 197 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Hyundai Elantra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Hyundai Elantra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.