1999 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 Hyundai Elantra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Transmission3621.8%
- Engine2414.5%
- Airbags2012.1%
- Electrical1911.5%
- Brakes116.7%
- Visibility74.2%
- Powertrain (other)74.2%
- Seat belts74.2%
- Driver assistance63.6%
- Body & structure63.6%
- Heating & air conditioning53.0%
- Fuel system42.4%
- Other / unspecified31.8%
- Exterior lighting31.8%
- Interior & seats31.8%
- Steering21.2%
- Suspension21.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
PURCHASED 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN APRIL OF 1999. ON 1/15/2001 VEHICLE DIED AND WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. TRANSMISSION REPLACED. MILEAGE AT THE TIME-33,663. ON APRIL 24, 2008, I WAS ADVISED BY MECHANIC THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. VEHICLE DOES NOT PROPERLY SHIFT INTO GEAR. ENTIRE CAR SHAKES IF DRIVEN OVER 50 MPH. CAR SPEEDS UP WHEN ACCELERATOR PRESSED. WHEN I NOTICED THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL, IN REGARDS TO THE TRANSMISSION, I CONTACTED DEALER WHO REFUSED TO REPLACE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE. WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DID NOT INVOLVE MY VIN. CONTACTED HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. VEHICLE NOW HAS 134,000 MILES ON IT. RECALL ID #99V178000. NEITHER DEALER NOR HYUNDAI WILL HONOR. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN FILED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ACCELERATING PROPERLY WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. INSTEAD OF GAINING SPEED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, HE DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V178000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG TRANSMISSION FLUID ODOR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL WAS LOW. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE ACCELERATING. WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 6/8/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED AND DIED WHILE DRIVING. UPDATED 11/6/15 *JS
I HAVE READ MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HYUNDAI. I'VE ELIMINATED PRACTICALLY ALL THE SAME COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE BY TUNING THE ENGINE EVERY 30 TO 35 THOUSAND MILES. THE GAS MILEAGE AND PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN VERY ACCEPTABLE. YES I TOO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD, MAS AIR SENSOR, AND OTHER SMALL MAINTENANCE PARTS. THE ONLY THING I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR IS WHEN I'M SETTING AT A STOP AND IDLING, THE ENGINE TENDS TO OVERHEAT. BUT WHEN I BEGAN TO DRIVE IT QUICKLY COOLS BACK DOWN. MY HYUNDAI NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000 MILES AND IS STILL IN SERVICE BUT STILL OVERHEATS. ANY SUGGESTIONS? *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 99 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4 DOOR. LAST WEEK THE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. MORE SPECIFICALLY, I WAS AT THE TIME IN THE HARDEE'S DRIVE THRU WHEN THE SMOKE AND FLAMES STARTED. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR TO ROLL OUT OF THE DRIVE THRU AND INTO THE PARKING LOT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A FEW MECHANICS WHO SAY THAT IT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT MELTED ALL OF THE STEERING COLUMN, DASH, CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE HEAT, AND OTHER FIRE DAMAGE. THE CAR IS NOW TOTALED AND UNDRIVEABLE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 2 KIDS AND THIS WAS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. ALSO ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION THAT WAS NOT MY FAULT, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD CONTACTED HYUNDAI AFTERWARDS, BUT THEY SAID THAT THE CAR WAS FINE AND NOT TO WORRY. I HAVE NO WAY TO SCAN MY DOCUMENTS, BUT I HAVE A POLICE REPORT AS WELL AS SEVERAL EMAILS FROM HYUNDAI FROM LAST YEAR, AS WELL AS PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE.
12/2/2014 MULTI-CAR/SEMI ACCIDENT. FRONT END COLLISION WITH REAR END DAMAGE. TOTAL LOSS, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. 465 S @ MM 41 NEAR PENDLETON PIKE EXIT. AT FAULT DRIVER SPUN ON ICE, CAME INTO MY LANE THAT I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH IN SO SHE WAS TRAVELING NORTH. HIT DRIVERS SIDE TO DRIVERS SIDE, SEMI TRAILER RAN OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR. TOTAL LOSS.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED, LUNGED, AND LOST POWER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR NEEDED TO BE RE-ROUTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V259001 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000.
