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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 |
| 1993 | 24 |
| 1994 | 76 |
| 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 | 247 |
| 2010 | 378 |
| 2011 | 431 |
| 2012 | 649 |
| 2013 | 1307 |
| 2014 | 379 |
| 2015 | 258 |
| 2016 | 286 |
| 2017 | 759 |
| 2018 | 274 |
| 2019 | 242 |
| 2020 | 240 |
| 2021 | 128 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 90 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: power train — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASH13% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20030407
IN A FRONTAL IMPACT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING INJURIES TO DRIVER.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020920
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19991014
9% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20161004
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE SEALS DO NOT REMAIN SUFFICIENTLY ELASTIC, RESULTING IN TRA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE.
Campaign 99V178000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MAF
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS.
Campaign 00V259001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V178000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V259001 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:automatic transmission, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Hyundai Elantra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.