2016 Hyundai Elantra Powertrain (other) Problems

P0420 P0441 P0014 P1326 C1260 C1688 C2130 These are the codes that's affecting my car

NHTSA ID

11752793

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

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 ID

11749594

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

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 forward. This also happens from a complete stop.The vehicle's OBD-II system fails to illuminate the Check Engine Light or store fault codes during these flares, providing zero warning before a loss of propulsion.This dangerous transmission slipping has occurred intermittently for several years. I repeatedly took it to an authorized Hyundai dealership to address this crash hazard. Because there was no active Check Engine Light, the dealership dismissed my concerns, refused to document it, and sent me away without a diagnosis. Recently, the service department acted in bad faith by misrepresenting my warranty terms (falsely claiming it was only 7 years) and refusing a live-data diagnostic scan. The bad faith dealership was Murdock Hyundai of Murray in [XXX], specifically the service manager Tyler as well as Krateton. The car is a verified vehicle under the Hyundai Nu 1.8L Piston Slap Class Action Settlement (TXXK Campaign). An official safety escalation case is open with Hyundai Motor America under my corporate case number XXX. I request a federal safety investigation into premature transmission pressure failure in 2016 Elantras, as this vehicle is entirely unsafe to operate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11749052

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

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 seized fully, resulting in total loss of propulsion and blocking the freeway exit ramp. Law enforcement had to assist due to the disabled vehicle creating a traffic obstruction and safety hazard. A tow truck was required to remove the vehicle because it could not be restarted or moved. Under normal traffic conditions, this sudden loss of engine power at freeway speed could have resulted in a SERIOUS, potentially FATAL COLLISION. The outcome depended on luck, timing, and location rather than any safety system functioning as intended. The engine was later diagnosed by an authorized Hyundai dealership as seized due to internal failure. Hyundai denied warranty coverage because a software safety campaign had not been completed prior to the failure, even though the failure occurred suddenly and without warning, leaving no opportunity to complete the campaign. However, at the time of the failure, the NHTSA recall lookup tool showed ZERO unrepaired recalls associated with this vehicle’s VIN. The campaign referenced by Hyundai is intended only to detect certain engine conditions and does not repair engine defects. In this case, the engine failed before any detection or warning could occur. The vehicle had just been refueled and was equipped with four brand-new tires, confirming it was being operated normally. This incident involved an unexpected and complete loss of engine power at freeway speed due to an apparent engine defect, presenting a SERIOUS SAFETY RISK to the driver and other motorists.

NHTSA ID

11707629

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

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 off on the freeway in traffic 3 times. almost causing an accident each time. car has been robbed at least 5 separate times. stealing items within the vehicle. car was locked and next day it is unlocked and my stuff all gone. i am scared to drive the vehicle. i believe it is a lemon.

NHTSA ID

11706316

Incident

Apr 10, 2025

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 approx 84686. Very dangerous at stop lights if can not get car into drive. Crash risk is high.

NHTSA ID

11696914

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

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 failure due to a workmanship error. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired due to the cost. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure and submitted a request for a new transmission. The manufacturer declined the request. The contact notified the manufacturer and was informed that there was no Extended Warranty on the vehicle declined to offer any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ID

11682210

Incident

Jul 28, 2025

Mileage

93,000 mi

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 was merging on to the interstate but was luckily able to avoid it and get the car on the side of the interstate where I had it towed to Ralph Sellers Hyundai in Baton Rouge Louisiana. Long story short , even though the second owner is entitled to a 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty, they made me pay for a new engine. Here we are only 19,000 miles later and the same issue is occurring; except this time due to the stress the failing engine is putting on the torque converter the transmission is now failing to do its job properly. I have been back to the dealership but they offered no help except lies (they told me my high pressure fuel pump was bad, this model doesn't even have one!!!!!) I fully intend to sue Hyundai of America unless some appeasement can be made. Do not EVER buy a hyundai, they are trash cars made to look nicer than they are. Additional details will reflect most recent incident with engine/transmission.

NHTSA ID

11649035

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

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 repaired. The vehicle showed no warning signs or lights prior to incident. Can’t drive the vehicle as it is not safe. The vehicle is parked in a garage to avoid accident. The vehicle was driven low mileage over the last year.

