1997 Hyundai Elantra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 17%of 115 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- 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 1997 Hyundai Elantra, 17% of the 115 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10069280, filed 2004-01, 67,000 miles“Vehicle was being inspected for an engine check light illuminating while driving. Dealer informed the consumer that the exhaust manifold cracked on the weld. It needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10113841, filed 2005-03, 105,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10139874, filed 2005-10“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #749387, filed 2001-07“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #708577, filed 1999-07Related service bulletins
- 10190044Mar 30, 2021This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance…
- 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 1997 Hyundai Elantra
31 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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