1996 Hyundai Elantra power train problems
20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1996 Hyundai Elantra — 20% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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. *ak”
filed Jan 5, 2004
“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. *nlm”
filed May 22, 2003
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Elantra years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Elantra | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 Elantra | 3 | 6% |
| 2023 Elantra | 9 | 10% |
| 2022 Elantra | 7 | 7% |
| 2021 Elantra | 7 | 5% |
| 2020 Elantra | 45 | 19% |
| 2019 Elantra | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 Elantra | 24 | 9% |
| 2017 Elantra | 62 | 8% |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 11% |
| 2015 Elantra | 17 | 7% |
| 2014 Elantra | 21 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1996 Hyundai Elantra
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.