1986 Hyundai Excel problems

Common 1986 Hyundai Excel problems

The Hyundai Excel, introduced in the mid-1980s, was a popular subcompact car that had its share of common problems. One of the most significant issues was with the engine, particularly in the 1986-1989 models. Many drivers reported that the engine had a tendency to overheat, which could cause serious damage if not addressed quickly.

Another common issue was with the transmission. Some drivers reported that the automatic transmission would slip or fail altogether, while others experienced issues with the manual transmission grinding or being difficult to shift. These issues could be caused by worn out clutch plates, damaged gears, or a malfunctioning transmission fluid pump.

Electrical problems were also a common issue with the 1986-1989 Hyundai Excel models. Drivers reported issues with the headlights not turning on, the radio not working, and the power windows not functioning properly. These issues were often caused by a faulty alternator, a damaged battery, or a malfunctioning power window motor.

Rust and corrosion were also common issues with the early Hyundai Excel models, particularly in areas with high humidity or where salt was used on the roads in the winter. The paint would bubble and peel, and the body would rust, particularly around the wheel wells and undercarriage.

To address these issues, it's important to stay on top of regular maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise. Regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and transmission fluid changes can help prevent engine and transmission issues. Rust and corrosion can be prevented by washing the vehicle regularly and applying protective coatings to the body.

Despite these common issues, the Hyundai Excel was still a popular car among budget-conscious consumers who valued the sporty design and affordable price tag. However, the car's reputation for unreliability and underpowered performance led to a decline in sales in the early 1990s.

In response, Hyundai made a serious investment in research, quality, and manufacturing and introduced a new warranty on its vehicles. Its unprecedented five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage helped turn things around for the company.

Today, Hyundai is known for producing high-quality cars, crossover SUVs, and all-electric vehicles, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

How reliable was the Hyundai Excel?

Problem cars could be identified by a creaking noise in the body as the car went over bumps. Hyundai checked all cars and riveted the rails to the floor pan to fix the problem. While the recall cast a shadow over the Excel's reputation for a while, mechanics report that it is generally a robust and reliable car.

What happened to the Hyundai Excel?

The Hyundai scoop was a two-door only sporty variant of the Excel. We started getting them for the 1991. Model year the name using the s for sport along with coop Scoops started at 8 500.

How much was a Hyundai Excel in 1986?

1986 Hyundai Excel Pricing and Specs

The Hyundai Excel 1986 prices range from $2,310 for the basic trim level Hatchback Excel GL to. The Hyundai Excel 1986 comes in Hatchback. The Hyundai Excel 1986 is available in Unleaded Petrol.

What engine is in a Hyundai Excel?

Since it was built as a hatchback, the carmaker installed a split-folding rear bench. Under the hood, Hyundai installed two engine choices: a 1.3-liter and a 1.5-liter unit. Mitsubishi supplied both versions.

1986 Hyundai Excel car problems categorized by type of issue

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

• Electrical system problems
• Power train problems
• Service brakes problems
• Hydraulic problems
• Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Hyundai Excel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.