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 1999 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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?
Tl contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Elantra. While accelerating from a stop sign at 5 MPH, the vehicle momentarily hesitated before continuing to accelerate. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 216,000. Updated 07/01/10 the consumer was informed there was a problem with the mass air flow sensor reading incorrectly at idle. Also, one of the spark plugs wires was defective. Updated 07/02/10.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Elantra. While idling, the vehicle stalled and the service engine warning light illuminated. The failure has occurred fifty times, but the vehicle was able to be restarted after each one. The dealer replaced the maf sensor. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in NHTSA recall number 00V259001 (electrical system: wiring). The current mileage was 117,867 and failure mileage was 117,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Elantra. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle also stalled while driving less than 50 MPH. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id numbers 99V178000 (power train:automatic transmission) and 00V259001 (electrical system:wiring), although the failures were identical. The failure and current mileages were 75,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle stalls and feels as if it will shut off when idling. The vehicle operates normally when in motion. The idling and stalling have worsened over time. The VIN, purchase date, and engine size were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 125,000.
The "air bag" and "check engine" lights stays on all the time. Both driver and rear passenger windows will not work, both must be taped up. Car has had a "electrial burning" smell off and on for a year. The headlights goes bright while driving. Getting less than 20 mpg gas. Batteries frequently goes dead.
Sunday sept 11, 2005- my car would not accelerate on I-285 west bound I had to coast over to the side of the road amidst Sunday traffic,they confirmed that my timing belt had popped car towed to midas gave me a TSB report stating that the timing belt covered had cracked and that is what made the timing belt pop, which in turn is a manufacturing. I called the consumer affairs and left a complaint with matt-file: 939520 he said I needed to have a Hyundai dealership look at the car to make sure in fact this is the problem, bc I have over 147,000 miles on the car and it is no longer under warranty. Jim ellis Hyundai looked at my car in service and did a diagnostic test,stated that the maintenance on the upper and lower cover is what caused the timing belt to break. They could fix the timing belt and the upper and lower cover and the crankshaft seal -which is leaking. …
2/4/2000 - heater fan & motor assembly replaced (and again on 8/25/2001); 10/12/2000 - radiator appears to blow up, technical advisor "joe stroud" accused consumer of tampering with it to disable it - radiator and thermostat replaced & rear hub bolt assembly; 11/07/2000 - misfire detected in spark plug assembly; 12/30/2000 - battery died in 17 degree temp, car towed to dealership & was refused, towed again after addt'l contact with roadside assistance company (battery replaced file #565541 & Hyundai compensated for rental); 3/20/2001 - temp guage registers "hot" A/C not cooling properly - fan relay replaced; 8/25/2001 - fan motor rattles and temp guage registers "hot" and A/C inoperable - replaced fan motor again (1st repl 2/4/2000); 9/14/2001 - "check engine" light on, no loss of power; spark plug cable set replaced under warranty.
In-shop for transmission 3 times (on 3rd trans); paint peeling on bumper (dealer refusted to paint);clear coat cracked and bubbled on spoiler & side mirror (dealer repainted); noticed A/C didn't work right after purchase; check engine light on (reason for replacing engine coil, etc. And converter); interior driver's door handle broke; dealer always fights getting us a loaner/rental car (but we have to have one since its our only car now!); always in shop an extensive amount of time except when they are paying for us a rental; manufacturer contacted by phone in May 2001, but offered no help.
Engine complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Hyundai Elantra, 19% of the model year's 128 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Hyundai Elantra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 2 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 1999 Hyundai Elantra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.