Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Check engine light on since I bought the car.I have been in repeatedly for this to be corrected to no avail. Problems with transmission repeatedly. Engine was causing a vacuum and not allowing to car to shift.
Since the purchase of my car new I have had the transmission replaced three times, the pulse generator replaced twice, and the electrical wiring replaced twice because it kept buring out. I would repeatedly take my car into fairfax Hyundai for service due to slipping transmission, car cutting off and steering locking up while driving on the beltway at 65mph smoke coming out of the exhaust etc. Finally on 17 March 1999, approxiamately 4 weeks after paying 350 dollars to have my engine cleaned (recommended by service manager) my engine blew at 15 MPH. Oil was spurting out everywhere and the dealership has refused to give the the Hyundai complainant line number. The customer service rep. Stated that I would have to get that number from the service manager at the dealership where I purchased the car.. …
Window control- when rolling up yhe rubber get caught in the window. This is still a problem , I guess it was fix right hopeful this timewhich was 7-24-01. Emission-was a problem .I think it's still a problem I really don't know if this is not pretaing to the transmission.transmission-always has been a problem and still is. The car jerks buck,and it acts like it be sfiting to another gear sometimes. I;m back and forth to the dealer they say they can't find nothing. Wait until the enigine light comes on.this is a serious problem cause this has gotten to my back. I contact the manuf they don't care ,they just say as long as there is a warranty on the car they will keep fixing, but it's not .they said a new one was put in . I'm still having a problem all I ak for was a another car.as bee.
Car stall on me when I am at a light or a complete stop it will change first gear with no problems but when I go around 20 MPH it will stall out on me then pop into gear....then the car will go really slow till it will get itself together...I have change the transmission fluid in the car change the time belt in the car change spark plugs in the car change the air filter in the car and etc...the list goes on...the guys from the hyuandi dealer in newport news is giving me the run around ....saying they dont see no problem but fixing everything else on the car...if you can help please let me know...I will be home after 8 pm if you need to contact me or leave me an email I will reply back.
My 1997 Hyundai/Elantra gls has a cracked exhaust manifold that was detected by my husband, the car has 98,600. Miles and out of warrant,but it has to be fixed. It could be a health problem if you are traveling long distances, and do not know the manifold is cracked. We travel a lot of miles ,now my husband knows why he was so exhausted last trip. We just want someone to know this.
Driver's side door handle has broken on several occasions. When handle broke driver's side occupant was unable to exit vehicle. Also, a problem with engine,.when truning off vehicle with key out of the ignition, engine continued to run. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please provide any further details.
Engine checl light keeps coming on. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealer and had it checked three times. Mechanic stated that they replaced canister close valve and purge control valve. However, engine light was back on again.
02 sensor replaced on 8-6-01, b/u light switch replaced on 8-6-01,ignition coils repl. On 9-21-99, engine check light been reset 10 times,#1 & #4 not firing 10 times or more, car looses power, chugs then dies 2 times.
Engine complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Hyundai Elantra, 18% of the model year's 115 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Hyundai Elantra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 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.
At what mileage do 1997 Hyundai Elantra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 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.