2018 Hyundai Elantra transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Dec 16, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The car began stalling and started to become unresponsive while I was driving to work. While I was not 100% sure of what component was malfunctioning at the time, I suspected that it might be a timing chain problem because I had this same exact issue happen to to this car back in January 2025. I did not expect this issue to occur again because at the time of the previous…

   NHTSA complaint #11705305 · source
2. Filed Nov 1, 2025MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   In early May 2023 I was driving my 2018 Elantra vehicle on the expressway. I had hot an area where there was traffic and had to slow down and move along with the speeds everyone else was going. When I slowed down my engine quit. Everything turned off and the car was stalled. I was able to turn the car back on and start the engine but there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine and when applying my foot on the gas it wasn't going anywhere. It stalled in traffic…

   NHTSA complaint #11696959 · source
3. Filed Sep 11, 2025GATransmission & Drivetrain

   I have been having transmission issues with my car since before July 2024. The transmission would stutter or not engage when I put my foot on the accelerator. The transmission failed in November 2024 and was eventually replaced by Hyundai in May 2025. I noticed stuttering the first day of having my car back but was told there was nothing wrong with it. Today, Sept.11, I was making a left turn on a busy two lane road. I had enough distance between the oncoming truck to make…

   NHTSA complaint #11686721 · source
4. Filed Jun 8, 2025MIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on the expressway, my vehicle suddenly stalled out. I was able to restart in but the car would not go over 25mph. I was able to pull off the next exit and call for a tow truck. My vehicle was brought to a local shop and they pulled the engine and find that it was shot. Due to Hyundai, they requested to do their own diagnostic and found the same issue. The vehicle ad less than 80,000 miles on it. I received an invoice for repairs required which was over $16,000…

   NHTSA complaint #11665672 · source
5. Filed Mar 3, 2025KYEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While diving the vehicle started to sputter and the ignition turned off. I was able to start it but the vehicle was making loud clunking sounds and max speed of 10mph. I pulled off on the side of the road and called for a tow to a reputable repair clinic. I told them what happened and they stayed they would be required to remove the engine to determine the issue. $$$ I paid the funds and they informed me the engine was shot. The vehicle has just over 80,000 miles. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11646133 · source
6. Filed Feb 20, 2025WVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Had to do 3 oil changes in a month had to change ignition coil that had been changed a month ago spark plugs were completely covered in oil was driving and it literally just stopped every time the oil would be checked it wouldn't be any on the dipstick.

   NHTSA complaint #11644028 · source
7. Filed Feb 20, 2025ILEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I bought my Hyundai Elantra 2018 in 2022. It started knocking by 2023 and i was told by the dealership it was plastic hitting the tire. I brought it back & had it scanned prior because the knocking never stopped. And another dealership confirmed it was the sealed transmission. There is no dipstick to check the fluid & it says in the book the fluid is good for the life of the transmission. The dealership i initially bought it from acted like it was my fault so my car sat May…

   NHTSA complaint #11643865 · source
8. Filed Oct 28, 2024CAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine is knocking cannot find a solution for this problem car stalls wen coming to a stop the car completely powers off , noticing a weird smell now ,

   NHTSA complaint #11622343 · source
9. Filed Apr 10, 202438,000 miNYAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle responded significantly, causing the contact to depress the brake pedal to drive safely. The contact stated that the vehicle would shudder while responding on some occasions. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at…

   NHTSA complaint #11582082 · source
10. Filed Oct 20, 2023CATransmission & Drivetrain

    Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) hesitates when slowing to a stop, then accelerating. The car completely looses power and limps for a second or two until finally it engages and power finally goes to the wheels. Also, the DCT clutch completely failed at 117,000 miles while traveling 65mph on the freeway, and Hyundai won't replace the clutch. Hyundai will only sell a new complete DCT.

    NHTSA complaint #11551099 · source
11. Filed Jan 15, 2023ILEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    Without any warning, the vehicle suddenly shut off while driving in a very busy intersection. It was able to be started two times as we tried to get out of the way of other moving vehicles but it eventually had to be towed. There were no warning lights that appeared on the vehicle to give us any indication something was wrong. It was towed to the dealership and we were told that there was engine damage, the engine needed to be replace and that it would not be covered.

    NHTSA complaint #11501833 · source
12. Filed Nov 30, 2022FLEngineLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

    My daughter is in college in Tallahassee. About 4 months ago, she told me that when she presses the accelerator, the car doesn’t go as fast as it should. In July 2022, the car was serviced in Tallahassee at the dealership; however, none of this is reflected on the receipt. In November she came home to Palm Beach County, on her way back, she told me that she was having the same issue when she pressed the accelerator. She made it to Tallahassee and I had her take it to the…

    NHTSA complaint #11495563 · 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