MotorDeets

Hyundai Excel problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Excel from 1990 to 2001: 182 owner complaints and 7 recalls across 10 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1990 (38), 1991 (38), 1992 (34). Best fuel economy: 28 mpg combined (1993).

Hyundai Excel
Photo: OSX · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain47
Electrical25
Engine & cooling25
Brakes (hydraulic)16
Seat belts16
Fuel system12
Visibility (wipers, glass)10
Wheels10

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199023828
199113828
199213428
199312028
199423327
199505–
199603–
199702–
199802–
200107–

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 Hyundai Excel.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Hyundai Excel?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1990 (38), 1991 (38), 1992 (34).

How many recalls has the Hyundai Excel had?

Across 1990–2001, NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).