VIN Vehicle Report

1988 Hyundai Excel

KMHLD21FPKU314650

Vehicle record for the 1988 Hyundai Excel (VIN KMHLD21FPKU314650). Gray, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Khmelnytskyi. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.

4 recall campaigns → Gasoline
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Stock photo of a 1988 Hyundai Excel, Gray, Sedan — not the actual vehicle with VIN KMHLD21FPKU314650
1988 Hyundai Excel, as sold new. Not this exact car. · Photo via Wikimedia Commons
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Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate

Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.

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Full vehicle history report

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Everything below is in the paid report for VIN KMHLD21FPKU314650, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 4 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.

Title & Salvage Check · $4.99 Full report · $13.95 (everything)

📜 Title & ownership

  • Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)
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  • Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means
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  • Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace
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  • Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign
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🛞 Odometer

  • Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline
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  • Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards
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  • Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average
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💥 Damage, loss & theft

  • Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date
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  • Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags
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  • Theft screenActive and recovered theft records
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  • Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)
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  • Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane
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💰 Liens & value

  • Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records
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  • Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition
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  • DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection
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  • Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid
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🧰 Factory warranty & equipment

  • Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer
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  • Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in
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🚨 Recalls on this VIN

  • Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time
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History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.

At a glance

LocationKhmelnytskyi, UKRAINE
ColorGray
Recall campaigns4

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
Hyundai
Model
Excel
Year
1988
Body style
Sedan
Vehicle type
Passenger car
Displacement
1.5 L
Fuel type
Gasoline
Country of origin
South Korea

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1988 Hyundai Excel data →

📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)

🏭 Manufacturing & other

sourceua_mvs
Registration regionkhmelnytskyi
Last operation date2025-05-02
Last operation540 - ЗНЯТТЯ З ОБЛІКУ У ЗВ`ЯЗКУ З ВИБРАКОВКОЮ
PurposeZahalnyy
Engine cc1468
Own weight kg910
Total weight kg1360

Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.

MPG & running costs

U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1988 Hyundai Excel.

Combined26–28 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,533
FuelRegular
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume82 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$667 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1988 Hyundai Excel costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,665
Fuel only$12,665
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
161.0–168.1 in
Width
63.0 in
Height
53.9 in
Wheelbase
93.7 in
Curb weight
2,150–2,167 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1988 Hyundai Excel — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 12

CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURES Closed

NHTSA #PE94043 · Electrical System · opened May 1994 · closed Oct 1994

HEATER CORE FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #PE94003 · Visibility · opened Jan 1994 · closed Jun 1994

TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION Closed

NHTSA #C92001 · Power Train · opened Sep 1992 · closed Oct 1993

AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #EA91048 · Seat Belts · opened Nov 1991 · closed Oct 1992

TRANSMISSION LOCK-UP Closed

NHTSA #EA91039 · Power Train · opened Sep 1991 · closed Oct 1992

AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILS Closed

NHTSA #PE91097 · Seat Belts · opened Jul 1991 · closed Nov 1991

TRANSMISSION LOCKUP Closed

NHTSA #PE91083 · Power Train · opened Jun 1991 · closed Sep 1991

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

NHTSA #EA91024 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened May 1991 · closed Jan 1992

PASSENGER BRAKE Closed

NHTSA #PE91053 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Feb 1991 · closed Jun 1991

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

NHTSA #PE91027 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Jan 1991 · closed May 1991

FRNT SUSPENSION VIBRATES Closed

NHTSA #EA90021 · Suspension · opened Apr 1990 · closed Apr 1991

FRONT SUSPENSION VIBRATION Closed

NHTSA #PE90011 · Steering · opened Oct 1989 · closed Apr 1990

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 8

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lam…

Bulletin 23-BD-002H · Visibility · Jan 2023

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

Bulletin 21-EM-003H · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment · Mar 2021

This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.

Bulletin 20-BR-002H · Service Brakes · Nov 2020

This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the “Tire Balance Data Sheet” must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) d…

Bulletin 20-SS-004H · Wheels, Tires · Nov 2020

This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: • A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. • A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.

