1990 Hyundai Excel
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 |
|---|---|
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ROCKER ARM BROKE AND HIT ENGINE LEAVING A HOLE IN ENGINE, CAUSING WHITE SMOKE TO COME OUT OF EXHAUST PIPE/LOSS OF OIL. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941113
21% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and module.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE WIRES IN THE FRONT HALF BURNT COMPLETELY OUT AND IT LOCKED UP THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN A FIRE/ACCIDENT/INJUTIES. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950612
18% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing clutch assembly and constant velocity joint.
13% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump.
10% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and glass, side/rear.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE BACK RIGHT/ LEFT WINDOWS SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED, PASSENGERS IN BACK SEAT WERE SHOWERED WITH GLASS, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950627
SAFETY TIMELINE
LOCK WASHER LOCATED UNDER THE NUT THAT SECURES THE FRONT HUB TO THE DRIVE SHAFT MAY HAVE HAD IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT AND COULD CRACK.
Remedy: REPLACE LOCK WASHER ON EACH FRONT WHEEL AND REPAIR AREA AROUND LOCK WASHER AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 90V053000 — check if this car was fixed
PASSENGER BRAKE
TRANSMISSION LOCK-UP
TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION
THE VEHICLES FAILED THE LATERAL MOVING BARRIER IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE GAS TANK EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AMOUNT OF SPILLAGE.
Remedy: HYUNDAI HAS DEVELOPED AN APPROPRIATE COUNTERMEASURE THAT WILL COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301.
Campaign 93V192000 — check if this car was fixed
CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURES
SCISSOR JACK FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Hyundai Excel — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V053000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V192000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Hyundai Excel reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Hyundai Excel is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Hyundai Excel?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Hyundai Excel have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.