MYRModel Year Report

1986 Hyundai Excel

○ Not enough data
1986 Hyundai Excel
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:03:14.246Z

Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Excel Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1986 highlighted. 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 43 complaints 1988 1989: 68 complaints 1990: 38 complaints 1990 1991: 38 complaints 1992: 34 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 33 complaints 1994 1995: 5 complaints 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1998 2001: 7 complaints 2001
1986: 13 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
198613
198713
198843
198968
199038
199138
199234
199320
199433
19955
19963
19972
19982
20017

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

POWER TRAIN

4 of 13 total reports mention: power train.

VISIBILITY

1 of 13 total reports mentions: visibility.

TIRES

1 of 13 total reports mentions: tires.

STRUCTURE

1 of 13 total reports mentions: structure.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 of 13 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

BRAKE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970122

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19870428 — PE (closed 19871209)

BRAKE LOSS

R 19871125 — service brakes, hydraulic

VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE BRAKE FADE AND RECOVERY PORTION OF FMVSS 105.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED SEMI METALLIC BRAKE PADS.

Campaign 87V180000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19880808 — PE (closed 19881117)

STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION

I 19890314 — PE (closed 19890705)

HEATER CORE FAILURE

R 19890703 — vehicle speed control

IF CRUISE CONTROL MAIN SWITCH IS IN THE ON POSITION WHEN ENGINE IS STARTED, SYSTEM CAN BE AFFECTED BY A SHORT DURATION VOLTAGE DROP CAUSED BY OPTIONAL HI-POWER (H340) RADIO.

Remedy: REPLACE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.

Campaign 89V100000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19910104 — PE (closed 19910503)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 19910226 — PE (closed 19910605)

PASSENGER BRAKE

I 19910503 — EA (closed 19920107)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 19910924 — EA (closed 19921013)

TRANSMISSION LOCK-UP

R 19920120 — engine and engine cooling

DETERIORATION OF THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY MAY LEAD TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SECONDARY AIR SUPPLY PORTION OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE SCREWS WHICH ATTACH THE REEDS TO THE REED VALVE SUBASS

Remedy: REPLACE THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY WITH ONE WHOSE METAL COMPONENTS ARE FABRICATED FROM CORROSION RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL.

Campaign 91V225000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19920928 — C (closed 19931029)

TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION

R 19931127 — power train

THE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY LOCK UP FROM INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION OF THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION CASE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE DRIVE WHEELS TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP.

Remedy: HYUNDAI WILL PERFORM A COST FREE TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE.

Campaign 93V167000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19940114 — PE (closed 19940610)

HEATER CORE FAILURE

I 19940527 — PE (closed 19941031)

CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURES

R Date not on file — service brakes, hydraulic

A COTTER PIN IN THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER LINKAGE ASSEMBLY MAY BE MISSING. THIS PIN ACTS AS A RETAINER FOR THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER PUSHROD CLEVIS PIN.

Remedy: INSPECT AND INSTALL BRAKE LINKAGE COTTER PIN AS NECESSARY.

Campaign 86V043000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Hyundai Excel — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 86V043000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 87V180000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 89V100000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 91V225000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 93V167000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 1994 ● 1992 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

◆ 1989 ● 1988 ● 1990

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1986 Hyundai Excel reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Hyundai Excel?

The most-reported component is power train:manual transmission, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Hyundai Excel have?

5 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.