Bulletin 20-EE-003H · Equipment, Electrical System · Apr 2020

The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects vehicles within the b…

Bulletin 19-BE-011H-1 · Back Over Prevention, Lane Departure · Nov 2019

SHIFT CONDITION CAUSED BY SHORT CIRCUIT IN INHIBITOR SWITCH. *TW

Bulletin 9740002 · Power Train · Jan 1997

EXCELS EQUIPPED WITH HEATER CORES MANUFACTURED BY MANDO MAY EXPERIENCE COOLANT LEAKAGE FROM THE HEATER VALVE STEM ASSEMBLY. *TW

Bulletin 9501002 · Visibility · Jan 1995

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the EXCEL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1988 Hyundai Excel. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Engine

NOTE: ALL 1988-89 EXCEL VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA. THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY CONTAINED WITHIN THE AIR CONTROL VALVE COULD FAIL DUE TO CORROSION ALLOWING THE HOT EXHAUST GASES TO FLOW BACKWARD INTO THE PLASTIC SECONDARY AIR FILTER CASE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THESE HOT GASES MAY MELT THE SECONDARY AIR FILTER CASE AND COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTIO…

Transport Canada #1991176 · Dec 1991

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Hyundai Excel

The Hyundai Excel, also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Pony Excel, Hyundai Presto, Mitsubishi Precis, and Hyundai X2, is an automobile which was produced by Hyundai Motor Company from 1985 to 1999. It was the first front-wheel drive car produced by the South Korean manufacturer. The Excel range replaced the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Pony.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

Safety recall campaigns 4

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE STEM DOES NOT MEET THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE STEM TO LEAK.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS.

NHTSA Campaign #94V103000 · 06/06/1994

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

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.

Remedy: HYUNDAI WILL PERFORM A COST FREE TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE.

NHTSA Campaign #93V167000 · 04/10/1993

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

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, D…

Remedy: REPLACE THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY WITH ONE WHOSE METAL COMPONENTS ARE FABRICATED FROM CORROSION RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL.

NHTSA Campaign #91V225000 · 31/12/1991

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

Remedy: REPLACE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.

NHTSA Campaign #89V100000 · 19/06/1989

Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.

These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

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Common problems & what to inspect

Based on all 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Hyundai Excel, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

💥 5 involved a crash 🔥 10 involved a fire 🚑 8 reported injuries

Engine And Engine Cooling 24 reports

🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Power Train 11 reports

🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Seat Belts 10 reports

🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

Electrical System 9 reports

🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Visibility 4 reports

🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

Structure 3 reports

🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

Pre-purchase checklist

🖨️ Print this checklist for your mechanic

Owner complaints 71

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1988 Hyundai Excel.

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE

PROBLEMS WITH BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT, RACK AND PINION LEAKAGE, BENT CROSSMEMBER IN THE SUBFRAME, ETC. (NAR) *PH *CB THE CONSUMER SENT ANOTHER COMPLAINT REFERENCING 10040082,10022196,10011711, & 10003824 ALL OF WHICH WENT UN-ANSWERED. *TC

NHTSA ODI #10064949

STEERING,STRUCTURE

RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING, BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT AND UPPER TIE BAR IS BENT.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS POORLY WELDED ON ONE SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME *TS THE CROSS MEMEBER WAS BENT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10040620

TIRES

DRIVING OUT OF DRIVEWAY HEARD A NOISE LIKE THE TIRE WAS FLAT OR SOMETHING DRAGGING BENEATH MY VEHICLE. EXITED FOUND NOTHING. DROVE TO NEXT STOP SIGN, NOISE CONTINUED. EXITED A SECOND TIME AND OBSERVED TRED FROM TIRE EXTENDING ABOUT SIX INCHES TO THE REAR OF TIRE. TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED BUT THE TRED TRAILED BEHIND THE TIRE. DROVE IN REVERSE TO ALLOW TRE…

NHTSA ODI #728655

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Fire · NHTSA ODI #705918

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINE BROKE CAUSING CAR TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #543819

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE HEAD FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #543819

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

RADIATOR FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #543819

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE SOLD WITHOUT PRIOR HISTORY INFORMATION STATING VEHICLE WAS SALVAGED.

NHTSA ODI #543170

+ 63 more complaints on record.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?

No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.

Are there safety recalls on the 1988 Hyundai Excel?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1988 Hyundai Excel model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What fuel economy does the 1988 Hyundai Excel get?

The 1988 Hyundai Excel has U.S. EPA estimates of 26–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Recall data checked 4 Nov 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.