Most common 1997 Hyundai Elantra problems
Share of the 115 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Elantra complaints by model year
Best Elantra years: 2025. Years to avoid: 2013, 2017, 2012, 2018, 2011. Compare all years →
1997 Hyundai Elantra recalls (3)
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The evaporative emission control systems can apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. If excessive vacuum is applied, minor fuel tank distortion can result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface.
Remedy: Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If the fuel tank has cracked, it will be replaced.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The evaporative emission control systems can apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. If excessive vacuum is applied, minor fuel tank distortion can result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface.
Remedy: Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If the fuel tank has cracked, it will be replaced.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the contaminants from the windshield wiper motor circuit breaker contacts.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Hyundai Elantra:
Fuel cap replacement campaign 36
There is no summary currently available
What 1997 Hyundai Elantra owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 31 →
My car started at approximately 70,000 miles, while all maintenance was taken care of, started slipping gears, then I could no longer reverse the car. I, due to lack of funds had to let it go for a while, but then got a rebuilt transmission installed. After that, 9,000 miles later, I am having the exact same problem. I just don't think it's right that any car, after just 70,000 miles should have the transmission go. Many people tell me they are "disposable" vehicles, but this is the second Hyundai I have owned, and have loved so much. I bought it because they are affordable, but don't think I will consider myself a loyal Hyundai driver ever again.
Transmission died at 67000. Repeatedly had the car in for knocking sounds. Check engine lights on since I first bought the car at 14 miles. Transmission will stick in first gear. Third Hyundai I bought. All had the same problems. Will never buy another car from Hyundai again.
Air bags all 21 →
1997 Hyundai Elantra, my car got totaled on 5/18/2015,. I received a concussion and joint pain all over for months from a collision that happened this day. My airbag failed to deploy. I was going 40 to 45 MPH when a van made a right hand turn in front of me. Her fault, I slammed on my brakes, but it was too late to do any good. My head hit the steering wheel. I am still having problems. I had no warning indicator light before this happened. I contacted NHTSA on 5/19/15 made a complaint. I called Hyundai motor company who finally came and looked at the car before it was taken by the insurance, due to it being totaled. It wouldn't even start. Hyundai totally dismissed it and contradicted themselves in the letter they sent me. They said the car did what it was supposed to do. Really? I now have post concussion syndrome. Ptsd. I replay this over and over in my head. …
Traveling west on adam shepherds pkwy, I had a green light, lady opposite side turned left in front of me, resulted in collision. Her fault. Witnesses said she hesitated but went anyway. She was supposed to yield. I could of been killed! My front dual air bags didn't deploy. I can hardly move my right arm, my back, my neck my chest hurts. I was taken then to norton's emergency room . I can't sit or lay down or stand too long. Can't hold on to anything. Very sore, strained muscles and bruising of muscles.
Engine & cooling all 21 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Hyundai Elantra. While operating the vehicle the check engine indicator illuminated and the odor of fuel was present inside the vehicle. The contact also discovered fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The cause of the failures was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 00V095002 (fuel system). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 189,000. Updated 04/18/17
Defective steering system caused loss of steering control, resulting in an accident. Prior to the accident, steering had a vibration and tires were worn too quickly. Also had a problem with vehicle overheating intermittently. Dealer cannot determine problem.
1997 Hyundai Elantra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 29 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Hyundai Elantra a good car?
Based on 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Elantra rates better than average: 49% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Elantra at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Hyundai Elantra?
The transmission & drivetrain — 31 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the air bags (21) and engine & cooling (21).
How many recalls does the 1997 Hyundai Elantra have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1997 Hyundai Elantra, the most recent from July 21, 2000 (tank assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Elantra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2017, 2012, 2018 and 2011. See the full Hyundai Elantra years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Hyundai Elantra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 73,000 miles; 21% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.