1997 Hyundai Elantra

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 115 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Hyundai Elantra years to avoid. Which Hyundai Elantra years to avoid →

Most common 1997 Hyundai Elantra problems

25 of the 115 complaints (22%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission15
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags13
1207
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system10
000
Air Bags · airbags7
202
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · transmission4
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system4
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor3
000
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame3
000
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine3
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly00V095002
Filed Jul 21, 20007,111 vehiclesHyundai Caribbean-Puerto Rico

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS CAN APPLY EXCESSIVE VACUUM TO THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE CANISTER PURGE CYCLE. IF EXCESSIVE VACUUM IS APPLIED, MINOR FUEL TANK DISTORTION CAN RESULT. A SMALL CRACK COULD DEVELOP ON THE UPPER FUEL TANK SURFACE. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WOULD THEN ILLUMINATE AND, IN SOME CASES, THE VEHICLE DRIVER MAY NOTICE A GASOLINE ODOR.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF THE FUEL TANK HAS CRACKED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly00V095001
Filed Mar 28, 200084,020 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS CAN APPLY EXCESSIVE VACUUM TO THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE CANISTER PURGE CYCLE. IF EXCESSIVE VACUUM IS APPLIED, MINOR FUEL TANK DISTORTION CAN RESULT. A SMALL CRACK COULD DEVELOP ON THE UPPER FUEL TANK SURFACE. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WOULD THEN ILLUMINATE AND, IN SOME CASES, THE VEHICLE DRIVER MAY NOTICE A GASOLINE ODOR.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF THE FUEL TANK HAS CRACKED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor97V026000
Filed Feb 26, 199774,965 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Risk. THIS CONTAMINATION INTERFERES WITH THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONTINUITY AND PREVENTS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FROM OPERATING. INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCED VISIBILITY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 27, 2017120,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE/CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON JANUARY 5, 2000 PER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: SQ00003 (FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 00V095002 OR 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 16, 2016189,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V095002 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. UPDATED 04/18/17 *LJ *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 5, 2015145,000 milesKY

1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, MY CAR GOT TOTALED ON 5/18/2015,. I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION AND JOINT PAIN ALL OVER FOR MONTHS FROM A COLLISION THAT HAPPENED THIS DAY. MY AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS GOING 40 TO 45 MPH WHEN A VAN MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN IN FRONT OF ME. HER FAULT, I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE TO DO ANY GOOD. MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. I HAD NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I CONTACTED NHTSA ON 5/19/15 MADE A COMPLAINT. I CALLED HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY WHO FINALLY CAME AND LOOKED AT THE CAR BEFORE IT WAS TAKEN BY THE INSURANCE, DUE TO IT BEING TOTALED. IT WOULDN'T EVEN START. HYUNDAI TOTALLY DISMISSED IT AND CONTRADICTED THEMSELVES IN THE LETTER THEY SENT ME. THEY SAID THE CAR DID WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. REALLY? I NOW HAVE POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME. PTSD. I REPLAY THIS OVER AND OVER IN MY HEAD. THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION AND RECALL FOR THIS. I DON'T HAVE MY VEHICLE ANYMORE BUT THE SCARS ARE STILL THERE BECAUSE OF HYUNDAI. AN AIRBAG IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU DURING A COLLISION. FAILURE TO DEPLOY IS A FAILURE AND NOT DOING WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. HYUNDAI HAS ALREADY RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OR GLITCH. IT WON'T BE TOO LATE FOR THEM. UPDATED 9/15/15 *LN UPDATED 12/10/2015 *JS

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 19, 2015141,000 milesKY

TRAVELING WEST ON ADAM SHEPHERDS PKWY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, LADY OPPOSITE SIDE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME, RESULTED IN COLLISION. HER FAULT. WITNESSES SAID SHE HESITATED BUT WENT ANYWAY. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO YIELD. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED! MY FRONT DUAL AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I CAN HARDLY MOVE MY RIGHT ARM, MY BACK, MY NECK MY CHEST HURTS. I WAS TAKEN THEN TO NORTON'S EMERGENCY ROOM . I CAN'T SIT OR LAY DOWN OR STAND TOO LONG. CAN'T HOLD ON TO ANYTHING. VERY SORE, STRAINED MUSCLES AND BRUISING OF MUSCLES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 24, 201435,672 milesNY

HYUNDAI CHARGED FOR RECALL - DID NOT PERFORM RECALL. CAR STILL NOT FIXED. HYUNDAI STILL HAS THE MONEY. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 16, 201265,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME AFTER THE REPAIR. THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED IN THE SAME LOCATION. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY), THAT MAY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE ORIGINAL PART WOULD HAVE TO BE AVAILABLE IN ORDER FOR THE REPAIR TO BE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SAVE THE ORIGINAL PART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Fuel System, Other
Filed Jul 19, 2009IA

