The 1986 Hyundai Excel has 4 recalls, the most serious being a steering defect on 5-door models where a loose steering column bolt can cause sudden and complete loss of steering control, and a brake system defect where a missing or improperly installed cotter pin can cause total brake failure without warning.
On the fuel system side, certain vehicles may have a misrouted fuel return hose that rubs against ignition or emissions components over time, eventually wearing through and leaking fuel in the engine bay, where it can ignite and cause a fire under the hood. The remaining brake concern is separate from the cotter pin issue: under certain braking conditions, the front brakes can fade and lose stopping effectiveness, requiring more pedal pressure than expected to slow the vehicle and extending the distance needed to stop.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the steering column coupler may not be tight enough and could loosen, potentially causing loss of steering control without warning.
What the fix does
The steering column coupler bolt will be replaced and properly tightened.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Under certain braking conditions, the front brakes may fade, reducing their stopping power.
What the fix does
Improved semi-metallic brake pads will be installed to restore braking performance.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel return tube clip may be installed incorrectly, allowing the fuel return hose to rub against the distributor cable or EGR valve. This rubbing can wear through the hose over time, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cotter pin that holds the brake clevis pin in place may be missing or incorrectly installed. If missing or if it falls out, your brakes could fail without warning.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
