1992 Hyundai Elantra problems

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The Hyundai Elantra, also known as the Hyundai Avante (Korean: 현대 아반떼), is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 1990. The Elantra was initially marketed as the Lantra in Australia and some European markets. In Australia, this was due to the similarly named Mitsubishi Magna Elante model; similarly, in other markets, the name Avante is not used due to its similarity with Audi's "Avant" designation, which is used for their line-up of station wagons. The name was standardized as "Elantra" worldwide in 2001 (except in South Korea and Singapore).

First generation (J1; 1990)

The Elantra (codename J1) was launched in October 1990, and received a mid-term facelift in 1993.

It was sold in Europe from the spring of 1991. It replaced the somewhat larger on the outside Stellar, although that model had not been offered in many markets. The Elantra competed with the likes of the Ford Sierra and Vauxhall Cavalier/Opel Vectra, but at a considerably lower price.

The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L (1595 cc) straight-four. This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced 113 PS (83 kW) at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.5 seconds. The quarter-mile (0.4 km) run took 17.1 seconds and produced 129 km/h (80 mph). Top speed was 187 km/h (116 mph). The Elantra got 22 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km) in the city cycle. Starting in 1993 a Mitsubishi-designed 1.8 L (1836 cc) inline-four option was available; this unit produces 135 PS (99 kW) at 6000 rpm and replaced the twin-cam 1.6 in the home market.

1992 Hyundai Elantra

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Common 1992 Hyundai Elantra problems

The 1992 Hyundai Elantra has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include:

  • Shift Condition Caused by Short Circuit in Inhibitor Switch: Another common problem with the 1992 Hyundai Elantra is a shift condition caused by a short circuit in the inhibitor switch. This issue is also addressed in a TSB, which provides information on the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles.
  • Window Regulator Adjustment: The window regulator in the 1992 Hyundai Elantra may require adjustment. This issue is addressed in a TSB that provides information on the adjustment of the window regulator.
  • Rear Seat Belt Mounting: Some owners have reported issues with the rear seat belt mounting in the 1992 Hyundai Elantra. This issue is addressed in a TSB that provides information on the proper mounting of the rear seat belts.
  • Front-End Components: Some owners have reported issues with the front-end components of the 1992 Hyundai Elantra. These issues may include problems with the steering, suspension, or other front-end components. One owner reported that the 5-speed transmission had to be rebuilt at 15,000 miles due to issues with shifting into third gear.
  • Throttle Body Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the throttle body in the 1992 Hyundai Elantra, with one owner reporting that the throttle body died at 25,000 miles.

These common problems with the 1992 Hyundai Elantra are based on complaints from owners and may not represent all issues that may arise with the vehicle. It is important to properly maintain and service the vehicle to prevent these and other issues from occurring.

1992 Hyundai Elantra engine

What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Elantra?

A prevalent problem that the Hyundai Elantra's have is a subpar starter. A few signs of a bad starter are noises, smoke, and if the car won't start. Noises such as clicking, grinding, or a high-pitched sound can indicate that the starter is bad.

Are old Hyundai Elantra reliable?

Overall, the Hyundai Elantra has a reliability rating of 69.25, which is much higher than the industry average of 57 and on the higher end of Hyundai cars.

What year was bad for Hyundai Elantra?

2013 was not a good year for the Elantra. In fact, it's the sedan's worst year to date. CarComplaints identified the 2013 Elantra as the worst model year for the compact sedan.

Which year is best for Elantra?

We'd rate the 2007-2009 Elantra's, along with the 2015 and 2016 Elantra's in the middle range. They perform well, but not best. Not that you'll find them here, but the newer models, from 2019 onward have been rated highly, and so far haven't earned a lot of complaints.

1992 Hyundai Elantra car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hyundai Elantra problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Hyundai Elantra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1992 Hyundai Elantra

The NHTSA has received 38 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Hyundai Elantra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1992 Hyundai Elantra vehicles.

2001-04-13

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-03-02
  • VIN: KMHJF22R2NU
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WHEN TRYING TO USE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THEY WERE FROZEN WHILE SWITCH WAS ON, WAS UNABLE TO OPERATE THEM. INSTEAD OF BLOWING A FUSE, WIRING HARNESS GOT HOT AND BURNED ALL WIRES. *AK
1999-06-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN:
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WENT INSIDE INTO DOCTOR'S OFFICE, AND SOMEONE CAME IN AND TOLD HER THAT CAR WAS ON FIRE IN PARKING LOT. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED, AND STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING SHORTED OUT, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
1999-03-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-05
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TIMING BELT, FAILED CAUSING CYLINDER HEAD DAMAGE FROM VALVES, ENGINE BLOWN
1999-03-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-06-12
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: KMHJF22RXNU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 35, I MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS FLEW TO THE LEFT, THEY WERE NOT ON AT THE TIME, BLACK SMOKE FILLED THE CAR, THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CAR JERKED FORWARD WITH A THUMP. I MANAGED TO PULL THE CAR TO THE SHOLDER JUST AS THE CAR DIED. THE CAR WAS TOLLED TO THE AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALIST IN EL DORADE, KS. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM ABOUT 8 COMPUTER BOARD FRIED AND HAD TO BE REPLASED. I STILL HAVE THEM IN MY GARAGE. ON THE E.C.U. I WAS TOLD THAT IT ROTTED????? IT WAS MUST HAVE BEEN SUBMERGED IN WATER.
1999-02-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-30
  • VIN: KMHJF22R4NU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE WILL NOT START. WOULD DIE OUT WHEN IT DOES START. ALTERNATOR HAD BROKEN. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
1998-12-24

