Oxygen sensor failures
check engine or malfunction indicator light, with no other obvious symptom
Check engine light: On
This is the most common non-recall engine issue we found for this generation: multiple reported oxygen sensor failures, with the check engine or malfunction indicator light as the directly stated symptom — that's a sourced fact, not a judgment call, which is why the light is marked as typically on. Oxygen sensor faults are generally a straightforward, well-understood repair, not a serious mechanical concern on their own.
↑ Back to the problem table
A/C system malfunctions
cooling performance issues, tied to the A/C control panel or compressor
Check engine light: Off
A recurring A/C complaint pattern for this generation, involving the A/C control panel and compressor. One documented case involved a factory overcharge showing up as early as 5,500 miles — unusually early for what's typically wear-related. This is a comfort-system issue, not an engine or emissions fault, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
as early as 5,500 mi (factory overcharge case)
↑ Back to the problem table
Window regulator, battery terminal, and radio/stereo defects
a window regulator, battery terminal corrosion, or a radio/stereo malfunction
Check engine light: Off
A broad cluster of smaller electrical faults: the window regulator, battery terminal corrosion, a relay in the signal stalk, the hood contact switch, and tire pressure sensors. Costs in this cluster range widely — as low as $150 for a headlight bulb up to $450 for a passenger door lock actuator — with the large majority (83%) of repairs still coming in under $100. These are accessory-level electrical faults, not engine issues, so they don't trigger a check-engine light.
$150 – $4505,500–188,350 mi
↑ Back to the problem table
Valve cover gasket leak
an oil leak or burning-oil smell near the valve cover
Check engine light: Off
A recurring, well-understood wear item for this generation's engine: the valve cover gasket hardening or cracking over time and letting oil seep out, sometimes noticeable as a faint burning-oil smell if it drips onto a hot engine surface. On its own, a gasket leak like this typically shows up as a visible leak or a smell rather than a dashboard warning, so it doesn't usually trigger a check-engine light.
↑ Back to the problem table
Transmission won't shift / failed speed sensors
Transmission won't shift correctly, check engine light
Check engine light: On
Failed speed sensors are reported to prevent correct shifting on this generation, with a related note about confirming the latest TCM software and correct fluid.
↑ Back to the problem table
Stalling or failure to start due to crankshaft angle sensor
Stalling, or failure to start
Check engine light: On
A failed crankshaft angle sensor is reported to cause stalling or failure to start on this generation.
↑ Back to the problem table
All power windows stop working simultaneously
All power windows stop responding to their switches at once
Check engine light: Off
A distinct and more severe variant of typical single-window regulator failures: owners report ALL power windows stopping simultaneously, suggesting an electrical fault rather than an individual window mechanism.
↑ Back to the problem table
Check engine light due to failing canister purge valve
Check engine light
Check engine light: On
A failing canister purge valve is reported to trigger the check engine light on this generation.
↑ Back to the problem table
No sound from speakers
Radio/speakers produce no sound despite the system otherwise working
Check engine light: Off
Part of a large cross-brand Hyundai/Kia speaker-failure pattern documented on 11+ nameplates.
↑ Back to the problem table
CD player error 43
CD player displays an error code and won't play discs
Check engine light: Off
A specific CD player fault code is reported on this generation.
↑ Back to the problem table
Engine hesitation or poor acceleration, possible catalytic converter
Hesitation or poor acceleration
Check engine light: On
Engine hesitation and poor acceleration, possibly tied to the catalytic converter, is reported on this generation.
↑ Back to the problem table
Yellowing or cracking headlight lenses
Headlight lenses turn yellow or develop cracks over time
Check engine light: Off
A cosmetic/UV-wear complaint reported on this generation's headlight lenses.
↑ Back to the problem table
Steering column play or clicking on sharp turns
Play or clicking noise from the steering column on sharp turns
Check engine light: Off
A steering column play/clicking complaint is reported on sharp turns.
↑ Back to the problem table
Vibration at 65+ mph
Vibration that appears specifically at highway speeds above 65 mph
Check engine light: Off
A speed-specific vibration complaint.
↑ Back to the problem table
Dashboard lights intermittently turn off
Dashboard lights intermittently go dark, possibly a fuse issue
Check engine light: Off
Dashboard lights are reported to intermittently turn off, potentially tied to a fuse issue.
↑ Back to the problem table
This generation has an unusual number of recalls: a brake light switch failure and a fuel pump defect are both recalled parts, and a cluster of engine-fire complaints may also tie to a Hyundai recall campaign, though that link is not confirmed. Check your VIN for open recalls first — see below — before assuming any of these are simple out-of-pocket repairs. Of the issues that are not recall-related, oxygen sensor failures are the most common, showing up as a check engine or malfunction indicator light.