1996 Hyundai Elantra: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 100 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (15% of complaints); the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Windshield wiper arm - location point that connects to the linkage stripped causing it in wet weather to send the wipers to go completely go out pass the end of windshield. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2008
“Driver's side door handle and window handle(manual windows) broke. There was no abnormal usage--just normal wear. However, the interior plastic handles are poorly made. What if I have to exit the car quickly in an emergency???*ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 2004
“While driving at 50 mph vehicle shook heavily. Consumer was able to pull out of the road, and noticed the passenger's side wheel fell off. Dealer indicated one of the screws which held the strut fell off. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“When starting the ignition transmission locked up, causing the vehicle to cut off. It would be hard for the consumer to restart vehicle. Dealership/mechanic informed the consumer of the transmission failure, but was unable to resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2003
“Vehicle was repaired under recall #00v095000. The problem still exist as far as smelling fuel inside vehicle. Have contacted dealership and informed will repair but not free. Petersburg hyundai 804 862 1000 in va. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2003
“Hood latch released while I was driving causing hood to slam back against the windshield and totally obstructing vision while on main road. Car needed to be towed and hood replaced. Auto body owner found latch, bolts, nuts were all rusted. In recently speaking with him again he mentioned that shortly after I had my hood replaced he had another hyundai elantra come in that also had rusted nuts/bolts/latch. My car is a 1996 hyundai elantra. *nlm”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 2002
“Consumer states while driving, the engine check light came on and then the vehicle stalled out. Vehicle has been to the dealer on several occasions and the problem is reccurring. *jb oxygen sensor and coil pack were replaced. Fuel injectors were cleaned, throttle body replaced. But problem still existed until dealer found battery had dead cell. *tt”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2002
“Trans. Slips. When you release gas pedal at high speeds and attempt to regain acceleration transmission does not respond immediately,there is at least a 5 sec. Pause. I am now going in to a shop for a diagnoses due to the loss of power and no reverse gear present. *nlm”Owner report · Power Train · May 2002
“Right front brake pad separated from backing pad while driving. Situation resulted in reduced braking capability when brakes where utilized. Brake pads had approx 25 - 35% life remaining.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2001
“Vehicle lost all drive gears while at highway speed. Dealer service reports total transmission failure. Occured wihout warning , no noticable change in transmission fluid, and at only 69,975 miles (mostly in-town 20 mile work commute). Dealer claims no warranty coverage. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 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 1996 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
NHTSA has 100 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Hyundai Elantra. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Hyundai Elantra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 92,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Hyundai Elantra have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. 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.