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 1997 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My car started at approximately 70,000 miles, while all maintenance was taken care of, started slipping gears, then I could no longer reverse the car. I, due to lack of funds had to let it go for a while, but then got a rebuilt transmission installed. After that, 9,000 miles later, I am having the exact same problem. I just don't think it's right that any car, after just 70,000 miles should have the transmission go. Many people tell me they are "disposable" vehicles, but this is the second Hyundai I have owned, and have loved so much. I bought it because they are affordable, but don't think I will consider myself a loyal Hyundai driver ever again.
Transmission died at 67000. Repeatedly had the car in for knocking sounds. Check engine lights on since I first bought the car at 14 miles. Transmission will stick in first gear. Third Hyundai I bought. All had the same problems. Will never buy another car from Hyundai again.
Check engine light on since I bought the car.I have been in repeatedly for this to be corrected to no avail. Problems with transmission repeatedly. Engine was causing a vacuum and not allowing to car to shift.
Since the purchase of my car new I have had the transmission replaced three times, the pulse generator replaced twice, and the electrical wiring replaced twice because it kept buring out. I would repeatedly take my car into fairfax Hyundai for service due to slipping transmission, car cutting off and steering locking up while driving on the beltway at 65mph smoke coming out of the exhaust etc. Finally on 17 March 1999, approxiamately 4 weeks after paying 350 dollars to have my engine cleaned (recommended by service manager) my engine blew at 15 MPH. Oil was spurting out everywhere and the dealership has refused to give the the Hyundai complainant line number. The customer service rep. Stated that I would have to get that number from the service manager at the dealership where I purchased the car.. …
Window control- when rolling up yhe rubber get caught in the window. This is still a problem , I guess it was fix right hopeful this timewhich was 7-24-01. Emission-was a problem .I think it's still a problem I really don't know if this is not pretaing to the transmission.transmission-always has been a problem and still is. The car jerks buck,and it acts like it be sfiting to another gear sometimes. I;m back and forth to the dealer they say they can't find nothing. Wait until the enigine light comes on.this is a serious problem cause this has gotten to my back. I contact the manuf they don't care ,they just say as long as there is a warranty on the car they will keep fixing, but it's not .they said a new one was put in . I'm still having a problem all I ak for was a another car.as bee.
Car stall on me when I am at a light or a complete stop it will change first gear with no problems but when I go around 20 MPH it will stall out on me then pop into gear....then the car will go really slow till it will get itself together...I have change the transmission fluid in the car change the time belt in the car change spark plugs in the car change the air filter in the car and etc...the list goes on...the guys from the hyuandi dealer in newport news is giving me the run around ....saying they dont see no problem but fixing everything else on the car...if you can help please let me know...I will be home after 8 pm if you need to contact me or leave me an email I will reply back.
Consumer states transmission jerks on deceleration/acceleration from stops and then down shifts roughly. Dealer found the transmission starts slipping and banging into gear. Replaced transmission with remanufactured transmission and flush cooler and hook up scanner. Intermittently after driving, the transmission won't move vehicle when attempting to move off from a stop. Dealer replaced pulse generators.
While driving vehicle it pulled to the left. This happened at various speeds. Took vehicle to dealership & mechanic realigned vehicle. Sometime later, problem of alignment reappeared. Took vehicle back to dealership, which had changed hands, & was informed alignment machine is broken & problem can not be corrected. Vehicle has also had transmission problems.
Consumer was traveling on the interstate about 70 MPH, applied the brakes and enganged the clutch, experienced complete clutch failure. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer aware of problem, parts were replaced. Please provide any further details.
Consumer has experienced transmission failure two or more times. Problem occurs at any speed between 10-35mph. First time dealer was able to duplicate the problem, and replaced severed bolts . The transmission will shift out of gear on a weekly basis.
Transmission complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Hyundai Elantra, 27% of the model year's 115 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Hyundai Elantra transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1997 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 1997 Hyundai Elantra transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
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.