MYRModel Year Report

1998 Hyundai Elantra

▲ Better than typical
1998 Hyundai Elantra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:29:37.101Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Elantra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1990: 0 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 29 complaints 1993: 24 complaints 1994: 76 complaints 1995: 112 complaints 1995 1996: 100 complaints 1997: 115 complaints 1998: 55 complaints 1998 1999: 128 complaints 2000: 197 complaints 2000 2001: 315 complaints 2002: 342 complaints 2003: 234 complaints 2004: 182 complaints 2005: 137 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 266 complaints 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 247 complaints 2010: 378 complaints 2010 2011: 431 complaints 2012: 649 complaints 2013: 1307 complaints 2014: 379 complaints 2015: 258 complaints 2015 2016: 286 complaints 2017: 759 complaints 2018: 274 complaints 2019: 242 complaints 2020: 240 complaints 2020 2021: 128 complaints 2022: 95 complaints 2023: 90 complaints 2024: 52 complaints 2025: 20 complaints 2025 2026: 0 complaints 2026
1998: 55 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19900
19910
199229
199324
199476
1995112
1996100
1997115
199855
1999128
2000197
2001315
2002342
2003234
2004182
2005137
2006155
2007266
2008314
2009247
2010378
2011431
2012649
20131307
2014379
2015258
2016286
2017759
2018274
2019242
2020240
2021128
202295
202390
202452
202520
20260

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 18%

18% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%

18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

OWNER REAR ENDED A TRUCK AT 20 TO 30MPH, AND NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990830

DRIVER HIT THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE AGAINST A GUARDRAIL AT ABOUT 50MPH, AND NEITHER DRIVER'S NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980928

SUSPENSION 5%

5% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 5%

5% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 1994 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2017 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Hyundai Elantra is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Hyundai Elantra?

The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Hyundai Elantra have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.