1991 Hyundai Scoupe problems
The Hyundai Scoupe, also called the Hyundai S-Coupe, is a 2-door coupé based on the contemporaneous Hyundai Excel. The name, a portmanteau of "sporty" and "coupe," was pronounced "scoop".
History
Development of what would become the Scoupe started in 1985. At the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, Hyundai exhibited a prototype which was named the "Sports-looking Car" (SLC) concept. Regular production began in February 1990; the Scoupe cost ₩521 billion to develop. The drivetrain and underpinnings were largely identical to those of the contemporary Excel/Pony, albeit with marginally shorter gearing to improve acceleration and to give the car a somewhat sportier image. The Scoupe was introduced to the United States market for the 1991 model year at a base price of US$8,495 (equivalent to $19,000 in 2023), thousands less than comparable sporty coupes. The badging used an enlarged, stylized "S" followed by all-caps "COUPE".
The naturally-aspirated, in-house developed Alpha engine series replaced the original Mitsubishi design in April 1991, followed by a turbocharged Alpha in October of that same year. The Base and LS models were equipped with the new 1.5-litre, 12-valve, direct-port fuel-injected engine. In the United States, additional changes came with the 1993 model year (July 1992), when Scoupes got a facelift, including the current Hyundai stylized-"H" logo, new flush headlamps plus body-colored side moldings and redesigned front sheetmetal, taillights, and rear bumper.
The car was replaced by the Tiburon in 1996. When it was discontinued in 1995, the Scoupe was one of the last cars sold in the United States with motorized seat belts instead of airbags. In total, 242,441 Scoupes were produced: 63,998 sold domestically in Korea and 178,443 produced for export.
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Common 1991 Hyundai Scoupe problems
The Hyundai Scoupe, produced between 1990 and 1996, is known for its affordable price and standard features. However, several common problems have been reported by owners, particularly regarding the engine and transmission.
- Engine Issues: The Hyundai Scoupe's engine, a Mitsubishi unit similar to those used in the Lancer and Colt, has been known to crack cylinder blocks. This issue can be identified by water stains around the engine, indicating a possible leak. Additionally, the engine's performance may deteriorate over time, leading to rough idling or difficulty starting.
- Transmission Problems: The automatic transmission in the Scoupe has been reported to slip or lose fourth gear. This issue can manifest as difficulty shifting gears, particularly when the car is under load or at high speeds. The problem can be caused by worn-out or damaged transmission components, such as gears, clutches, or the torque converter.
- Suspension and Driveline Noises: Knocks and clunks in the suspension and driveline are common complaints from Scoupe owners. These noises can be caused by worn-out or damaged components, such as bushings, joints, or bearings. The Scoupe's drive shafts are particularly susceptible to this issue, and can lead to vibrations or shaking while driving.
- Electrical Problems: Korean electrics were troublesome in the early days of Hyundai production, and the Scoupe is no exception. Problems with the electrical system, including issues with the power windows, power steering, and lighting, have been reported by owners. These issues can be caused by worn-out or damaged components, or by corrosion or damage to the wiring.
- Body and Paint Issues: Early Korean paint quality was notoriously poor, and the Scoupe is no exception. Fading paint, particularly on bright colors, is a common issue. This can be exacerbated by a lack of regular cleaning and maintenance.
In summary, the Hyundai Scoupe has several common problems that owners should be aware of, particularly regarding the engine, transmission, suspension, driveline, electrical system, and body and paint. Regular maintenance and inspection can help identify and address these issues before they become serious problems.
Is the Hyundai Scoupe reliable?
Since the first-generation S Coupe is based on Japanese Mitsubishi mechanicals, reliability is good - though walk away from any example with a rattly engine or signs of oil leaks. The second generation cars had Hyundai's own Alpha engine which proved as dependable as the Japanese unit but watch for smoky turbo units.
What happened to the Hyundai Scoupe?
The car was replaced by the Tiburon in 1996. When it was discontinued in 1995, the Scoupe was one of the last cars sold in the United States with motorized seat belts instead of airbags. In total, 242,441 Scoupes were produced: 63,998 sold domestically in Korea and 178,443 produced for export.
