1991 Hyundai Excel problems

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The Hyundai Excel (Korean: 현대 엑셀), also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Pony Excel, Hyundai Presto, Mitsubishi Precis, Hyundai X2 and Hyundai XL, is an automobile which was produced by Hyundai Motor Company from 1985 to 1999. It was the first front-wheel drive car produced by the South Korean manufacturer. The Excel range replaced the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Pony.

Background

The Excel was based on the second generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage, but it received its own sheet metal design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Excel was available in three- or five-door hatchback and four-door sedan models. The Excel was the first Hyundai car to be exported to the United States.

The Excel was available with either a manual or automatic transmission mated to a four-cylinder engine aspirated by a carburetor or fuel injection system, depending on market and model year.

Originally, the Excel was supposed to be replaced by the Elantra in 1990, but it ended up being sold for four more years until being replaced by the Hyundai Accent in the model year 1995. From 1990, there was a coupé variant called the Hyundai Scoupe, which was replaced by the Hyundai Coupé in 1996.

1991 Hyundai Excel

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Common 1991 Hyundai Excel problems

The Hyundai Excel 1991, also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Pony Excel, Hyundai Presto, Mitsubishi Precis, and Hyundai X2, is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues include acceleration hesitation, rough idle, and engine sensor problems.

  • Engine sensor issues: The check engine light in the Hyundai Excel can be caused by a malfunctioning engine sensor, as reported in CarsGuide. The owner of a 1991 Hyundai Excel was advised to get the car checked by a mechanic with diagnostic equipment to identify the specific sensor causing the problem. Common sensors that can cause engine issues include the crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, and oxygen sensor.
  • Brake pad wear: The brake pads on the Hyundai Excel are expected to last between 40,000 and 50,000 km, as reported in CarsGuide. However, if the pedal is going too far down and not stopping the car effectively, it might be necessary to bleed the brakes or replace the disc rotors.
  • Gear lever problems: The gear shift in the Hyundai Excel can experience wear, causing problems with gear engagement. This issue can be resolved with a reasonably simple and inexpensive repair, as reported in CarsGuide.
  • Fuel consumption: The Hyundai Excel 1991 has a fuel consumption range of 6.2 to 7L/100km, depending on the engine and transmission. The car is available with a 1.5L engine and either a manual or automatic transmission.
  • Towing capacity: The Hyundai Excel has a maximum towing capacity of 700kg, as reported in CarsGuide. However, towing capacities can vary based on the specific model and options installed.

In conclusion, the Hyundai Excel 1991 has several common issues that owners may encounter, including acceleration hesitation, engine sensor problems, brake pad wear, gear lever issues, and fuel consumption concerns. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

1991 Hyundai Excel engine

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.

What is the fuel economy of a Hyundai Excel?

6 to 6.6L/100km

The Hyundai Excel currently offers fuel consumption from 6 to 6.6L/100km. The Hyundai Excel is available with the following fuel type: ULP.

Why won't my Hyundai Excel start?

The most common reasons a Hyundai Excel won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

1991 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:

  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Hyundai Excel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1991 Hyundai Excel

The NHTSA has received 44 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Hyundai Excel. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Hyundai Excel vehicles.

2005-03-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-19
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CAR BEGAN TO ONLY DO 20 MILES PER HOUR AFTER STOPPING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. DROVE FIN ON ROAD. THAN BEGAN TO DRIVE SLOWLY AFTER TWO WEEKS. HAD TRANSMISSION FLIUD CHANGE AND DROVE GREAT FOR A WEEK THEN FAILED. I AM VER UPSET BY THIS MOTOR COMPANY FOR HIDING THIS MAJOR DEFECT. MY CAR ONLY HAD 68,485 ORIGINAL MILES!*AK
2004-04-16

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-03-11
  • VIN: KMHVF22J7MU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSFER SHAFT BEARING BROKE, KNOCKING A HOLE IN THE TRANSMISSION CASE, CAUSING FLUIDS TO LEAK FROM TRANSMISSION, CAUSING COMPLETE LOCK UP AND DESTRUCTION OF TRANSMISSION AND CASE. MY CAR WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND HAD 50,000 MILES ON IT. *AK
2002-08-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-17
  • VIN: KMHVD12J1MU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION CASE CRACKED, DUE TO DRIVING OVER A DIP IN THE DRIVEWAY, (CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS VEHICLE)*JB
1999-09-28

