1996 Hyundai Elantra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Hyundai Elantra: 3 recalls, 100 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #97V026000 · 1997 · 74,965 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Why it matters: This contamination interferes with the electrical circuit continuity and prevents the windshield wiper motor from operating. Inoperative windshield wipers can contribute to reduced visibility during inclement weather increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will remove the contaminants from the windshield wiper motor circuit breaker contacts.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V095001 · 2000 · 84,020 vehicles
What's wrong: The evaporative emission control systems can apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. If excessive vacuum is applied, minor fuel tank distortion can result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The "check engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver May notice a gasoline odor.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If the fuel tank has cracked, it will be replaced.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V095002 · 2000 · 7,111 vehicles
What's wrong: The evaporative emission control systems can apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. If excessive vacuum is applied, minor fuel tank distortion can result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The "check engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver May notice a gasoline odor.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If the fuel tank has cracked, it will be replaced.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (20): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8), warning light on (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (20): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (7), warning light on (2).
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), warning light on (4), stalls / loses power (2).
- Airbags (14): the most common themes are fails to deploy (5), warning light on (3).
The 1996 Hyundai Elantra has 100 owner complaints, ranking #27 of 35 Elantra model years for complaints (well below the 249 average). Complaints peaked in 1997 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 92,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (112 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (115 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Hyundai Elantra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Hyundai Elantra problems?
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (20), transmission & drivetrain (20), electrical (14).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Hyundai Elantra get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Hyundai Elantra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.