Hyundai Elantra Timing Belt Or Chain? – It’s Now Resolved

First, second, and third-generation Hyundai Elantras which were produced between 1990-2005 were equipped with timing belts. However, the 5th, 6th, and 7th generations of models produced since 2010 are equipped with timing chains. Only the 4th gen (2006-2010) models had both the belt and chain options.

Have you ever encountered whether the engine of your Hyundai Elantra has a timing belt or a timing chain? That depends on the model and generation of the car.

So, let me answer your query Hyundai Elantra Timing Belt Or Chain.

Let’s discuss the matter in detail, the engine details, generations, etc.

Hyundai Elantra: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? Quick Overview

Here’s a quick overview of the Hyundai Elantra model years, all the generations, and timing drive systems. Take a look at the table below.

Hyundai Elantra (1990-1994) 1st gen

Model Years and GenerationsTiming Drive SystemEngine SpecEngine TypeReplacement Interval
1990Timing Belt1.8 L up to 131 hpGasoline60k Miles
1991Timing Belt1.8 L up to 131 hpGasoline60k Miles
1992Timing Belt1.8 L up to 131 hpGasoline60k Miles
1993Timing Belt1.8 L up to 131 hpGasoline60k Miles
1994Timing Belt1.8 L up to 131 hpGasoline60k Miles

Hyundai Elantra (1995-1999) 2nd gen

Model Years and GenerationsTiming Drive SystemEngine SpecEngine TypeReplacement Interval
1995Timing Belt1.8 L 4G67/G4CM126–133 hp/98–108 hpGasoline60k Miles
1996Timing Belt1.8 L 4G67/G4CM126–133 hp/98–108 hpGasoline60k Miles
1997Timing Belt1.8 L 4G67/G4CM126–133 hp/98–108 hpGasoline60k Miles
1998Timing Belt1.8 L 4G67/G4CM126–133 hp/98–108 hpGasoline60k Miles
1999Timing Belt1.8 L 4G67/G4CM126–133 hp/98–108 hpGasoline60k Miles

Hyundai Elantra (2000-2005) 3rd gen

Model Years and GenerationsTiming Drive SystemEngine SpecEngine TypeReplacement Interval
2000Timing Belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpGasoline60k Miles
2001Timing Belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpGasoline60k Miles
2002Timing Belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpGasoline60k Miles
2003Timing Belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpGasoline60k Miles
2004Timing Belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpGasoline60k Miles
2005Timing Belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpGasoline60k Miles

Hyundai Elantra (2006-2010) 4th gen

Model Years and GenerationsTiming Drive SystemEngine SpecEngine TypeReplacement Interval
2006
Timing belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpPetrol60k Miles
2006Timing Chain1.6 L Gamma I4, 122 hp
1.6 L U I4 turbo, 126 hp
Diesel60k Miles
2007Timing belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpPetrol60k Miles
2007Timing Chain1.6 L Gamma I4, 122 hp
1.6 L U I4 turbo, 126 hp
Petrol
Diesel
60k Miles
2008Timing belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpPetrol
60k Miles
2008Timing Chain1.6 L Gamma I4, 122 hpPetrol60k Miles
2008Timing Chain1.6 L U I4 turbo, 126 hpDiesel60k Miles
2009Timing belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpPetrol60k Miles
2009Timing Chain1.6 L Gamma I4, 122 hpPetrol60k Miles
2009Timing Chain1.6 L U I4 turbo, 126 hpDiesel60k Miles
2010Timing belt2.0 L Beta II, 138 hpPetrol60k Miles
2010Timing Chain1.6 L Gamma I4, 122 hpDiesel60k Miles

Hyundai Elantra (2010-2014) 5th gen

Model Years and GenerationsTiming Drive SystemEngine SpecEngine TypeReplacement Interval
2011-2012Timing Chain1.8 L 4 Cyl. Nu, 143–148 hpGasolineEngine’s Lifetime
2013-2014Timing Chain2.0 L 4 Cyl. Nu 147 hpGasolineLifetime

