Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The engine check light is on while vehicle is in motion. The vehicle caught fire prior to this incident . The vehicle has been into the dealer several times. The dealer has not been able to pinpoint the problem.
Engine lights comes on,surges,misses,jerks,dies,tapping noise,loses power,these things have happened repeatedly. Other repairs 9-26-98 alternator,generator mileage 24662: 10-29-98 missing and rough idle couldn't find problem, mileage 25350; 3-22-99 plug and cable set changed again, mileage 29167; 4-12-99 replaced transmission part, mileage 29760; have talked to consumer assistant center,the dm,all I am told is to keep taking it in . Am very unhappy with this car and am afraid to drive it on the highways because it lost all power when driving on I- 65.was towed in 2 times because of no power.they offered for me to trade it in on a new car, that would mean another 5 yr. …
I reported this information given to you to the main company in the month of August on several occasions; however, I have not received a response. In my opinion, this is totally unfair because I am making payments on an automobile that is literally falling apart. I feel that it Hyundai motor finance company should have made some preparation to satisfy their customer,one who has an excellent paying history. I am very dissatified with this product and would like a better automobile, one in which I would feel comfortable driving and paying for in the remainder years. Please help! Thanks, carolyn b. Thomas. Not air bag complaint (e.g., seat belt, trailer suspension air bag, etc.) added on 09-07-1999.
Check engine light will illuminate before engine ceases to operate at any speed. After enginer shuts down, it takes 30 to 60 minutes before automobile will restart. Took automobile in for service several times. Dealer replaced switch on transmission, swith replacement did not help, engine continues to shut down at all speeds. This is very dangerous on highway and expressways. Will eventually cause a very serious accident. I have read the other consumer complaints pertaining to engine shut down problems, sounds like were having the same problem. Please do something about this problem before someone is killed or injured in an automobile accident.
Dealership is not satisfied with manufacturers recall, referred to as an emission recall,consumers vehicles 96-97 elantras have experienced failures and the recall does not cover all details properly,most cases the check engine light does not illuminate as stated by the manufacturer. Yh
Engine check light illuminated and remained on, indicating malfunction within the exhaust system. Dealer states that problem occurs within enginecheck light sensor. Replaced the engine check light sensor which did not remedy the problem. Please give any further etails.
When applying the brakes and trying to pull out, the vehicle will stall and cut off. Upon putting the vehicle in park and cutting off the heat/radio and everything, and waiting to start the vehicle up again. The vehicle did'nt give any prior warning.
Engine head gaskets blew out while driving. There was no prior warning. Hot/cold temperature gauge failed to work. Also, whenever trying to start vehicle, it would fail to catch right away. Taking vehicle to dealership to check it out.
Vehicle without any warning or indication at all will stop. While driving it stops abruptly and starts back up. Dealer contacted, and manufacturer notified. Both aware of the problem, ECM was replaced, and the problem still exists.
Whenever driving vehicle would die out. Taken to dealer for repairs 5 times. Each time mechanic could not locate cause of problem. Checked coils/air/ oil filters/ electrical system, and fuel system. Nothing resolved stalling.
Engine complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Hyundai Elantra, 20% of the model year's 100 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Hyundai Elantra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1996 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 3 recalls 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, 2 fires 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.