AI Damage1991 Hyundai Scoupe: common problems
Owners of the 1991 Hyundai Scoupe filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and structure. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 14
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 43% of all complaints
- 2 Structure 29% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 21% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 14% of all complaints
- 5 Visibility 14% of all complaints
- 6 Equipment 7% of all complaints
- 7 Exterior lighting 7% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 7% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 6 complaints (43% of all).
- Structure: 4 complaints (29% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (14% of all).
- Visibility: 2 complaints (14% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 14 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Consumer was sold a vehicle from salvage. (according to b1381 the seller was supposed to disclose this info to the consumer) there was a broken motor mount, both cross members were bent, very poor welding on the right side of the subframe, the cover support was bent, the rack and pinion was leaking, the upper tie bar…
It initially failed in november of 1999. I replaced it with a used computer which subsequently failed in august of 2000. I am currently having it replaced with a new computer.
This car has always had jerking on excelleration, fast idle when doing 20, 30 and 40 mph. It now stalls and slips out of gear. It has lurched forward in the past from a stop. This car has never run right as far as the transmission is concerned but hyundai does not want to fix the problem.
Engine oil leaks continuously, engine also jerks and bucks, finally replaced due being cracked.
Consumer stated that the driver's side door does not open from inside or outside, preventing the occupant from entering and existing the vehicle due to a broken part inside the door panel. Consumer has yet to contact the dealer.
Rocker shaft snaps in half, throwing end bolt into valve cover.
Consumer purchased used vehicle having problems with transmission. Tt
Drivers side door handle broke and you could not get out of the car, now the passengers side does not work. Tt
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,551 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 26% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Scoupe has 10 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 14, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Hyundai Scoupe?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, structure, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 14. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: jerking, harsh shifts (14%), stalls while driving (14%), transmission slipping (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Hyundai Scoupe?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1991 Hyundai Scoupe from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1991 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.