1996 Hyundai Elantra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 20%of 100 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Hyundai Elantra, 20% of the 100 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I reported this information given to you to the main company in the month of august on several occasions; however, I have not received a response. In my opinion, this is totally unfair because I am making payments on an automobile that is literally falling apart. I feel that it Hyundai motor finance company should have made some preparation to satisfy their customer,one who has an excellent paying history. I am very dissatified with this product and would like a better automobile, one in which I would feel comfortable driving and paying for in the remainder years. Please help! …”
NHTSA complaint #700032, filed 1998-10“Dealership is not satisfied with manufacturers recall, referred to as an emission recall,consumers vehicles 96-97 elantras have experienced failures and the recall does not cover all details properly,most cases the check engine light does not illuminate as stated by the manufacturer. Yh”
NHTSA complaint #550955, filed 2000-02“Engine lights comes on,surges,misses,jerks,dies,tapping noise,loses power,these things have happened repeatedly. Other repairs 9-26-98 alternator,generator mileage 24662: 10-29-98 missing and rough idle couldn't find problem, mileage 25350; 3-22-99 plug and cable set changed again, mileage 29167; 4-12-99 replaced transmission part, mileage 29760; have talked to consumer assistant center,the dm,all I am told is to keep taking it in . …”
NHTSA complaint #705793, filed 1999-04“Whenever driving vehicle would die out. Taken to dealer for repairs 5 times. Each time mechanic could not locate cause of problem. Checked coils/air/ oil filters/ electrical system, and fuel system. Nothing resolved stalling.”
NHTSA complaint #878314, filed 2001-01“Engine head gaskets blew out while driving. There was no prior warning. Hot/cold temperature gauge failed to work. Also, whenever trying to start vehicle, it would fail to catch right away. Taking vehicle to dealership to check it out.”
NHTSA complaint #860174, filed 2000-04Related service bulletins
- 10189989Mar 10, 2021This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10016469Sep 1, 2003Oxygen sensors.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 17 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 6% |
| 2003 | 21 | 9% |
| 2002 | 11 | 3% |
| 2001 | 19 | 6% |
| 2000 | 43 | 22% |
| 1999 | 22 | 17% |
| 1998 | 12 | 22% |
| 1997 | 20 | 17% |
| 1996 | 20 | 20% |
| 1995 | 20 | 18% |
| 1994 | 8 | 11% |
| 1993 | 5 | 21% |
| 1992 | 8 | 28% |
Other parts of the 1996 Hyundai Elantra
20 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology