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 2001 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal extended to the floor when it was depressed. The brakes were pumped several times before the vehicle came to a complete stop. A small amount of smoke appeared underneath the hood. The air bag and engine warning lights illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact exerted more effort to turn the steering wheel as if there were no power steering. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they replaced the power steering hose. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 98,000.
It is back at earnhardts, for the elec. System again 4th time. It started in 3/02 and went out again last fri. 6/6/03 but they don't consider it a problem. Because I filed a lemon law on the previous accent and replaced it with the Elantra 2001 and I filled out a survey saying they had bad customer service, the normal use of a rental while they fixed it for days was not granted. I am so upset I spent a day out in the az sun waiting for a tow of 205 miles to the next dealership and they tell me I have a bad record with them and don't deserve the courtesy of a rental car. This is my second hyndai and I have had nothing but trouble with it and the dealership. I have sent letters to the attorney general, three on my side, hyndai and earnhardts dealership. I want out of this car and don't feel safe in it any more. …
On Friday, September 28, 2012 at approximately 9:30 am I was pulling into a parking spot at the heb grocery store on i45 at 646 in league city, tx when the engine on my 2001 Hyundai Elantra revved and roared very loudly and surged into the pickup truck parked in the opposite spot. At the time I did not have my foot on either the gas pedal or brake. I stomped on the brake but nothing happened-it just kept revving and surging forward. I shoved the stick into park and luckily it stopped. My car was now in the space the pickup truck had been parked in, and the pickup truck was shoved out into the driving lane between parking sections. I am extremely thankful that no one was in the pickup or walking by or loading groceries nearby and no one was hurt. I was so frightened I was shaking and could barely dial 911 on my cell phone. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. The front passenger side window air bag was replaced in 2004. The day after the replacement, the air bag light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they stated that they could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact discovered an air bag safety recall online, but the dealer stated that no recall was available. In 2004, the contact also informed the dealer that the weather stripping on the back door frame was too small. The vehicle was still under warranty. The dealer pushed the weather stripping back on the door. In 2005, the contact heard a strange noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled in hot weather. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. While at the dealer, she was informed of a brake line recall and clips were applied. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle had numerous failures and was purchased brand new from a Hyundai dealer. Initially, the vehicle was pulling hard and the dealer stated that there was nothing wrong; however, they replaced the spark plugs at that time. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken in for a second time for the pulling of the vehicle, as well as a rear end bulb that had blown. While attempting to start the vehicle, it would not turn over. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the battery was corroded and there was a green substance leaking from the battery. The Hyundai company advised her to call roadside assistance and they advised her to purchase a new battery. Once the new battery was installed, the vehicle still would not start. The failure and current mileages were 69,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. When the brake pedal was applied, the brakes failed to function properly. The contact had to apply force to the brake pedal several times to ensure that the vehicle completely stopped. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to service the brake system. In addition, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle associated with the upper or lower control arms. The check engine and air bag warning indicators remained illuminated. Also, the vehicle failed to refuel in a reasonable time frame, which caused the contact to have to wait an extended period of time during refueling. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.
Dt: consumer was driving on highway for about 15 minutes and vehicle overheated. Consumer pulled to the side of road and white smoke come out from under hood. Consumer had vehicle towed to a garage where consumer found out that the radiator broke, and the engine was fried from the radiator exploding. Vehicle was serviced regularly. Consumer said that a mechanic told him that he had three same type cars with same problem within the week in his garage.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Elantra with 73000 miles. The contact was driving about 10 MPH when he noticed the engine had started knocking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was told that the engine had failed. The contact also stated that he had to replace tire on the front passenger side several different times. Bl
I dropped my grandson at his mother's house. As I exited her driveway my car experienced sudden unintended acceleration. I could not stop the car and struck the house across the street.
Tl*- the contact stated that the 2001 Hyundai Elantra had stalling problems. While driving at 55-60 MPH on the freeway the vehicle lost power. She stated that in January 07 while driving after dark the vehicle jerked hard and the dash oard lights came on as the vehicle stalled. The contact's vehicle 'barely missed getting struck by a school bus. The contact stated that when she tried to start the vehicle it will not always start.
Engine complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Hyundai Elantra, 7% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is engine (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Hyundai Elantra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.