What is the most common problem of Hyundai?
1) Transmission Problems
Some of Hyundai's automobiles, particularly the Elantra and Sonata models, have experienced transmission issues. Issues with shifting gears, hesitancy, and even total transmission failure can all be brought on by transmission problems.
How long will a Hyundai engine last?
How long do Hyundai cars last? Hyundais last, on average, about 200,000 miles, comparable to most life spans for mainstream automotive manufacturers.
1991 Hyundai Scoupe car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hyundai Scoupe problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Visibility problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Hyundai Scoupe vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Hyundai Scoupe complaints
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Hyundai Scoupe.
STEERING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-01
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS SOLD A VEHICLE FROM SALVAGE. *MR (ACCORDING TO B1381 THE SELLER WAS SUPPOSED TO DISCLOSE THIS INFO TO THE CONSUMER) THERE WAS A BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT, BOTH CROSS MEMBERS WERE BENT, VERY POOR WELDING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME, THE COVER SUPPORT WAS BENT, THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING, THE UPPER TIE BAR WAS BENT, AND THE P/S FLUID WAS EXTREMELY LOW. *SC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-03
- VIN: KMHVE22J0MU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS IS A USED CAR, I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE FIRST TIME THE COMPUTER FAILED, WAS INDEED THE FIRST TIME. IT INITIALLY FAILED IN NOVEMBER OF 1999. I REPLACED IT WITH A USED COMPUTER WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED IN AUGUST OF 2000. I AM CURRENTLY HAVING IT REPLACED WITH A NEW COMPUTER. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-04
- VIN: KMHVE22J9MU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO THE DEALER THREE TIMES IN 1992 FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND HAS NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL PHONE CALLS TO DEALER IN PAST YEARS BUT WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD JERKING ON EXCELLERATION, FAST IDLE WHEN DOING 20, 30 AND 40 MPH. IT NOW STALLS AND SLIPS OUT OF GEAR. IT HAS LURCHED FORWARD IN THE PAST FROM A STOP. THIS CAR HAS NEVER RUN RIGHT AS FAR AS THE TRANSMISSION IS CONCERNED BUT HYUNDAI DOES NOT WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE OIL LEAKS CONTINUOUSLY, ENGINE ALSO JERKS AND BUCKS, FINALLY REPLACED DUE BEING CRACKED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-02-13
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: POWER WINDOW REGULATOR SWITCH FAILED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-12-03
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY FAILED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-06-22
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY FAILED.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-07-07
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED, WIRING HARNESS FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MUFFLER FELL OFF.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FAN SWITCH FAILED RESULTING IN ENGINE OVERHEATING.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING, COMPLETELY FELL APART.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KMHVE22J6MU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KMHVE22J7M4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, PREVENTING THE OCCUPANT FROM ENTERING AND EXISTING THE VEHICLE DUE TO A BROKEN PART INSIDE THE DOOR PANEL. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT THE DEALER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-21
- Number Of Deaths: 2
- VIN: KMHVE22J7MU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ROCKER SHAFT SNAPS IN HALF, THROWING END BOLT INTO VALVE COVER. *DSH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASED USED VEHICLE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-05
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING 2ND TIME WHILE DRIVING. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: KMHVE32J8MU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND YOU COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR, NOW THE PASSENGERS SIDE DOES NOT WORK. TT
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: KMHVE32J8MU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: PASSENGERS SIDE WINDOW FELL DOWN. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-06
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: GAS GAUGE INOPERATIVE. (2ND VEHICLE ON 485055) *AW
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CAR DOWN SHIFT TRANSMISION WENT OUT PURCHASE CAR NEW. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-25
- VIN: KMHVE32J2MU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED TWICE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *SKD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-25
- VIN: KMHVE32J2MU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE MOVING, AND NOW 2YRS. LATER VEHICLE NEEDS A REPLACEMENT. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-24
- VIN: KMHVE32J4MU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. *AW
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-15
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER ONCE READY POPPED COMPLETELY OUT AND UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-28
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELT/SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURIES. *AW
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Hyundai Scoupe problems:
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