1994 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.
25% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and axle shaft.
Show complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AW
NHTSA ODI report, 19941018
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Show complaint excerpts
1994 HYUNDAI EXCEL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MISINFORMATION CONCERNING VEHICLE BRAKES AND TIRE TREAD DEPTH. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ONE OF THE TIRES HAD A LEAK, THE SPARK PLUGS, DRIVE BELTS AND WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110720
17% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and webbing.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP UPON IMPACT, CAUSING CHILD IN CHILD SAFETY SEAT NOT REMAIN IN PLACE. FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED AS YET. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970806
VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED AT 12:00 POSITION, SPEED 40MPH, SHOULDER BELT DID NOT RETRACT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960329
SEATBELT FAILED TO HOLD DURING COLLISION, CAUSING INJURIES. *TW
NHTSA ODI report, 19941212
17% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
PULSE GENERATOR JERKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 19941111
17% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
IN SOME VEHICLES, THE MANUFACTURER'S PROTECTIVE INTERNAL COATING OF THE ELECTRONIC CRANK ANGLE SENSOR DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS, WHICH CAN CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT AT HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURES. THIS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SENSOR IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL, AND REPLACE ANY SENSOR FOUND WITH THE DEFECTIVE INTERNAL COATING.
Campaign 94V090000 — check if this car was fixed
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
SCISSOR JACK FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Hyundai Excel — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V090000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V192000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 Hyundai Excel reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Hyundai Excel is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Hyundai Excel?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Hyundai Excel have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.