This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Hyundai Elantra powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 55,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Elantra | 28 |
| 2011 Elantra | 22 |
| 2012 Elantra | 37 |
| 2013 Elantra | 51 |
| 2014 Elantra (this page) | 21 |
| 2015 Elantra | 16 |
| 2016 Elantra | 30 |
| 2017 Elantra | 61 |
| 2018 Elantra | 23 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 21 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the immobilizer software upgrade, window decals and steering wheel lock ant-theft solutions available from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 4. ï· Check Engine light on ï· DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM Power signal error open/short ï· Transmission stuck in 4th gear fail-safe ï· Harsh shift into Reverse and Drive
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Elantra powertrain emerges as deeply problematic across 21 complaints. Engine failures dominate: owners report ticking or knocking sounds followed by stalls and complete powerplant failure, often under 100,000 miles. One owner's borescope inspection documented severe cylinder wall scoring in all cylinders; another experienced failed valve lifters with metal shavings in the oil pan. A clutch rivet detachment caused a cracked connecting rod at 55,000 miles, deemed a fire hazard by two independent ASE technicians.
Transmission issues are equally serious. A transmission range sensor failure at 78,000 miles locked the car into 3rd gear and prevented shifting; owners report sudden jolts, delayed upshifts, hanging in low gear, and complete hesitation to move forward even when throttle is applied. One car stalled while turning at 15 MPH; another lost power on the interstate. Shift lock occasionally prevents exiting Park; some cars won't start without wiggling the gear selector.
Parking brake failure caused one vehicle to roll 55 MPH across a street and into a neighbor's yard despite being engaged, with $3,000+ in damage. Owners consistently report dealerships cannot reproduce intermittent failures, refuse further diagnosis, or deny warranty claims citing mileage or geographic location exclusions. Hyundai's responses show awareness of engine problems through class action settlements yet denies coverage for specific vehicles.
Same Hyundai Elantra powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Clutch assembly rivet detachment and connecting rod failure
OEM clutch assembly rivets detached, causing powertrain failure and a cracked connecting rod. The failure was confirmed at an independent shop (AAMCO) and a second ASE technician deemed the vehicle hazardous to drive, warning it could cause fire if the rod broke and punctured the engine block due to the direct injection system.
When: 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: powertrain failure; cracked connecting rod; hazardous condition with potential for engine fire
Repairs/costs cited: Independent diagnosis at AAMCO confirmed defective OEM clutch rivets. Repair costs approached $15,000 (including tow, rental, and repair). OEM clutch retained as evidence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to inspect or repair. Hyundai Assurance refused tow without upfront payment. Warranty claim and BBB arbitration were not resolved per CFR Rule 703 or Magnusson-Moss Act procedures.
Transmission range sensor failure
Transmission range sensor died, causing loss of connection between the vehicle's computer, transmission, and drivetrain. The car locked into 3rd gear, later lockup occurred in Park, Neutral, Reverse, and Drive modes, with the most common occurrence in Park while stationary or during low-speed maneuvering.
When: 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission locked in 3rd gear; gear and drive mode indicator went blank; limp mode operation; vehicle locked up while stationary in Park; locked up while backing in Reverse; difficult acceleration and deceleration; initial gear selector shown as 'faulty range sensor' by dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Part itself is relatively inexpensive; however, diagnostic fee plus labor exceeded $150, with total bill of $210.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership referred to it as a 'faulty range sensor,' implying awareness of the issue. This failure mode reportedly dates back to 2007 Elantras and continued into 2015 models.
Parking brake failure with rollaway
Vehicle with engaged e-brake rolled out of driveway, across a 55 MPH street, and into neighbor's yard with no signs of tire dragging, suggesting complete brake failure for the period while rolling. Over $3,000 in structural and body damage resulted.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: e-brake engaged but vehicle rolled down driveway; no tire dragging observed; vehicle uncontrolled rollaway
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle incurred above $3,000 in structural and body damage. Currently at repair shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai not helpful; vehicle does not have a current recall. Manufacturer aware of similar 'parking brake issues causing dragging while driving and possible rollaway while parked' in other Hyundai models but not addressing this specific case.
Transmission hard jolts and delayed engagement
Car engages into Drive with a jolt; occasionally will not move forward when brakes are released and requires RPM increase above 3,000 to engage again with a sharp jolt. Freeway and street driving show downshifts that prevent upshifting until RPM is raised above normal, all accompanied by sudden jolts.
