Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
The 1993 Hyundai Elantra carries two red flags at once: 39 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 engine (8), brakes (7), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
39
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations · 1 open
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 21% | — flat |
| Brakes | 7 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 5% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
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.
“THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED MORE THAN 5 TIMES IN A 3 MONTHS PERIOD. ALSO THE PULLEY AND BELT ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITHIN ONE MONTH. IF THE CAR IS DRIVEN ON THE FREEWAY FOR MORE THAT 10 MINS THE TRANSMISSION WILL GO OT.*AK”
“BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE FAILED CAUSING BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND BOIL BRAKE FLUIDE. THIS ALSO CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL DUE TO HEAVY LOAD PUT ON IT BY BRAKES STAYING PARTIAL ENGAGED.”
“DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 40MPH STARTED TO HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON ROAD. HAD IT REPLACED. THEN 2ND TRANSMISSION FAILED. MANUFACTURER SAID WILLNOT REPLACE DUE TO ODOMETER HAS OVER 60,000 MILES. DOES NOT KNOW CAUSE OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING, REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED; BODY OF VEHICLE FELL ONTO REAR AXLE AND GROUND; NO WARNING; NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT. *AK”
“DURING COLD OPERATING CONDITIONS AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT BUZZER AND LIGHT WILL NOT DEACTIVATE. CAUSING SEAT BELT NOT TO BE FULLY ENGAGED. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 1993 model at #33 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 engine (8 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 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.