1999 Hyundai Elantra Reviews

My driver's side window stopped working. I replaced the switch, and it worked fine after that.

My back seat, driver's side window falls down by itself. I have to push it back up and wedge it with a piece of cardboard, so it doesn't continue falling down while I'm driving.

Check engine light stays on, and I gave someone a jump start, and my alternator went bad a day later. Had that replaced, and the check engine light is no longer on.

Other than those problems I've had, the car has been great and reliable.

Sometimes the car won't turn over. When that happens, I take out the key, lock the doors, unlock them, open the door, and start it, and that usually helps. I think it's a security issue, but I don't have a remote starter or keyless access installed, so that's rather confusing. If anyone might know what it is, please email me at mmike2231@aol.com.

Window regulators break regularly. I have replaced 8 since purchase. (2 breaks per window so far - drivers window is iffy and rear driver side just broke again).

Driver's visor broke.

Driver's visor clip broke.

Blower motor makes a high noise and vibrates.

Front left roars.

Many problems with check engine light that the dealer told me meant nothing (my gas cap not on correctly. I've never had this problem before in 35 years of driving).

This has been the worst new car purchase I have ever made. The window regulator problem alone would make it HIGHLY unlikely that I would EVER buy another Hyundai.

Rotors replaced (extra labor to remove). Replaced both axles, wheel bearings, tie rods, and ball joints. Springs were sagging and replaced with new ones. Engine misfires detected - spark plugs replaced with used wires.

Leaking coolant hose that had to be refitted and clamped again (90 bend - cut to fit hose).

Rusted power steering return line replaced.

Transmission never had OVERDRIVE (known issue).

Transmission - replaced TPS and speed sensors.

Problems with aluminum housing of tranny. The threads do not hold enough torque on pan, causing pan leak. Tried re-tapping with no luck. Broke off two spots in the back trying to tap, and ended up just bolting the pan to the case there. Not good! Needs a new transmission case to fix!

Good overall car for the price. Cheap build quality, but engine is above average for its class. If you can find an Elantra with less than 150,000 miles, then it should last a few years with little trouble.

Wheel bearings seem to be the biggest problem on these. They need to be replaced often (every 30,000 - 50,000 miles).

Just make sure you don't remove the transmission pan. I only removed it once to change filter, and must have torqued the bolts too much, causing the threads to seize/loosen over time. Better off just using the drain plug for replacing fluid.

Suspension can be tough, so I recommend paying extra for good struts and downsize tires with thicker sidewalls to absorb bumps better.

Excellent snow traction! Surprised me.

Clutch hydraulics got gunked up and the clutch was slipping.

Driver's window wouldn't close properly. Purge valve failure.

EVAP system failure makes it hard to refill gas.

Tail light leaked water.

Reverse light switch failed twice.

Runs great, lots of power for what it is. Starts up easy, runs very reliably. MPG is impressive, gets a solid 34 mpg on the highway.

Stock 60 series tires make the ride a little rough, but sporty.

Suspension is tight and responsive.

Lots of cabin noise.

Ride is a little rough because it's actually a sports suspension and drivetrain.

Fit and finish is cheesy, but works OK after 11 years.

Seats are cheap, but the support in them is adequate for a long ride.