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 1999 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Elantra. While the vehicle was stopped, the gear shifter seized and the vehicle could not be shifted into gear. The dealer was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to the dealer again where it was diagnosed that the solenoid assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the transmission failed completely. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the transmission was replaced. The gear shifter seized again. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The contact was informed to put a pencil into the shift lever release to release the gear shifter, but the failure recurred several more times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the contact should have the vehicle repaired and then seek reimbursement. …
I bought the car brand new. After about 8 months the car would get stuck in second gear when slow down. The car also kicks very hard while it does this. One time I was rounding a turn after it rained and as I slowed down around the corner the car kicked and the rear end of the car slid out into the plastic divider poles between the lanes. The poles caused a ding in the car an cracked a window. At the time it happened so fast I thought I had hit something and only a week later when the car kicked again did I realize that was probably what happened. I brought the car down to the dealer and was told I would be given a new pulse generator under warranty. Then there was a recall on a part in the transmission and that was fixed. The problem still persisted and I have had the pulse generator changed four more times. My warranty is now up and the problem has come back. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at 40 MPH after the transmission was replaced by an independent mechanic, the contact noticed a strong transmission fluid odor. The contact noticed that the transmission fluid level was low. In addition, while driving at 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. While in park, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000. Updated 6/8/15 the consumer stated the vehicle stalled and died while driving. Updated 11/6/15
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and was unable to accelerate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 99V178000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move when the gear shifter was placed in the reverse position. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was operated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,350.
I purchase my car a 1999 Hyundai Elantra, sept 0f 1999, since the purchase of this car I've had a problem with the car not accelerating when pressing on the accelerator and the car decelerating while driving, I've contacted Hyundai numerous times over the past 4 years and have not been able to get Hyundai to fix this problem even though I've told them about the recall NHTSA campaign number 99V178000, they refuse to acknowledge that my car should have been part of this recall, even after telling Hyundai my car is experiencing all the problems mention in this recall, I informed hynudai that this problem is putting my families life at risk, and this problem is now accurring every time I drive. …
I took my 1999 Hyundai Elantra in to obrien auto park in fort myers service center to get looked at and fixed. I had trouble codes that I had checked prior going there at autozone that were codes po747, po743, po442. The first to are codes involving my automatic transmission. I viewed on your website that there were recalls on the pressure control solenoid that involved code po747 which states it was in the stuck on position! I told the service manager all of this there and he told me there were no recalls on the solenoid and that he couldn't do anything for me! I had 2 other codes that were, po732, and po734 pertaining to the 2nd and 4th gear ratio being incorrect! I explained that at first there was a electrical issue which change the codes to the state it's in now and he told me we'll look at it and call you when we find out anything. …
Purchased 1999 Hyundai Elantra in April of 1999. On 1/15/2001 vehicle died and was towed to dealership. Transmission replaced. Mileage at the time-33,663. On April 24, 2008, I was advised by mechanic that the transmission was slipping. Vehicle does not properly shift into gear. Entire car shakes if driven over 50 MPH. Car speeds up when accelerator pressed. When I noticed there was a manufacturer's recall, in regards to the transmission, I contacted dealer who refused to replace pressure control solenoid valve. Was told that the recall did not involve my VIN. Contacted Hyundai corporate office and was told the same thing. Vehicle now has 134,000 miles on it. Recall id #99V178000. Neither dealer nor Hyundai will honor. This is a definite safety issue and needs to be resolved immediately. Numerous complaints have previously been filed regarding the same issue.
Dt: the transmission would jump out of gear or down shift and the check engine light illuminated afterwards while driving after the vehicle was parked overnight. The check engine light remained on. Basically this only occurred in the morning. Sometimes however, it would feel as though it was not shifting properly. Has not been taken to dealer. This started recently. Took vehicle to an auto parts store to check diagnostically, it was noted there was a problem with manufactured control module, input/output speed sensor, and the transmission range speed sensor. No repairs were made or corrections to this vehicle done at this time. Dealer's information was unknown by consume at the time of this complaint.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Hyundai Elantra gl. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle would shift hard when going from first to second gear. In addition, the vehicle would not shift into reverse or over drive. The dealer stated that the transmission caused the failure. There is a recall for the power train automatic transmission (NHTSA campaign id # 99V178000) however; the dealer stated that her VIN was not included. As of December 5, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 160,000 and the current mileage was 170,000. Updated 01/07/08. Updated 12/31/07
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission pressure control solenoid valve seals do not remain sufficiently elastic, resulting in transmission fluid leakage.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pressure control solenoid valve.
Transmission complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Hyundai Elantra, 32% of the model year's 128 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (34 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Hyundai Elantra transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-178 (automatic transmission, Jul 7, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Hyundai Elantra transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.