2016 Hyundai Elantra transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 10, 2026FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission P0731 code. Vehicle will not shift into 1st gear when idle but will stay in 3 or 4 gear. Speedometer would indicate high speed when pressing on accelerator. At traffic light when light turn green car rev but would not shift into gear. Has only 130K miles. Car was towed to dealer and required a new transmission.

   NHTSA complaint #11749594 · source
2. Filed Jul 8, 2026UTOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   2016 Hyundai Elantra (75k miles) experiences severe, un-commanded Loss of Propulsive Power and a Severe Drivetrain Instability Hazard. At steady highway speeds, the automatic transmission completely loses hydraulic pressure, slips out of gear, and unexpectedly drops into a temporary "neutral." The engine suddenly revs up to high RPM on its own while losing all forward acceleration. After coasting helplessly, it violently slams back into gear, causing the vehicle to lurch…

   NHTSA complaint #11749052 · source
3. Filed Dec 29, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on the freeway at normal highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately lost power, and the vehicle shut down within seconds. There was no prior warning or opportunity to take corrective action. The vehicle became completely disabled and could not be driven. This occurred late at night with limited traffic, and I was LUCKY to be near a freeway exit. I was able to coast toward the exit, but the engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11707629 · source
4. Filed Dec 20, 2025CAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine turns off unexpectedly when driving. all power steering and brakes stop working when engine itself off. entire engine, drive train, and vehicle shakes while driving. Transmission is a replacement as first one failed after 90 days of purchase. paid labor for replacement and waited over 6 weeks without a vehicle. Now replaced oem transmission slips out of gear. making vehicle difficult to drive as the transmission and engine sputter and make ride jerky. car has turned…

   NHTSA complaint #11706316 · source
5. Filed Nov 1, 2025FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle started to violently lurch when shifted into drive. A week later loud clunking sound also started when shifting into drive. Sometimes would not go into drive and had to use manual 1st, 2nd, etc. Reverse was fine, no issues. No dash lights ever came on. Auto parts store had error code P0722. Have a diagnostic appt in a week at local Hyundai dealer. We may attempt to replace input/output speed sensor to solve, but probably will let dealership do diag first. Mileage…

   NHTSA complaint #11696914 · source
6. Filed Aug 21, 202593,000 miFLTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked with an abnormal sound coming from the transmission while shifting gears. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission…

   NHTSA complaint #11682210 · source
7. Filed Mar 18, 2025LAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Bought a 2016 Elantra in 2020 with 44,000 miles on it and a clean repair/ maintenance history. Let me preface the rest of this by saying I am an ASE certified mechanic of 15 years who has been in the industry even longer. The first major issues I incurred with the vehicle happened approximately one year after purchase. The lifters started tapping and not long afterwards (about a week) I had a total engine failure on my hands. I was almost killed by a passing semi truck that…

   NHTSA complaint #11649035 · source
8. Filed Oct 11, 2024NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission continues to stall. Very dangerous….as I was pulling into a gas station and the car stalled. When placed into gear the vehicle would not drive forward and began to roll backwards. The vehicle is available for inspection. Due to the sudden stall a serious accident could have occurred. I took the vehicle to a mechanic and he confirmed that all fluid levels were good but the vehicle is in need of a completely new transmission. The current transmission can’t be…

   NHTSA complaint #11619315 · source
9. Filed Sep 27, 2024INTransmission & Drivetrain

   I own a 2016 Elantra with around 140,000 miles and the car just stopped going forward the car only goes in reverse, no warning light came on, no other issues or warnings that there was something wrong with the car.

   NHTSA complaint #11616877 · source
10. Filed Apr 11, 2024TXEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    *4th report to NHTSA* Trouble getting response from HMA case manager. Delaying/not responding to multiple emails/calls/contact forms. Please advise. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Multiple systems continuing to fail/malfunction. Multiple attempts to repair at Hyundai dealerships. Vehicle is currently at the dealer service center where it was originally purchased on [XXX] (Dealer number P113588 , Ron…

    NHTSA complaint #11582481 · source
11. Filed Apr 1, 2024KYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    Bought the car a yr ago and transmission started slipping and stalling sometimes even engine shutting off while driving at higher speeds unable to steer and when pulling into traffic is on interstate almost got hit because I could not speed up it's also using double the fuel while driving longer distances I tried to use my warranty 2x before my warranty was up but both neither time did Hyundai in Owensboro check what I booked the appt for. First one was booked to check…

    NHTSA complaint #11580520 · source
12. Filed Mar 27, 2024TXEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    Initial report on March 7, 2022 (approx. 94K miles), second report on Dec. 12, 2023 (approx. 111,700 miles). Third report March 27, 2024: Recent event occurred on March 23, 2024 (approx. 112K miles) when my vehicle suddenly stopped moving while driving 55mph on a freeway with child passenger in the vehicle, putting both of us at risk for collision. Vehicle did not have any warning lights turn on prior to or during event. The vehicle did not move again after multiple attempts…

    NHTSA complaint #11579707 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology