Owners have filed 39 complaints
about the 1992 Hyundai Excel with NHTSA between 1995 and 2009.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
1460.9%
Latch
28.7%
Disc
28.7%
Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
14.3%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
14.3%
Linkages
14.3%
RIM
14.3%
Cooling System
14.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
133.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
133.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
133.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 4Jan 2009
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 Hyundai Excel
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE95060Opened 9 Dec 1995Closed 21 Mar 1996EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
SCISSOR JACK FAILURE
EA92032Opened 13 Oct 1992Closed 29 Oct 1993POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION
Recalls on the 1992 Hyundai Excel
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199317636,660 units in Canada
Fuel System
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 301 - FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY. IN A DRIVER'S SIDE IMPACT THE REAR LEFT-HAND SPRING SEAT COULD PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK. CORRECTION: A SPRING SEAT PROTECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 50,000 milesWest Melbourne, FL2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE IS A HUGE SAFETY DEFECT IN THE OLDER HYUNDAI AUTOMOBILE COMPUTERS OR ECU BOXES. THE INTERNAL CAPACITORS (RUBYCON AND NICYCON) FAIL CAUSING ACID TO LEAK OUT ON THE COMPUTER BOARD, LEADING TO COMPLETE COMPUTER FAILURE. THE CAR STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING UNEXPECTEDLY WITH NO WARNING, LEADING TO A SERIOUS ROAD HAZARD FOR ALL OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE . THE CAR WILL ALSO IDLE ERRATICALLY, YIELDING NUMEROUS COMPUTER , AND NO START AND STALLING SITUATIONS THAT ARE UNPREDICTABILITY HAVE REPLACED 4 COMPUTERS (ECU'S) IN MY 1992 HYUNDAI EXCEL . THERE ARE SEVERAL INTERNET ARTICLES AND AUTO COMPUTER REBUILD SITES DOCUMENTING THESE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS IN THE HYUNDAI COMPUTER. I ALSO SENT CLOSE-UP PHOTOS OF THE ECU COMPONENT DEFECTS, AS WELL AS A LETTER FROM THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER TO HYUNDAI MOTORS, BUT THEY ARE UNCOOPERATIVE. I HAVE TRIED MANY TIMES TO CONTACT HYUNDAI MOTORS AND THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY REPLACEMENT OR REBUILD ON THIS DEFECTIVE PART. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFINITE , SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS, ROAD HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL IN ALL THESE 1992 HYUNDAI EXCEL AUTOMOBILES. PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE AT STAKE DRIVING WITH THESE DEFECTIVE COMPUTERS IN THEIR CARS. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP~MANY THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10181381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
VEHICLE WAS HIT BY A VEHICLE IN WHICH THE SHOULDER BELT BELT DID NOT LOCK, THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER'S CHEST TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, THE LAP BELT DID NOT FAIL IN THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #557595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, PACrash
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING 40 TO 45 MPH CONSUMER WENT TO AVOID HITTING A DEER AND THE STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, AND TOTALING VEHICLE. CAUSE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #826428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
WHILE IN MOTION VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #812227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hopkins, MN1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELT FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER IN PLACE IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *DSH
NHTSA complaint #501507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 99,999 milesWest Melbourne, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM..1992 HYUNDAI EXCEL..CORRODES AND RUSTS, ESPECIALLY ON PASSENGER SIDE LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10256498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesWest Melbourne, FL2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE IS A HUGE SAFETY DEFECT IN THE OLDER HYUNDAI AUTOMOBILE COMPUTERS OR ECU BOXES. THE INTERNAL CAPACITORS (RUBYCON AND NICYCON) FAIL CAUSING ACID TO LEAK OUT ON THE COMPUTER BOARD, LEADING TO COMPLETE COMPUTER FAILURE. THE CAR STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING UNEXPECTEDLY WITH NO WARNING, LEADING TO A SERIOUS ROAD HAZARD FOR ALL OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE . THE CAR WILL ALSO IDLE ERRATICALLY, YIELDING NUMEROUS COMPUTER , AND NO START AND STALLING SITUATIONS THAT ARE UNPREDICTABILITY HAVE REPLACED 4 COMPUTERS (ECU'S) IN MY 1992 HYUNDAI EXCEL . THERE ARE SEVERAL INTERNET ARTICLES AND AUTO COMPUTER REBUILD SITES DOCUMENTING THESE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS IN THE HYUNDAI COMPUTER. I ALSO SENT CLOSE-UP PHOTOS OF THE ECU COMPONENT DEFECTS, AS WELL AS A LETTER FROM THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER TO HYUNDAI MOTORS, BUT THEY ARE UNCOOPERATIVE. I HAVE TRIED MANY TIMES TO CONTACT HYUNDAI MOTORS AND THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY REPLACEMENT OR REBUILD ON THIS DEFECTIVE PART. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFINITE , SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS, ROAD HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL IN ALL THESE 1992 HYUNDAI EXCEL AUTOMOBILES. PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE AT STAKE DRIVING WITH THESE DEFECTIVE COMPUTERS IN THEIR CARS. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP~MANY THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10181381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesOviedo, FL
WHEELS:RIM
DT: THE TIRES WERE LEAKING AIR. THE CONSUMER THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRE, BUT FOUND OUT IT WAS THE RIM. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE EIGHT YEARS AGO, AND ONCE A YEAR AGO, AND ONCE SIX MONTHS AGO. EACH TIME THE CONSUMER HAD THE RIM REPLACED AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DEALER SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AFTER THE LAST TIME, AND THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE FORTH ONE FAILING. *AK (11/16/05) THE TIRES WERE HEAVILY UNDER INFLATED.
