1994 Hyundai Excel: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (22% of complaints); the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1994 hyundai excel. Consumer writes in regards to misinformation concerning vehicle brakes and tire tread depth. *tgw the consumer stated one of the tires had a leak, the spark plugs, drive belts and wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle would not start on several occasions, until finally the battery was replaced. Within a couple of months, the consumer began hearing a grinding sound upon stopping. Upon inspection, it was determined the right rear brake was worn down to the metal and the wheel cylinder was leaking braking fluid. In addition to needing new brake shoes, the vehicle also needed new drums and wheel cylinders. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2011
“Heard a loud noise , looked to see what caused the sound. White smoke, firestone tire blow out. *bf the tire had blown. It looked like the tire was cut completely around the rim. *sc”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2004
“For inspection I had to replace the catalytic converter which deteriorated severely. The cost was 175 dollars. Today the car became a fireball engulfed in flames and exploded! The fireman stated the cause was the fuel pump in the rear of the car! I was only running the car and went inside to get something & returned to a fireball. I totally lost car in fire!”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“A blown manual transmission while driving. Dealer/manufacturer were notified. Provide any further information on this matter.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2001
“While driving vehicle started to lose power and was making clunking noises. Took vehicle to mechanic, and was informed that bolts came out and rocker shaft connected to exhaust system had broken. *ak 2 weeks after repair, clunking noises started again, consumer bought a new hyundai and hopes the same problem will not occur with the new vehicle. *slc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2001
“Rear middle seat belt did not lock up upon impact, causing child in child safety seat not remain in place. Front passenger seat belt did not lock up, causing personal injury. Problem not solved as yet. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 1997
“While driving, at approx. 60mph, drivers rear wheel bearings sheared off due to lack of tension, causing wheel to detach from axel, also rear hatch does not close in cold weather and rough idle. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 1996
“At 45,000 miles the head gasket in engine has blown, cause unknown. Dealer replaced the engine which did not remedy the problem. Please give any further details. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling
“Dealer put fuel injection that stop the car from cutting off after the dealer fix it, car hesitate dealer say it the transmission . *ak”Owner report · Power Train
“When first start, idle is low and vehicle performs erratically. Dealership has tried to adjust but no change in condition. Please describe details. Tt”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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.
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 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 1994 Hyundai Excel reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Hyundai Excel. The most complained-about area is power train (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Hyundai Excel problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 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.