Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
Engine lights comes on,surges,misses,jerks,dies,tapping noise,loses power,these things have happened repeatedly. Other repairs 9-26-98 alternator,generator mileage 24662: 10-29-98 missing and rough idle couldn't find problem, mileage 25350; 3-22-99 plug and cable set changed again, mileage 29167; 4-12-99 replaced transmission part, mileage 29760; have talked to consumer assistant center,the dm,all I am told is to keep taking it in . Am very unhappy with this car and am afraid to drive it on the highways because it lost all power when driving on I- 65.was towed in 2 times because of no power.they offered for me to trade it in on a new car, that would mean another 5 yr. …
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! Thanks, carolyn b. Thomas. Not air bag complaint (e.g., seat belt, trailer suspension air bag, etc.) added on 09-07-1999.
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.
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.
Consumer's daughter was driving and the clutch didn't work,causing an accident; vehicle also has other problems . Please describe .
While parked the vehicle went into reverse, causing a crash. Please describe.
Vehicle locks in second gear, downshifts from high to low gear at high speeds, will not shift out of high gear, all conditions intermittant.
Engine warning light comes on 8 times/seatbelts won't latch/transmission slips/poor acceleration/exhaust smells like "rotten eggs"--
Transmission complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Hyundai Elantra, 20% of the model year's 100 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Hyundai Elantra transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1996 Hyundai Elantra, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Hyundai Elantra transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.