The Hyundai Excel spans 1986–1994 with 24 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1989, 1988, 1990 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1987, 1986, 1993. It delivers up to 28 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Hyundai Excel is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1986 to 1994 across multiple generations.
How to read a Hyundai Excel VIN — every digit explained
Every Hyundai Excel carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Hyundai and the country it was built in (real Hyundai codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Excel.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- South KoreaKM8 · KMF · KMH · KMT · KMU · KPH
- USA5NM · 5NP · 5NT · U5Y
- SingaporePFD
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Excel, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Excel have?
The Hyundai Excel has 24 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1986–1994. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1994 Hyundai Excel recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can resultin a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Hyundai has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator
What's wrong. In some vehicles, the manufacturer's protective internal coating of the electronic crank angle sensor does not meet specifications, which can cause an open circuit at high operating temperatures. This can cause the vehicle to stall.
Risk. Engine stalling has the potential to result in a vehicle crash if it occurs while the vehicle is moving.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the crank angle sensor to determine whether the sensor is involved in the recall, and replace any sensor found with the defective internal coating.
1993 Hyundai Excel recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can resultin a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Hyundai has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
1992 Hyundai Excel recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can resultin a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Hyundai has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
1991 Hyundai Excel recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can resultin a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Hyundai has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
1990 Hyundai Excel recalls 2
Wheels:hubcap/cover
What's wrong. Lock washer located under the nut that secures the front hub to the drive shaft may have had improper heat treatment and could crack.
Risk. This could cause wheel bearing freeplay and could result in bearing damage, and possible loss of vehicle control through wheel failure.
Fix. Replace lock washer on each front wheel and repair area around lock washer as necessary.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can resultin a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Hyundai has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
1989 Hyundai Excel recalls 4
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. The heater control valve stem does not meet the material specifications. High coolant temperatures can cause the stem to leak.
Risk. This can result in a burn injury to the front seat passenger's feet and legs.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace defective valve stems.
Power Train:manual Transmission
What's wrong. The manual transmissions may lock up from insufficient lubrication of the gears in the transmission case. This can cause the drive wheels to seize and the vehicle to come to a sudden stop.
Risk. Sudden stops without prior warning can cause vehicleoccupants to be thrown around in the car, and cause loss of vehicle controlwhich could result in an accident.
Fix. Hyundai will perform a cost free transmission oil change.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. If cruise control main switch is in the on position when engine is started, system can be affected by a short duration voltage drop caused by optional hi-power (h340) radio.
Risk. This could cause erratic cruise control operation, whichcould result in an accident.
Fix. Replace electronic control module.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
What's wrong. Deterioration of the reed valve subassembly may lead to a malfunction within the secondary air supply portion of the emission control system. The screws which attach the reeds to the reed valve subassembly may rust, and if the rusting becomes severe, the screw heads will erode and allow the reeds to separate from the reed valve subassembly. Corrosion may also occur on the reed valve subassembly, deforming the reed seats and preventing the reeds from closing properly. Separation of the reeds from the reed valve subassembly or improper closing of the reeds allow hot exhaust gases to flow backward into the plastic secondary air filter case when the vehicle is being driven. These hot exhaust gases may melt the secondary plastic air filter case.
Risk. The melting plastic air filter case may lead to a firein the engine compartment.
Fix. Replace the reed valve subassembly with one whose metal components are fabricated from corrosion resistant stainless steel.
1988 Hyundai Excel recalls 4
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. The heater control valve stem does not meet the material specifications. High coolant temperatures can cause the stem to leak.
Risk. This can result in a burn injury to the front seat passenger's feet and legs.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace defective valve stems.
Power Train:manual Transmission
What's wrong. The manual transmissions may lock up from insufficient lubrication of the gears in the transmission case. This can cause the drive wheels to seize and the vehicle to come to a sudden stop.
Risk. Sudden stops without prior warning can cause vehicleoccupants to be thrown around in the car, and cause loss of vehicle controlwhich could result in an accident.
Fix. Hyundai will perform a cost free transmission oil change.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. If cruise control main switch is in the on position when engine is started, system can be affected by a short duration voltage drop caused by optional hi-power (h340) radio.
Risk. This could cause erratic cruise control operation, whichcould result in an accident.