I HAVE A 99 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4 DOOR. LAST WEEK THE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. MORE SPECIFICALLY, I WAS AT THE TIME IN THE HARDEE'S DRIVE THRU WHEN THE SMOKE AND FLAMES STARTED. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR TO ROLL OUT OF THE DRIVE THRU AND INTO THE PARKING LOT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A FEW MECHANICS WHO SAY THAT IT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT MELTED ALL OF THE STEERING COLUMN, DASH, CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE HEAT, AND OTHER FIRE DAMAGE. THE CAR IS NOW TOTALED AND UNDRIVEABLE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 2 KIDS AND THIS WAS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. ALSO ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION THAT WAS NOT MY FAULT, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD CONTACTED HYUNDAI AFTERWARDS, BUT THEY SAID THAT THE CAR WAS FINE AND NOT TO WORRY. I HAVE NO WAY TO SCAN MY DOCUMENTS, BUT I HAVE A POLICE REPORT AS WELL AS SEVERAL EMAILS FROM HYUNDAI FROM LAST YEAR, AS WELL AS PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT 23,000 MILES A/C BURNED OUT, REPLACED AUTO TRANSMISSION, SPARK PLUG WIRING AND MANY LEAKS. FRONT END VIBRATING, TIRES AND BRAKE LINING FAILED. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKE SHOES FOR THE FRONT AND BACK DO NOT MATCH. *TC
I PURCHASED A USED HYUNDAI ELANTRA (1999). DUE TO CREDIT ISSUES I UNDERSTAND SO HAD A VERY SLIM CHOICE OF VEHICLES. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE I CHOSE HAD A "25 POINT INSPECTION" COMPLETED ON IT, AND IT IS IN "GREAT" SHAPE. WHEN I TOOK IT FOR TEST DRIVE I MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THE BRAKES GRINDING, AGAIN I WAS REASSURED BY LUVERT ALLEN THAT THIS "INSPECTION" HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ONCE I GOT HOME I NOTICED MORE PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THE BRAKES PADS ARE JUST GRINDING ON METAL, AND IT SEEMS AS IF ONE OF THE AXLES IS READY TO BREAK. WHEN I CALLED BACK DAVE PHILLIPS CLAIMED I WAS HAVING "BUYERS REMORSE", AND THAT I "GOT WHAT I PAID FOR". ALTHOUGH THIS LEMON, IS PAST THE LEMON LAW STATUS YOU WOULD HOPE THAT PEOPLE HAVE BUSINESS ETHICS. NO ONE WAS WILLING TO HELP ME, WHEN I EXPRESSED MY SAFETY CONCERNS, DAVE PHILLIPS AGAIN SAID IT WAS "BUYERS REMORSE" AND I WAS "OVER REACTING". PERSONALLY WHEN IT HAS TO DO WITH VEHICLE SAFETY I CAN'T BELIEVE A CAR "PROFESSIONAL" WOULD SAY THAT A CUSTOMER WAS OVERREACTING WHEN EXPRESSING HER SAFETY CONCERNS IN THE VEHICLE HE SOLD HER. *JB I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN 24 HRS. AS SOON AS I LEFT THAT LOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. LUVERT ALLEN SPECIFICALLY STATED THAT IF THIS HAPPENS WE CAN TAKE IT BACK. THAT TOO WAS A LIE. SINCE WE DROVE IT OFF THE LOT IT IS...HOW DID THEY PUT IT.."MY PROBLEM". I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET HELP THESE AND THEY REFUSE, WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS IS SO CARELESS WHEN IT COMES TO THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT SOUTH TOWN RIVERDALE I GUESS MY QUESTION HAS BEEN ANSWERED.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUNE 2001 AUTOMATIC POWER WINDOW DRIVER SIDE STABILIZER REPLACED, ALSO SAME MONTH AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NLM
