1999 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
- 128
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 1999
None on file
34% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 128 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
34% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Engine and engine cooling
20% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Air bags
16% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
I have a 99 Hyundai Elantra 4 door. Last week the steering column caught on fire while it was being driven. More specifically, I was at the time in the hardee's drive thru when the smoke and flames started.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-10-04
Also filed under Electrical system
12/2/2014 multi-car/semi accident. Front end collision with rear end damage. Total loss, air bags did not deploy. 465 s @ mm 41 near pendleton pike exit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-11-01
While traveling 35-40 MPH the consumers vehicle struck another vehicle in the rear. Upon impact neither air bag deployed and the shoulder belts failed to restrain the driver. The vehicle was totaled from the accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-07
Also filed under Seat belts
Electrical system
16% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Service brakes
9% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1999-07-14Power train99V178000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission pressure control solenoid valve seals do not remain sufficiently elastic, resulting in…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pressure control solenoid valve.
-
R
2000-11-18Electrical system00V259001 Vehicle description: some sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter v-6 engines and all Elantra model vehicles may have experienced intermittent low-speed engine stalling, which could occur if the…
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the maf sensor connector wiring harness.
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 20 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V178000 · Power train
- Recall 00V259001 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Hyundai Elantra is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Hyundai Elantra?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Hyundai Elantra have?
- 2 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.