Hyundai Excel recalls

9 official safety recalls for the Hyundai Excel from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Heater control valve may leak hot coolant

    Reported June 6, 1994Model years 1988–1989NHTSA campaign 94V103000270,000 vehicles affected

    High coolant temperatures can cause the heater control valve stem to leak. Hot coolant could burn the front passenger's feet or legs. Dealers will inspect and replace defective valve stems.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
    Defect
    THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE STEM DOES NOT MEET THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE STEM TO LEAK.
    Consequence
    THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: HEATER, WATER, DEFROSTER, HEATER CORE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.OTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-829-9956. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  2. Crank angle sensor may cause the engine to stall

    Reported May 11, 1994Model years 1994NHTSA campaign 94V090000600 vehicles affected

    A defective internal coating in the crank angle sensor can cause an open circuit at high operating temperatures, which may stall the vehicle. A stall while driving could lead to a crash. Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace ones with the defective coating.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    ENGINE STALLING HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH IF IT OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
    Remedy
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ALTERNATOR; STARTER.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-829-9956. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  3. Fuel tank may leak too much fuel in a crash

    Reported November 23, 1993Model years 1990–1994NHTSA campaign 93V192000257,001 vehicles affected

    The fuel tank can leak more fuel than allowed in a side impact. A fuel spill after a crash could ignite and cause a fire. A countermeasure has been developed to meet fuel system integrity requirements.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SPILLAGE CAN RESULTIN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
    Remedy
    HYUNDAI HAS DEVELOPED AN APPROPRIATE COUNTERMEASURE THAT WILL COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL SYSTEMS; FMVSS 301.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 3 AND 4 DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPONSERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREEOF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASECONTACT HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER AT 1-313-747-6600. ALSO, PLEASE CONTACT THENATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT1-800-424-9393.

  4. Manual transmission may lock up

    Reported October 4, 1993Model years 1986–1989NHTSA campaign 93V167000515,000 vehicles affected

    Insufficient lubrication can cause the transmission gears to lock, seize the drive wheels and stop the vehicle suddenly, risking loss of control or injury. A cost-free transmission oil change will be performed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    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.
    Remedy
    HYUNDAI WILL PERFORM A COST FREE TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; TRANSMISSION; STANDARD; MANUAL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL 4 OR 5 SPEEDTRANSMISSIONS.

  5. Reed valve corrosion may melt the air filter case

    Reported December 31, 1991Model years 1986–1989NHTSA campaign 91V225000895,000 vehicles affected

    Corroded or separated reed valves may let hot exhaust flow back into the plastic secondary air filter case and melt it, which may cause an engine compartment fire. The reed valve assembly will be replaced with one made with corrosion resistant stainless steel components.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    THE MELTING PLASTIC AIR FILTER CASE MAY LEAD TO A FIREIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
    Remedy
    REPLACE THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY WITH ONE WHOSE METAL COMPONENTS ARE FABRICATED FROM CORROSION RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: EXHAUST SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY WILL BE PERFORMING THIS RECALL FOR THE HYUNDAIEXCEL AND FOR THE MITSUBISHI PRECIS.

  6. Front hub lock washer may crack

    Reported March 15, 1990Model years 1990NHTSA campaign 90V0530002,281 vehicles affected

    A lock washer under the front hub nut may crack, causing wheel bearing play or damage and possibly wheel failure that could lead to loss of control. Replace the lock washer on each front wheel and repair the surrounding area as needed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER
    Defect
    LOCK WASHER LOCATED UNDER THE NUT THAT SECURES THE FRONT HUB TO THE DRIVE SHAFT MAY HAVE HAD IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT AND COULD CRACK.
    Consequence
    THIS COULD CAUSE WHEEL BEARING FREEPLAY AND COULD RESULT IN BEARING DAMAGE, AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL THROUGH WHEEL FAILURE.
    Remedy
    REPLACE LOCK WASHER ON EACH FRONT WHEEL AND REPAIR AREA AROUND LOCK WASHER AS NECESSARY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FRONT WHEELS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  7. Cruise control may operate erratically

    Reported June 19, 1989Model years 1986–1989NHTSA campaign 89V1000008,550 vehicles affected

    Starting the engine with cruise control on may allow a brief voltage drop from an optional hi-power (H340) radio to affect the system, causing erratic operation and potentially a crash. The electronic control module will be replaced.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    REPLACE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.
    Notes
    SYSTEM:CRUISE CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:PASSENGER CARS WITH SPECIFIC CRUISE SYSTEMS (SCS).

  8. Front brake pads may lose efficiency when repeatedly applied

    Reported November 25, 1987Model years 1986–1987NHTSA campaign 87V180000321,000 vehicles affected

    Repeated hard braking may reduce braking efficiency and could cause a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the front brake pads with newly designed semi-metallic pads.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
    Defect
    VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE BRAKE FADE AND RECOVERY PORTION OF FMVSS 105.
    Consequence
    THERE MAY BE A LOSS OF BRAKING EFFICIENCY DURINGREPEATED HARD APPLICATION OF BRAKES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIORWARNING.
    Remedy
    REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED SEMI METALLIC BRAKE PADS.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: BRAKES/FMVSS 105VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS ANDAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.

  9. Brake linkage cotter pin may be missing

    Reported March 17, 1986Model years 1986NHTSA campaign 86V0430008,197 vehicles affected

    A missing cotter pin may let the brake master cylinder pushrod clevis pin slide out and disengage the brake pedal linkage, preventing the service brakes from being applied and risking a crash. The linkage will be inspected and a cotter pin installed as necessary.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    INSPECT AND INSTALL BRAKE LINKAGE COTTER PIN AS NECESSARY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: BRAKE LINKAGE COTTER PIN. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

Back to the Hyundai Excel