The 2011 Hyundai Elantra debuted with a 1.8-liter ‘Nu’ engine, and some owners reportedly clocked over 100,000 miles without many problems. But the powertrain has showed inconsistent reliability.
Key Points
- The 2011 Hyundai Elantra comes with only a single engine option: an all-new 1.8-liter four-cylinder. You can pair it with either a six-speed automatic or manual.
- The 1.8-liter puts out 148 horsepower and 131 lb.-ft. of torque and remains competitive against its rivals. Although, spirited driving is not its forte.
- The 2011 Elantra bests its competitors by offering class-leading fuel economy at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
- The 2011 model year racked up seven recalls, but none of them is regarding the engine. But, from its nearly 400 complaints overall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has logged several reports about the engine knocking, stalling, and making unusual noises, resulting in a class-action lawsuit.
- Although the 1.8-liter had a few run-ins with reliability, it strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency.
- The 2011 Elantra isn’t perfect, but with proper care and routine maintenance, it can last up to 250,000 miles or even more.
1.8L I4 May be the Only Available Engine, but Having Multiple Transmission Options Makes the 2011 Elantra Excel on Many Levels
When Hyundai introduced the all-new 2011 Elantra, the automaker also debuted its latest 1.8-liter “Nu” engine. Replacing the older 2.0-liter engine, it remained the only engine option available for the 2011 model year. However, owners could choose between a manual transmission or the newly-developed six-speed automatic.
The Elantra happens to be one of the most versatile cars in the segment. Its non-turbocharged 1.8-liter produces 148 horsepower and 131 lb.-ft. of torque.
On paper, the 2011 Elantra boasts a significant power advantage over the 140 horsepower 2011 Honda Civic and 136 horsepower 2011 Chevy Cruze. But sadly, it doesn’t translate well on the road.
Although developed with sporting intentions, the 2011 Elantra only manages to hit 0-60 mph in a slow 9.1 seconds. Just a few tenths quicker than the Civic, but nearly half a second slower than the Cruze.
On the plus side, having the six-speed manual is entertaining and makes the Elantra seem faster than the numbers would otherwise indicate, reports Motor Trend.
Where the Elantra bests its competitors is efficiency. Regardless of the transmission, the Elantra’s 1.8-liter is EPA-rated at 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the 2011 Civic returns 26 /34 mpg city/highway, while the 2011 Cruze manages 26/37 figures.
As for oil capacity, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra takes 4.2 quarts with a viscosity of 5W-20.
Lack of Engines Recalls is Promising, but the 1.8L Engine Received Several Complaints, Followed by a Class Action Lawsuit
The NHTSA has seven recalls and nearly 400 complaints registered against the 2011 Hyundai Elantra. While none of the recalls involve the engine, several owners were unhappy with the new 1.8-liter and its reliability. Complaints about the engine knocking, stalling, and producing weird noises have been registered with the NHTSA.
Out of the 383 complaints, nearly 80 are registered against the Elantra’s engine. Owners report hearing a ticking sound that ultimately stalled the engine. Not everyone experienced the motor seizing all of a sudden. But the majority of the complaints mention the noise getting louder as the revs climbed. Even turning to the dealers proved pointless, because none could fix the issue.
Some engines were so badly affected that they had to be replaced, costing owners thousands of dollars. The average cost of a used 1.8-liter is $1,200, while a brand-new engine can cost between $3,000 to $4,000, excluding labor.
This ultimately ended with owners taking things a step further. A class-action lawsuit was filed, which identified the issue to stem from a faulty piston assembly, which created a gap between the piston and the cylinder. This causes the piston to slap against the cylinder wall damaging the engine block, creating oil sludge, and potentially leading to engine failure.
The settlement was ruled against Hyundai, and they were forced to extend the warranty and offer reimbursements to eligible owners.
Despite the Complaints, Several Satisfied Elantra Owners Clocked Over 100,000 Miles Without any Mechanical Issues
On the other side of the spectrum, there are Elantras that are rock solid. Several owners clocked over 100,000 miles with nothing but regular oil changes and routine maintenance.
Despite getting numerous complaints, the 1.8-liter held on pretty well. In fact, there are unique cases where owners have put anywhere between 200,000 to 350,000 miles with no serious mechanical issues.
Now comes the question of how long will a 2011 Hyundai Elantra engine last? Well, it largely depends on how you drive and maintain the car. If you are diligent with your maintenance and drive with a relatively lightfoot, the Elantra can last anywhere between 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
Then again, if you are super conservative, it can last even more. Just like this one that clocked a million miles on its original powertrain.
What’s our verdict? To put it simply: The 2011 Elantra is not perfect. But, if looked after properly, it could turn out to be an excellent daily driver. Though the 1.8-liter had a few run-ins with reliability, it strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency.
Photos: Hyundai
