2003/2004 Elantra owners-transmission problems?

I spoke to the service manager of a Mitsubishi/Hyundai dealership - she
reports that XG350 and Sonata great cars, but advises against Elantra
because of transmission problems. Have you experienced any? Also, for
automatic, what gas mileage are you getting?

 

I have an 03 with the 4 speed automatic with only 10K
on the speedo, but I understand this certain tranny needs
to have the service done at 30K as it is rough on the
fluid and preserves the warranty.

Good to see you posting Robin... curious if you did any
aftermarket audio modifications or have stuck with the
stock radio..

ElantraStan
http://www.stanarseneaux.com/elantra/

 

I've stuck with the stock radio. As time went on, it seemed to be less
important.
Robin

 

We have a 2002 GLS we bought new off the lot after test driving it.
It was the most responsive transmission in a small car I had driven
after leaving Europe - of course I didn't drive them all, only the
ones I could afford to buy cash.

Now looking towards the 30K mile service, and have had no problems
whatsoever with the transmission - it still has the same performance
as it did when we bought it. Fluid was "replaced" at the 15K service,
and is supposed to be "flushed" at the 30K. I guess I'll find out
then if there are any trans problems.

Each member of our family of four has a different mpg. I get the
worst because I beat the poor thing to death - mine is around 19 - 23
suburban, 25 - 30 hwy. The best is my daughter's because she coddles
it - around 23 - 26 suburban, 30 - 35 hwy.

I personally like the looks of the Sonata and XG350 better, but am
definitely satisfied with the Elantra we already have.

Paul Gebhardtsbauer

 

The Elantra and Sonata use the same basic 4-speed automatic transmission.
I've replaced a grand total of zero of these units in Elantras and I
believe one in Sonata over the past year.

I've repaired a total of one Elantra manual in the past year.

To be honest, I see no issue with these transmissions. I believe the last
time Hyundai used a transmission that really had problems was in the 1998
Sonata.