1996 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 | 76 |
| 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 | 247 |
| 2010 | 378 |
| 2011 | 431 |
| 2012 | 649 |
| 2013 | 1307 |
| 2014 | 379 |
| 2015 | 258 |
| 2016 | 286 |
| 2017 | 759 |
| 2018 | 274 |
| 2019 | 242 |
| 2020 | 240 |
| 2021 | 128 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 90 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PARKED THE VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE, CAUSING A CRASH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970212
15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN TURNING , SLOWING OR STOPPING. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20021015
10% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.
Campaign 97V026000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN 36
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS CAN APPLY EXCESSIVE VACUUM TO THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE CANISTER PURGE CYCLE. IF EXCESSIVE VACUUM IS APPLIED, MINOR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF THE FUEL TANK HAS CRACKED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 00V095001 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS CAN APPLY EXCESSIVE VACUUM TO THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE CANISTER PURGE CYCLE. IF EXCESSIVE VACUUM IS APPLIED, MINOR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF THE FUEL TANK HAS CRACKED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 00V095002 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V026000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V095001 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V095002 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Hyundai Elantra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Hyundai Elantra have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.