Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 44 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Excel year — the 1991 model ranks #5 of 14 Excel years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (10), electrical system (8), and visibility & wipers (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
44
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
5
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 10 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 18% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 11% | — flat |
| Other | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CAR BEGAN TO ONLY DO 20 MILES PER HOUR AFTER STOPPING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. DROVE FIN ON ROAD. THAN BEGAN TO DRIVE SLOWLY AFTER TWO WEEKS. HAD TRANSMISSION FLIUD CHANGE AND DROVE GREAT FOR A WEEK THEN FAILED. I AM VER UPSET BY THIS MOTOR COMPANY FOR HIDING THIS MAJOR DEFECT. MY CAR ONLY…”
“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, FIRE UNDER THE DASH. FIRE DEPT. SAYS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE WINDOWS(PASSENGER AND DRIVER) IN THE REAR EXPLODED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 2 OTHER OCCASIONS. THE WINDOWS WERE REPLACED BY OWNER ALL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROLBEM. *AK THE FIRST WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TWO OTHER TIMES…”
“VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISE, THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS NEVER GONE OFF SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, AND THE CAR CUTS OFF. THE DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“LOOSE MOLDING AROUND REAR WHEEL WELL BROKE OFF, CAUSING LOST OF CONTROL BY STRIKING THE CENTER WALL OF THE VEHICLE. (NEW JERSEY POLICE REPORT)”
NHTSA data argues against it: 44 complaints put the 1991 model at #5 of 14 Excel years. It is one of the Excel years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (10 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 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.