Fix. Replace electronic control module.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
What's wrong. Deterioration of the reed valve subassembly may lead to a malfunction within the secondary air supply portion of the emission control system. The screws which attach the reeds to the reed valve subassembly may rust, and if the rusting becomes severe, the screw heads will erode and allow the reeds to separate from the reed valve subassembly. Corrosion may also occur on the reed valve subassembly, deforming the reed seats and preventing the reeds from closing properly. Separation of the reeds from the reed valve subassembly or improper closing of the reeds allow hot exhaust gases to flow backward into the plastic secondary air filter case when the vehicle is being driven. These hot exhaust gases may melt the secondary plastic air filter case.
Risk. The melting plastic air filter case may lead to a firein the engine compartment.
Fix. Replace the reed valve subassembly with one whose metal components are fabricated from corrosion resistant stainless steel.
1987 Hyundai Excel recalls 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:pads
What's wrong. Vehicle may fail to conform to the brake fade and recovery portion of fmvss 105.
Risk. There may be a loss of braking efficiency duringrepeated hard application of brakes which could result in a crash without priorwarning.
Fix. Replace front brake pads with newly designed semi metallic brake pads.
Power Train:manual Transmission
What's wrong. The manual transmissions may lock up from insufficient lubrication of the gears in the transmission case. This can cause the drive wheels to seize and the vehicle to come to a sudden stop.
Risk. Sudden stops without prior warning can cause vehicleoccupants to be thrown around in the car, and cause loss of vehicle controlwhich could result in an accident.
Fix. Hyundai will perform a cost free transmission oil change.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. If cruise control main switch is in the on position when engine is started, system can be affected by a short duration voltage drop caused by optional hi-power (h340) radio.
Risk. This could cause erratic cruise control operation, whichcould result in an accident.
Fix. Replace electronic control module.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
What's wrong. Deterioration of the reed valve subassembly may lead to a malfunction within the secondary air supply portion of the emission control system. The screws which attach the reeds to the reed valve subassembly may rust, and if the rusting becomes severe, the screw heads will erode and allow the reeds to separate from the reed valve subassembly. Corrosion may also occur on the reed valve subassembly, deforming the reed seats and preventing the reeds from closing properly. Separation of the reeds from the reed valve subassembly or improper closing of the reeds allow hot exhaust gases to flow backward into the plastic secondary air filter case when the vehicle is being driven. These hot exhaust gases may melt the secondary plastic air filter case.
Risk. The melting plastic air filter case may lead to a firein the engine compartment.
Fix. Replace the reed valve subassembly with one whose metal components are fabricated from corrosion resistant stainless steel.
1986 Hyundai Excel recalls 5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:pads
What's wrong. Vehicle may fail to conform to the brake fade and recovery portion of fmvss 105.
Risk. There may be a loss of braking efficiency duringrepeated hard application of brakes which could result in a crash without priorwarning.
Fix. Replace front brake pads with newly designed semi metallic brake pads.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
What's wrong. A cotter pin in the brake pedal to brake master cylinder linkage assembly may be missing. This pin acts as a retainer for the brake master cylinder pushrod clevis pin. Consequence of defect: the clevis pin may slide out causing the master cylinder/brake pedal linkage to become disengaged. If this linkage becomes disengaged the service brakes cannot be applied, creating the risk of a crash without prior warning.
Fix. Inspect and install brake linkage cotter pin as necessary.
Power Train:manual Transmission
What's wrong. The manual transmissions may lock up from insufficient lubrication of the gears in the transmission case. This can cause the drive wheels to seize and the vehicle to come to a sudden stop.
Risk. Sudden stops without prior warning can cause vehicleoccupants to be thrown around in the car, and cause loss of vehicle controlwhich could result in an accident.
Fix. Hyundai will perform a cost free transmission oil change.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
What's wrong. Deterioration of the reed valve subassembly may lead to a malfunction within the secondary air supply portion of the emission control system. The screws which attach the reeds to the reed valve subassembly may rust, and if the rusting becomes severe, the screw heads will erode and allow the reeds to separate from the reed valve subassembly. Corrosion may also occur on the reed valve subassembly, deforming the reed seats and preventing the reeds from closing properly. Separation of the reeds from the reed valve subassembly or improper closing of the reeds allow hot exhaust gases to flow backward into the plastic secondary air filter case when the vehicle is being driven. These hot exhaust gases may melt the secondary plastic air filter case.
