1997 Hyundai Elantra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Hyundai › Elantra › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Hyundai Elantra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1997 Hyundai Elantra. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
115 complaints20 involved a crash15 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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
- Air bags
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…
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
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Suspension
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
Hyundai charged for recall - did not perform recall. Car still not fixed. Hyundai still has the money. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. While parked, the contact noticed a fuel odor. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was a fracture on the top of the fuel tank on the passenger side. The contact replaced the fuel tank. The failure occurred a second time after the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. While parked, the contact noticed a fuel odor. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was a fracture on the top of the fuel tank on the passenger side. The contact replaced the fuel tank. The failure occurred a second time after the repair. The fuel tank was fractured in the same location. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number 00v095001 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly), that may related to the failure. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was included in the recall, but the original part would have to be available in order for the repair to be performed. The contact did not save the original part. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
- Fuel system, other
Safety recall on the 1997 hyundai elantra wagon regarding excessive fuel pressure in the gas tank was initiated in 2001. as an owner of such vehicle, I responded and received in the mail a new gas cap.........and was informed that was the fix. the tank was never checked for cracks or even if the pressure was corrected by the new gas cap. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. the contact stated that the check engine light has been working intermittently for over five months. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the failure was caused by a fuel tank leak. the manufacturer stated that his vin was not…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. the contact stated that the check engine light has been working intermittently for over five months. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the failure was caused by a fuel tank leak. the manufacturer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 00v095001 (fuel system, gasoline storage: tank). the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 136,000 and current mileage was 137,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. the contact took her vehicle for emissions testing, in which it failed. after inspection, she noticed that the engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument control panel, and she also smelled a strong odor of gasoline emanating from the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. the contact took her vehicle for emissions testing, in which it failed. after inspection, she noticed that the engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument control panel, and she also smelled a strong odor of gasoline emanating from the vehicle. a mechanic concluded that there was a crack in the fuel tank. the authorized dealer stated that although she was experiencing identical failures mentioned in nhtsa campaign ID number 00v095001 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly), her vin was excluded from the recall. the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. she IS in the process of having the vehicle repaired at the cost of $510. the failure mileage was 64,000.
- Seats
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. while depressing the brake pedal at 40 mph, the driver's seat slid forward. the failure caused the contact's lower body to become jammed underneath the steering wheel, which also caused him to rear end the preceding vehicle. the contact's vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. while depressing the brake pedal at 40 mph, the driver's seat slid forward. the failure caused the contact's lower body to become jammed underneath the steering wheel, which also caused him to rear end the preceding vehicle. the contact's vehicle was destroyed. he did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to the failure and it has not been diagnosed by the dealer. a police report was filed. the current and failure mileages were 124,015. updated 07/29/08 *bf the consumer suffered neck and back injuries, but did not seek medical treatment. Updated 07/29/08
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. while driving 30 mph, the check engine light illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and he discovered a crack in the upper fuel tank surface. the vehicle was under a recall in 2000, however, the dealer found nothing wrong at that time.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 hyundai elantra. while driving 30 mph, the check engine light illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and he discovered a crack in the upper fuel tank surface. the vehicle was under a recall in 2000, however, the dealer found nothing wrong at that time. the manufacturer stated that since the vehicle was inspected in 2000, he IS no longer on the recall list. the recall number was unknown. the current mileage was 101,000 and the failure mileage was unknown. updated 10/03/07 *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My car started at approximately 70,000 miles, while all maintenance was taken care of, started slipping gears, then I could no longer reverse the car. I, due to lack of funds had to let it go for a while, but then got a rebuilt transmission installed. After that, 9,000 miles later, I am having the…
My car started at approximately 70,000 miles, while all maintenance was taken care of, started slipping gears, then I could no longer reverse the car. I, due to lack of funds had to let it go for a while, but then got a rebuilt transmission installed. After that, 9,000 miles later, I am having the exact same problem. I just don't think it's right that any car, after just 70,000 miles should have the transmission go. Many people tell me they are "disposable" vehicles, but this IS the second hyundai I have owned, and have loved so much. I bought it because they are affordable, but don't think I will consider myself a loyal hyundai driver ever again. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
My 1997 hyundai/elantra GLS has a cracked exhaust manifold that was detected by my husband, the car has 98,600. Miles and out of warrant,but it has to be fixed. It could be a health problem if you are traveling long distances, and do not know the manifold IS cracked. We travel a lot of miles ,now my husband knows why he was so exhausted last trip. We just want someone to know this. *nm
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Dt: when purhased vehicle 3 years ago the seat belts worked. About 6-8 months later 2 rear seat belts, one on the left and one on the right, quit working. the seat belt will not move from the retractor. this happened without any accident or trauma to the seat belt, they simply quit working.…
