1994 Hyundai Elantra
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 |
| 1993 | 24 |
| 1994 | 78 |
| 1995 | 112 |
| 1996 | 100 |
| 1997 | 115 |
| 1998 | 55 |
| 1999 | 128 |
| 2000 | 197 |
| 2001 | 315 |
| 2002 | 342 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 266 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 252 |
| 2010 | 379 |
| 2011 | 432 |
| 2012 | 651 |
| 2013 | 1312 |
| 2014 | 382 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 766 |
| 2018 | 281 |
| 2019 | 249 |
| 2020 | 250 |
| 2021 | 130 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
40% of complaints: air bags — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950630
AT 12:00 POSITION AT 35MPH DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950329
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH ON A DOWNWARD INCLINE AND WITH NO WARNING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON, DISTRACTING CONSUMER'S VIEW, AND CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020910
26% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIRE13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CRANK ANGLE SENSOR MISALIGNED, CAUSING ENGINE TO HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 19940111
12% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
9% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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.
Campaign 94V090000 — check if this car was fixed
THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED AND COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE FROM INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO DETERMINE IF IT CONTAINS A TERMINAL HOLDER. IF IT DOES NOT, ONE WILL BE INSTALLED.
Campaign 95V101000 — check if this car was fixed
SCISSOR JACK FAILURE
REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V090000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V101000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Hyundai Elantra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Hyundai Elantra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.