Some cars shine for decades, while others rust away in scrapyards. Hyundai has had its fair share of models that didn’t quite stand the test of time. So, what went wrong? Buckle up as we sift through the wreckage and uncover the fate of these forgotten rides.

Hyundai Excel

The Excel hit the scene in the late ’80s as Hyundai’s affordable answer to compact cars. Cheap to afford and even cheaper to run, it was a hit. But owners soon discovered that affordability came with a price: frequent breakdowns and questionable build quality. What started as a budget-friendly ride ended up with maintenance costs stacking up.

Hyundai Scoupe

Introduced in the early ’90s, it had quirky styling and a turbocharged option that gave it a bit of kick. However, weak transmissions and lackluster durability ensured that most of these coupes didn’t see the new millennium. They were fun while they lasted, but that wasn’t very long.

Hyundai Tiburon

The Tiburon wanted to play in the sporty coupe category, and for a while, it held its own. Early models suffered from Hyundai’s notorious build quality issues, though later versions improved. Still, unlike its rivals like the Honda Civic or Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Tiburon didn’t offer much customization, which made it less appealing.

Hyundai Sonata (Early Models)

Before the Sonata became a respectable midsize sedan, the early models were forgettable. The first few generations suffered from lackluster engines and mechanical headaches that kept mechanics busy. Rust was another enemy, with many Sonatas developing Swiss cheese-like body panels long before their engines gave out.

Hyundai XG300/XG350

Hyundai’s first serious attempt at a luxury sedan had the right idea—just not the right execution. The XG300 and XG350 were packed with features, but that didn’t stop electrical gremlins from haunting owners. Add in expensive repairs that weren’t worth the trouble, and many found their way to salvage yards well before hitting classic status.

Hyundai Veracruz

Hyundai’s attempt at a full-size SUV had promise. Spacious and packed with features, the Veracruz aimed at the premium segment but never really caught on. Some owners ran into pricey engine and transmission issues. These repairs weren’t common enough to doom every Veracruz, but they were expensive enough to move on rather than fix.

Hyundai Entourage

Built from 2007 to 2009, Entourage shared its platform with the Kia Sedona, which meant it wasn’t a bad van, just one that few people noticed. Sales struggled due to Hyundai’s limited reputation in the minivan market, and despite offering decent features and safety ratings, it never gained traction.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

A rear-wheel-drive, sporty Hyundai? The Genesis Coupe had all the right ingredients. Although enthusiasts loved the idea, the execution had flaws. The interior felt cheap, and aftermarket support never reached its full potential. Many were driven hard and abandoned when repairs became too costly.

Hyundai Veloster (First Gen)

When the Veloster first arrived, its funky three-door design got people talking. Unfortunately, early models didn’t have the performance to match their bold looks. The base engine lacked excitement, and the dual-clutch transmission had its fair share of problems. Later versions got better, but the originals? Not so much.

Hyundai Equus

Luxury and Hyundai weren’t always synonymous, but the Equus tried to change that. It offered high-end features at a lower price, which sounded great until owners realized that parts were hard to find and repairs cost a fortune. Without a strong resale market, many Equus sedans were abandoned when major issues arose.