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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 13 |
| 1988 | 43 |
| 1989 | 68 |
| 1990 | 38 |
| 1991 | 38 |
| 1992 | 34 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1994 | 33 |
| 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.
2 of 13 total reports mention: visibility.
2 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIRE1 of 13 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
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. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20050810
1 of 13 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
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. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20050810
1 of 13 total reports mentions: steering.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CAR WAS IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950608
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM
FRONT SUSPENSION VIBRATION
FRNT SUSPENSION VIBRATES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
PASSENGER BRAKE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILS
TRANSMISSION LOCK-UP
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
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
TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION
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
HEATER CORE FAILURE
CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Hyundai Excel — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Hyundai Excel have?
4 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.