1994 Hyundai Elantra: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 76 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (36% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving at 40mph on a downward incline and with no warning air bags deployed for no reason, distracting consumer's view, and causing consumer to pull over. Dealer notified.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2002
“Driver's side airbag light came on dashboard. Consumer took it to a mechanic, and he had to reset modular . Dealership was aware of problem. There was a campaign bulletin for air bags; but, this vehicle not included due to VIN.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2001
“I feel that the engine in this car was defective and should have lasted more than 52,000 mile. The car was well maintained and was under the mileage it is warranteed for.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“Was driving 35mph used front signal to turn one then suddenly turned the other. Was rearended by elantra. Upon impact, the driver's air bag did not deploy. Entire front end had crumbled & was pushed back. Had vehicle towed to body shop. Insurance inspector took pictures. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 1999
“Air bag light is on and won't go off. Vehicle has been in the shop for repairs, and the dealer can't find the problem. *yc while hooked up to the computer, found high voltage and also found alternator was overhcharging - replaced alternator. *slc”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 1999
“While driivng, the wiring harness under the hood caught on fire and burned. First engine check light came on, and smoke came from the dashbroad. The dealer is aware of the problem. The problem has not been corrected. *ak *tt”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 1999
“Consumer expperiencing ongoing problem with vehicle timing chain breaking on three occasions. Owner's manual stated timing chain should be replaced every 60,00 miles. ; timing chain has broken at 30,000; 50,000 and now at 82,000. Dealer / mfr. Notified. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 1998
“When driving at any speed there is a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle when pulling off and when driving slow. In addition, the windshield wipers on the passenger's side don't work. Also, hazard lights don't work, and the headlights aren't bright enough, causing the cosnumer to have problems with seeing at night. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 1998
“Air conditioner pulley rubs against the alternator bracket. The spring on the idle was loose. Had noticed sparks coming from the alternator bracket. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Nov 1998
“While driving, accident occurred. Frontal impact into the rear of a utility vehicle, speed 35mph, one injury, air bag did not deploy, vand ehicle damage being estimated. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 22 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED AND COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE FROM INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO DETERMINE IF IT CONTAINS A TERMINAL HOLDER. IF IT DOES NOT, ONE WILL BE INSTALLED.
IN SOME VEHICLES, THE MANUFACTURER'S PROTECTIVE INTERNAL COATING OF THE ELECTRONIC CRANK ANGLE SENSOR DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS, WHICH CAN CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT AT HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURES. THIS CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SENSOR IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL, AND REPLACE ANY SENSOR FOUND WITH THE DEFECTIVE INTERNAL COATING.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1994 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Elantra by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1994 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
NHTSA has 76 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Hyundai Elantra. The most complained-about area is air bags (36% of complaints).
Does the 1994 Hyundai Elantra have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.