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 ↗2015 Hyundai Elantra powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Hyundai Elantra have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Elantra | 22 |
| 2012 Elantra | 37 |
| 2013 Elantra | 51 |
| 2014 Elantra | 21 |
| 2015 Elantra (this page) | 16 |
| 2016 Elantra | 30 |
| 2017 Elantra | 61 |
| 2018 Elantra | 23 |
| 2019 Elantra | 11 |
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 16 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Hyundai Elantra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 7 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
Owners of the 2015 Elantra report a consistent pattern of catastrophic powertrain failures. Engine stalling occurs without warning at highway speeds and city traffic—some owners have experienced multiple episodes within weeks, forcing roadside restarts. One owner's engine cut out twice on a single trip at 60 mph and 35 mph; another was stranded on the highway with children after transmission failure.
Engine knock and internal failure show up as early as 38,000 miles, with one owner experiencing two engine failures—the original at 38k and the replacement engine blowing at 85k miles (47k on the second unit). Transmission collapse happens across a wide mileage range (65k to 107k) and consistently offers no warning. Multiple owners report that dealers have over 20 transmissions on backorder and confirm the shop has seen many identical failures. Replacement transmission costs run $4,000+, and powertrain warranties have often expired by failure.
Cold-start metal scrubbing and shaking persist despite dealer visits and suspected piston slap issues. One owner caught a geographic eligibility exclusion for an extended warranty program tied to the cold-weather defect.
Unintended acceleration presents an acute safety hazard—one vehicle surged hard in a parking lot at 3 mph and struck a concrete pole, crumpling the hood and snapping the engine bar, without airbag deployment. Other owners report sudden surging at red lights that nearly caused rear-end collisions.
Same Hyundai Elantra powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Unexplained engine stalling and loss of motive power
Engine cuts out without warning during driving at various speeds. Vehicle requires ignition restart to regain power. Occurs intermittently and on multiple occasions, sometimes stranding the owner.
When: 44,500 miles; 87,000 miles; 100,100 miles; recurring episodes on 60 mph and 35-40 mph highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving; Steering wheel becomes stiff when engine dies; Loss of motive power at stop lights and during normal operation; Vehicle must be restarted to continue driving; Check engine light and various warning lights illuminated (some cases)
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft sensor failure detected (narrative #4)
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft sensor replaced in one case (#4) but failure persisted and recurred more frequently. Other cases awaiting diagnosis or remained unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai did not make same-day dealer diagnosis confirmation in cold-start cases; manufacturer informed in one case that VIN was not under recall
Engine knock and internal engine failure
Internal engine damage manifesting as knock/ticking sound, requiring engine replacement. One owner had engine fail twice—original engine at 38k miles, replacement engine at 85k miles (47k miles on replacement).
When: 38,000 miles (first engine); 85,000 miles (second engine); on cold mornings and during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knock or ticking sound, especially in cold conditions; Internal engine damage; Slight knocking noise followed by stranding on roadside; White smoke from engine upon acceleration (one case)
Codes mentioned: Engine knock (internal damage)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine assembly replacement required; one owner had engine replaced at 38k miles, second engine failed at 85k miles (47k on second engine); dealer stated only fix was new engine
Metal scrubbing noise and cold-start piston slap
Metal scrubbing sound and excessive shaking on cold start-up that disappears when engine warms. Owner suspects piston slap. Noise occurs consistently for extended period (2 years reported).
When: 60,000 miles at purchase; cold mornings; noise persists throughout 2-year ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Metal scrubbing noise on cold start; Excessive shaking in morning when car first started while cold; Noise and vibration disappear when engine warms; Acceleration decline over time; Skipping on acceleration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner received notification about possible extended warranty but was ineligible based on geographic location (cold-weather state list exclusion)
Transmission failure and gear slipping
Transmission loses ability to engage gears or begins slipping severely, rendering vehicle undrivable. Occurs suddenly with no warning lights or prior symptoms. Multiple owners report similar failures; dealer confirms backorder of 20+ transmissions.
When: 65,000 miles; 86,000 miles; 87,000 miles; 100,100 miles; 107,000 miles; 133,718 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All gears slipping, unable to accelerate safely; Failure to shift into drive gear while at standstill; Loss of motive power during normal driving; Will reverse but not go forward; Jerking and hard acceleration from 1st gear in automatic; Sudden transmission failure with no warning
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; costs cited at $4,000+ for installation; dealer reports multiple similar failures and over 20 transmissions on backorder; warranty often expired by failure mileage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for transmission jerking; one owner refused buyback request; manufacturer informed in some cases but did not assist
Unintended acceleration and surge
Vehicle suddenly accelerates hard without driver input, creating collision risk. In one case, car accelerated at low speed in parking lot and struck cement pole. In other cases, sudden surging at red lights and in traffic leading to near rear-end collisions.
When: Cold day, fully warmed vehicle; at red lights and in traffic; low-speed maneuver (parking lot)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden hard acceleration at low speed (parking lot, 3 mph turn); Sudden surge and acceleration at red lights and in traffic; Near rear-end collision risk from surging; No warning lights before acceleration event
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle sustained extensive front-end damage (hood crumpled, radiator damaged, front grill broken, engine bar bent in half); airbag did not deploy
Rough idle and vibration while stationary
Vehicle vibrates and shakes while in Drive or Reverse at standstill with foot on brake. Intensity varies. Throttle body cleaning does not resolve issue.
When: 43,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and shaking in Drive or Reverse while stopped; Varying intensity of vibration; Rough idle condition
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body cleaning performed but did not solve problem
Failure to shift into gear
Vehicle at standstill fails to shift into Drive gear, leaving it inoperable. Check engine light illuminated.
When: 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to shift into Drive while at standstill; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed; stated VIN was not under recall
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2015 Hyundai elantra with 43,000 miles on it. The car vibrates and shakes while in the drive or reverse when stopped with the driver's foot on the brake. The vibration and shaking vary in intensity. I brought the car to the dealer and they said the throttle body needed to be cleaned due to rough idle. I had the service performed and it has not solved the problem. This is an issue that…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 68,101 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2015/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.