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: KMHVF22J6MU
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY.
1999-08-10

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: KMHVD12J7M4
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION DEFECTIVE. NLM
1999-08-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: KMHVD12J7M4
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE DEFECTIVE. NLM
1998-08-11

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-11
  • VIN: KMHVD12J1MU
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE WINDOWS(PASSENGER AND DRIVER) IN THE REAR EXPLODED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 2 OTHER OCCASIONS. THE WINDOWS WERE REPLACED BY OWNER ALL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROLBEM. *AK THE FIRST WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE TWO OTHER TIMES THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. *SLC
1998-06-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: KMHVD12J4MU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISE, THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS NEVER GONE OFF SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, AND THE CAR CUTS OFF. THE DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
1997-08-06

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-07-04
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: KMHVD32J8MU
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD/COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS NOTICED THE PROBLEM, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED DUE TO A SLIPPED PIN. *AK
1997-07-07

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: KMHVD32J3MU
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: HATCH LIFT ASSIST BARS FAILED, CAUSING HATCH TO FALL ON PERSON'S HEAD.
1997-04-09

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-23
  • VIN: KMHVF22J8MU
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY APPROXIMATELY 60MPH AND THE HOOD RELEASED. PULLED OVER TO CLOSE HOOD, AND THEN NOTICED THE U-SHAPED METAL CLIP DETACHED FROM THE HOOD. *AK
1997-02-06

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: BOTH REAR WINDOWS SHATTERED.
1997-01-19

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: LOOSE MOLDING AROUND REAR WHEEL WELL BROKE OFF, CAUSING LOST OF CONTROL BY STRIKING THE CENTER WALL OF THE VEHICLE. (NEW JERSEY POLICE REPORT)
1996-11-14

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
  • VIN: KMHVD12J4MU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT JUST STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, WHEN IT STARTED AGAIN IT WOULD BEARLY GO. DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF THIS. *AK
1996-10-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: FOR SEVERAL MONTHS OWNER HAD INTERFERENCE IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HEAD LIGHTS DIMMED WHEN OTHER ELECTRIC ACCESSORIES WERE USED/ALTERNATOR CHARGED CORRECTLY AND BELTS TIGHTENED W/NO CHANGE IN CONDITION. TWO MECHANICS STATED EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT FINE.*
1996-10-21

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED.
1996-07-16

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-07
  • VIN: KMHVF3257MU
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: SHE REQUESTED THE PART FROM THE MANUFACTURER OVER A YEAR AGO AND SHE STILL HAS NOT RECEIVED THE PART REGARDING FUEL SYSTEM RECALL 93V192000. *AK
1996-06-27

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-22
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE DOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP THE CAR, CUT OFF AND WOULD NOT GO.*AK WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE SPEED AND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED, THE VEHICLE MADE A ROUGH SOUND AND CONTINUED TO DROP SPEED AND CUT OFF, VEHICLE WAS PUSHED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TO CONSUMER'S RESIDENCE, DEALERSHIP ADVISED CONSUMER THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THERE WAS AN INTERNAL PART, BUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY CO REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE COVERED PART WITHOUT CONSUMER'S AUTHORIZATION TO BREAK DOWN THE TRANSMISSION FIRST AND TELL THEM EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG.*JB
1996-06-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, FIRE UNDER THE DASH. FIRE DEPT. SAYS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1996-06-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-06-01
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE STOPPED WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM. *AK
1996-02-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-27
  • VIN: KMHV12J8MU3
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, FUSE KEEPS BURNING OUT CAUSING ENGINE STALLING. *AK
1996-02-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-27
  • VIN: KMHV12J8MU3
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, FUSE KEEPS BURNING OUT CAUSING ENGINE STALLING. *AK
1995-12-08

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-09-03
  • VIN: KM8VD32J8MU
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. TT
1995-11-09

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-09
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS FALLEN OFF THE VEHICLE. TT
1995-08-29

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-02
  • VIN: KMHVF22J8MU
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: SPARE TIRE JACK COLLAPSED WHILE HOLDING VEHICLE UP DURING TIRE CHANGE. *AW

1991 Hyundai Excel recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Hyundai Excel.

1993-11-23
  • Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE VEHICLES FAILED THE LATERAL MOVING BARRIER IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE GAS TANK EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AMOUNT OF SPILLAGE.
  • Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SPILLAGE CAN RESULTIN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
  • Remedy: HYUNDAI HAS DEVELOPED AN APPROPRIATE COUNTERMEASURE THAT WILL COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301.