When: 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engagement jolts into Drive; delayed forward motion at traffic lights; failure to engage back into upgears when slowing; intermittent failure to move forward despite throttle input; sudden jolt and hard re-engagement after RPM increases
Repairs/costs cited: Per Hyundai Repair Guidelines, scan tool shows non-zero input speed when in Drive with brakes on, indicating internal transmission failure requiring replacement. Transmission fluid was replaced per manufacturer-recommended intervals.
Transmission hanging in low gear with intermittent upshift delay
Vehicle feels like it enters Neutral during cruising, then slams back into gear. On hills, transmission hangs in low gear with high RPMs and will not upshift smoothly until throttle is released. Intermittent problem worse in Eco mode; dealer diagnosed TCM confusion with delayed gear selection.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle feels like it goes into Neutral while cruising; RPM surge to 4,000 when off throttle; transmission hangs in low gear on hills; delayed upshift response; TCM appears confused with gear selection timing; problem worse in Active Eco mode; significant reduction in fuel economy
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer kept vehicle overnight; mechanic confirmed 'hangs in gear,' does not kick down smoothly. Manual shifting seems fine, suggesting software/TCM issue rather than mechanical.
Intermittent no-start with intermittent park lock failure
Car intermittently does not start; power comes to lights and radio but engine will not crank. Issue resolves after sitting for hours or days, or after tow to dealership. Movement appears to shake components into working condition. In one case, car also became stuck in Park with starter button locking, emitting sound from ignition area.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: intermittent failure to start; lights and radio power on but engine will not crank; no noise or engine cranking; problem resolves after time or towing; stuck in Park with locked shifter release button; clicking sound from ignition area when trying to exit Park
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced starter but unwilling to pursue other diagnostics. One owner states dealer told them to buy another car since they 'didn't want' this car.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims if problem cannot be reproduced, it cannot be diagnosed.
Engine internal failure with severe cylinder wall scoring
2.0L Nu GDI engine experiencing terminal internal failure. Following P1326 (knock sensor detection system) warning event, borescope inspection at authorized dealership documented severe cylinder wall scoring in all four cylinders. Vehicle stalling and vibrating violently in traffic. Manufacturer denied warranty repair based on software proxy test (BCT) despite documented physical block destruction.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: P1326 warning event; severe cylinder wall scoring in all cylinders; stalling and violent vibration while in traffic; risk of loss of power and collision
Codes mentioned: P1326
Repairs/costs cited: Borescope inspection at authorized dealership documented severe cylinder wall scoring. Vehicle returned in unsafe condition.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied mandated settlement warranty repair based on software-based proxy test (BCT) despite documented internal block destruction.
Check engine light flicker and stall with power loss
Check engine and dashboard lights flicker on, then car stalls and loses all power immediately, occurring multiple times including on highway. Dealer indicates engine problems requiring $8,000–9,000 engine replacement. Owner found two class action settlements for similar engine problems in this vehicle type/age but Hyundai denies coverage due to mileage (101,400 miles).
When: 101,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine and dashboard lights flicker on; sudden stall with complete power loss; multiple occurrences including on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer estimates engine replacement cost at $8,000–9,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai denies coverage under class action settlements for identical engine problems, citing vehicle mileage (101,400 miles) as reason for exclusion.
Sudden hard downshift with loss of acceleration and safety risk
Sudden, hard, and dangerous downshift to what appears to be first gear while driving at 40–50 MPH. Loss of acceleration response to throttle input followed by violent slam into lower gear. One owner reports nearly hitting steering wheel and a following vehicle having to swerve to avoid collision.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: sudden hard downshift; no acceleration response to throttle; violent slamming into lower gear; safety risk with following traffic
Shift lock failure preventing exit from Park
After overnight parking, car sporadically will not shift out of Park despite pressing brake and starting car. Shifter release button becomes locked; pressing it emits clicking sound from steering column ignition area. Only solution is to turn car off and back on.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: unable to shift out of Park after overnight parking; shifter release button locked; clicking sound from ignition area when pressing release button; intermittent failure (every few days)
Repairs/costs cited: Problem cannot be replicated for mechanic; occurs sporadically every few days.
Throttle hesitation and stall with no diagnostic code
When accelerator pedal engaged, vehicle hesitates and only accelerates to about 20 MPH. Vehicle stalls while at complete stop and while driving. Independent mechanic unable to find failure code despite multiple diagnostics; mechanic identified throttle body as cause, but dealership recall visit did not repair the issue.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: accelerator hesitation; limited acceleration (only to ~20 MPH); stall while stopped; stall while driving; no failure code found by independent mechanic
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic cleaned all sensors without correcting failure; identified throttle body as cause of hesitation and stalling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle taken to dealer for recall but was not repaired.
