Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
1999 Hyundai Elantra: common problems and reliability
148 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1999 Elantra?The 1999 Hyundai Elantra has 148 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 1999 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1999 Hyundai Elantra vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1999 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 148 complaints, the 1999 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
Recalls affecting the 1999 Elantra
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 00V259001VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME SONATA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 LITER V-6 ENGINES AND ALL ELANTRA MODEL VEHICLES MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT LOW-SPEED ENGINE STALLING, WHICH COULD OCCUR IF THE MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) SENSOR ELECTRICAL SIGNAL IS INTERRUPTED AS A RESULT OF ENGINE VIBRATION TRANSMITTED TO THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 99V178000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE SEALS DO NOT REMAIN SUFFICIENTLY ELASTIC, RESULTING IN TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN REDUCED PRESSURE APPLICATION TO THE CLUTCHES, BRAKE, AND KICKDOWN SERVO, ALLOWING THEM TO SLIP.
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 1999 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Elantra against its rivals
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