Carlexica

1991 Hyundai Excel: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (28% of complaints); the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1993

1
recalls
38
owner complaints
3
fire reports
36,743
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

One of the most complained-about Excel years (#1 of 5, age-adjusted)Weak spot: power train (28%)3 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 36,743 mi)

Common problems

Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)28% · 10 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)17% · 6 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)11% · 4 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)8% · 3 complaints
Seat Belts8% · 3 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)8% · 3 complaints
Car began to only do 20 miles per hour after stopping at traffic light or stop sign. Drove fin on road. Than began to drive slowly after two weeks. Had transmission fliud change and drove great for a week then failed. I am ver upset by this motor company for hiding this major defect. My car only had 68,485 original miles!*akOwner report · Power Train · Jan 2005
While driving 55 mph, the windows(passenger and driver) in the rear exploded. This has happened on 2 other occasions. The windows were replaced by owner all times. The manufacturer has been notified about the prolbem. *ak the first window exploded while the vehicle was parked, the two other times the vehicle was in motion. *slcOwner report · Visibility · Aug 1998
Upon depressing the brake pedal the pedal went to the floorboard/complete loss of braking ability, resulting in an accident. Consumer has noticed the problem, the master cylinder was replaced due to a slipped pin. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1997
Show 7 more owner reports
Driving down the highway approximately 60mph and the hood released. Pulled over to close hood, and then noticed the u-shaped metal clip detached from the hood. *akOwner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 1997
While driving vehicle it just stopped in traffic, when it started again it would bearly go. Dealer stated that the transmission was gone. There was no prior warning of this. *akOwner report · Power Train · Nov 1996
While doing highway speeds, the transmission locked up the car, cut off and would not go.*ak while driving vehicle began to loose speed and when the accelerator was pressed, the vehicle made a rough sound and continued to drop speed and cut off, vehicle was pushed by another vehicle to consumer's residence, dealership advised consumer that transmission neede to be replaced because there was an internal part, but the extended warranty co refused to pay for the covered part without consumer's authorization to break down the transmission first and tell them exactly what was wrong.*jbOwner report · Power Train · Jun 1996
The vehicle caught on fire while parked, fire under the dash. Fire dept. Says it was an electrical fire. Please describe. *akOwner report · Electrical System · Jun 1996
She requested the part from the manufacturer over a year ago and she still has not received the part regarding fuel system recall 93v192000. *akOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 1996
Hyundai zone office 93v192. Owner tried to obtain a listing for nearest dealer to him. After second attempt he called NHTSA to try to have recall work performedOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 1995
Consumer stated the transmission case cracked, due to driving over a dip in the driveway, (consumer no longer owns vehicle)*jbOwner report · Power Train · Jun 1995

When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE93V192000 · Nov 1993

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.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1991 Hyundai Excel reliable?

NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Hyundai Excel. The most complained-about area is power train (28% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1991 Hyundai Excel problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 36,743 miles or less.

Does the 1991 Hyundai Excel have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has 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.