1998 Hyundai Elantra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Hyundai › Elantra › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Hyundai Elantra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
55 complaints9 involved a crash6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Car downshifts end engine revs. If put into reverse, forward transmission can then usually be selected. can put foot on gas and engine/transmission will "idle/rev". *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
After entering a highway my elantra came to a complete stop on the highway from 65 mph and the engine died. I later had to replace the front brakes and wheel bearings on the side I swerved into and I'm sure that IS what caused the problem. I heard a woman complain about this same situation that…
After entering a highway my elantra came to a complete stop on the highway from 65 mph and the engine died. I later had to replace the front brakes and wheel bearings on the side I swerved into and I'm sure that IS what caused the problem. I heard a woman complain about this same situation that happened to her twice to a dealership mechanic while she was having the transmission on her elantra checked out. I think this problem results from there being no lock on the shifter between neutral and drive. It takes very little effort to pop the shifter into neutral (like a coat sleeve) and I think I touched it while reaching for my radio.this sent the engine into very high revs which caused the vacuum system to fail and then caused the power brakes to fall to the floor. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Dt: the contact stated he had problems filling the gas tank. when he tried to fill the gas tank the gas immediately began to spill out. the vehicle was taken to various mechanics, each mechanic gave a different reason for the problem. no solution has been successful in correcting the defect.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I recently purchased a 1998 hyundai elantra. the problem I have IS sporadic and without warning. the vehicle IS equipped with an automatic transmission. at any given time the vehicle will jerk to almost a complete stop as if someone has pulled the emergency brake on. this will happen at various…
I recently purchased a 1998 hyundai elantra. the problem I have IS sporadic and without warning. the vehicle IS equipped with an automatic transmission. at any given time the vehicle will jerk to almost a complete stop as if someone has pulled the emergency brake on. this will happen at various speeds and happens whether or not the check engine light IS on. I have parked the vehicle as it frightens me to drive more than 20 mph. I use my vehicle frequently for my employment and have been renting a vehicle. I believe the problem IS not as uncommon as it appears to be. I have read numerous complaints on hyundai (accent)and elantras where the problem I am having IS the same. I think this IS very dangerous not only to the driver of the defective vehicle, but also to anyone who may be following close behind. I have had some close calls during the downshift, but luckily no accidents. I have read articles where the transmission has been replaced as many as four times in one year and still the problem was not fixed. as you know, trust worthy auto mechanics are a rare breed, and I can not afford to go through numerous parts replacements while they try to determine the exact cause of the failure. any information available seems to cost at least $24.95 to obtain and I still don't know if I am getting the information I need. I know that hyundai IS aware of the problem and don't think they should be allowed to hide the details from consumers. the last time I drove my vehicle, I arrived home in tears, shaking from holding the steering wheel so tightly in case it decided to jerk to a stop. please help. *Jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Dt: consumer purchased two sets of firestone supreme tires for two different vehicles. all eight tires had tread separation, each occurred at different times. dealer only honored the warranty for the first seven tires. the last tread separation caused the vehicle to be totaled, causing…
Dt: consumer purchased two sets of firestone supreme tires for two different vehicles. all eight tires had tread separation, each occurred at different times. dealer only honored the warranty for the first seven tires. the last tread separation caused the vehicle to be totaled, causing injury to consumer's child. on the eighth tire dealer told the consumer that he had to send the tire and all claim information to the corporate office, to be treated as a property damage claim. firestone, supreme si, P185/ 65 R14 855 m+s. Consumer was upset that the legal affairs department of bridgestone / firestone intervened and took over the claim from consumer affairs because of the child injury , and rejected the claim , stating they not responsible. they told consumer that the tire must have been under inflated, and it was not a manufacturing defect, the problem was in the servicing of the tires, and that tires plus was responsible. the eighth tire was repaired before this incident by a manufacturer's repair at tires plus. previous problems found with firestone tires had consumer file compliant 6365296 with the federal trade commission. *Ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Door latch inside has broken several times. I have to roll my window down to exit car. I have had the handle replace 5 times. when weather IS cold, I can't exit vehicle due to the fact the electric windows freeze. I fear an accident might trap me in my car. *Jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The interior door latches are of poor construction and break easily and inhibit being able to get out of the vehicle. this IS a safety problem that needs to be corrected. we have already had to replace the interior door latches once and need to have them replaced again now.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
Consumer stated rear view mirror popped out, hitting the consumer, and causing a collision. Dealer notified.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission died at 74,000 miles. No reverse, slips out of first. 8JB
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission in 1998 hyundai elantra failed at 72,000 miles and had to be replaced. *nlm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission needs to be completely replaced after 77,000.00. The car hesitates or gets stuck in heavy traffic, which poses a safety hazard, especially with children in the car. The dealership were the vehicle was purchased lied to me and told me that it had a 100,000 mile power train warranty. It turned out it only had a five year 60,000.00 mile warranty. *nlm
- Service brakes, air › Controls
Consumer stated that while appling brakes vehicle keep moving foward and hit another vehicle.consumer also stated that the air bags didn't deploy. ph
- Tires
Consumer was traveling at about 63 mph when the rubber started peeling away from the left front tire. tire did not go flat, the rubber peeled away and caused some damage to the left front fender and side molding on the driver side. *scc (ohio traffic police report)
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer stated the brakes were replaced.ts *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Consumer stated the transmission was replaced. ts *jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Door locks will not open from the inside of vehicle. Consumer has to roll down the window to open vehicle from outside.*ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Overdrive was completely gone. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and transmission was rebuilt four times, but problem still occurs. please provide any further information.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle stalled 7 times at 20 - 40 mph. not taken to dealer yet. Felt like brakes were applied very hard when vehicle stalled. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision with another vehicle at 15-20 mph impact, and both air bags did not deploy. Dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. feel free to provide us with any further details on this matter. *ak
- Structure › Body › Door
Drivers inside door handle broke. driver had to roll windown down to exit vehicle.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
While driving vehicle stalled unexpectedly due to a defective mass air flow sensor. common problem. please provide further information. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Was traveling 35-40mph when another vehicle went through stop sign, and hit consumer's vehicle. Then, elantra rear ended first vehicle. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. Driver hit the steering wheel. driver received emergency treatment. Vehicle totaled. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Car stalls when going between 35mph and 45mph, happens periodically. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Complained numerous times about engine lights coming on, engine almost stalled at various speeds. brought to dealer and supposedly fixed. still get slow downs in engine from time to time. Second big problem was not being able to fill gas tank. has happened 3 times since I bought car. first time 02/99.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
While using cruise control and going up a hill, the overdrive goes off like it IS supposed to. After cresting the hill, the overdrive does not re-engage until sometimes 1/2 mile (even going down hill). This leaves the engine running at 4000rpm (normal IS about 2500rpm). Dangerous? Probably to someone not expecting it.
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.
- 10217258Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the lesser of 1.5% of GVWR or 100 pounds. If the total added weight exceeds the lesser of the limit, a label must be added to the driver-side B-pillar within 25mm (1 inch) of the original tire placard.
- 10217251Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
- 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.
- 618056Information on performing a test drive for transaxle shift quality.
- 614057Subject regarding automatic transaxles - not interchangeable.
- 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.
- 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.
Every Hyundai Elantra model year
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