1996 Hyundai Elantra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 20%of 100 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Hyundai Elantra, 20% of the 100 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Trans. Slips. When you release gas pedal at high speeds and attempt to regain acceleration transmission does not respond immediately,there is at least a 5 sec. Pause. I am now going in to a shop for a diagnoses due to the loss of power and no reverse gear present.”
NHTSA complaint #10019099, filed 2003-05, 92,000 miles“When starting the ignition transmission locked up, causing the vehicle to cut off. It would be hard for the consumer to restart vehicle. Dealership/mechanic informed the consumer of the transmission failure, but was unable to resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10053366, filed 2004-01, 70,000 miles“I reported this information given to you to the main company in the month of august on several occasions; however, I have not received a response. In my opinion, this is totally unfair because I am making payments on an automobile that is literally falling apart. I feel that it Hyundai motor finance company should have made some preparation to satisfy their customer,one who has an excellent paying history. I am very dissatified with this product and would like a better automobile, one in which I would feel comfortable driving and paying for in the remainder years. Please help! …”
NHTSA complaint #700032, filed 1998-10“Vehicle lost all drive gears while at highway speed. Dealer service reports total transmission failure. Occured wihout warning , no noticable change in transmission fluid, and at only 69,975 miles (mostly in-town 20 mile work commute). Dealer claims no warranty coverage.”
NHTSA complaint #748230, filed 2001-07“Transmission has been rebuilt 3 times since purchase. 100,000 extended warranty is due to expire. Vehicle place in service shop for intermittent transmission failure for 4th time. Vehicle was road tested it, however, they were not able to replicate the problem. Have incurred financial losses due to frequent reoccurrence of problem (loss of work, vehicle rental, etc.) would like problem fixed permanently or replacement vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #725697, filed 2000-07Related service bulletins
- 10174807Apr 17, 2020The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10082725Sep 2, 2016This bulletin provides information on components, attributes, and precautions of the 7-speed dry-type dual clutch transmission (dct).
- 10018890Nov 1, 2005Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes list.
- 10015733Feb 1, 2005Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes list.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 | 3 | 5% |
| 2023 | 9 | 9% |
| 2022 | 7 | 7% |
| 2021 | 7 | 5% |
| 2020 | 47 | 19% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 24 | 8% |
| 2017 | 62 | 8% |
| 2016 | 31 | 11% |
| 2015 | 18 | 7% |
| 2014 | 22 | 6% |
| 2013 | 57 | 4% |
| 2012 | 40 | 6% |
| 2011 | 21 | 5% |
| 2010 | 32 | 8% |
| 2009 | 8 | 3% |
| 2008 | 29 | 9% |
| 2007 | 10 | 4% |
| 2006 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 17 | 5% |
| 2001 | 16 | 5% |
| 2000 | 22 | 11% |
| 1999 | 41 | 32% |
| 1998 | 13 | 24% |
| 1997 | 31 | 27% |
| 1996 | 20 | 20% |
| 1995 | 19 | 17% |
| 1994 | 9 | 12% |
| 1993 | 5 | 21% |
| 1992 | 9 | 31% |
Other parts of the 1996 Hyundai Elantra
20 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology