1990 Hyundai Excel Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 21%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Hyundai Excel, 21% of the 38 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, 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.
“While proceeding up a slight incline during the commuting hour, the car lost all power and I came close to being hit in the rear. After about 30 seconds I regained some power and was able to proceed. The car was idling rough and I had to keep my foot on the accelerator at all times to keep it running. I had it turned up and it ran better but still a lack of power. I had to have it inspected and it failed inspection because the pollution was at 1200. I then had it tuned up again (fully) and it failed again. …”
NHTSA complaint #703813, filed 1999-02“Engine locked up while driving at 20-25mph. No prior indication or warning. Dealer contacted and no warranty. Vehicle was towed, repairs can be remedied at owner expense.”
NHTSA complaint #830285, filed 1998-11“While driving on the road smoke was coming from the back of the car and the brakes would not work and the car blew up and driver was inside. Lost brakes before.”
NHTSA complaint #977405, filed 1996-01“Consumer receive recall on the catalytic converter had it check having problem dealer will not replace because there was a used catalytic converter. Tt”
NHTSA complaint #969254, filed 1995-07Related service bulletins
- 10189989Mar 10, 2021This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 6 | 18% |
| 1993 | 4 | 20% |
| 1992 | 4 | 12% |
| 1991 | 2 | 5% |
| 1990 | 8 | 21% |
| 1989 | 24 | 35% |
| 1988 | 19 | 44% |
| 1987 | 3 | 23% |
| 1986 | 2 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1990 Hyundai Excel
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Hyundai Excel
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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