1997 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
- 115
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 115 complaints
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 | 315 |
| 2009 | 253 |
| 2010 | 380 |
| 2011 | 433 |
| 2012 | 652 |
| 2013 | 1,312 |
| 2014 | 385 |
| 2015 | 262 |
| 2016 | 293 |
| 2017 | 769 |
| 2018 | 284 |
| 2019 | 251 |
| 2020 | 253 |
| 2021 | 132 |
| 2022 | 102 |
| 2023 | 100 |
| 2024 | 56 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
29% · 33 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Car will not shift into gear unless overide is deployed with pen per dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-26
Engine and engine cooling
23% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Air bags
18% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
Traveling west on adam shepherds pkwy, I had a green light, lady opposite side turned left in front of me, resulted in collision. Her fault. Witnesses said she hesitated but went anyway. She was supposed to yield. I could of been killed!
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-19
Also filed under Structure and suspension
While driving, the frontal air bags deployed without warning. *ak when this occurred, the consumer hit the brakes while on a wet surface, lost control, hit the bank and almost over turned.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-23
Consumer was involved in a 45-50 MPH frontal collision, totalling the vehicle in which the driver's and/or passenger's air bags did not deploy. Please give any further details.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-10
Fuel system, gasoline
16% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and filler pipe and cap.
Visibility
16% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing motor and windshield.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1997-04-28Visibility97V026000 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.
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I
2000-02-02SQOpen Fuel cap replacement campaign 36
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R
2000-04-28Fuel system, gasoline00V095001 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…
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.
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R
2000-09-18Fuel system, gasoline00V095002 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 33 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 27 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 21 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V026000 · Visibility
- Recall 00V095001 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 00V095002 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Hyundai Elantra is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Hyundai Elantra?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Hyundai Elantra have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.