SAFETY RECALL ON THE 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAGON REGARDING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE IN THE GAS TANK WAS INITIATED IN 2001. AS AN OWNER OF SUCH VEHICLE, I RESPONDED AND RECEIVED IN THE MAIL A NEW GAS CAP.........AND WAS INFORMED THAT WAS THE FIX. THE TANK WAS NEVER CHECKED FOR CRACKS OR EVEN IF THE PRESSURE WAS CORRECTED BY THE NEW GAS CAP. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 11, 2008136,000 milesUT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY FOR OVER FIVE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A FUEL TANK LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE STORAGE: TANK). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 10, 200864,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE FOR EMISSIONS TESTING, IN WHICH IT FAILED. AFTER INSPECTION, SHE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND SHE ALSO SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EMANATING FROM THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER STATED THAT ALTHOUGH SHE WAS EXPERIENCING IDENTICAL FAILURES MENTIONED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY), HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $510. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

SeatsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 3, 2008124,015 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 40 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT SLID FORWARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT'S LOWER BODY TO BECOME JAMMED UNDERNEATH THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH ALSO CAUSED HIM TO REAR END THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. HE DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND IT HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 124,015. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE CONSUMER SUFFERED NECK AND BACK INJURIES, BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT. UPDATED 07/29/08

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 14, 2007MA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE UPPER FUEL TANK SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER A RECALL IN 2000, HOWEVER, THE DEALER FOUND NOTHING WRONG AT THAT TIME. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IN 2000, HE IS NO LONGER ON THE RECALL LIST. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/03/07 *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 24, 200670,000 milesNH

MY CAR STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES, WHILE ALL MAINTENANCE WAS TAKEN CARE OF, STARTED SLIPPING GEARS, THEN I COULD NO LONGER REVERSE THE CAR. I, DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS HAD TO LET IT GO FOR A WHILE, BUT THEN GOT A REBUILT TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. AFTER THAT, 9,000 MILES LATER, I AM HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I JUST DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT THAT ANY CAR, AFTER JUST 70,000 MILES SHOULD HAVE THE TRANSMISSION GO. MANY PEOPLE TELL ME THEY ARE "DISPOSABLE" VEHICLES, BUT THIS IS THE SECOND HYUNDAI I HAVE OWNED, AND HAVE LOVED SO MUCH. I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE THEY ARE AFFORDABLE, BUT DON'T THINK I WILL CONSIDER MYSELF A LOYAL HYUNDAI DRIVER EVER AGAIN. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Oct 17, 2005FL

MY 1997 HYUNDAI/ELANTRA GLS HAS A CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT WAS DETECTED BY MY HUSBAND, THE CAR HAS 98,600. MILES AND OUT OF WARRANT,BUT IT HAS TO BE FIXED. IT COULD BE A HEALTH PROBLEM IF YOU ARE TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES, AND DO NOT KNOW THE MANIFOLD IS CRACKED. WE TRAVEL A LOT OF MILES ,NOW MY HUSBAND KNOWS WHY HE WAS SO EXHAUSTED LAST TRIP. WE JUST WANT SOMEONE TO KNOW THIS. *NM

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Aug 22, 200538,000 milesCT

DT: WHEN PURHASED VEHICLE 3 YEARS AGO THE SEAT BELTS WORKED. ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS LATER 2 REAR SEAT BELTS, ONE ON THE LEFT AND ONE ON THE RIGHT, QUIT WORKING. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT MOVE FROM THE RETRACTOR. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT OR TRAUMA TO THE SEAT BELT, THEY SIMPLY QUIT WORKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO SAID CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOPR SEAT BELT REPAIRS. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHO STATED WHATEVER THE DEALER SAID GOES. NO CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WANTED DEALER TO PAY FOR SEAT BELT REPAIRS. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 5, 2005TX

DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997, HYUNDAI ELANTRA. SHE STATED THERE WAS A RECALL IN 1997 FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, BUT THE MANUFACTURER SAID THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. IT NEEDED T TO BE FIXED. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jun 1, 2005143,000 milesNY

DT: CONSUMER FOUND 2 RECALL WARNINGS CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR AND FUEL TANK WITH A POSSIBLE LEAK ON THE INTERNET. HE IS NOT GETTING VEHICLE SERVICED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Mar 22, 2005MD

