Hyundai Elantra Transmission Problems & Overview

Launched in the United States for the 1992 model year, the Hyundai Elantra was an affordable compact transportation device that cost thousands less than a similarly sized Civic or Corolla. By 2001, Hyundai decided to play-up the “value for money” proposition by giving the third generation Elantra standard front-side airbags and a full suite of power equipment. Buyers began to notice the now-competitive little Hyundai, and popularity of the 4th (2007-2010) and 5th (2011-2016) generation Elantra began to soar.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Is there something wrong with your Elantra? Let’s look at some of the most common transmission problems, and see what you can do to get your car back on the road.

Hyundai Elantra Recalls

1999 Elantra – 99V178000

Summary
On 1999 Elantra models equipped with an automatic transmission, the pressure control solenoid valve seals do not remain sufficiently elastic, resulting in a transmission fluid leak. This leakage can result in reduced pressure application to the clutches, brake, and kickdown servo, allowing them to slip.

Consequence
Such slippage can cause premature deterioration of the friction element surfaces and could cause the car not to accelerate, or not accelerate as expected, when the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

Remedy
Recall notification began on July 14, 1999, and dealers were instructed to replace the pressure control solenoid valve free of charge. For more information, owners can contact Hyundai at 1-800-829-9956, or they can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Hyundai Elantra Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

2011 Elantra – TSB 15-01-012

Problem:
On automatic equipped versions of the 2011 Elantra, the end of the cable connecting the transmission range switch to the car’s shift lever pin is fastened to the pin with a rubber grommet. The connection between the shifter cable and shift lever pin is critical to ensure proper gear selection (including placing the vehicle in Park). If the cable becomes disconnected and the vehicle is not in the Park position, the vehicle may roll if the parking brake is not applied.

Solution:
To fix or prevent this problem, an “E-clip” will need to be installed on the shift lever pin as a supplemental method of securing the cable.

2011-17 Elantra / 2013 Elantra GT / 2013-2014 Elantra Coupe – TSB 16-AT-006

Problem:
The shift lever on some 6-speed automatic equipped vehicles may intermittently not shift out of Park.

Solution:
This problem can be caused by a faulty brake switch, shifter assembly, or a misaligned or failed inhibitor switch. If these components pass inspection, check the TCU and TCU2 fuse in the junction box in the engine compartment: Check the fuse for an open circuit. Check the fuse for correct capacity. Check the fuse holder for a tight fit. Check for loose or damaged wires. If damage or an open circuit is found, repair or replace the front harness/junction box (PNC 91-912). For Elantra (UD/MD), replace the EMS Block (91951-3X100) and retest. Other causes include a failed cluster, shift lock solenoid, or BCM (Body Control Module).

2001-2006 Elantra 1.6L / 2007 Elantra Sedan 2.0L / 2009 Elantra Touring 2.0L – TSB 10-AT-011

Problem:
After replacing the automatic transmission, or reprogramming the PCM/TCM to improve the shift quality condition, the adaptive learning function must be reset. The PCM or TCM contains logic programming to adjust solenoid duty and line pressure as needed to compensate for normal clutch wear over the life of the transaxle.

Solution:
The PCM/TCM adaptive values must be reset (erase) and “relearn” in order to provide optimum shift quality

2011 Elantra – TSB. 12-AT-003-1

Problem:
Some 2011 Elantra models equipped with the automatic transmission may experience a rattle or clicking noise from the front muffler with the brake applied in Reverse after a cold start. The noise does not occur after engine warm-up.

Solution:
To fix this problem and stop the rattle, the front muffler will need to be replaced.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Transmission Does a Hyundai Elantra Have?

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What Problem Does Your Elantra Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

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Art
8 months ago

Sorry.forgot to mention it is a 2005 Elantra and no codes on dash

Art
8 months ago

Chattering noise at about 3500 rpm right after shifting to fourth gear and stays chattering until rpm drops..

Khamille
8 months ago

Oh yeah, I missed something… when I had the hard start high idle issue, the car would also stall out on me while coming to a stop or reversing into a parking space

