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1999 Hyundai ElantraProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 128 owner complaints about the 1999 Hyundai Elantra, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

64
CarFlaw IndexSolid year43% below the Elantra median · #26 of 31 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints12840 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage84kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 2, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Hyundai Elantra has problems

128 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train411
Engine and engine cooling221
Air bags2019
Electrical system181
Service brakes, hydraulic90
Visibility70
Equipment70
Seat belts73
Structure60
11 other systems261

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1999 Hyundai Elantra recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 99V-178 · Jul 7, 1999 · 11,530 vehicles

Risk. SUCH SLIPPAGE CAN CAUSE PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF THE FRICTION ELEMENT SURFACES AND COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE NOT TO ACCELERATE, OR NOT ACCELERATE AS EXPECTED,…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other Elantra year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Elantra median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1999 Hyundai Elantra safety ratings

1999 Hyundai Elantra 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Elantra owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10990986 · May 22, 2017 · 22,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10927556 · Nov 22, 2016 · 150,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN THE REVERSE POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED.…
Complaint 10895411 · Aug 12, 2016 · 125,350 miles

Own a 1999 Elantra?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.