Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 54 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Excel year — the 1990 model ranks #3 of 14 Excel years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (11), electrical system (8), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
54
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
5
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 8 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 7 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 5 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 6% | new |
| Brakes | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | new |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE VEHICLES FAILED THE LATERAL MOVING BARRIER IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE GAS TANK EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AMOUNT OF SPILLAGE.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SPILLAGE CAN RESULTIN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy
HYUNDAI HAS DEVELOPED AN APPROPRIATE COUNTERMEASURE THAT WILL COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301.
Defect
LOCK WASHER LOCATED UNDER THE NUT THAT SECURES THE FRONT HUB TO THE DRIVE SHAFT MAY HAVE HAD IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT AND COULD CRACK.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE WHEEL BEARING FREEPLAY AND COULD RESULT IN BEARING DAMAGE, AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL THROUGH WHEEL FAILURE.
Remedy
REPLACE LOCK WASHER ON EACH FRONT WHEEL AND REPAIR AREA AROUND LOCK WASHER AS NECESSARY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ENGINE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AT 20-25MPH. NO PRIOR INDICATION OR WARNING. DEALER CONTACTED AND NO WARRANTY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED, REPAIRS CAN BE REMEDIED AT OWNER EXPENSE. *AK”
“THE WIRES IN THE FRONT HALF BURNT COMPLETELY OUT AND IT LOCKED UP THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN A FIRE/ACCIDENT/INJUTIES. *AK”
“THE CLUTCH FORK BROKE, JAMMING THE TRANSMISSION. ALSO, CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO BECOME INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
“VEHICLE DOES NOT CONFORM TO LATER IMPACT PORTION OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY. (93V192000) *DSH”
“WHEN REPLACING TIRES FOUND ALL (4) WHEELS WERE CRACKED. (2) WHEELS ARE SPLIT FROM RIM TO BOLT HOLES. OTHER (2) WHEELS ARE SHOWING CRACKS AND SIGNS OF SPLITTING. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 1990 model at #3 of 14 Excel years. It is one of the Excel years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Hyundai Excel. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Excel years to avoid are 1989, 1988, 1990, 1994, 1991, 1992. The cleanest record among Excel years belongs to 1998.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.