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CAR STALLING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE SERVICE. ALSO CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE THIS IS HAPPENING AGAIN. TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE GEAR SHIFTER SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SHIFTED INTO GEAR. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOLENOID ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE GEAR SHIFTER SEIZED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO PUT A PENCIL INTO THE SHIFT LEVER RELEASE TO RELEASE THE GEAR SHIFTER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND THEN SEEK REIMBURSEMENT. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V178000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V178000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TRAVELING 35-40 MPH THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR. UPON IMPACT NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE SHOULDER BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED FROM THE ACCIDENT. THE OWNERS ARE AWARE OF (4) SIMILAR CASES OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT FAILURE. *NLM
DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO FUNCTION AFTER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR CAME ON.*AK. CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS MAKING A TURN AND THE SEAT BELT SENSORS WENT OFF, CAUSING THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT TO TIGHTEN AGAINST HER CHEST, NOW THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WILL NOT ENGAGE, THE DEALER WANTS 1500 DOLLARS TO REAPIR THE SEAT BELT SENSORS.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY
WHEN THE DRIVER PRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT DOES NOT ACCELERATE AS EXPECTED AND SOME TIME POWER DOES NOT GET TRANMITTED TO WHEELS WHEN ACCELERTOR PADEL IS PRESSED. THIS BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS WHILE CHANGING LANES OR MERGING INTO HIGHWAYS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
I PURCHASED A USED HYUNDAI ELANTRA (1999). DUE TO CREDIT ISSUES I UNDERSTAND SO HAD A VERY SLIM CHOICE OF VEHICLES. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE I CHOSE HAD A "25 POINT INSPECTION" COMPLETED ON IT, AND IT IS IN "GREAT" SHAPE. WHEN I TOOK IT FOR TEST DRIVE I MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THE BRAKES GRINDING, AGAIN I WAS REASSURED BY LUVERT ALLEN THAT THIS "INSPECTION" HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ONCE I GOT HOME I NOTICED MORE PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THE BRAKES PADS ARE JUST GRINDING ON METAL, AND IT SEEMS AS IF ONE OF THE AXLES IS READY TO BREAK. WHEN I CALLED BACK DAVE PHILLIPS CLAIMED I WAS HAVING "BUYERS REMORSE", AND THAT I "GOT WHAT I PAID FOR". ALTHOUGH THIS LEMON, IS PAST THE LEMON LAW STATUS YOU WOULD HOPE THAT PEOPLE HAVE BUSINESS ETHICS. NO ONE WAS WILLING TO HELP ME, WHEN I EXPRESSED MY SAFETY CONCERNS, DAVE PHILLIPS AGAIN SAID IT WAS "BUYERS REMORSE" AND I WAS "OVER REACTING". PERSONALLY WHEN IT HAS TO DO WITH VEHICLE SAFETY I CAN'T BELIEVE A CAR "PROFESSIONAL" WOULD SAY THAT A CUSTOMER WAS OVERREACTING WHEN EXPRESSING HER SAFETY CONCERNS IN THE VEHICLE HE SOLD HER. *JB I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN 24 HRS. AS SOON AS I LEFT THAT LOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. LUVERT ALLEN SPECIFICALLY STATED THAT IF THIS HAPPENS WE CAN TAKE IT BACK. THAT TOO WAS A LIE. SINCE WE DROVE IT OFF THE LOT IT IS...HOW DID THEY PUT IT.."MY PROBLEM". I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET HELP THESE AND THEY REFUSE, WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS IS SO CARELESS WHEN IT COMES TO THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT SOUTH TOWN RIVERDALE I GUESS MY QUESTION HAS BEEN ANSWERED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AAIR CONDITIONER FAN MOTOR BLADES AND SHROUD COVERING THE FAN SEVERELY MELTED.*AK