NHTSA complaint #10137169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Floral Park, NY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH FRONT HOOD FLIPPED UP, BLOCKING VISION. KEPT CONTROL OF VEHICLE, DRIVING OFF ROAD. PUSHED DOWN HOOD AND TIED IT WITH A ROPE THEN, LATCH HAD TO BE FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #881014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
VEHICLE WAS HIT BY A VEHICLE IN WHICH THE SHOULDER BELT BELT DID NOT LOCK, THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER'S CHEST TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, THE LAP BELT DID NOT FAIL IN THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #557595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE REPAIR SHOP OVER A DOZEN TIMES AND I HAVE THE PAPERS TO PROVE IT THE REPAIR SHOP HAD MY CAR MORE THEN I DID AND I REPLACED JUST ABOUT EVERY THING ON THE CAR BUT I WENT THROUGH 3 TRANSMISSION AND NOW I NEED ANOTHER BEFOR I HAD AN EXSTENDED WARRANTY AND I JUST HAD TO PAY $50.00 NOW THAT MY WARRANTY IS GONE NONE OF THE TRANSMISSION SHOPS WANTED TO FIX IT THEY SAY THAT IT IS TO MUCH TROUBLE AND THE MAKE OF THAT TRANSMISSION FOR THAT YEAR HAS PROBLEMS AND THAT IF I WOULD FIX IT IT WOULD JUST DO IT AGAIN. I REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES ALREADY AND NOW THE CAR NEEDS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION IT WAS JUST REPLACED IN 1998 WHAT CAN I DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU LARAY RANSOM.
NHTSA complaint #731495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lisbon, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHT ILLUMNATED ON THE DASHBOARD. ALSO, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A NORMAL STOP THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #851423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hershey, PA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (REPLACED 3 TIMES). ENGINE DIED.
NHTSA complaint #532675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hershey, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (REPLACED 3 TIMES). ENGINE DIED.
NHTSA complaint #532675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worcester, MA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #705527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
MY FIRST HEADACHE WITH THIS VEHICLE OCCURED WHEN THE GAS PUMP WHEN OUT. I WAS SITTING AT A LIGHT AND I HEARD A LOUD, BUZZING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR. AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I STEPPED ON THE GAS, ONLY TO FEEL A LOSS OF POWER. THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL IT INTO A PARKING LOT AND HAD IT TOWED TO A MECANHIC. AFTER THE PUMP WAS REPLACED, THE MECANHIC SOUNDED ME WHERE THE GASKET ON THE TOP OF THE PUMP HAD SNAPPED IN HALF. THE INCIDENT WITH THIS CAR HAPPEND THIS PAST SUMMER WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND I HAD JUST PASSED A GREEN LIGHT. I TRIED TO SPEED UP, BUT THE CAR HESITATED REALLY BAD, AND JERKED EACH TIME I TRIED TO GO FASTER. I PULLED OFF THE CAR OF THE ROAD TO START UP THE CAR AGAIN, BUT IT FAILED TO TURN OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO A TRANSMISSON SHOP. IT SAT THERE FOR TWO WEEKS UNTIL I CAME UP WITH THE $1800 NEEDED TO PAY FOR AN ENTIRELY NEW TRANSMISSION SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #702259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MY FIRST HEADACHE WITH THIS VEHICLE OCCURED WHEN THE GAS PUMP WHEN OUT. I WAS SITTING AT A LIGHT AND I HEARD A LOUD, BUZZING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR. AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I STEPPED ON THE GAS, ONLY TO FEEL A LOSS OF POWER. THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL IT INTO A PARKING LOT AND HAD IT TOWED TO A MECANHIC. AFTER THE PUMP WAS REPLACED, THE MECANHIC SOUNDED ME WHERE THE GASKET ON THE TOP OF THE PUMP HAD SNAPPED IN HALF. THE INCIDENT WITH THIS CAR HAPPEND THIS PAST SUMMER WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND I HAD JUST PASSED A GREEN LIGHT. I TRIED TO SPEED UP, BUT THE CAR HESITATED REALLY BAD, AND JERKED EACH TIME I TRIED TO GO FASTER. I PULLED OFF THE CAR OF THE ROAD TO START UP THE CAR AGAIN, BUT IT FAILED TO TURN OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO A TRANSMISSON SHOP. IT SAT THERE FOR TWO WEEKS UNTIL I CAME UP WITH THE $1800 NEEDED TO PAY FOR AN ENTIRELY NEW TRANSMISSION SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #702259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lima, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT REGISTERING IT ON TEMPERATURE GAUGE INSIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE COMPRESSION/ ANTI-FREEZE/OIL AND STALL. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #833587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lima, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT REGISTERING IT ON TEMPERATURE GAUGE INSIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE COMPRESSION/ ANTI-FREEZE/OIL AND STALL. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #833587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hershey, PA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #526776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, PACrash
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING 40 TO 45 MPH CONSUMER WENT TO AVOID HITTING A DEER AND THE STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, AND TOTALING VEHICLE. CAUSE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #826428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #534594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vineland, NJ
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
HOOD LATCH FAILED CAUSING HOOD TO SMASH WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #523801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hershey, PA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, A TOTAL OF THREE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #526121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Darb, PA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLIP OUT OF GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #524704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blauvelt, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #519010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
WHILE IN MOTION VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #812227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
E. Orange, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
FRONT BRAKE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #808947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
E. Orange, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED TWO DAYS EALIER AND BRAKES BECAME INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #808990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ROCKER ARM SHAFT CRACKED IN HALF, CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE 3 OF 4 CYLINDERS.
NHTSA complaint #601984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.