NHTSA ID

11619315

Incident

Sep 5, 2024

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 ID

11616877

Incident

Sep 12, 2024

*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 Carter Hyundai) now Big Star Hyundai. Yes - PLEASE conduct VIN inspection on this vehicle. I am waiting to hear back from dealer & HMA case manager to confirm vehicle specifications relating to VIN in their system and full engine inspection results. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - First reported and diagnostics completed by dealer [XXX]. Problems with engine have continued and escalated to current. Latest safety risk event occurred [XXX] while driving on high traffic freeway in Houston, TX with child passenger. Vehicle lost ability to control speed/driving power suddenly stopped/failed resulting in tow to dealership. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes. Included notes in attached reports from previous dealer visits. Symptoms, reporting & attempts to repair started within warranty window. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Previous inspection reports attached. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - CEL was on and off at the start of symptoms Dec. 2021. Dealer replaced MAP sensors and the issues continued without warning lamps. Dealer stated they could not diagnose anything without warning lamps. Dealer reported unknown diagnosis and closed case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11582481

Incident

Mar 23, 2024

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 transmission and power issue then called the day before and added oil change. When I arrived the tech retyped my order and changed the oil. Brought my keys I asked about the power/transmission issues and was told they didn't know to check that but at that point there was no time and had to reschedule... So I did. Waited almost 2 months booked appt for transmission / power issue and also check the fuel usage. Finish the service call quoting me over $1300 to fix the fuel issue because no one could find my warranty eventhough I had my original paperwork showing who warranty was with and also the acct number for the warranty. When I asked about transmission or power issue I was told there was no one to check that and I had to rebook but this time it was going to be 8 weeks and by then my warranty had expired. I feel like Hyundai did this on purpose because they are in cahoots with the lot I bought the car from. Now my car is getting worse and worse and scared to even drive the car im overpaying for. This was my first Hyundai and more than likely will forever be my last because the car I got was a lemon it seems, the customer service was worthless and the service even worse. I'm reporting to BBB and everywhere I can.

NHTSA ID

11580520

Incident

May 2, 2023

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 to accelerate to exit freeway safely. After shifting to neutral and back to drive, the vehicle suddenly jolted and accelerated randomly while holding foot on the gas pedal (no control over timing of acceleration). We were able to exit the freeway safely. This same issue repeated multiple times while driving us to a safe area to call for a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to dealership location it was originally purchased at on March 26, 2024. Diagnostics appointment scheduled for March 28, 2024. I have completed oil change services on this car about every 1,200 miles to keep the engine running since there was no solution for any of my previous reports to dealership (even when opening a case with Hyundai), their previous determination was to close case since the diagnostics report did not show error codes in report. Previous dealership advisor made a verbal comment that the real problem is something their computers do not scan codes for, and his recommendation was to "drive it til the wheels fall off" after paying thousands in services that did not solve the root problem. Hoping this appointment will lead to a safer outcome.

NHTSA ID

11579707

Incident

Mar 23, 2024

My Hyundai Elantra started completely shutting off while I was driving. This happened on multiple occasions like in slow traffic and while going high speeds on the highway. This is scary and dangerous when my toddler child is in the car. I took it to 3 different mechanics and no one can find any codes or anything wrong with it---but it continues to happen and put my life and my daughters life at risk. I have seen so many people complaining of the same thing--but nothing has happened? This last dealership has had my car for 3 weeks (and counting) but still cannot find the issue. I have about 125,000 miles on the car.

NHTSA ID

11518693

Incident

Mar 6, 2023

Car stutters at low speed.

NHTSA ID

11505482

Incident

Feb 3, 2023

I believe it is the transmission/ power train that failed. It slides gears and the engine stalls. While driving, I was almost hit because I could not speed up. I had to decelerate in order for the gear to not stutter.

NHTSA ID

11482326

Incident

Aug 29, 2022

On 06/10/2022 Going down the road went to shift gears and it was stuck in 5th gear. Finally got it released and safely made it home. Ever since you can shift the gears and reverse while engine isn’t running but once I turn on the vehicle it refuses to shift into any gears including reverse. I have a FIXD OBD2 sensor and it showed no warning messages before, during, and now. No codes are showing up when plugged in. Matter of fact it says there’s no issues with my car ? I had a mechanic take a look since he was willing to come to my house considering I currently don’t have the funds to get it checked out & he said it’s probably my clutch has went out, but that can’t be the case considering it will turn on still. I have no messages appear on the dash & I have plenty of transmission oil. Today is 07/08/2022 and it has just been sitting there due to the fact I’ve lost my employment and can’t afford to have it looked at

NHTSA ID

11472842

Incident

Jun 10, 2022

April 2022 Car engine stalls while at stop sign or light. Started happening once or twice every few weeks. Took the vehicle to two repair shops but could not diagnose the issue. Vehicle giving no diagnostic codes or warning lights. May 2022 vehicle is now stalling and losing acceleration while driving on busy highway, leaving me and my children on the highway shoulder. Car loses acceleration and coasts to a complete stop. No warning lights have come on previously. Could not book an appointment with Hyundai dealer until June 25, 2022. As of June 3rd 2022, check engine light is on and car having trouble starting back up after stall. Vehicle is stalling and losing acceleration 2-3 times a day no matter the speed. Booked appointment with Hyundai dealer in another area for June 9, 2022.

