1998 Hyundai Elantra problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 1998 Hyundai Elantra is among the quieter years of the Elantra on NHTSA's books: 75 complaints (65% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (16), transmission (13), and other (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
75
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Elantra years?
What are the most common 1998 Hyundai Elantra problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 16 | 21% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 13 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Other | 9 | 12% | — flat |
| Airbags | 7 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 5 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED SEVERAL SENSORS AND COMPUTER - STILL STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS - AFTER THE CLUTH IS PUSHED IN AND ARE APPROCHING A STOP THE ENGINE WILL STUMBLE AND EITHER PICK BACK UP OR STALL - THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS HAS NEVER HAPPENED WHEN THEY HAVE IT - HAS BEEN…”
“ 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…”
“I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER 8 TIMES. THE ENGINE CUTS OUT AT ALL RATES OF SPEED. CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND POWER STEERING. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS BUT THE CAR IS STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN PUMPING GAS, WHEN THE TANK IS FULL, THE PUMP DOESN'T SHUT OFF. GAS THEN POURS OUT OF…”
“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”
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY TRAVELING 75 MPH CONSUMER, ATTEMPTING TO AVOID HITTING VEHICLE IN FRONT, APPLIED BRAKES SUDDENLY AND VEHICLE SWERVED, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE OTHER LANE. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. *AK”
1998 Hyundai Elantra — common questions
Is the 1998 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 75 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Elantra year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1998 Elantra problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (16 complaints), transmission (13 complaints), other (9 complaints).
Does the 1998 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Hyundai Elantra.
Which Hyundai Elantra years should you avoid?
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.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.