The 1998 Hyundai Elantra has 60 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train. Owners most often flag major engine failure (requiring replacement): reports of engines failing or needing replacement at low mileage (e.g., 50,000 miles/80,000 km). linked to oil consumption and rod bearing failures in certain engines (e.g., theta ii), though not all elantra engines are covered by related recalls. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Hyundai Elantra vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 17 Elantra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 60 (1998) to 2,616 (2013). With 60 complaints, the 1998 Elantra sits belowthe model's median of 315.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. Long-term owner reports for older generations (pre-2011) with specific engines like the Beta II describe exceptional, Corolla-like reliability with examples…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Elantra. See the full Elantra owner picture and every model year.
Used Elantra listings typically run $20,931–$22,651 across 2017 to 2026 model years.
Compare every Elantra year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.