1997 Hyundai Elantra Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 115 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 141,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Hyundai Elantra, 8% of the 115 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 141,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Traveling west on adam shepherds pkwy, I had a green light, lady opposite side turned left in front of me, resulted in collision. Her fault. Witnesses said she hesitated but went anyway. She was supposed to yield. I could of been killed! My front dual air bags didn't deploy. I can hardly move my right arm, my back, my neck my chest hurts. I was taken then to norton's emergency room . I can't sit or lay down or stand too long. Can't hold on to anything. Very sore, strained muscles and bruising of muscles.”
NHTSA complaint #10717302, filed 2015-05, 141,000 miles“Driver's side door handle has broken on several occasions. When handle broke driver's side occupant was unable to exit vehicle. Also, a problem with engine,.when truning off vehicle with key out of the ignition, engine continued to run. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #867001, filed 2000-08“Within 17,000 miles the front brake pads has prematurely worn out, and rotors were resurfaced. Cause unknown. Dealer cannot identify the problem. Both front window fall while driving. Door ajar light stays on. Right door panel make noise. Dome light stays on.”
NHTSA complaint #828696, filed 1998-10“Door handle on the inside of the vehicle fails to work. Would have to open door on the outside while being inside of vehicle. All the door handles on vehicle are broken. Taking vehicle to dealer to check.”
NHTSA complaint #851165, filed 1999-11Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 7 | 3% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 15 | 5% |
| 2017 | 134 | 17% |
| 2016 | 18 | 6% |
| 2015 | 14 | 5% |
| 2014 | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 | 51 | 4% |
| 2012 | 16 | 2% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 22 | 6% |
| 2009 | 11 | 4% |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% |
| 2007 | 20 | 7% |
| 2006 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 32 | 14% |
| 2002 | 27 | 8% |
| 2001 | 28 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 4% |
| 1999 | 6 | 5% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 5 | 5% |
| 1995 | 7 | 6% |
| 1994 | 7 | 9% |
| 1992 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Hyundai Elantra
31 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 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 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