1987 Hyundai Excel
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.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 12
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 13 |
| 1988 | 50 |
| 1989 | 88 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 1991 | 38 |
| 1992 | 34 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1994 | 36 |
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 2001 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and gasoline.
Power train
3 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveshaft and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
Visibility
2 of 13 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Steering
2 of 13 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
Car was in accident because the steering wheel locked up. Please describe. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-08
1987 Hyundai Excel has a broken motor mount and both crossmembers are bent.*mr the consumer believes the vehicle was poorly welded on the right side of the subframe. The cover support bent. The rack and pinion leaked. The upper tie bar bent.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-10
Also filed under Structure
Structure
1 of 13 total reports mentions: structure.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 12 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1987-11-25Service brakes, hydraulic87V180000 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.
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1989-07-03Vehicle speed control89V100000 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.
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1989-07-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-11-01 Passive restraint system
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1989-10-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-04-02 Front suspension vibration
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1990-04-02Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-30 Frnt suspension vibrates
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1991-01-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-05-03 Engine compartment fires
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1991-02-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-06-05 Passenger brake
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1991-05-03Engineering analysisClosed 1992-01-07 Engine compartment fires
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1991-07-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-11-19 Auto shoulder belt fails
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1991-09-24Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-13 Transmission lock-up
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1991-11-19Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-26 Auto shoulder belt failure
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1992-01-20Engine and engine cooling91V225000 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…
Remedy: Replace the reed valve subassembly with one whose metal components are fabricated from corrosion resistant stainless steel.
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1992-09-28CClosed 1993-10-29 Transmission malfunction
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1993-11-27Power train93V167000 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.
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1994-01-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-06-10 Heater core failure
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1994-05-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-10-31 Charging system failures
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Hyundai Excel — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V180000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 89V100000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 91V225000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 93V167000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1987 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 1987 Hyundai Excel?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Hyundai Excel have?
- 4 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.