1998 Hyundai Elantra: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 55 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (23% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Car downshifts end engine revs. If put into reverse, forward transmission can then usually be selected. Can put foot on gas and engine/transmission will "idle/rev". *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2007
“Dt: the contact stated he had problems filling the gas tank. When he tried to fill the gas tank the gas immediately began to spill out. The vehicle was taken to various mechanics, each mechanic gave a different reason for the problem. No solution has been successful in correcting the defect.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2005
“Door latch inside has broken several times. I have to roll my window down to exit car. I have had the handle replace 5 times. When weather is cold, I can't exit vehicle due to the fact the electric windows freeze. I fear an accident might trap me in my car. *jb”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“The interior door latches are of poor construction and break easily and inhibit being able to get out of the vehicle. This is a safety problem that needs to be corrected. We have already had to replace the interior door latches once and need to have them replaced again now.*ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 2003
“Transmission needs to be completely replaced after 77,000.00. The car hesitates or gets stuck in heavy traffic, which poses a safety hazard, especially with children in the car. The dealership were the vehicle was purchased lied to me and told me that it had a 100,000 mile power train warranty. It turned out it only had a five year 60,000.00 mile warranty. *nlm”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2003
“Consumer was traveling at about 63 mph when the rubber started peeling away from the left front tire. Tire did not go flat, the rubber peeled away and caused some damage to the left front fender and side molding on the driver side. *scc (ohio traffic police report)”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2002
“Door locks will not open from the inside of vehicle. Consumer has to roll down the window to open vehicle from outside.*ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Oct 2001
“Vehicle stalled 7 times at 20 - 40 mph. Not taken to dealer yet. Felt like brakes were applied very hard when vehicle stalled. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2001
“Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision with another vehicle at 15-20 mph impact, and both air bags did not deploy. Dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide us with any further details on this matter. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2001
“Overdrive was completely gone. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and transmission was rebuilt four times, but problem still occurs. Please provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1998 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
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Is the 1998 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
NHTSA has 55 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Hyundai Elantra. The most complained-about area is power train (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Hyundai Elantra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 72,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.