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 2010 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, the engine continued to rev. The vehicle was shifted into neutral(N) and turned off. While driving at low speeds approaching a stop sign, the engine revved up. The contact shifted the vehicle to neutral(N) and turned the vehicle off and then shifted to park(P); however, the vehicle continued to move while the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure and the contact was provided the cost to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: DP21003 (Vehicle Speed Control). …
December 4, 2021 while driving to San Diego, CA, interstate 8W, Hyundai started jerking and pulling very hesitant. I took the car to my mechanic on December 13th and he informed me that the transmission had a slippage problem! Shifting from 1st to 2nd and then again from 4th gear! Bottom line, I needed another Transmission! I called NHTSA at [phone] to report this issue, but only a written complaint was taken! We 2010 Hyundai Elantra owners need to file a Civil Lawsuit against Hyundai! There are numerous complaints that I've read regarding this same suspension Faulty! Please contact me [redacted]
You did a recall for the power steering when I check to see if my vehicle is part of the recall the information said no. You need to change this because I've always had issues with my power steering locking up and being unable to turn. This has happened to me on more than one occasion. The EPS light is always on and the dealership is no help at all. I need this to be taken care of.
I have a significant defect and safety issue with my 2010 Hyundai Elantra that should be recalled by Hyundai. There seems to be a problem with the automatic gear shifter. The first issue is intermittent where the car does not turn on or even make a clicking noise when I try to turn the key in the ignition. This might make you think the battery is dead, but that is not the case. After a while of turning the car on and off, the car will eventually start. The second issue is that the gear shifter gets stuck and will not shift from one position to another. After much difficulty in getting it unstuck and shifting, the third and most significant problem is that the indicator as to which gear the car is in is not reflecting the actual gear that the car is in. …
When putting the car in park on a incline the transmission fails to hold the car resulting in the car rolling away while unoccupied, I put my 2010 Elantra in park got out of it to get something from the back sseat, the car was on an incline at the time in my driveway. As I reached to open the rear driver side door I hear a loud bang and then I had about a second to look around and then the transmission made a repetitve banging and clicking sound as the car started rolling backwards. I had to open the front driver door and hop in the car while it was moving so I could hit the brake pedal to stop the car. After this I went to a local Hyundai dealer and talked to them about the issue the told me they have seen this before and had to replace transmissions in the cars affected. …
My transmission jerks when it changes gears and also when I put the car in reverse. I got the car from a Hyundai dealership and told them that there was a slight jerk in the transmission and the sales guy lied to me and said it was a CVT transmission and that they all do that. I went to a few transmission shops and the guys laughed at me because my car doesn't have a CVT transmission. They all did a tran scan and nothing came up on the scanner. The shops are trying to charge me hundreds of dollars just to open up the transmission to see what's wrong with it. It's so wack to be paying a car note on a car with a bad transmission. I looked online and found out that this is a common issue with this model of the Elantra and don't understand why there isnt a recall.
While leaving a parking lot in the city, in drive, car would not shift into next gear, unable to go above 25mph; with additional pressure to gas sending rpms high without altering speed or shifting gear. After finding a place to park, no CEL. Upon restarting car, CEL is illuminated, and car will not shift into park, reverse, or neutral, and upon putting into drive the car jerks forcibly. The shift indicator on the dash also fails to register p, r or n. Only drive. Had car towed and left at autorepair shop and the next morning they were able to pull code u0101 from diagnostic testing, and after plugging the TCM back in after examining pins and connectors, the transmission returned to normal function.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the transmission hesitated to shift from second into third gear without warning. Also, when the vehicle made a hard stop, it made a clunking sound. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The contact spoke with parks Hyundai of gainesville (3111 n main st, gainesville, fl 32609, [phone]) and was informed that they could not assist since the vehicle was purchased as is. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 66,000.
The problem started around 31,000 miles and continues now with 85,000 miles, while driving 40mph at stop and go or even uphill transmission seems to slip into neutral and will then be back in gear without any banging. The dealer changed the filter and fluid around 40,000 miles and blew us off. The time it takes to get back into gear is longer now than in the beginning. There's too many transmission complaints to be ignored. I recently received an unrelated recall for this car but will find another dealer 50 miles away to fix it.
Bought my car used to find out that the transmission is slipping. I've looked online to see that I am not the only person with the same problems. Going on to the highway I've noticed that my rpms go high up to 3rd and dont kick into gear until I'm on flat surface on the highway also with a rough slam into the right gear, barely feels like I'm getting the right power. Even driving in the city my car has a rough jerk when going into gears. I cant believe this is not on a recall!!!?.
Transmission complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Hyundai Elantra, 8% of the model year's 380 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Hyundai Elantra transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2010 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 2010 Hyundai Elantra transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 8% 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.