Risk. The melting plastic air filter case may lead to a firein the engine compartment.
Fix. Replace the reed valve subassembly with one whose metal components are fabricated from corrosion resistant stainless steel.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. If cruise control main switch is in the on position when engine is started, system can be affected by a short duration voltage drop caused by optional hi-power (h340) radio.
Risk. This could cause erratic cruise control operation, whichcould result in an accident.
Fix. Replace electronic control module.
Best and worst years for the Hyundai Excel
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 9 tracked years, the worst years are 1989, 1988, 1990 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1987, 1986, 1993.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Excel | Electrical System | Best | |
| 1987 Excel | Engine And Engine Cooling | Best | |
| 1988 Excel | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1989 Excel | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1990 Excel | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1991 Excel | Power Train | Average | |
| 1992 Excel | Power Train | Average | |
| 1993 Excel | Power Train | Best | |
| 1994 Excel | Power Train | Average |
What are the most common Hyundai Excel problems?
The most-reported Hyundai Excel problems are Other (3 reports), Seats (3 reports) and Tires (6 reports) — out of 451 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Engine And Engine Cooling 106 Read
Engine caught fire upon impact.
Reed valve sub assembly failed, resulting in a fire/injury prior to recall (91v-225). *ak
Engine sputtered, stopped running, caught fire. *ak
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.
Engine fire as a result of engine overheating. (ohio state police report). *ak
Engine overheated, coolant added several times, finally resulted in fire.
Exhaust system - egr valve: while driving up a hill began to smell fumes, smoke started to come from vehicle. The vehicle lost power and driver noticed that the vehicle was on fire. *ak
Vehicle fire. (ohio state police report) *dh
Engine compartment fire, unknown origin of fire. *ak
After parking, engine caught fire, for no apparent reason. *ak
Power Train 84 Read
Transmission failure, prior to recall; driver claimes never re ceived recall (93v-167). *ak
A blown manual transmission while driving. Dealer/manufacturer were notified. Provide any further information on this matter.*ak
Wheel bearing failed, causing grinding noise on left front while driving. Yh
Transmission would not stay in 4th gear.
Manual transmission failure/grinds. *ak
While driving, at approx. 60mph, drivers rear wheel bearings sheared off due to lack of tension, causing wheel to detach from axel, also rear hatch does not close in cold weather and rough idle. *ak
Engine oil leakage, automatic transmission failure, and numerous electrical system failure. Tt
Dealer put fuel injection that stop the car from cutting off after the dealer fix it, car hesitate dealer say it the transmission . *ak
5-spd transmission will pop out of gear without engaging clutch. Please describe details. Tt
Transmission failure. *aw
Electrical System 62 Read
The wires in the front half burnt completely out and it locked up the engine, resulting in a fire/accident/injuties. *ak
There is a huge safety defect in the older hyundai automobile computers or ecu boxes. The internal capacitors (rubycon and nicycon) fail causing acid to leak out on the computer board, leading to complete computer failure. The car stalls out while driving unexpectedly with no warning, leading to a serious road hazard for all occupants of this vehicle . The car will also idle erratically, yielding numerous computer , and no start and stalling situations that are unpredictability have replaced 4 computers (ecu's) in my 1992 hyundai excel . There are several internet articles and auto computer rebuild sites documenting these defective components in the hyundai computer. I also sent close-up photos of the ecu component defects, as well as a letter from the hyundai service manager to hyundai motors, but they are uncooperative. I have tried many times to contact hyundai motors and they would not offer any replacement or rebuild on this defective part. I feel this is a definite , serious and dangerous, road hazard that should be a recall in all these 1992 hyundai excel automobiles. People's lives are at stake driving with these defective computers in their cars. I hope you can help~many thanks. *nm
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 hyundai excel. While stopped at a red light, after only traveling one mile, the engine stalled and smoke and flames appeared under the hood. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then to her insurance company. The insurance representative diagnosed the failure as a failed ecu; however, they were not willing to cover all the damages to the vehicle. The manufacturer has not been notified. The vehicle has not been repaired and remains at the contact's residence. The failure and current mileages were 101,000.