NHTSA ID

11467344

Incident

Jun 3, 2022

My 2016 Hyundai Elantra started jerking and losing acceleration power. I got stuck at a stop sign because the car lost the ability to change gears. It felt very unsafe to be stuck in the middle of traffic and have to wave people around my vehicle at night. I’ve taken it to two different mechanics who have both said my vehicle has experienced premature transmission failure due to a factory defect. The car has 90,000 miles. I am a second owner so my warranty ended at 60,000 miles. There was no warning or dash lights. It was very abrupt and unexpected.

NHTSA ID

11464898

Incident

Feb 26, 2022

My vehicle is only 5 years old and the transmission has problems. I was driving and the car stopped with an impact force. I thought that someone or something had hit me from behind. For over over 2 months, I have been without a vehicle because the mechanic shop states that the transmission need part replacements.

NHTSA ID

11434960

Incident

Aug 25, 2021

Check engine light didn't come on until the car no longer went into gear. Prior to light coming on car started jumping like 3 feet when going from park to drive sometimes and would do the same sometimes after proceeding from a stop. After about 2 weeks of doing this car would only go in reverse then the check engine light came on. Had it towed to dealer to be serviced. They said i need a new transmission and cost over $6800. Car has been in shop for 3 weeks now. I filed a complaint with you guys and was told to see if Hyundai would make things right and make it a recall since it was a huge safety issue i think. However they said there was nothing they could do cause my warranty was up cause I'm almost to 130000 miles. That shouldn't even matter it was still a safety issue. I was reading and found that a lot of people were having similar issues and Hyundai does nothing about it.

NHTSA ID

11434949

Incident

Sep 29, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR OVER AN HOUR, THE VEHICLE SHUT-OFF WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING LIGHT FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11389404

Incident

Sep 21, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, AN ABNORMAL ODOR AND AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WAYNE MAZDA (1244 STATE ROUTE 23, WAYNE, NJ 07470) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11366387

Incident

Sep 7, 2020

Mileage

50,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET WHEN I REACHED A STOP LIGHT. I CAME TO A COMPLETE, FULL, AND SAFE STOP. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. AND BEFORE THIS DAY THAT THIS ALL HAPPENED, THE CAR WAS IN PERFECT DRIVING CONDITION. NOTHING WAS WRONG FROM WHAT I COULD TELL. I THEN TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON, IN THE FRONT OF TRAFFIC FORMING BEHIND ME. IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF EVERY TIME I WOULD STOP OR SLOW DOWN. IT HAPPENED ABOUT 7 TIMES BEFORE I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM.

NHTSA ID

11341433

Incident

Jul 17, 2020

Mileage

106,894 mi

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE FOR A YEAR NOW. I TOOK THE CAR TO HYUNDAI SEVERAL TIMES TO GET MY VEHICLE SERVICE AND EACH TIME THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEMS I AM EXPERIENCING ARE A DELAY IN ACCELERATION, CAR SHUTS OFF OCCASIONALLY WHILE DRIVING, CAR SHUT OFF OCCASIONALLY WHEN SWITCHING TO REVERSE, THE CAR ALWAYS SHAKES AND MAKES A WEIRD NOISE JUST BEFORE SHUTTING OFF. THE CAR JERKS WHEN DRIVING SPONTANEOUSLY, LOW TAPPING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD THAT COULD BE HEARD INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I HAVE VIDEOS OF MY CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING AND BACKING UP. I ALSO HAVE VIDEOS OF THE TAPPING NOISE AND SHAKING JUST BEFORE SHUTTING OFF. THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY CAR TO BE SERVICED I WAS TOLD THAT THE OIL PRESSURE PUMP AND EXHAUST CVT NEED REPLACEMENT. I WAS TOLD THE HYUNDAI TECHLINE INSTRUCTED THE TECHNICIAN NOT TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I WAS ADVISED BY A HYUNDAI CASE MANAGER TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO ANOTHER HYUNDAI SHOP TO SEE IF THEY CAN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID

11325480

Incident

May 12, 2020

Mileage

55,970 mi