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V095001 CONCERNING FUEL TANK. DEALER REFUSED TO DO RECALL REPAIRS. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Mar 9, 2005105,000 milesVA

VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED FOR AN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATING WHILE DRIVING. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED ON THE WELD. IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jan 4, 2005NC

NHTSA RECALL 00V095001 CONCERNING FUEL TANK FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH IT EXPERIENCED FUEL LOSS FROM THE TANK. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Nov 7, 2004178,000 milesTX

I HAVE A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA THAT WAS RECALLED IN 2000 (00V095002). RECENTLY I SMELLED A VERY STRONG GASOLINE ODOR AND SIPPING SOUND COMING OUT OF MY TANK. I BEEN FILLING MY TANK AND KEPT LOSING GAS WITHIN A WEEK AND THIS IS 10 GALLONS WITHIN FOUR DAYS. WHEN I WENT TO CHECK I NOTICED GASOLINE COMING OUT THROUGH MY PASSENGER SEATS ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THERE IS ALSO A LIGHT ON AND WHEN I TOOK FOR COMPUTER READ I WAS TOLD THE CODE PO446 WAS ON (EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL WAS APPLYING TO MUCH PRESSURE TO MY TANK. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY DECLINED TO MAKE ANY INVESTIGATION OR EVEN TRY TO HELP AND THEY COULD ONLY PROVIDE THE FILE NUMBER 872092. I HAVE TWO MINORS RIDING IN THIS CAR AND I THINK THE POTENTIAL OF FIRE IS VERY HIGHER. I DOUBT IF HYUNDAI FIXED THIS PROBLEM . WHEN I TOOK MY CAR FOR RECALL BACK IN 2000, THEY TOOK LESS THAN TEN MINUTES TO CHECK OR REPAIR WHATEVER THEY WHERE RECALLING. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE CARS AND PROBABLY LEAKING GASOLINE WITHOUT THE CONSUMERS KNOWLEDGE OR AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 10, 200419,000 milesIL

THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING AND THE CAR IS SLIPPING OR NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY DURING NORMAL DRIVING!*AK

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Mar 18, 200442,000 milesKY

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES FRONT DUAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jan 17, 200473,000 milesNY

THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH IS BROKEN. *CB

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 200467,000 milesCT

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR.I HAVE BEEN IN REPEATEDLY FOR THIS TO BE CORRECTED TO NO AVAIL. PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION REPEATEDLY. ENGINE WAS CAUSING A VACUUM AND NOT ALLOWING TO CAR TO SHIFT.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Nov 12, 2003KY

WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE CONSUMER HIT THE BRAKES WHILE ON A WET SURFACE, LOST CONTROL, HIT THE BANK AND ALMOST OVER TURNED. *SCC *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Sep 6, 2003TX

I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WASHER MOTOR, IN 1997, I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 1998, AND IN 2002 MY MOTOR BLEW UP. I TOOK IT IN AND THE SERVICE SAID THAT IT WASN'T COVERED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO GET IT FIXED! I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS A RECALL SO I TOOK IT IN AND THEY SAID THAT IT HAD NEVER BEEN RECALLED - AND I TRIED CALLING THE HYUNDAI HOTLINE 800) 633-5151 AND I PUSHED 5 TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT AND IT HUNG UP ON ME! N A 2 MONTH TIME SPAN ALL FOUR OF MY INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKE WHICH I THINK SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR BEING SO THIN AND FRAGILE ANYWAY! IF HYUNDAI WANTS TO MAKE CARS WITH WARRANTIES I THINK THAT THEY SHOULD HONOR THEM AND FIX THE CRAPPY CARS THAT THEY MAKE!*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 17, 200367,000 milesCT

TRANSMISSION DIED AT 67000. REPEATEDLY HAD THE CAR IN FOR KNOCKING SOUNDS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ON SINCE I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR AT 14 MILES. TRANSMISSION WILL STICK IN FIRST GEAR. THIRD HYUNDAI I BOUGHT. ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CAR FROM HYUNDAI AGAIN. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 23, 2002NY

CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR UNLESS OVERIDE IS DEPLOYED WITH PEN PER DEALER. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Jul 11, 2002AL

ENGINE CHECL LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AND HAD IT CHECKED THREE TIMES. MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY REPLACED CANISTER CLOSE VALVE AND PURGE CONTROL VALVE. HOWEVER, ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON AGAIN.*AK

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Jun 27, 2002NJ

WHILE STARTING VEHICLE BATTERY HAVE EXPLODED UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME.*AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Jun 7, 2002PA