Dt: when purhased vehicle 3 years ago the seat belts worked. About 6-8 months later 2 rear seat belts, one on the left and one on the right, quit working. the seat belt will not move from the retractor. this happened without any accident or trauma to the seat belt, they simply quit working. took vehicle to dealer, who said consumer would have to pay out of pocket fopr seat belt repairs. contacted manufacturer, who stated whatever the dealer said goes. no corrections have been made on the vehicle. consumer wanted dealer to pay for seat belt repairs. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the contact owned a 1997, hyundai elantra. She stated there was a recall in 1997 for the windshield wiper motor, but the manufacturer said this vehicle was not included due to vin although was having the same problem as mentioned in the recall. It needed t to be fixed. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: consumer found 2 recall warnings concerning windshield wiper motor and fuel tank with a possible leak on the internet. He IS not getting vehicle serviced. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumer received recall campaign 00v095001 concerning fuel tank. dealer refused to do recall repairs. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Vehicle was being inspected for an engine check light illuminating while driving. dealer informed the consumer that the exhaust manifold cracked on the weld. It needed to be replaced.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Nhtsa recall 00v095001 concerning fuel tank failure. this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin although it experienced fuel loss from the tank. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
I have a 1997 hyundai elantra that was recalled in 2000 (00v095002). Recently I smelled a very strong gasoline odor and sipping sound coming out of my tank. I been filling my tank and kept losing gas within a week and this IS 10 gallons within four days. When I went to check I noticed gasoline…
I have a 1997 hyundai elantra that was recalled in 2000 (00v095002). Recently I smelled a very strong gasoline odor and sipping sound coming out of my tank. I been filling my tank and kept losing gas within a week and this IS 10 gallons within four days. When I went to check I noticed gasoline coming out through my passenger seats especially when the engine IS running. There IS also a light on and when I took for computer read I was told the code po446 was on (evaporative emission control was applying to much pressure to my tank. I have called hyundai and they declined to make any investigation or even try to help and they could only provide the file number 872092. I have two minors riding in this car and I think the potential of fire IS very higher. I doubt if hyundai fixed this problem . When I took my car for recall back in 2000, they took less than ten minutes to check or repair whatever they where recalling. There are thousands of these cars and probably leaking gasoline without the consumers knowledge or aware of the problem. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission fluid IS leaking and the car IS slipping or not shifting properly during normal driving!*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train
Check engine light on since I bought the car.i have been in repeatedly for this to be corrected to no avail. Problems with transmission repeatedly. Engine was causing a vacuum and not allowing to car to shift.
- Air bags › Frontal
While applying the brakes front dual air bags deployed inadvertently. *Ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The driver's side door latch IS broken. *cb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
I recently found out that my hyundai elantra had been recalled for the windshield wiper washer motor, in 1997, I purchased the car in 1998, and in 2002 my motor blew up. I took it in and the service said that it wasn't covered and I would have to pay out of pocket to get it fixed! I recently found…
I recently found out that my hyundai elantra had been recalled for the windshield wiper washer motor, in 1997, I purchased the car in 1998, and in 2002 my motor blew up. I took it in and the service said that it wasn't covered and I would have to pay out of pocket to get it fixed! I recently found out that it was a recall so I took it in and they said that it had never been recalled - and I tried calling the hyundai hotline 800) 633-5151 and I pushed 5 to speak to someone about it and it hung up on me! N a 2 month time span all four of my interior door handles broke which I think should be recalled for being so thin and fragile anyway! if hyundai wants to make cars with warranties I think that they should honor them and fix the crappy cars that they make!*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel cap replacement campaign 36
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10230904This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
- 10196546Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicles owners manual. Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions. Use of other DCT and IVT gear oil may result in reduced durability. Hyundai does not approve the use of any aftermarket ATF or gear oil additives.
- 10190044This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
- 10190038This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10189989This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10183963This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
- 10183960This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the Tire Balance Data Sheet must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data. The Data Sheet can be found at the end of this bulletin.
- 10178175This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes, or during normal driving operation.
- 10176182This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
- 10176178This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
- 10174808This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
- 10174807The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10173546This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
- 10172142This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
- 10170883This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. This bulletin provides physical differences between the USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 port.
- 10169370The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects vehicles within the blind spot zone and gives off an alarm (visual and audible). The two magnetic radar sensors provide these functions for BSD/BCW: ? Senses other vehicles in the BSD/BCW zone and turns on the BSD/BCW warning lamp for the driver. The warning lamp starts blinking, along with an audible sound, when the driver turns on the turn signal lamp to enter the lane where another vehicle is driving.
- 10167253This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number.
- 10082725This bulletin provides information on components, attributes, and precautions of the 7-speed dry-type dual clutch transmission (dct).
- 10018890Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes list.
- 10016469Oxygen sensors.
- 10015733Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes list.
- 10005268Automatic transaxle pulse generator diagnostic trouble codes p0717 & p0722. 2004 accent included.
- 10002344Ata solenoid diagnostic trouble codes p0740, p0741, p0742, p0743, p0745, p0747, p0748, p0750, p0752, p0753, p0755, p0757, p0758, p0760, p0765.
- 10000708Obd-ii readiness test drive cycle.
- 633884Subject regarding diagnostic guide for clifford and dei security system.
- 633870Automatic transaxle pulse generator diagnostic trouble codes p0717 and p0722 - revised.
- 633851Subject regarding automatic transaxle oil leaking from oil pan gasket.
- 631420Subject regarding automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes list.
- 631408Subject on automatic transaxle harsh or delayed park reverse or park drive engagement.
- 628959Subject regarding front brake caliper rattle noise repair kit.
- 622933Subject regarding fuel tank pressure check campaign 037 for vehicles exhibiting excessive vacuum formation in the fuel tank.
- 618056Information on performing a test drive for transaxle shift quality.
- 613468Some transaxles produced prior to 05/15/99 may experience an oil leak in the bellhousing behind the torque converter.
- 607524Subject regarding crankshaft position sensor replacement procedure.
- 605845Subject regarding double cone synchronizer.
- 605841Some vehicles may experience an oil leak behind the torque converter.
- 605010Subject regarding automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble code p1613/1614.
- 604536Vehicles may exhibit a slight shift flare during the upshift from 2ND to 3RD gear.
- 604442Procedures on replacing damaged drip rail weatherstrip.
- 604210Subject on airbag repair kit part numbers.
Every Hyundai Elantra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.