Hyundai Elantra (2015-2020) 6th gen

Model Years and GenerationsTiming Drive SystemEngine SpecEngine TypeReplacement Interval
2015Timing Chain2.0 L 4 Cyl. Nu 147 hpGasolineEngine’s Lifetime 
2016Timing Chain1.4 L Kappa II
1.8 L Gamma II
2.0 L Nu Mpi
GasolineEngine’s Lifetime 
2017-2018Timing Chain1.4 L Kappa II
1.8 L Gamma II
2.0 L Nu Mpi
GasolineEngine’s Lifetime 
2019Timing Chain1.4 L Kappa II, 138 hp
1.6 L Gamma II, 121- 132 hp
1.6 L Smartstream, 121 hp
2.0 L Nu Mpi, 147 hp
GasolineEngine’s Lifetime
2020Timing Chain1.4/1.6/2.0 L Smartstream138 – 157 hp
1.6 L Gamma Lpi, 118 hp
Gasoline/Gasoline HybridEngine’s Lifetime

If you ask about the Ford Escape, this piece explains whether it has a timing belt or a chain.

Hyundai Elantra (2021-2023) 7th gen

Model Years and GenerationsTiming Drive SystemEngine SpecEngine TypeReplacement Interval
2021Timing Chain1.4/1.6/2.0 L Smartstream138 – 157 hp
1.6 L Gamma Lpi 118 hp
2.0 L Theta II T-GDi  257–274 hp
Gasoline/Gasoline HybridEngine’s Lifetime 
2022Timing Chain1.6 L I4 Hybrid, 139 hp
2.0 L CVT Inline 4, 147 hp
Gas, HybridEngine’s Lifetime 
2023Timing Chain1.6 L I4 Hybrid, 201 hp
2.0 L CVT Inline 4, 147 hp
Gas, HybridEngine’s Lifetime 

Hyundai Elantra Timing Belt Replacement Cost

Timing belt replacements on Hyundai Elantras cost between $525 and $681 on average. The cost of labor is estimated at $238 to $300, while the cost of parts is estimated at $288 to $381. This range does not include taxes and fees, nor does it take into account the model year or location of your vehicle.

Hyundai Elantra Timing Chain Replacement Cost

Hyundai Elantra Timing Belt Replacement costs on average $453 with $196 for parts and $256 for labor. However, remember that the cost will vary depending on the several may vary depending on your location, vat/tax, and the shipping cost to your location. Furthermore, the cost of the parts will vary depending on different brands.

If you never dealt with a jumped timing belt, read this to store some ideas about it so you can use it anytime.

hyundai elantra beltchain replacement cost Infographic

FAQs

How Long Do Hyundai Timing Chains Last?

Hyundai’s timing chains are designed to last the engine’s lifetime, which is an average of 150k miles without requiring repairs. A well-maintained Elantra can stay on the road up to 200k to 250k miles. However, it is still important to regularly inspect the timing chain as part of routine maintenance to ensure it is in good condition.

What Lasts Longer Timing Belt Or Chain?

Timing chains generally last longer than timing belts. Due to the rubber material used in timing belts, they tend to wear out quickly, while timing chains are made of metal and are more durable. For recommended timing belt or chain replacement intervals, consult your owner’s manual or contact a mechanic.

Do You Have To Drain Oil To Change Timing Chain?

In most vehicles, changing the timing chain does not require draining the oil. However, some vehicles may require you to change the oil after replacing the timing chain. As per your vehicle’s model, you may need to drain the oil before replacing the timing chain. 

The Bottom Line

Thank you for your patience. Hopefully, I was able to cover your query on Hyundai Elantra Timing Belt Or Chain? Now you can find out what Elantra model and engine type it has and what timing drive system it uses.

Always try to follow the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for changing the timing belt. In models with a timing chain, you don’t have to worry about replacing it since it lasts the engine’s Engine’s Lifetime. Drive safe, and goodbye for now.

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Aaron Byrne

Hi, Aaron Byrne here. I'm an expert automotive mechanic with 10 years of experience. I work on engine parts especially timing belts for their repair, maintenance, and replacement.

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Talha

Talha Atta

Talha Atta, a Mechanical Engineer and experienced technical content writer and editor at Autoglobes.com with a passion for the automotive industry.