Engine oil rings failure with white exhaust smoke and oil leak
While accelerating from stop, vehicle accelerated at high speed with white smoke from exhaust. Independent mechanic diagnosed engine rings requiring replacement and oil leak.
When: 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: white smoke from exhaust during acceleration; engine ring failure; oil leak
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed rings around engine needing replacement and oil leak. Vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified.
Engine stall and hesitation during low-speed turn
Engine started to stall and hesitate during right turn at 15 MPH until it ceased. Independent mechanic diagnosed transmission needing replacement.
When: 100,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine stall during low-speed turn; engine hesitation before complete stop
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed transmission replacement needed. Vehicle not repaired; manufacturer not notified.
Engine power loss while traveling at highway speed
Engine lost power and failed while traveling 177 miles from home. Vehicle has less than 100,000 miles. Owner was told of known engine issue before failure but no recall has been issued.
When: <100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine power loss while driving; complete engine failure; ticking problem preceding failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle serviced to diagnose ticking; service advisor noted it is a known Hyundai issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall despite known issue. Owner believes all affected engines should be replaced via recall.
Starter intermittent failure linked to park lock/gear selector issue
Car will not start at times; all lights and radio come on but engine has no power to crank. Wiggling gear selector gently will cause car to start. Additionally, car sometimes becomes stuck in Park and requires gear selector wiggling to unlock and allow starting.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: intermittent no-start despite lights and radio power; no engine crank noise; shifter wiggling resolves start issue; gear selector stuck in Park; clicking from gear selector area
Repairs/costs cited: Owner indicates issue appears to be connection-related, possibly shaken into working by movement.
Engine failure with denial of warranty due to geographic location exclusion
Engine failed at 67,000 miles with symptoms matching 2018 class action lawsuit. Dealership and Hyundai Motor refuse repair, citing that vehicle is not in a 'cold weather state,' despite known issue documented in lawsuit. Vehicle spent over half its life and one-third of its miles in cold weather state where it originated.
When: 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine terminal failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai Motor denied warranty repair based on current vehicle location not being a 'cold weather state,' even though vehicle originated in and spent majority of its service life in cold weather.
Engine ticking noise with acceleration hesitation and stall risk
Ticking or knocking noise from engine beginning about one month after purchase. Car stalls when getting on highway with inability to exceed 45 MPH. Check engine warning light (!) comes on and blinks rapidly; front end shakes when this occurs.
When: <1 month after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: ticking or knocking noise from engine; engine stall on highway merge; inability to exceed 45 MPH while merging; check engine light blinking rapidly; front end shaking when lights flicker
Engine ticking with poor acceleration and safety risk
Engine ticking or knocking as reported by multiple owners. Engine does not accelerate properly due to this issue, creating safety hazard when accelerating to merge or enter traffic. Owner notes regular scheduled maintenance has been completed, indicating known defect should be covered by Hyundai.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: ticking or knocking in engine; improper acceleration response; safety hazard during merge and traffic entry
Repairs/costs cited: Regular scheduled maintenance completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner believes known defect should be covered by Hyundai as defect rather than maintenance issue.
Engine ticking leading to stall and complete engine failure
Engine was experiencing ticking or knocking, identical problem documented in 2018 class action lawsuit. Car stalled on freeway; engine must now be replaced. Same symptoms confirmed by mechanic despite vehicle not being in a cold-weather state.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: engine ticking or knocking; stall on freeway; complete engine failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Problem identical to 2018 class action lawsuit; same symptoms confirmed by mechanic.
Failed valve lifters with metal contamination in oil
Ticking noise from engine caused by failed lifters. Metal shavings discovered inside engine found in oil pan, indicating internal metallic wear and contamination.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: ticking noise from engine; failed valve lifters; metal shavings in oil pan
Repairs/costs cited: Metal shavings found in oil pan during inspection.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The transmission range sensor on my car died after about 78000 miles and caused the car to lock up while on the highway. Stayed in 3rd gear and for a few weeks before would lock up while in park, neutral, reverse and drive (most commonly while in park). This nearly caused a couple of accidents. After doing some research this appears to be a common problem with elantras dating all the way back to…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 Hyundai Elantra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,000 and 100,500 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 100,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Hyundai/Elantra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.