1988 HYUNDAI EXCEL
4 recalls, 64 complaints - 12 TSBs
94V103000 Jun 6, 1994
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
Defect Description
THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE STEM DOES NOT MEET THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE STEM TO LEAK.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS.
93V167000 Oct 4, 1993
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Defect Description
THE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY LOCK UP FROM INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION OF THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION CASE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE DRIVE WHEELS TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP.
Consequence
SUDDEN STOPS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CAN CAUSE VEHICLEOCCUPANTS TO BE THROWN AROUND IN THE CAR, AND CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROLWHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
HYUNDAI WILL PERFORM A COST FREE TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE.
91V225000 Dec 31, 1991
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Defect Description
DETERIORATION OF THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY MAY LEAD TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SECONDARY AIR SUPPLY PORTION OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE SCREWS WHICH ATTACH THE REEDS TO THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY MAY RUST, AND IF THE RUSTING BECOMES SEVERE, THE SCREW HEADS WILL ERODE AND ALLOW THE REEDS TO... Read more
Consequence
THE MELTING PLASTIC AIR FILTER CASE MAY LEAD TO A FIREIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY WITH ONE WHOSE METAL COMPONENTS ARE FABRICATED FROM CORROSION RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL.
89V100000 Jun 19, 1989
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
IF CRUISE CONTROL MAIN SWITCH IS IN THE ON POSITION WHEN ENGINE IS STARTED, SYSTEM CAN BE AFFECTED BY A SHORT DURATION VOLTAGE DROP CAUSED BY OPTIONAL HI-POWER (H340) RADIO.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.
Complaint Statistics
64 total complaints
4 crashes 8 fires 7 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 10 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 4 |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 2 |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Aug 20, 2004
Incident date: Jan 30, 1997
PROBLEMS WITH BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT, RACK AND PINION LEAKAGE, BENT CROSSMEMBER IN THE SUBFRAME, ETC. (NAR) *PH *CB THE CONSUMER SENT ANOTHER COMPLAINT REFERENCING 10040082,10022196,10011711, & 10003824 ALL OF WHICH WENT UN-ANSWERED. *TC
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Aug 20, 2004
Incident date: Jan 30, 1997
PROBLEMS WITH BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT, RACK AND PINION LEAKAGE, BENT CROSSMEMBER IN THE SUBFRAME, ETC. (NAR) *PH *CB THE CONSUMER SENT ANOTHER COMPLAINT REFERENCING 10040082,10022196,10011711, & 10003824 ALL OF WHICH WENT UN-ANSWERED. *TC
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Aug 20, 2004
Incident date: Jan 30, 1997
PROBLEMS WITH BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT, RACK AND PINION LEAKAGE, BENT CROSSMEMBER IN THE SUBFRAME, ETC. (NAR) *PH *CB THE CONSUMER SENT ANOTHER COMPLAINT REFERENCING 10040082,10022196,10011711, & 10003824 ALL OF WHICH WENT UN-ANSWERED. *TC
STRUCTURE
Oct 15, 2003
RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING, BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT AND UPPER TIE BAR IS BENT.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS POORLY WELDED ON ONE SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME *TS THE CROSS MEMEBER WAS BENT. *JB
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Oct 15, 2003
RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING, BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT AND UPPER TIE BAR IS BENT.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS POORLY WELDED ON ONE SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME *TS THE CROSS MEMEBER WAS BENT. *JB
TIRES
Sep 5, 2000
Incident date: Jul 1, 2000
DRIVING OUT OF DRIVEWAY HEARD A NOISE LIKE THE TIRE WAS FLAT OR SOMETHING DRAGGING BENEATH MY VEHICLE. EXITED FOUND NOTHING. DROVE TO NEXT STOP SIGN, NOISE CONTINUED. EXITED A SECOND TIME AND OBSERVED TRED FROM TIRE EXTENDING ABOUT SIX INCHES TO THE REAR OF TIRE. TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED BUT THE ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Apr 23, 1999
Incident date: Apr 16, 1999
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
Fire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
Feb 10, 1999
Incident date: Dec 30, 1996
TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINE BROKE CAUSING CAR TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Feb 10, 1999
Incident date: Dec 30, 1996
ENGINE HEAD FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Feb 10, 1999
Incident date: Dec 30, 1996
RADIATOR FAILED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 26, 1999
VEHICLE SOLD WITHOUT PRIOR HISTORY INFORMATION STATING VEHICLE WAS SALVAGED.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:LUBRICANT
Oct 30, 1998
Incident date: Oct 25, 1993
RECALL ON TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF GRINDING, REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Oct 30, 1998
WINDOW CRANKS FALL OFF.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Oct 30, 1998
Incident date: Oct 25, 1993
VALVE TRAIN CAME LOOSE CAUSING ENGINE TO FAIL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Jun 24, 1998
PRE-CAT AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD REPLACED DUE TO COMPONENTS OVERHEATING, CAUSING CRACKING AND DISINTEGRATING.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Mar 3, 1998
VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH LAP BELTS.
