- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can resultin a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
- The fix
- Hyundai has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
Vehicle safety record
1990 Hyundai Excel Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 1990 Hyundai Excel with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (8) and the engine & cooling (6). Those complaints describe 4 crashes, 4 fires and 7 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in November 1993 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 1989 has 88 and the 1991 has 39.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Excel year, for its age
#44 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 39
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 4
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 7
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 Hyundai Excel problems
Share of all 39 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 Hyundai Excel recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Lock washer located under the nut that secures the front hub to the drive shaft may have had improper heat treatment and could crack.
- The risk
- This could cause wheel bearing freeplay and could result in bearing damage, and possible loss of vehicle control through wheel failure.
- The fix
- Replace lock washer on each front wheel and repair area around lock washer as necessary.
What owners say
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39 complaints about the 1990 Hyundai Excel
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Engine sputtered, stopped running, caught fire. *Ak
AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE. *AK
The clutch fork broke, jamming the transmission. Also, causing the clutch to become inoperable. Please give any further details. *Ak
While driving about 40 mph another vehicle crossed consumer's vehicle and consumer crashed into it. Upon impact, driver's air bag did not deploy. *Ak
While proceeding up a slight incline during the commuting hour, the car lost all power and I came close to being hit in the rear. After about 30 seconds I regained some power and was able to proceed. The car was idling rough and I had to keep my foot on the accelerator at all times to keep it running. I had it turned up and it ran better but still a lack of power. I had to have it inspected and it failed inspection because the pollution was at 1200. I then had it tuned up again (fully) and it failed again. I had it checked out at a station and found out that cylinder 3 did not have any pressure at all. I also found out that to get it fixed it would cost around $1,000. It still is not fixed.
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
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.
Electrical problem, trouble opening drivers side door, and fuel pump failed.
During rapid acceleration, while stopping, brakes required excessive pressure, and could feel "chattering" in brakes & then a loss of braking power. Vehicle would not stop like it suppose to; slow response time. *Ak
ALL FOUR RIMS ARE CRACKED DUE TO DESIGN. *AK
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
Driver's side rear rim developed two hairline cracks.
During vehicle operation the vehicle stalls without warning. This has been a continuous problem. *Ak
Electronic computer failed causing engine stall.
AIR CONDITIONER HOSE REPLACED. *SD
CV BOOTS FAILED FIVE TIMES.
Vehicle does not conform to later impact portion of federal motor vehicle safety standard 301, fuel system integrity. (93V192000) *dsh
While driving on the road smoke was coming from the back of the car and the brakes would not work and the car blew up and driver was inside. Lost brakes before.
Wiring harness attached to firewall released and wrapped around tire axle; stopped vehicle from 55 mph to 0 mph; vehicle was on edge of cliff. Tt *jb
The back seat side window explodes twice in two years one was in cold weather parked outside second one was parked in garage in hot weather and exploded . Tt
REPLACED COMPUTER. *AK
REAR SIDE WINDOWS EXPLODED, CAUSING INJURY. *SD
The vehicle hestitated then stopped completely, then the vehicle caught fire. Tt
Consumer receive recall on the catalytic converter had it check having problem dealer will not replace because there was a used catalytic converter. Tt
On two separate occasions the back right/ left windows spontaneously exploded, passengers in back seat were showered with glass, resulting in an injury. *Ak
Hyundai Excel: every year compared
All Excel years1990 Hyundai Excel vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Hyundai Excel | 39 | 2 | D | |
| 1990 Hyundai Sonata | 17 | 3 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1990 Hyundai Excel
Does the 1990 Hyundai Excel have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1990 Hyundai Excel: fuel system, gasoline (November 1993); hubcap / cover (March 1990). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Hyundai Excel?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (8), engine & cooling (6), transmission & drivetrain (6).
How many complaints has the 1990 Hyundai Excel had?
39 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 13, 1994 and the latest on September 21, 2001. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 Hyundai Excel a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 28 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Hyundai Excel year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Hyundai Excel years have the most complaints?
1989 (88), 1988 (50), 1990 (39). See every Hyundai Excel year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 Hyundai Excel has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data