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1999 Hyundai Elantra problems

The most common problem on the 1999 Hyundai Elantra is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 84,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Elantra model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
128
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
61
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
22-24mpg

The worst 1999 Hyundai Elantra problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Hyundai Elantra

Stalling 23Check engine light 14No deployment 11Hesitation 9Transmission failure 9Slipping 8Jerking 7Loss of power 5

Recalls 2

Electrical system: wiringReported September 11, 2000 · 165,977 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle 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.
Risk
This condition can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will re-route the maf sensor connector wiring harness.

Recall number 00V259001 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported July 7, 1999 · 11,530 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle 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.
Risk
Such slippage can cause premature deterioration of the friction element surfaces and could cause the vehicle not to accelerate, or not accelerate as expected, when the driver presses the accelerator pedal.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pressure control solenoid valve.

Recall number 99V178000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1999 Hyundai Elantra

Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Hyundai Elantra 61

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 61 bulletins for the 1999 Hyundai Elantra

1999 Hyundai Elantra fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD19-2127-3022-24

What 1999 Hyundai Elantra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 2, 2018 · Acceleration · 130,000 miles · CA

When accelerating the car does not shift properly causing the vehicle to slow making it very dangerous on the freeway

Filed May 22, 2017 · Transmission · 22,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 hyundai elantra. While the vehicle was stopped, the gear shifter seized and the vehicle could not be shifted into gear. The dealer was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to the dealer again where it was diagnosed that the solenoid assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the transmission failed completely. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the transmission was replaced. The gear shifter seized again. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The contact was informed to put a pencil into the shift lever release to release the gear shifter, but the failure recurred several more times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the contact should have the vehicle repaired and then seek reimbursement. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 99v178000 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2016 · Electrical · 91,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 hyundai elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked, lunged, and lost power. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed the issue as an electrical failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic who diagnosed that the maf sensor connector needed to be re-routed. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 00v259001 (electrical system), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Filed Nov 22, 2016 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 hyundai elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and was unable to accelerate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 99v178000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2016 · Airbags, Electrical · MD · fire

I have a 99 hyundai elantra 4 door. Last week the steering column caught on fire while it was being driven. More specifically, I was at the time in the hardee's drive thru when the smoke and flames started. I was able to get my car to roll out of the drive thru and into the parking lot. I have spoken to a few mechanics who say that it seems like it was a short in the electrical system in the steering wheel. It melted all of the steering column, dash, cracked the windshield with the heat, and other fire damage. The car is now totaled and undriveable. I am a single mother of 2 kids and this was my only means of transportation. Also about a year ago, I was in a head on collision that was not my fault, and the airbags did not deploy in the steering wheel. I had contacted hyundai afterwards, but they said that the car was fine and not to worry. I have no way to scan my documents, but I have a police report as well as several emails from hyundai from last year, as well as pictures of the damage.

Filed Aug 12, 2016 · Transmission · 125,350 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 hyundai elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move when the gear shifter was placed in the reverse position. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was operated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,350.

Filed Nov 1, 2015 · Airbags · 99,000 miles · IN · crash · 1 injury

12/2/2014 multi-car/semi accident. Front end collision with rear end damage. Total loss, air bags did not deploy. 465 s @ mm 41 near pendleton pike exit. At fault driver spun on ice, came into my lane that I was traveling south in so she was traveling north. Hit drivers side to drivers side, semi trailer ran over the passenger side of car. Total loss.

Filed Apr 15, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 180,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 hyundai elantra. While driving at 40 MPH after the transmission was replaced by an independent mechanic, the contact noticed a strong transmission fluid odor. The contact noticed that the transmission fluid level was low. In addition, while driving at 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. While in park, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000. Updated 6/8/15*cn the consumer stated the vehicle stalled and died while driving. Updated 11/6/15

Filed Mar 30, 2015 · Electrical · 101,000 miles · PA

My vehicle has been stalling for more than a year. The mass airflow sensor read as bad and I have replaced it twice. I just found out that there was a recall sep 11, 2000. The federal safety agency campaign id number: 00v259001 . I purchased the vehicle used several years after the recall was in effect. When I e-mailed hyundai, they responded back that there no open campaigns on my vehicle. How do I get the problem resolved before there is a serious accident from the vehicle stalling.

Filed Dec 2, 2014 · Body · 164,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 hyundai elantra. The contact stated that the rear passenger side subframe rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

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Compare the 1999 Hyundai Elantra

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1999 Hyundai Elantra

Is the 1999 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

Owners have filed 128 complaints about the 1999 Hyundai Elantra, fewer than a typical Elantra model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Hyundai Elantra?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 41 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles. Next is engine (24).

How many recalls does the 1999 Hyundai Elantra have?

2 recalls, covering electrical system and power train.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Hyundai Elantra transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V178000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Hyundai Elantra have bad transmission?

The Hyundai Elantra model years with the most transmission complaints are 2017 (62 complaints), 2013 (57 complaints) and 2020 (48 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Hyundai Elantra get?

Official estimates for the 1999 Hyundai Elantra range from 22 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-21 city and 27-30 highway.

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