Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. While driving various speeds at night, the headlights and all the warning indicators on the instrument panel intermittently illuminated. In addition, all four windows failed to function. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuse, wiring, and door switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
All four windows stopped functioning at once. Researched this problem and it is extremely common. This is a major safety problem in case windows are needed to escape from vehicle due to accident. The temperature of vehicle can also exceed safe degree due to windows not opening. No warning was given before all windows ceased to function. Started vehicle and windows would not work from any control. Had to take mother to doctor for heat exhaustion from excessive temperatures building up in car.
Car accelerated beyond control to ~90 MPH before steering lock and car went into jersey barriers. According to TSB from Hyundai this is an electrical component know issue call a tps(throttle position sensor) for 2001 Hyundai Elantra's with a "1" in the 10th position of the VIN number. The TSB number is 01-36-027. Before we contact Hyundai , I wanted to see if this was on recall or safety check and I was not able to find any info.
Takata recall. The airbag light is illuminated on dash. The vehicle has never been in an accident yet the light is on. Not sure if airbags will work if an accident ever does occur. Cannot have full coverage insurance because air bag light is on. Vehicle was stationary when light came on. Unknown why this failure occured.
1. Daughter driving car on highway when electrical components such as radio, door locks and interior lights stopped working and door chime rang continuously. On jan 22, 2005 she started car, driver's side rear window went down by itself and electrical windows and other interior electrical components stopped working. An acrid burning smell then developed as well as wisps of smoke from the door and dash. 2. As a result, and due to safety concerns about possible fire and damage to vehicle, the car was undriveable and had to be towed to repair shop. Overriding concern was that possibility of fire and further damage existed. 3. Inspection and investigation by repair shop indicated that the main electrical harnesses running through both front doors were corroded, shorting out and one had evidence of scoring and melting. …
Headlights burning out frequently was the first sign of problems, replaced them as the dealer said this was inherent to the 2001 Elantra. In August 2006 check engine light came on. Also, the air bag sensor light was on, headlight out again, took car to dealer, they called back and said that the alternator had been over charging and not only was the over charging burning out the headlights it also had taken out the cruise control module, and air bag module. Car had only 42000 miles on it, and was 2 weeks from being out of the 5 year bumper to bumper warranty. Well here it is 6 months later and 47000 miles and check engine light is back on, I have since purchased a diagnostic tool to read the codes. The car was running rough at idle. The codes came up as mis fire on cylinder 3, tps sensor failure and map barometer failure. I replaced the plugs and wires, engine still ran rough. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH when the air bag warning light illuminated. The warning light continued to illuminate until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for the identical failure five times. The total repairs performed consisted of rerouting the air bag wire harness, tightening the pin connectors and the air bag terminal. Also, the air bag module connector was repaired. The vehicle was repaired for a recall under the NHTSA campaign id number 00V332000 (air bags: side /window); however, the remedy did not correct the problem. The failure continued to occur after the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 7,364. Updated 11/11/10 the ignition cylinder would not turn at times. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the instrument panel indicators were constantly blinking. She was unable to drive the vehicle at night because the fog lights blink as well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer sixteen times and they stated that open wiring at the instrument panel wiring harness was the cause of the failure. The dealer performed a wiring repair in the instrument panel wiring harness, but the failure persists. A report was filed with the manufacturer and advised her to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The contact stated that she would take the vehicle to another dealer. The failure mileage was 55,456 and current mileage was 170,000.
Check engine light came on three different times first repair was engine manifold, second repair was oxygen sensor, third time the dealer could not find the problem. Dealer probably unplugged the light all repairs were under warranty but dealer suggested I get the service done since they had it in the shop. Both sun visor plastic clips that hold the visor in place broke off and on the passenger side the visor is broken at the swivel arm. All of the small plastic door plugs have fell out. Remote gas tank door will not open on cold days. Vehicle pulls to the right and wheel shakes at speeds 35 and above. Small scratch in paint goes down to the primer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 -45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised her that the failure was caused by a faulty wire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,783. Updated 5/7/12 the consumer stated the dealership tried three times to repair the vehicle. Updated 05/14/12
Electrical complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Hyundai Elantra, 7% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Hyundai Elantra electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2001 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 6 recalls 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 2001 Hyundai Elantra electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.