1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

196

Owner Complaints

26 Crashes 1 Death

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

12

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

The 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has received a total of 196 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (22 complaints), Air Bagsfrontal (13 complaints), and Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly (11 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, potentially affecting up to 166,096 vehicles.

Recall 00V095002 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

| 7,111 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS CAN APPLY EXCESSIVE VACUUM TO THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE CANISTER PURGE CYCLE. IF EXCESSIVE VACUUM IS APPLIED, MINOR FUEL TANK DISTORTION CAN RESULT. A SMALL CRACK COULD DEVELOP ON THE UPPER FUEL TANK SURFACE. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WOULD THEN ILLUMINATE AND, IN SOME CASES, THE VEHICLE DRIVER MAY NOTICE...

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF THE FUEL TANK HAS CRACKED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

View full details →

Recall 00V095001 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

| 84,020 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS CAN APPLY EXCESSIVE VACUUM TO THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE CANISTER PURGE CYCLE. IF EXCESSIVE VACUUM IS APPLIED, MINOR FUEL TANK DISTORTION CAN RESULT. A SMALL CRACK COULD DEVELOP ON THE UPPER FUEL TANK SURFACE. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WOULD THEN ILLUMINATE AND, IN SOME CASES, THE VEHICLE DRIVER MAY NOTICE...

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF THE FUEL TANK HAS CRACKED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

View full details →

Recall 97V026000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

| 74,965 vehicles affected

Defect: THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Consequence: THIS CONTAMINATION INTERFERES WITH THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONTINUITY AND PREVENTS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FROM OPERATING. INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCED VISIBILITY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

196 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 22
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 13 12 Crashes 7 Injuries
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 11
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 9
Air Bags
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 7
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 6
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 5
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 4
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 4
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 3
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2
Structurebody
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Death
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airsupplyhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdifferential Proportional Valve
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspension
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10968772 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 120,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE/CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON JANUARY 5, 2000 PER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: SQ00003 (FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 00V095002 OR 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
#10907089 | ENGINE | | 189,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V095002 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. UPDATED 04/18/17 *LJ *TR
#10907089 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 189,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V095002 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. UPDATED 04/18/17 *LJ *TR
#10746386 | AIR BAGS | | 145,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, MY CAR GOT TOTALED ON 5/18/2015,. I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION AND JOINT PAIN ALL OVER FOR MONTHS FROM A COLLISION THAT HAPPENED THIS DAY. MY AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS GOING 40 TO 45 MPH WHEN A VAN MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN IN FRONT OF ME. HER FAULT, I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE TO DO ANY GOOD. MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. I HAD NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I CONTACTED NHTSA ON 5/19/15 MADE A COMPLAINT. I CALLED HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY WHO FINALLY CAME AND LOOKED AT THE CAR BEFORE IT WAS TAKEN BY THE INSURANCE, DUE TO IT BEING TOTALED. IT WOULDN'T EVEN START. HYUNDAI TOTALLY DISMISSED IT AND CONTRADICTED THEMSELVES IN THE LETTER THEY SENT ME. THEY SAID THE CAR DID WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. REALLY? I NOW HAVE POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME. PTSD. I REPLAY THIS OVER AND OVER IN MY HEAD. THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION AND RECALL FOR THIS. I DON'T HAVE MY VEHICLE ANYMORE BUT THE SCARS ARE STILL THERE BECAUSE OF HYUNDAI. AN AIRBAG IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU DURING A COLLISION. FAILURE TO DEPLOY IS A FAILURE AND NOT DOING WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. HYUNDAI HAS ALREADY RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OR GLITCH. IT WON'T BE TOO LATE FOR THEM. UPDATED 9/15/15 *LN UPDATED 12/10/2015 *JS
#10717302 | AIR BAGS | | 141,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
TRAVELING WEST ON ADAM SHEPHERDS PKWY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, LADY OPPOSITE SIDE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME, RESULTED IN COLLISION. HER FAULT. WITNESSES SAID SHE HESITATED BUT WENT ANYWAY. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO YIELD. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED! MY FRONT DUAL AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I CAN HARDLY MOVE MY RIGHT ARM, MY BACK, MY NECK MY CHEST HURTS. I WAS TAKEN THEN TO NORTON'S EMERGENCY ROOM . I CAN'T SIT OR LAY DOWN OR STAND TOO LONG. CAN'T HOLD ON TO ANYTHING. VERY SORE, STRAINED MUSCLES AND BRUISING OF MUSCLES.

View all Power Trainautomatic Transmission complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Hyundai Motor America has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

0340022 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PULSE GENERATOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0717 & P0722. 2004 ACCENT INCLUDED. *TT

0236028 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

OBD-II READINESS TEST DRIVE CYCLE. *TT

0240010 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SUBJECT ON AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE HARSH OR DELAYED PARK REVERSE OR PARK DRIVE ENGAGEMENT. *YH

0240012 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SUBJECT REGARDING AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES LIST. *YH

0040005 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

SOME TRANSAXLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO 05/15/99 MAY EXPERIENCE AN OIL LEAK IN THE BELLHOUSING BEHIND THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *TT

0001004 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

SUBJECT REGARDING FUEL TANK PRESSURE CHECK CAMPAIGN 037 FOR VEHICLES EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE VACUUM FORMATION IN THE FUEL TANK. *ET

9940002 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SLIGHT SHIFT FLARE DURING THE UPSHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. *TT

9980002 — STRUCTURE

PROCEDURES ON REPLACING DAMAGED DRIP RAIL WEATHERSTRIP. *TT

9807-9820005 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *YC

97110160007 — STRUCTURE:BODY

INFORMATION ON TORSION BARS, GAS STRUTS AND CHMSL. *YC

Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

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