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1986 Hyundai ExcelProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 1986 Hyundai Excel, most often about the power train. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints134 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem4Power train

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 10, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Hyundai Excel has problems

13 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 train40
Electrical system30
Engine and engine cooling21
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Structure10
Tires10
Visibility10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Seat belts11

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

5 recalls

1986 Hyundai Excel 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: manual transmission

Recall 93V-167 · Oct 4, 1993 · 515,000 vehicles

Risk. SUDDEN STOPS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CAN CAUSE VEHICLEOCCUPANTS TO BE THROWN AROUND IN THE CAR, AND CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROLWHICH COULD RESULT IN AN…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system

Recall 91V-225 · Dec 31, 1991 · 895,000 vehicles

Risk. THE MELTING PLASTIC AIR FILTER CASE MAY LEAD TO A FIREIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Disc: pads

Recall 87V-180 · Nov 25, 1987 · 321,000 vehicles

Risk. THERE MAY BE A LOSS OF BRAKING EFFICIENCY DURINGREPEATED HARD APPLICATION OF BRAKES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIORWARNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

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

1986 vs. every other Excel 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 Excel median. How we score

'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
10 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Hyundai Excel, and the recalls they led to.

  1. TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONC92001 · closed Oct 29, 1993
    No recall
  2. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESEA91024 · closed Jan 7, 1992
    Led to recall 91V-225
  3. TRANSMISSION LOCK-UPEA91039 · closed Oct 13, 1992
    No recall
  4. BRAKE LOSSPE87027 · closed Dec 9, 1987
    Led to recall 87V-180
  5. STEERING SHAFT SEPARATIONPE88088 · closed Nov 17, 1988
    No recall
  6. HEATER CORE FAILUREPE89099 · closed Jul 5, 1989
    No recall
  7. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE91027 · closed May 3, 1991
    No recall
  8. PASSENGER BRAKEPE91053 · closed Jun 5, 1991
    No recall
  9. HEATER CORE FAILUREPE94003 · closed Jun 10, 1994
    Led to recall 94V-103
  10. CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURESPE94043 · closed Oct 31, 1994
    No recall
In owners' words

What Excel owners report

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

TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO NUT INSIDE TRANSMISSION WITHIN INPUT SHAFT, HAVINB THE ABILITY TO BACKOFF, ALLOWI NG DISCONTINUENCE OF POWER. *SD
Complaint 501358 · Jan 29, 1996

Own a 1986 Excel?

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