SUSPENSION
Jan 29, 1998
VEHICLE VIBRATES SEVERLY WITH LOUD SHAKING AND A RATTLING NOISE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jan 29, 1998
VEHICLE, UNPREDICTABLY, LACKS POWER WHEN ACCELERATION FROM IDLE OR NEAR IDLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Jun 27, 1997
STARTER FAILED.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Jun 27, 1997
VEHICLE WILL NOT HOLD PROPER ALIGNMENT, RESULTING IN TIRE WEAR.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Dec 31, 1996
Incident date: Jun 27, 1996
ENGINE OVERHEATED, CAUSING OVERFLOW CONTAINER TO ERUPT IN DRIVER'S FACE, RESULTING IN FACIAL BURNS.
1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Oct 10, 1996
Incident date: Aug 18, 1996
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Jul 11, 1996
Incident date: Aug 1, 1988
EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED AT OXYGEN SENSOR, CAUSING EXHAUST SYSTEM TO BACK UP/FAIL, AS WELL AS THE ENGINE/HEADS/HEAD GASKET TO FAIL. *DH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Jul 11, 1996
Incident date: May 15, 1996
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO REED VALVE SUB ASSEMBLY FAILURE.
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Feb 18, 1994
OIL LEAK FROM REAR MAIN SEAL/VALVE COVER GASKET. *DH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
May 20, 1996
Incident date: Oct 20, 1994
MONTES AUTO CTR 91V225. ITS BEEN 1 1/2 YEAR AND THE DLR AND ZONE OFFICE CAN NOT MAKE A DECISION ON REPAIRS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
May 15, 1996
Incident date: Apr 30, 1996
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AND THE VEHICLE COUGHT FIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
May 15, 1996
Incident date: Apr 30, 1996
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AND THE VEHICLE COUGHT FIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Apr 25, 1996
Incident date: Apr 2, 1996
EMISSION SYSTEM REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY FAILED. *DSH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Apr 17, 1996
Incident date: Jan 4, 1996
FRONT SEAT BELT FAILED IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURIES. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *DSH
1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Feb 29, 1996
Incident date: Nov 1, 1994
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED, CAUSING INJURY. TT
1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Feb 29, 1996
Incident date: Nov 1, 1994
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED, CAUSING INJURY. TT
1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jan 31, 1996
AUTO CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY-NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jan 23, 1996
Incident date: Dec 9, 1995
WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD RATTLING SOUND AND ENGINE DIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Nov 17, 1995
Incident date: Nov 15, 1995
DRIVERS SHOULDER SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Oct 13, 1995
Incident date: Oct 13, 1995
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 8 DIFFERENT TIMES, VEHICLE HAS 50K MILES. TT
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Oct 12, 1995
Incident date: Feb 20, 1995
TRANSMISSION FAILED, RESULTING IN NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR PRIOR TO RECALL (93V-167). *AK
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Oct 10, 1995
WHEN RAIN WATER GETS INTO THE TRUCK ,THE TRANSMISSION GEAR STICKS AND THE HEATER WATER DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK . TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 10, 1995
WHEN RAIN WATER GETS INTO THE TRUCK ,THE TRANSMISSION GEAR STICKS AND THE HEATER WATER DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK . TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Oct 6, 1995
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS DON'T RESTRAIN A PERSON IN A CAR . TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 13, 1995
Incident date: Jul 16, 1991
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jul 13, 1995
Incident date: Oct 24, 1989
GASKET REPLACE DUE TO LEAK, AND VEHICLE STALLING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Jul 13, 1995
Incident date: Jul 27, 1994
ALTERNATOR REPLACED TWICE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Jul 13, 1995
Incident date: Sep 14, 1992
BATTERY REPLACED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Jul 13, 1995
Incident date: Oct 24, 1989
RIGHT TAIL LAMP REPLACED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 6, 1995
Incident date: May 26, 1993
SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSING ACCIDENT.
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Jul 6, 1995
Incident date: Apr 4, 1995
ALTERNATOR FAILED 2 TIMES. *TW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Jul 6, 1995
Incident date: Apr 22, 1991
BATTERY FAILED 3 TIMES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Jul 6, 1995
Incident date: May 26, 1993
FIRE DAMAGE CAUSED BY REED VALVE, PRIOR TO RECALL. (91V225) *TW
Fire
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Jul 6, 1995
Incident date: Jun 1, 1993
HEATER LEAKED HOT COOLANT, BURNING DRIVER'S FOOT, PRIOR TO RECALL. (94V103)
Crash
1 injured
Showing 50 of 64 complaints.
EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 HYUNDAI EXCEL
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 23.0 | 29.0 | 26.0 | Regular | $2,400 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 23.0 | 30.0 | 26.0 | Regular | $2,400 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 24.0 | 33.0 | 28.0 | Regular | $2,200 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 HYUNDAI EXCEL
12 manufacturer communications from 8 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 2 |
| 138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE | 1 |
| 105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT | 1 |
| 270000 LANE DEPARTURE | 1 |
| 280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| 190000 TIRES | 1 |
| 200000 WHEELS | 1 |
23-BD-002H
Jan 30, 2023
130000 VISIBILITY
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th
21-EM-003H
Mar 10, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
21-EM-003H
Mar 10, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
20-BR-002H
Nov 30, 2020
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
20-SS-004H
Nov 19, 2020
190000 TIRES
This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the a??Tire Balance Data Sheeta?? must be fully completed including imbalance and Road For
20-SS-004H
Nov 19, 2020
200000 WHEELS
This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the a??Tire Balance Data Sheeta?? must be fully completed including imbalance and Road For
20-EE-003H
Apr 23, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: a?? A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. a?? A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
20-EE-003H
Apr 23, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: a?? A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. a?? A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
19-BE-011H-1
Nov 4, 2019
270000 LANE DEPARTURE
The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects v
19-BE-011H-1
Nov 4, 2019
280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION
The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects v
9740002
Jan 1, 1997
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SHIFT CONDITION CAUSED BY SHORT CIRCUIT IN INHIBITOR SWITCH. *TW
9501002
Jan 1, 1995
138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
EXCELS EQUIPPED WITH HEATER CORES MANUFACTURED BY MANDO MAY EXPERIENCE COOLANT LEAKAGE FROM THE HEATER VALVE STEM ASSEMBLY. *TW
NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI EXCEL
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE94043
Opened: May 27, 1994 , Closed: Oct 31, 1994
CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURES
There is no summary currently available
PE94003
Opened: Jan 14, 1994 , Closed: Jun 10, 1994
HEATER CORE FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
EA92032
Opened: Oct 13, 1992 , Closed: Oct 29, 1993
TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION
There is no summary currently available
C92001
Opened: Sep 28, 1992 , Closed: Oct 29, 1993
TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION
There is no summary currently available
EA91048
Opened: Nov 19, 1991 , Closed: Oct 26, 1992
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
EA91039
Opened: Sep 24, 1991 , Closed: Oct 13, 1992
TRANSMISSION LOCK-UP
There is no summary currently available
PE91097
Opened: Jul 10, 1991 , Closed: Nov 19, 1991
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILS
There is no summary currently available
PE91083
Opened: Jun 10, 1991 , Closed: Sep 24, 1991
TRANSMISSION LOCKUP
There is no summary currently available
EA91024
Opened: May 3, 1991 , Closed: Jan 7, 1992
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
There is no summary currently available
PE91053
Opened: Feb 26, 1991 , Closed: Jun 5, 1991
PASSENGER BRAKE
There is no summary currently available
PE91027
Opened: Jan 4, 1991 , Closed: May 3, 1991
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
There is no summary currently available
PE90011
Opened: Oct 25, 1989 , Closed: Apr 2, 1990
FRONT SUSPENSION VIBRATION
There is no summary currently available
PE89138
Opened: Jul 6, 1989 , Closed: Nov 1, 1989
PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM
===
PE89099
Opened: Mar 14, 1989 , Closed: Jul 5, 1989
HEATER CORE FAILURE
===
PE88089
Opened: Aug 8, 1988 , Closed: Nov 21, 1988
RUPTURED FUEL HOSE
There is no summary currently available
PE88088
Opened: Aug 8, 1988 , Closed: Nov 17, 1988
STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION
There is no summary currently available
PE87027
Opened: Apr 28, 1987 , Closed: Dec 9, 1987
BRAKE LOSS
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: HYUNDAI HAS AGREED TO RECALL1986 AND 1987 EXCELS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE.ANALYSIS: ODI'S INQUIRY TO OVSC ABOUT THE 1986 MODEL'S PERFORMANCEIN THE FMVSS-105 COMPLIANCE TEST, PROMPTED OVSC TO TEST THE 1987 MODEL,AND FOUND IT TO BE OUT OF COMPLIANCE. BASED ON OUR INV... Read more
HYUNDAI EXCEL - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the HYUNDAI EXCEL across all model years (1986, 1994).
24
Total Recalls
429
Total Complaints
17
Investigations
29
Reported Crashes
47
Reported Fires
2
Reported Deaths
HYUNDAI EXCEL - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.