Khamille
8 months ago

I have a 2016 Elantra 1.8L se with 99k miles. I bought it in 2017 with 38k miles. This car sucks. 1st problem was headlights and front turn signal blowing every year, by 2019 the parking lights would stay on after I armed the car and drain the battery. Then in 2020 my alarm started wailing randomly and sometimes wouldn’t allow the car to start until I arm and disarm several times. The brakes wear down extremely fast, I have to replace them almost every 6months and I don’t do much driving. 2021 Switched to synthetic oil because this thing consumes oil like there’s a leak somewhere but none exist. 2022 car started falling to start in the morning, I would have to Rev the engine to make it start and when it did, it idled up to 4rpm and cont to idle right under 2rpm after waiting about 5mins or so and i could hear a faint knock and a whistle like sound from the engine. I replaced the map sensor twice, fuel pump, and thermostat sensor, and ultimately cleaning the throttle body is what seemed to fixed the hard start high idle problem. Ball joints and struts wore out fast than any other car I’ve ever owned… actually never had any of these problems with a car. Now last Sunday 6/25/23, I drove to friend’s house 10 mins away, then to the gas station. After filling up and restarting the car it wouldn’t go into drive right away then suddenly jump into gear. We went to 2 stores nearby then I dropped my friend back off and got stuck in the road after reversing out the driveway so I went home. Delayed shifting occurred each time I restarted the car or shifted back into drive. Next morning same thing but then delayed 1st gear and acceleration started after sitting at the traffic light by noon, that Monday, it stopped going into drive completely. I had to get towed from work 3miles away from home and it hasn’t worked since. It does go into reverse though. I’ve been reading a lot and not sure if it’s 1 of the tranny solenoids, speed sensor, fluid, filter, or some other cheap faulty hyundai tranny component. I’m over it, at this point I’m looking for another car.

Winston Graves
9 months ago

Losing power going up hills,changed sparkplugs,still having problem.

Erin Evans
10 months ago

Not accelerating in 1st gear only reverse

Nick Mckithen
1 year ago

Will not go in reverse or park

Len Sperry
2 years ago

2011 Hyundai Elantra touring. 3rd car to roll back while in park. Parking pin issue. First one was only months old.

Pat Sisneros
2 years ago

Won’t go into drive on my 2012 Hyundai Elantra

Daniel J Brenton
2 years ago

I have a 2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS. The check engine light keeps coming on with a would a TCM code and. But I’m noticing is sometimes it won’t lock up in 4th gear on the automatic. And also it will clear its code and shift up and lock up the converter and fourth gear on its own. And then it’ll go to code on again and won’t get into top gear it’s been well maintained for 120,000 mi car it is my mother’s and she passed away and I inherited it. I’d like to change the filter in the transmission but I don’t know if there is one and change all the fluids

Liz K
2 years ago

My 2016 Hyundai Elantra is at mechanic for TWO months now waiting for a new transmission. Without warning car when put in drive would only go in reverse. Towed to mechanic, who said needs new transmission. But they cannot find a Hyundai transmission! Apparently this is a huge problem everywhere with Hyundais. Hyundai dealership keeps pushing the date that my new transmissuon will be delivered to mechanic from 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks 10 weeks now.. This is wrecking my life and I’ve lost my job.

Cassie B
2 years ago
Reply to  Liz K

The same thing just happened to me while driving on the highway to work. Service team member reported he can’t provide a set date for a replacement even within the year.

Oma
2 years ago

I have a 2001 elantra and 3rd and 4th gears are not engaging. 3rd feels like it does only to grind and pop back out of gear.4th gear won’t even allow you to come close to getting in feels like it’s blocked.

Anonymous
2 years ago

Shifter assmbely

JOHN M OCONNELL
2 years ago

When I start in first gear it takes a minute to get going. I am not getting any acceleration when I’m going up a hill. Once on level ground, it starts to drive normally.

Verna Moore
3 years ago

When I put my car in drive it rolls back. Then jerks into gear. There is a pause before gears catch.

Len Sperry
2 years ago
Reply to  Verna Moore

Is this a 2011 Elantra, and is it automatic? Thanks.

Larry Ball
3 years ago

Indicator light goes out and trans. Is weak
I can turn key off restart and light comes back on the transmission is strong again
The shifter has locked twice but releases when key is turned off and back on. It is a 2016 Elantra 1.8 liter

Last edited 3 years ago by Larry Ball
Martin
3 years ago

It’s a 5 speed manual transmission and it’s not coming out of gear and making a rattling sound and jumps into gear when idoling in neutral. It only has about 90,000km

Last edited 3 years ago by Martin
melissa
3 years ago

2012 elantra hatchback gs will not engage transmission occasionally. 132k miles

Nate
3 years ago

2013 Elantra GLS 4DOOR ONLY LIGHT ON DASH BOARD US TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT BUT HAVING LACK OF ACCELERATION & HARD IDLES ANY IDEAS???

Robin
4 years ago

2012 Elantra’s stalls, has no power…we were told a new transmission is needed. Hyundai replacement is 3300 from dealership. I’m their warranty isn’t good, 12 months or 12,000 miles!

Christine
4 years ago

My transmission light keeps coming on an off.Can you tell me what is the problem could be and is the car safe to drive. I been driving it. Is this an immediate fix

Christine
4 years ago
Reply to  Christine

what moderations do you need

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