While driving vehicle, check engine light comes & stays on, vehicle stalled suddenly, tried to swerve but hit another vehicle anyway. *ak
The vehicle caught on fire while parked, fire under the dash. Fire dept. Says it was an electrical fire. Please describe. *ak
Electrical system failure, brain cell melted down, fuses blown. Tt
Engine electrical fire in engine compartment; while driving, stalled, burst into flames; vehicle totalled. Tt
The vehicle hestitated then stopped completely, then the vehicle caught fire. Tt
Consumer was traveling about 30mph on highway, and she noticed that vehicle was hesitating/poppying, and didn't have any speed. Also, smoke was coming from underneath vehicle. Vehicle was on fire. *ak
While driving car caught on fire under the hood. Please descr0831000ails.
Visibility 55 Read
Heater leaked hot coolant, burning driver's foot, prior to recall. (94v103)
Rear side windows exploded, causing injury. *sd
On two separate occasions the back right/ left windows spontaneously exploded, passengers in back seat were showered with glass, resulting in an injury. *ak
Defective heater control valve. Please describe details. Tt
Hot water leaked from heater, causing burn injury.
Heater core leaked, causing injury to passenger. *tw
Defrosters fail to work in heavy humidity conditions. *ak
While driving 55 mph, the windows(passenger and driver) in the rear exploded. This has happened on 2 other occasions. The windows were replaced by owner all times. The manufacturer has been notified about the prolbem. *ak the first window exploded while the vehicle was parked, the two other times the vehicle was in motion. *slc
Both rear windows shattered.
Passenger side window has fallen off the vehicle. Tt
Seat Belts 29 Read
Rear middle seat belt did not lock up upon impact, causing child in child safety seat not remain in place. Front passenger seat belt did not lock up, causing personal injury. Problem not solved as yet. *ak
Vehicle was impacted at 12:00 position, speed 40mph, shoulder belt did not retract. *ak
Consumer was in an accident hit from behind the driver side seat belt didn't retract . Tt
The seat belts failed to restrain occupant in a collision causing child (6yrs old) to hit his head on the windshield. Tt
Motorized seat belt failed during an accident, resulting in an injury. *ak
Was in an accident with child weigh (40) in the passenger side seat with no booster the restraint didn't restraint the child went through the windshield . Tt
Consumer was in an accident equipment failure driver seat belt. Tt
Seatbelt failed to hold during collision, causing injuries. *tw
Drivers seat belt failed to hold driver in place when rear ended, resulting in injuries.
Vehicle was hit by a vehicle in which the shoulder belt belt did not lock, this caused the consumer's chest to hit the steering wheel, the lap belt did not fail in the accident. *slc
Fuel System 21 Read
For inspection i had to replace the catalytic converter which deteriorated severely. The cost was 175 dollars. Today the car became a fireball engulfed in flames and exploded! The fireman stated the cause was the fuel pump in the rear of the car! I was only running the car and went inside to get something & returned to a fireball. I totally lost car in fire!
Highway speed vehicle started to loss power. Pulled over hood latch melted then flame engulfed vehicle. Total loss. Please describe details. Tt
While driving down road car rear end catches on fire. Please describe details. Tt
Car stalls occasionally.
Fuel sensor gauge does not register when tank is full, could result in fuel leakage and potential fire. Tt
Noisy fuel pump/intermittent no start condition.
My first headache with this vehicle occured when the gas pump when out. I was sitting at a light and i heard a loud, buzzing sound coming from the rear of my car. As the light turned green, i stepped on the gas, only to feel a loss of power. The engine stopped running, and i was able to pull it into a parking lot and had it towed to a mecanhic. After the pump was replaced, the mecanhic sounded me where the gasket on the top of the pump had snapped in half. The incident with this car happend this past summer when the transmission gave out. I was on my way to work and i had just passed a green light. I tried to speed up, but the car hesitated really bad, and jerked each time i tried to go faster. I pulled off the car of the road to start up the car again, but it failed to turn over. I had it towed to a transmisson shop. It sat there for two weeks until i came up with the $1800 needed to pay for an entirely new transmission system.
Recall repairs refused due to vehicle being purchased in the united states and not in canada. (fmvss301) *tw
She requested the part from the manufacturer over a year ago and she still has not received the part regarding fuel system recall 93v192000. *ak
Hyundai zone office 93v192. Owner tried to obtain a listing for nearest dealer to him. After second attempt he called nhtsa to try to have recall work performed
Service Brakes 19 Read
Brake failure.
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.