WHEN ACCELERATING AND LETTING OFF GAS PEDAL, AND GETTING BACK ON GAS PEDAL ENGINE IDLES UP REALLY HIGH, AND VEHCLE BUCKS FORWARD LIKE SLAMMING ON BRAKES, BUT FOOTAS NOT ON BRAKES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed May 23, 2002IL

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION JUST SHUTS OFF AND IS ALSO LEAKING FLUID.*JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 15, 2002MD

CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION JERKS ON DECELERATION/ACCELERATION FROM STOPS AND THEN DOWN SHIFTS ROUGHLY. DEALER FOUND THE TRANSMISSION STARTS SLIPPING AND BANGING INTO GEAR. REPLACED TRANSMISSION WITH REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION AND FLUSH COOLER AND HOOK UP SCANNER. INTERMITTENTLY AFTER DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION WON'T MOVE VEHICLE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE OFF FROM A STOP. DEALER REPLACED PULSE GENERATORS. *TT

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Apr 13, 2002OK

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL AUTO SHOP THEY PUT IT ON A MACHINE & SAID IT EITHER HAS ABAD GAS CAP OR A CRACK IN THE GAS TANK. WHEN I TAKE THE GAS CAP OFF TO FILL UP MY CAR IT HAS NO PRESSURE AT ALL & I CAN SMELL GAS FUMES FOR AWHILE AFTER THAT. YOU CAN UNHOOK THE BATTERY FOR AWHILE & THE LIGHT WILL STAY OFF FOR A FEW DAYS THE IT COMES BACK ON AGAIN. I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM & WOULD LIKE TO GET IT FIXED BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Feb 17, 2002WA

02 SENSOR REPLACED ON 8-6-01, B/U LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED ON 8-6-01,IGNITION COILS REPL. ON 9-21-99, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT BEEN RESET 10 TIMES,#1 & #4 NOT FIRING 10 TIMES OR MORE, CAR LOOSES POWER, CHUGS THEN DIES 2 TIMES. *AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 16, 2002WA

DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPOY DURING A 35MPH FRONT END COLLISION. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO NECK AND CHEST AREA. CONSUMER STATED THAT AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FUNCTONING PROPERLY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 3, 2001MD

NO SUMMARY FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Sep 28, 2001CA

THE FUEL FILLER CAP HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. IN JANUARY 2000, HYUNDAI SENT THE ORIGINAL OWNER A NEW FUEL FILLER CAP. A FOLLOW-UP NOTICE CAME REQUESTING TO TAKE THE CAR TO A HYUNDAI DEALER TO HAVE THE PRESSURE CHECKED IN THE FUEL TANK TO SEE IF ANY CRACKS. JUST BEFORE TAKING THE CAR IN FOR THIS INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER CHANGED THE FUEL FILLER CAP AGAIN AND THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. MY CONCERN IS, DO I HAVE TO HAVE THIS PRESSURE CHECKED PERIODICALLY. DOES THE FUEL FILLER CAP NEED TO BE CHANGED, HOW OFTEN. I REALLY FEEL PARANOID AND INTIMIDATED. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT ACTION I SHOULD TAKE. THANK YOU

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jul 28, 2001NJ

WINDOW CONTROL- WHEN ROLLING UP YHE RUBBER GET CAUGHT IN THE WINDOW. THIS IS STILL A PROBLEM , I GUESS IT WAS FIX RIGHT HOPEFUL THIS TIMEWHICH WAS 7-24-01. EMISSION-WAS A PROBLEM .I THINK IT'S STILL A PROBLEM I REALLY DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS NOT PRETAING TO THE TRANSMISSION.TRANSMISSION-ALWAYS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND STILL IS. THE CAR JERKS BUCK,AND IT ACTS LIKE IT BE SFITING TO ANOTHER GEAR SOMETIMES. I;M BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER THEY SAY THEY CAN'T FIND NOTHING. WAIT UNTIL THE ENIGINE LIGHT COMES ON.THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM CAUSE THIS HAS GOTTEN TO MY BACK. I CONTACT THE MANUF THEY DON'T CARE ,THEY JUST SAY AS LONG AS THERE IS A WARRANTY ON THE CAR THEY WILL KEEP FIXING, BUT IT'S NOT .THEY SAID A NEW ONE WAS PUT IN . I'M STILL HAVING A PROBLEM ALL I AK FOR WAS A ANOTHER CAR.AS BEE. *AK

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jun 27, 2001CA

FAILURE MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE. STARTED TO FAIL AT ABT 30,000. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 30, 2001VA

CAR STALL ON ME WHEN I AM AT A LIGHT OR A COMPLETE STOP IT WILL CHANGE FIRST GEAR WITH NO PROBLEMS BUT WHEN I GO AROUND 20 MPH IT WILL STALL OUT ON ME THEN POP INTO GEAR....THEN THE CAR WILL GO REALLY SLOW TILL IT WILL GET ITSELF TOGETHER...I HAVE CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE CAR CHANGE THE TIME BELT IN THE CAR CHANGE SPARK PLUGS IN THE CAR CHANGE THE AIR FILTER IN THE CAR AND ETC...THE LIST GOES ON...THE GUYS FROM THE HYUANDI DEALER IN NEWPORT NEWS IS GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND ....SAYING THEY DONT SEE NO PROBLEM BUT FIXING EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE CAR...IF YOU CAN HELP PLEASE LET ME KNOW...I WILL BE HOME AFTER 8PM IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT ME OR LEAVE ME AN EMAIL I WILL REPLY BACK. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed May 4, 2001IL

WHEN FIRST STARTING VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 3 TIMES. DEALER REPLACED PLUGS AND WIRES, AND REROUTED EVAP LINE. IT DID NOT REMEDY SITUATION. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Mar 12, 2001GA

AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. DEALER SAID IT WAS JUST THE SENSOR, BUT HAD NOT REPLACED SENSOR. *AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 26, 2000TN

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. SPEED WAS 30 -35 MPH. *AK *SLC

Air Bags
Filed Oct 11, 2000NY

AIRBAG SENSOR STAYS ILLUMINATED WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Oct 2, 2000PA

IF THERE IS ANY MOISTURE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW, IT IS NOT REMOVED WHEN WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN AND BACK UP. ASKED HYUNDAI DEALER TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND THAT IT WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE HYUNDAI. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 7, 2000NY

WATER LEAKING FROM RIGHT SIDE GLOVE BOX TO THE FLOOR. SAW WATER ON THE INSIDE OF THE HOOD AND AROUND HOOD. IF I GO TO THE CAR WASH, IT LEAKS.

TiresCrash3 injured
Filed Aug 9, 2000AZ

THE ENTIRE TREAD SECTION DEBONDED AND SEPERATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. THE TIRE IMMEDIATELLY LOST ALL PRESSURE. THE VEHICHE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND LEFT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE BECAME AIRBORNE FOR 40 TO 50 FEET AND IMPACTED ON THE RIGHT FORWARD QUARTER PANEL. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED FOUR TIMES COMING TO REST ON IT'S WHEELS. ALL THE OCCUPANT WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS, WHICH SAVED THEIR LIVES. ALL WERE AIRLIFTED TO GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL IN PHOENIX AZ. MY WIFE SUFFERED TWO DISLOCATED CARPELS IN HER LEFT WRIST, BRUISED LEFT SHOULDER AND BRUISED RIGHT ARM. MY DAUGHTER'S RIGHT WRIST WAS SEVERLY LACERATED THAT REQUIRED INTENSIVE RECONTRUCTIVE SURGERY. MY SON'S SUFFERED ONLY BUMPS AND BRUISES AND WAS TREATED AND RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL. MY DAUGHTER IS GOING TO REQUIRE EXTENSIVE REHAB FOR HER RIGHT HAND, BUT THE DOCTOR IS OPTIMISTIC FOR RECOVERY. THESE TIRES WERE RECENTLY ROTATED, WERE PROPERLY SERVICED AND INSPECTED BEFORE MY FAMILY LEFT ON THEIR TRIP.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P175/65R14 )

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 7, 2000MO

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BROKEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. WHEN HANDLE BROKE DRIVER'S SIDE OCCUPANT WAS UNABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE. ALSO, A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE,.WHEN TRUNING OFF VEHICLE WITH KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 27, 2000NJ

CONSUMER HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, A SUDDEN SURGE BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND GEAR SHIFT. *ET

Complaints 1-50 of 115, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263300Routine
202522000Routine
202456100Routine
2023101200Routine
2022102510Routine
2021132611Fatalities reported
2020254362Fatalities reported
2019252131Fatalities reported
2018284071Fatalities reported
2017770460Above average
2016293250Above average
2015262380Above average
20143862162Fatalities reported
20131,3144310High concern
20126544120Above average
2011433580Above average
2010380391Fatalities reported
20092544110Above average
20083157240High concern
20072676130Above average
2006155100Routine
2005137430Routine
2004182520Routine
2003234510Above average
2002342642Fatalities reported
2001315641Fatalities reported
2000197120Routine
1999128220Routine
199855000Routine
1997 — this page115301Fatalities reported
1996100332Fatalities reported
1995112150Routine
199476220Routine
199324010Routine
199229040Routine

Compare every Elantra year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 21, 2000. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.