Most common 1999 Hyundai Elantra problems
Share of the 128 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 →
1999 Hyundai Elantra recalls (2)
Electrical system › Wiring
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…
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the maf sensor connector wiring harness.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pressure control solenoid valve.
What 1999 Hyundai Elantra owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 41 →
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. …
I bought the car brand new. After about 8 months the car would get stuck in second gear when slow down. The car also kicks very hard while it does this. One time I was rounding a turn after it rained and as I slowed down around the corner the car kicked and the rear end of the car slid out into the plastic divider poles between the lanes. The poles caused a ding in the car an cracked a window. At the time it happened so fast I thought I had hit something and only a week later when the car kicked again did I realize that was probably what happened. I brought the car down to the dealer and was told I would be given a new pulse generator under warranty. Then there was a recall on a part in the transmission and that was fixed. The problem still persisted and I have had the pulse generator changed four more times. My warranty is now up and the problem has come back. …
Engine & cooling all 24 →
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 the consumer stated the vehicle stalled and died while driving. Updated 11/6/15
I have read many of the complaints about the Hyundai. I've eliminated practically all the same complaints about the engine performance by tuning the engine every 30 to 35 thousand miles. The gas mileage and performance has been very acceptable. Yes I too have had to replace the manifold, mas air sensor, and other small maintenance parts. The only thing I haven't been able to repair is when I'm setting at a stop and idling, the engine tends to overheat. But when I began to drive it quickly cools back down. My Hyundai now has approximately 230,000 miles and is still in service but still overheats. Any suggestions?
Air bags all 20 →
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.
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. …
1999 Hyundai Elantra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Hyundai Elantra a good car?
Based on 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Elantra rates better than average: 47% 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 1999 Hyundai Elantra?
The transmission & drivetrain — 41 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (24) and air bags (20).
How many recalls does the 1999 Hyundai Elantra have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1999 Hyundai Elantra, the most recent from September 11, 2000 (wiring). 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 1999 Hyundai Elantra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 91,000 miles; 22% 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.