1998 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.
24% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.
13% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
9% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and filler pipe and cap.
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 (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.