Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Purchase vehicle in May of 1997 had 49000 miles on car timing belt broke at 74000 miles belt had already been replace because it had a gates belt on the car when I had it replaced broke again in November of 1999 with 94761 miles only a little over 20000 miles on belt Hyundai book says replace timing belt every 60000 miles but timing belt is breaking every 20000 miles.
After turning off vehicle, consumer could smell a paint odor in passenger's compartment, then vehicle would fail to restart. Also, after diconnecting air hose and reconnecting air hose vehicle will restart. Dealer had been contacted. Firestone tires keep going flat, size p175/65r14, consumer was once told the problem is with the rims.
Pressure buildup in gas tank, split gas line at filler neck of tank, have to keep gas cap loose to release pressure in order to avoid leakage, continuous smell of gasoline inside vehicle, have to keep windows cracked to avoid occupants becoming nauseated; also replaced seat track/valve cover gasket/stabilizer/steering rack.
This is the second time that this happend. Previous time was told it was timing failure. Air bag light came on and stays on. Dealer could not get it to go off(not due to accident). Check engine light came on. Took car to dealer. Suposidely fix it. Came back on in two hours. I
While driving and stopped at a stop light, no indicator light came on, vehicle made clinking noise and cut off. Dealer states extended warranty does not cover engine, and cannot remedy the problem.
Engine head gasket blew out & was leaking oil. At 30mph, vehicle had died out/stalled. Had vehicle towed to mechanic who had engine head gasket repaired & now vehicle vibrates.
I can not shift to first from second,I hav to go 3rd then go to first/you can not drive with the windows open ,the smoke get inside the car.
Main fuse 60 amps and 3 other secondary fuses melted.in addition, alternator/starter relay failed/1 tooth in flywheel broke and battery exploded.
Automatic transmission failure, erratic operation of the transmission. Tt consumer also states engine cuts out at times and vibrates.
When driving in low speed the vehicle is stalls/vibrates and the then dies out without any prior warning.
Engine complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Hyundai Elantra, 18% of the model year's 112 complaints. The component named most often is engine (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Hyundai Elantra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.