JUNE 2001 AUTOMATIC POWER WINDOW DRIVER SIDE STABILIZER REPLACED, ALSO SAME MONTH AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH 128,750 MI. AT. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CANISTER HAS BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR WHERE IT IS BOLTED WHICH IS UNDERNEATH THE TRUNK BEHIND THE LEFT REAR WHEEL DUE TO THE BRACKET RUSTING AND BREAKING DUE TO INADEQUATE STEEL USED WHICH DOES NOT RESIST SALT AND IMPROPER DESIGN FOR NOT PLACING THE CANISTER IN A PROTECTED AREA OF THE CAR OR OR PLACING SHROUDING AROUND THE CANISTER TO SHIELD THE SALT SPRAY FROM THE ROAD/REAR WHEEL. THE RESULT IS THE PIPES FROM THE FUEL TANK WHICH CONVEY FUEL VAPORS HAVE DISCONNECTED FROM THE EVAP CANISTER AND TRIGGER A P0422 (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) WHICH IS A LEAK IN THE EVAP SYSTEM WHICH MEANS THE CAR WILL NOT PASS NY INSPECTION. *JS
WHEN FUELING, THE PUMP SHUTS OFF APPROXIMATELY EVERY FIFTY CENTS OF GASOLINE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AT A REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK MUST BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND CONSUMER EXPERIENCED TROUBLE PUMPING GAS. VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCING JERKING UPON ACCELERATION AS WELL AS FREQUENT STALLING. REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THAT FUEL TANK MUST BE REPLACED.*MR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A USED HYUNDAI ELANTRA (1999). DUE TO CREDIT ISSUES I UNDERSTAND SO HAD A VERY SLIM CHOICE OF VEHICLES. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE I CHOSE HAD A "25 POINT INSPECTION" COMPLETED ON IT, AND IT IS IN "GREAT" SHAPE. WHEN I TOOK IT FOR TEST DRIVE I MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THE BRAKES GRINDING, AGAIN I WAS REASSURED BY LUVERT ALLEN THAT THIS "INSPECTION" HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ONCE I GOT HOME I NOTICED MORE PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THE BRAKES PADS ARE JUST GRINDING ON METAL, AND IT SEEMS AS IF ONE OF THE AXLES IS READY TO BREAK. WHEN I CALLED BACK DAVE PHILLIPS CLAIMED I WAS HAVING "BUYERS REMORSE", AND THAT I "GOT WHAT I PAID FOR". ALTHOUGH THIS LEMON, IS PAST THE LEMON LAW STATUS YOU WOULD HOPE THAT PEOPLE HAVE BUSINESS ETHICS. NO ONE WAS WILLING TO HELP ME, WHEN I EXPRESSED MY SAFETY CONCERNS, DAVE PHILLIPS AGAIN SAID IT WAS "BUYERS REMORSE" AND I WAS "OVER REACTING". PERSONALLY WHEN IT HAS TO DO WITH VEHICLE SAFETY I CAN'T BELIEVE A CAR "PROFESSIONAL" WOULD SAY THAT A CUSTOMER WAS OVERREACTING WHEN EXPRESSING HER SAFETY CONCERNS IN THE VEHICLE HE SOLD HER. *JB I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN 24 HRS. AS SOON AS I LEFT THAT LOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. LUVERT ALLEN SPECIFICALLY STATED THAT IF THIS HAPPENS WE CAN TAKE IT BACK. THAT TOO WAS A LIE. SINCE WE DROVE IT OFF THE LOT IT IS...HOW DID THEY PUT IT.."MY PROBLEM". I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET HELP THESE AND THEY REFUSE, WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS IS SO CARELESS WHEN IT COMES TO THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT SOUTH TOWN RIVERDALE I GUESS MY QUESTION HAS BEEN ANSWERED.
