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, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Hyundai Elantra have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

1998 Hyundai Elantra

▲ Better than typical

1998 Hyundai Elantra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:46:53.978Z

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: 55
Recalls: 0
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

1998: 55 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

24% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Engine and engine cooling

22% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.

Air bags

13% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-08-30

Driver hit the front end of vehicle against a guardrail at about 50MPH, and neither driver's nor passenger's side airbags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-28

Service brakes

9% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Fuel system, gasoline

7% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and filler pipe and cap.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Hyundai Elantra have?: No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.