Stopping at a traffic light abs brakes did not take, causing the consumer to hit a vehicle. Please explain. *ak
Upon depressing the brake pedal the pedal went to the floorboard/complete loss of braking ability, resulting in an accident. Consumer has noticed the problem, the master cylinder was replaced due to a slipped pin. *ak
Brakes failed, resulting in accident. *tw
1994 hyundai excel. Consumer writes in regards to misinformation concerning vehicle brakes and tire tread depth. *tgw the consumer stated one of the tires had a leak, the spark plugs, drive belts and wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle would not start on several occasions, until finally the battery was replaced. Within a couple of months, the consumer began hearing a grinding sound upon stopping. Upon inspection, it was determined the right rear brake was worn down to the metal and the wheel cylinder was leaking braking fluid. In addition to needing new brake shoes, the vehicle also needed new drums and wheel cylinders. *jb
Front brake pads and rotors repaired, causing grinding noise. Yh
Brake system is defective, experienced total loss of braking ability. Tt
Dealer said cylinder burst in rear brake, resulting in total brake failure, due to a fluid leak. Tt
Abs light illumnated on the dashboard. Also, when attempting to make a normal stop the vehicle continues to accelerate, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer has yet to contact the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak
Hydraulic 19 Read
Brake failure.
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.
Stopping at a traffic light abs brakes did not take, causing the consumer to hit a vehicle. Please explain. *ak
Upon depressing the brake pedal the pedal went to the floorboard/complete loss of braking ability, resulting in an accident. Consumer has noticed the problem, the master cylinder was replaced due to a slipped pin. *ak
Brakes failed, resulting in accident. *tw
1994 hyundai excel. Consumer writes in regards to misinformation concerning vehicle brakes and tire tread depth. *tgw the consumer stated one of the tires had a leak, the spark plugs, drive belts and wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle would not start on several occasions, until finally the battery was replaced. Within a couple of months, the consumer began hearing a grinding sound upon stopping. Upon inspection, it was determined the right rear brake was worn down to the metal and the wheel cylinder was leaking braking fluid. In addition to needing new brake shoes, the vehicle also needed new drums and wheel cylinders. *jb
Front brake pads and rotors repaired, causing grinding noise. Yh
Brake system is defective, experienced total loss of braking ability. Tt
Dealer said cylinder burst in rear brake, resulting in total brake failure, due to a fluid leak. Tt
Abs light illumnated on the dashboard. Also, when attempting to make a normal stop the vehicle continues to accelerate, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer has yet to contact the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Hyundai Excel specifications & dimensions
The 1994 Hyundai Excel. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Hyundai Excel window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Hyundai Excel cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Excel holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Hyundai Excel tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Hyundai Excel get?
The Hyundai Excel returns up to 28 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,200/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1994 Hyundai Excel (1.5L 4-cyl) gets 27 mpg combined and costs about $2,300/yr to fuel, emitting 329 g/mi CO₂ — about $500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 Excel | 23 | 32 | $2,300 | 329 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1993 Excel | 25 | 33 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1992 Excel | 26 | 33 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 Excel | 26 | 33 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 Excel | 25 | 33 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 Excel | 24 | 33 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 Excel | 24 | 33 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 Excel | 25 | 31 | $2,300 | 329 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Excel stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Excel's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Hyundai Excel have? Power & range
The Hyundai Excel is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.5L · 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Hyundai Excel cost to own?
A Hyundai Excel depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Excel loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $11,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Excel ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Hyundai Excel safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Excel yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Hyundai Excel last?
A well-maintained Hyundai Excel typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Hyundai Excel’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Excel’s VIN free →All Hyundai Excel model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Hyundai Excel — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 Excel | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1993 Excel | 1 recall | — | |
| 1992 Excel | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 Excel | 1 recall | — | |
| 1990 Excel | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1989 Excel | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1988 Excel | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1987 Excel | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1986 Excel | 5 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Excel?
By owner-complaint volume, 1989, 1988, 1990 drew the most reports. 1987, 1986, 1993 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Excel have?
24 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1986–1994. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Excel get?
Up to 28 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Excel last?
A well-maintained Excel typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Excel reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Excel is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Hyundai Excel warranty?
New Hyundai models carry a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Hyundai dealer.
Where is the Hyundai Excel made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Excel's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Hyundai may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Excel have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.