The 1990 Hyundai Excel has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 259,282 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
THE VEHICLES FAILED THE LATERAL MOVING BARRIER IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE GAS TANK EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AMOUNT OF SPILLAGE.
IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SPILLAGE CAN RESULTIN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
HYUNDAI HAS DEVELOPED AN APPROPRIATE COUNTERMEASURE THAT WILL COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301.
LOCK WASHER LOCATED UNDER THE NUT THAT SECURES THE FRONT HUB TO THE DRIVE SHAFT MAY HAVE HAD IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT AND COULD CRACK.
THIS COULD CAUSE WHEEL BEARING FREEPLAY AND COULD RESULT IN BEARING DAMAGE, AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL THROUGH WHEEL FAILURE.
REPLACE LOCK WASHER ON EACH FRONT WHEEL AND REPAIR AREA AROUND LOCK WASHER AS NECESSARY.
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“Engine sputtered, stopped running, caught fire. *ak”
“While driving about 40 mph another vehicle crossed consumer's vehicle and consumer crashed into it. Upon impact, driver's air bag did not deploy. *ak”
“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. *ak”
“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…”
“When replacing tires found all (4) wheels were cracked. (2) wheels are split from rim to bolt holes. Other (2) wheels are showing cracks and signs of splitting. *ak”
“During rapid acceleration, while stopping, brakes required excessive pressure, and could feel "chattering" in brakes & then a loss of braking power. Vehicle would not stop like it suppose to; slow response time. *ak”
“Driver's side rear rim developed two hairline cracks.”
“Air conditioner hose replaced. *sd”
There is no summary currently available
There is no summary currently available
There is no summary currently available
There is no summary currently available
There is no summary currently available
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1990 Hyundai Excel as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.