1990 Hyundai Excel: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (19% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving about 40 mph another vehicle crossed consumer's vehicle and consumer crashed into it. Upon impact, driver's air bag did not deploy. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 1999
“Engine locked up while driving at 20-25mph. No prior indication or warning. Dealer contacted and no warranty. Vehicle was towed, repairs can be remedied at owner expense. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1998
“While proceeding up a slight incline during the commuting hour, the car lost all power and I came close to being hit in the rear. After about 30 seconds I regained some power and was able to proceed. The car was idling rough and I had to keep my foot on the accelerator at all times to keep it running. I had it turned up and it ran better but still a lack of power. I had to have it inspected and it failed inspection because the pollution was at 1200. I then had it tuned up again (fully) and it failed again. I had it checked out at a station and found out that cylinder 3 did not have any pressure at all. I also found out that to get it fixed it would cost around $1,000. It still is not fixed.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1998
Show 7 more owner reports
“When replacing tires found all (4) wheels were cracked. (2) wheels are split from rim to bolt holes. Other (2) wheels are showing cracks and signs of splitting. *ak”Owner report · Wheels · Feb 1997
“During rapid acceleration, while stopping, brakes required excessive pressure, and could feel "chattering" in brakes & then a loss of braking power. Vehicle would not stop like it suppose to; slow response time. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 1996
“Vehicle does not conform to later impact portion of federal motor vehicle safety standard 301, fuel system integrity. (93v192000) *dsh”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 1996
“Wiring harness attached to firewall released and wrapped around tire axle; stopped vehicle from 55 mph to 0 mph; vehicle was on edge of cliff. Tt *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 1995
“On two separate occasions the back right/ left windows spontaneously exploded, passengers in back seat were showered with glass, resulting in an injury. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 1995
“Fuel system shield installation recall repair refused due to scheduling problems. (93v-192) (other vehicle on 479634) *aw”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 1995
“Driver's seat broke during collision, causing driver to slide out of seat belt and through back window, causing injury. (consulting engineer for client). *skd”Owner report · Seats · Mar 1995
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE VEHICLES FAILED THE LATERAL MOVING BARRIER IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE GAS TANK EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AMOUNT OF SPILLAGE.
Remedy: HYUNDAI HAS DEVELOPED AN APPROPRIATE COUNTERMEASURE THAT WILL COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301.
LOCK WASHER LOCATED UNDER THE NUT THAT SECURES THE FRONT HUB TO THE DRIVE SHAFT MAY HAVE HAD IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT AND COULD CRACK.
Remedy: REPLACE LOCK WASHER ON EACH FRONT WHEEL AND REPAIR AREA AROUND LOCK WASHER AS NECESSARY.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Excel 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 1990 Hyundai Excel reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Hyundai Excel. The most complained-about area is electrical system (19% of complaints).
Does the 1990 Hyundai Excel have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.