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-30
  • VIN: KMHJF22R4NU
  • Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WOULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR PROBLEM. BROKEN PLASTIC LATCH ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. TRANSMISSION SLIPS DURING OPERATION, STARTER FAULTY, FRONT END SUSPENSION PROBLEMS CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE TIRES. GLOVE BOX LATCH FELL OFF IN CONSUMERS HAND. PARKING LIGHTS FAILED. *AK
1998-07-02

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
  • VIN: KMHJF22RXNU
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: LEFT FRONT STRUT FAILED.
1998-02-19

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: KMHJF22R3NU
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: PAINT IS PEELING OFF OF VEHICLE.
1997-04-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS IN A CRASH AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES BECAUSE SEATBELT DID NOT HOLD THE PASSENGER. *AK
1996-07-18

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-01
  • VIN: KMHJF22R9NU
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: ACCELEATOR PEDAL STICKS AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE. *AK *JB
1996-07-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-26
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, ALSO THE HOOD LATCH FELL OFF AND TIMING BELT FAILED. *AK
1996-02-07

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: OWNER ENTERED VEHICLE BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1996-02-01

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-12
  • VIN: KMHJF32R9NU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FOUR TIMES. TT
1996-01-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-22
  • VIN: KMHJF22R6NU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE AT SPEED 65MPH, VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTS TO 45 MPH, NO ENGINE POWER. TT
1996-01-19

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-16
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM HOUSING UNIT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-11-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: CONSUMER STARTED CAR WOULDN'T START DEALER SAY THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE HAVING OTHER PROBLEM. TT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS AN OIL LEAK, CONSUMER ALSO STATES AFTER SECOND DAY OF PURCHASE DOOR WOULD NOT OPPEN.*JB
1995-11-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-05-02
  • VIN: KMHJF32R3NU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING HARNESS FRONT UNDERHOOD FAILURE. TT
1995-07-28

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
  • VIN: KMHJF22R0NU
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: ENGINE LOSES POWER WHEN A/C IS IN USE.
1995-07-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
  • VIN: KMHJF22R0NU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: NOISY TRANSMISSION REPLACED THREE TIMES,
1995-07-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
  • VIN: KMHJF22R0NU
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WORN BRAKE PADS,
1995-07-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
  • VIN: KMHJF22R0NU
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WORN BRAKE ROTORS.
1995-07-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-17
  • VIN: KMHKF32R9NV
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE OIL IN THE CAR IS BEING CONSUMED AT A HIGH RATE AND THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
1995-06-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-14
  • VIN: KMHJF32R3NU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TIMING BELT FAILED TWICE, CAUSING ENGINE TO BLOW UP. *AK
1995-04-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-03-29
  • VIN: KMHJF22R2NU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TIMING BELT BROKE TWICE. *AW
1995-04-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-12
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: PURCHASE AS A DEMO HAS 900 MILES ON AND THE TRANSMISSION BLOW. TT

Negative 1992 Hyundai Elantra car reviews

  1. Ambrose Stoltenberg 2024-05-27

    I bought this Hyundai as my first car and have been using it to deliver pizza. After putting over 40000km on it, I have a few things to say. Unfortunately, a few things have gone wrong such as the muffler falling off ($90), shifter cable snapping on the freeway ($114), CV boot tearing off ($40 DIY), and the synchronizers being shot ($1800 to rebuild...yeah right). However, I was able to fix it myself with a wreck and a weekend, and now it's actually a decent little beater. It's good on gas, has only had the problems you'd expect for an economy import with 200k+ on it, no body rust, no interior wear, and runs as smooth as the day I got it.

Positive 1992 Hyundai Elantra car reviews

  1. Linwood Strosin 2024-06-20

    My number one gripe is the paint job. Unfortunately, all the clear coat and paint is coming off. I also have a few other issues, such as broken knobs on the heater and AC controls, a glove compartment door that won't close, and a seat belt buzzer that keeps coming on and won't turn off. However, there are a lot of things I like about the car too. I love the style - it looks sharp and sporty - and it has real good pick-up. Additionally, all the controls up front are easily accessible.

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Other years of Hyundai Elantra

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Elantra 1993
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Elantra 1994
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Elantra 1995
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Elantra 1996
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Elantra 1997
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Elantra 1998
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