Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
The 1992 Hyundai Elantra carries two red flags at once: 46 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE). It is one of the Elantra years to avoid.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (9), electrical system (9), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
46
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations · 1 open
1
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 9 | 20% | new |
| Electrical System | 9 | 20% | new |
| Engine | 8 | 17% | new |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 9% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 7% | new |
| Suspension | 3 | 7% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 4% | new |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | new |
SQ96017
REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS PERTAINING TO REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CANADIAN RECALL.FURTHERMORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS OPENED TO EVALUATE HYUNDAI'S RATIONAL FOR NOT CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO INCLUDE THE UNITE STATES POPULATION.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WOULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR PROBLEM. BROKEN PLASTIC LATCH ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. TRANSMISSION SLIPS DURING OPERATION, STARTER FAULTY, FRONT END SUSPENSION PROBLEMS CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF…”
“THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WENT INSIDE INTO DOCTOR'S OFFICE, AND SOMEONE CAME IN AND TOLD HER THAT CAR WAS ON FIRE IN PARKING LOT. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED, AND STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING SHORTED OUT, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK”
“WOULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR PROBLEM. BROKEN PLASTIC LATCH ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. TRANSMISSION SLIPS DURING OPERATION, STARTER FAULTY, FRONT END SUSPENSION PROBLEMS CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF…”
“CONSUMER STARTED CAR WOULDN'T START DEALER SAY THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE HAVING OTHER PROBLEM. TT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS AN OIL LEAK, CONSUMER ALSO STATES AFTER SECOND DAY OF PURCHASE DOOR WOULD NOT OPPEN.*JB”
NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 1992 model at #32 of 37 Elantra years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Elantra years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints).
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1992 Hyundai Elantra.
Yes — an investigation remains open (REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Elantra years to avoid are 2013, 2017, 2012, 2011, 2014, 2010, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2016, 2007, 2015, 2020, 2019, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1993. The cleanest record among Elantra years belongs to 2026.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.