Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
1998 Hyundai Elantra: common problems and reliability
60 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. No recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Elantra?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.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Hyundai Elantra vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Elantra?
Across the 31 Elantra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 60 (1998) to 2,622 (2013). With 60 complaints, the 1998 Elantra sits below the model's median of 267.
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.
Where owners report problems
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Elantra. See the full Elantra owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Elantra listings typically run $9,966–$20,299.
Other Elantra model years
Compare every Elantra year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Elantra against its rivals
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