1987 Hyundai Excel

○ Not enough data
1987 Hyundai Excel
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:26.227Z

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

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
12

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1986: 13 complaints 1987: 13 complaints 1987 13 1988: 50 complaints 1989: 88 complaints 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 38 complaints 1992: 34 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1994: 36 complaints 1994 1995: 5 complaints 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1998 2001: 7 complaints
1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1987 13 1988: 50 complaints 1988 1989: 88 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 38 complaints 1991 1992: 34 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 36 complaints 1994 1995: 5 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1998 2001: 7 complaints 2001
1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1987 13 1988: 50 complaints 1988 1989: 88 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 38 complaints 1991 1992: 34 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 36 complaints 1994 1995: 5 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1998 2001: 7 complaints 2001

1987: 13 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
198613
198713
198850
198988
199039
199138
199234
199320
199436
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.

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and gasoline.

FIRE

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.

CRASH
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 →

  1. R
    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.

  2. R
    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.

  3. I
    1989-07-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-11-01 Passive restraint system
  4. I
    1989-10-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-04-02 Front suspension vibration
  5. I
    1990-04-02Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-30 Frnt suspension vibrates
  6. I
    1991-01-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-05-03 Engine compartment fires
  7. I
    1991-02-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-06-05 Passenger brake
  8. I
    1991-05-03Engineering analysisClosed 1992-01-07 Engine compartment fires
  9. I
    1991-07-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-11-19 Auto shoulder belt fails
  10. I
    1991-09-24Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-13 Transmission lock-up
  11. I
    1991-11-19Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-26 Auto shoulder belt failure
  12. R
    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.

  13. I
    1992-09-28CClosed 1993-10-29 Transmission malfunction
  14. R
    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.

  15. I
    1994-01-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-06-10 Heater core failure
  16. I
    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 →

Worst years2 years

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.