Negative 1991 Hyundai Excel car reviews

  1. Claud Wehner 2025-01-09

    I've had this car for a while and it's perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to drive a manual vehicle. This car has all the features that a beginner needs.

  2. Adrain Batz 2024-11-20

    Hey there! While I appreciate your interest, I would recommend looking at other options. This car can be quite uncomfortable to ride in.

  3. Modesto Murray 2024-08-07

    I bought this car without knowing what I was getting into. Unfortunately, I had to replace the starter twice, the CV joints multiple times, and fix a major oil leak. I also had no heat, so I replaced the thermostat. When it was negative 10 outside, my car would overheat. The manual windows and door locks also had some issues, and the power sunroof once got stuck open. I thought I was buying a good car for a kid still in school, but with all the money I spent on repairs, I might as well have taken out a loan for a newer car.

Positive 1991 Hyundai Excel car reviews

  1. Brando Feeney 2024-10-18

    I got my Excel for $400 from a mechanic who only changed the oil and transmission fluid by replacing the entire trans. I put approximately 2 grand into it and practically rebuilt the engine. Since then, I have never really had a major problem. Now, I can practically out-corner every car on the road...

  2. Jermain Huel 2024-06-10

    Great running car after being fixed. As long as the vehicle is properly maintained, you should have no problems with it. For what you pay, it is a good deal. I have had the car for about a year and I love it. As with any used car, regardless of make, you may need to repair it. It is unfair to criticize this vehicle because of the previous owner's lack of care and maintenance.

  3. Kenyon Witting 2024-04-14

    Your first new car sounds great! It was very reliable in the winter, and you had it for 5 years with 65k miles on it without any issues. Congratulations on upgrading to a Toyota 4runner and saving a lot of gas money!

Leave your review of 1991 Hyundai Excel

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Hyundai Excel problems:

1991 Hyundai Excel Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
1991 Hyundai Excel Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/hyundai/excel/1991

Get 1991 Hyundai Excel repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Hyundai mechanics near you.

Was the Hyundai Excel a bad car? - Quora
Was the Hyundai Excel a bad car? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/Was-the-Hyundai-Excel-a-bad-car

Mar 15, 2021 ... What are common problems with Hyundai cars? I must say earlier there were a bunch of ...

1993 Hyundai Excel Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
1993 Hyundai Excel Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1993-hyundai-excel/problems

Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1993 Hyundai Excel ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1991 Hyundai Excel ...

1990 Hyundai Excel 1.5l - Severe Accel. Hesitation | Hyundai Forums
1990 Hyundai Excel 1.5l - Severe Accel. Hesitation | Hyundai Forums
https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/1990-hyundai-excel-1-5l-severe-accel-hesitation.71959/

Mar 15, 2006 ... ... common faults for your year model. Save ... Hyundai Excel X2 Sports 1.5 Fwd Problem. 1 ... 1991 Ressurected Excel. 4 replies 2K views. Y · Excel ...

1994 Hyundai Excel Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
1994 Hyundai Excel Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1994-hyundai-excel/problems

Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1994 Hyundai Excel ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1991 Hyundai Excel ...

Other years of Hyundai Excel

hyundai excel 1992 photo
Excel 1992
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1

5

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hyundai excel 1993 photo
Excel 1993
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29

1

10

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hyundai excel 1994 photo
Excel 1994
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48

2

14

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hyundai excel 1995 photo
Excel 1995
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5

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0

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hyundai excel 1996 photo
Excel 1996
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3

0

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hyundai excel 1997 photo
Excel 1997
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2

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1991 Hyundai Excel photo