2/4/2000 - HEATER FAN & MOTOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED (AND AGAIN ON 8/25/2001); 10/12/2000 - RADIATOR APPEARS TO BLOW UP, TECHNICAL ADVISOR "JOE STROUD" ACCUSED CONSUMER OF TAMPERING WITH IT TO DISABLE IT - RADIATOR AND THERMOSTAT REPLACED & REAR HUB BOLT ASSEMBLY; 11/07/2000 - MISFIRE DETECTED IN SPARK PLUG ASSEMBLY; 12/30/2000 - BATTERY DIED IN 17 DEGREE TEMP, CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP & WAS REFUSED, TOWED AGAIN AFTER ADDT'L CONTACT WITH ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE COMPANY (BATTERY REPLACED FILE #565541 & HYUNDAI COMPENSATED FOR RENTAL); 3/20/2001 - TEMP GUAGE REGISTERS "HOT" A/C NOT COOLING PROPERLY - FAN RELAY REPLACED; 8/25/2001 - FAN MOTOR RATTLES AND TEMP GUAGE REGISTERS "HOT" AND A/C INOPERABLE - REPLACED FAN MOTOR AGAIN (1ST REPL 2/4/2000); 9/14/2001 - "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ON, NO LOSS OF POWER; SPARK PLUG CABLE SET REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS LENS WERE DISCOLORED AND VISIBILITY AT NIGHT WAS VERY LIMITED. THE HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ONLY COVERED UNDER A FIVE YEAR WARRANTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 94,500. UPDATED 12/06/07
THE "AIR BAG" AND "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHTS STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. BOTH DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS WILL NOT WORK, BOTH MUST BE TAPED UP. CAR HAS HAD A "ELECTRIAL BURNING" SMELL OFF AND ON FOR A YEAR. THE HEADLIGHTS GOES BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING. GETTING LESS THAN 20 MPG GAS. BATTERIES FREQUENTLY GOES DEAD.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 ELANTRA HOOD FLEW UP AND STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING. *TS *NM UPDATED 01/09/07. *JB
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE HOOD ON MY VEHICLE FLEW OPEN, WITHOUT WARNING, AND SMASHED INTO MY WINDSHIELD. THE LAST TIME THE HOOD WAS POPPED OPEN WAS SEVERAL MONTHS AGO FOR AN OIL CHANGE. I HAD, IN ALL OF THAT TIME, NEVER NOTICED THAT THE HOOD WAS SLIGHTLY OPEN. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER AS WELL AS THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, CLAIMING THAT THEY KNOW NO REASON WHY THE HOOD FLEW OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. THUS FAR, I HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 99 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4 DOOR. LAST WEEK THE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. MORE SPECIFICALLY, I WAS AT THE TIME IN THE HARDEE'S DRIVE THRU WHEN THE SMOKE AND FLAMES STARTED. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR TO ROLL OUT OF THE DRIVE THRU AND INTO THE PARKING LOT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A FEW MECHANICS WHO SAY THAT IT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT MELTED ALL OF THE STEERING COLUMN, DASH, CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE HEAT, AND OTHER FIRE DAMAGE. THE CAR IS NOW TOTALED AND UNDRIVEABLE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 2 KIDS AND THIS WAS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. ALSO ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION THAT WAS NOT MY FAULT, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD CONTACTED HYUNDAI AFTERWARDS, BUT THEY SAID THAT THE CAR WAS FINE AND NOT TO WORRY. I HAVE NO WAY TO SCAN MY DOCUMENTS, BUT I HAVE A POLICE REPORT AS WELL AS SEVERAL EMAILS FROM HYUNDAI FROM LAST YEAR, AS WELL AS PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE.
WHILE TEST DRIVING VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED TORQUE STEERING PROBLEMS UPON ACCELERATION, SALESPERSON STATED IT WAS NORMAL. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE REAR FRAME CROSSMEMBER HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND HOLDS THE OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONENTS IN PLACE. THE WHOLE CAR IS SEVERELY RUSTED. HYUNDAI RUSTING IN THE SALT BELT STATES IS DOCUMENTED. I WOULD LIKE HYUNDAI TO REPLACE ALL RUSTED OUT FRAME SUSPENSION MEMBERS. *JS
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED VEHICLE SEVERLY PULLS TO RIGHT OR LEFT, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. *AK THE VEHICLE COULD NOT START BECAUSE THE CHARGING SYSTEM FAILED TO MAINTAIN THE BATTERY. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ROUGH ACCELERATION, CUTTING OFF IN IDLE, SURGING BACK AND FORWARD. BRAKES PULSING AND SQUEALING. LATER ON THE AIR SYSTEM STOPPED COMPLETELY DUE TO THE HEATER FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY FAILURE. CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO BURNED SPARK PLUG WIRES. *YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .