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 ↗2019 Hyundai Elantra powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra have filed 11 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
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Elantra | 16 |
| 2016 Elantra | 30 |
| 2017 Elantra | 61 |
| 2018 Elantra | 23 |
| 2019 Elantra (this page) | 11 |
| 2020 Elantra | 45 |
| 2021 Elantra | 6 |
| 2022 Elantra | 5 |
| 2023 Elantra | 9 |
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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 ↗Hyundai is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) on certain Elantra GT (PD), Elantra Sport (AD), or Kona (OS).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 3. 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 Drive and Reverse
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For certain Elantra GT (PD), Elantra Sport (AD), or Kona (OS) vehicles, replace the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) using the applicable QQH part number (see Parts Information), and transfer parts from the original DCT onto the replacement DCT. Refer to the figure below for transferred parts:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 Hyundai Elantras report a range of powertrain issues spanning engine, transmission, and electrical concerns. Engine stalling at low speeds and while idling occurs repeatedly, sometimes without warning lights, making the vehicle unreliable in traffic. Several owners describe check engine lights paired with diagnostic codes P0017 (cam timing), P0014 (cam solenoid), and P0011 (cam timing advance), with one dealer replacing a timing solenoid to no lasting effect. Hesitation and lack of response during acceleration at highway speeds—sometimes recurring—has been documented at lower mileages. Rough idle on startup with vibration and elevated RPMs (2000–1000 range) is another complaint, though dealers often cannot reproduce it.
Transmission problems include hard and delayed shifts in both directions, occurring cold or warm in regular or sport modes. One owner reports the vehicle will only drive in sport mode with hard shifts and engine lag. Others note transmission shudder, jerking, and what one owner describes as the transmission "giving a slight hit" during slow acceleration. Excessive oil consumption and engine shudder while driving appear in narratives alongside low headlight visibility and intermittent high-beam failure. One complaint mentions dim headlights and a fan-blade knocking noise. Another owner reports total electrical shutdown requiring towing, though dealers found nothing wrong.
Same Hyundai Elantra powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Cam timing and solenoid faults
Diagnostic codes P0017 (cam/crank timing mismatch), P0014 (intake cam solenoid), and P0011 (cam timing advance) indicate failures in continuously variable valve timing system. One owner had a timing solenoid replaced but engine stalling persisted.
When: 116,421 miles; also reported at 63,000 miles (hesitation)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine stalling at low speed (15-20 MPH); Hesitation during acceleration at highway speeds (60-70 MPH); Recurring acceleration hesitation
Codes mentioned: P0017, P0014, P0011
Repairs/costs cited: Timing solenoid replaced by one mechanic; stalling continued. Dealer visual inspection recommended but not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 21V301000 (Engine) referenced by one independent mechanic as potentially related.
Engine stalling without warning lights
Vehicle cuts off while idling or driving at moderate speeds with no check engine light or warning illumination, then restarts. Occurs unpredictably and multiple times within short periods.
When: 197,000 miles (battery mode issue); also 30 MPH stalling; instances at stop lights
Symptoms owners cite: Unannounced engine shutdown while idling; Engine shutdown during active driving at 30 MPH; Vehicle appears to enter battery mode (dash lights on, no power response); No warning lights present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose or replicate failure. No repair completed.
Transmission hard and delayed shifts
Owners report jerky, hard, and delayed gear changes in both directions. Occurs whether cold or warm and in both regular and sport driving modes. Some vehicles shift hard in sport mode and will not drive properly in other modes.
When: Occurring across multiple mileages; 55,000 miles noted in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Hard upshifts and downshifts; Delayed gear engagement; Transmission shudder; Jerking during shifts; Vehicle only drives properly in sport mode; Engine lag accompanying hard shifts; Transmission 'hit' during slow acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. One owner reports dealership could not reproduce.
Rough idle with vibration
On startup, engine exhibits rough idle with significant vibration felt throughout the cabin, particularly in the driver seat. RPMs fluctuate between 1000–2000.
When: 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle on startup; Vibration and shaking felt in driver seat; RPM fluctuation (1000–2000 range)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to reproduce issue.
Excessive oil consumption and engine shudder
Engine consumes oil at abnormal rates and exhibits shuddering during driving. Check engine light illuminates in association with these symptoms.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption; Engine shudder while driving; Check engine light
Headlight and electrical faults
High-beam headlights inoperable or working intermittently. Low-beam visibility very poor. Dim headlights noted. One owner reports dim high-beams and fan-blade knocking noise. Another reports complete electrical system shutdown requiring towing.
When: 116,421 miles (inoperable high-beams); also reported at lower mileages
Symptoms owners cite: High-beam inoperability; Intermittent high-beam operation; Very low headlight visibility; Dim headlights; Complete electrical system shutdown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership found nothing wrong after towing vehicle in for electrical shutdown.
Knocking and unusual noises
Owners report distinct knocking sounds resembling an engine starting issue or fan blade striking something. Noise is intermittent and correlates with timing solenoid replacement in one case.
When: Cold/snowy weather noted in one instance; also reported post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise resembling F250 engine startup; Fan-blade knocking sound (intermittent); Noise present during engine operation
Repairs/costs cited: Noted after timing solenoid replacement and continues.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My rear axle has load noise when I'm driving down the highway it's winding and sounding like an oversized semi.
I own a 2019 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition . 2.0L 1999CC L4. A few weeks ago we started with really cold/snowy weather and as I’m driving I’ve noticed weird knocking sound that sounds like a Ford F250 starting up. Today while stopped in traffic with the vehicle idling, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra cut off into the battery mode as if I just have my car running off of my battery (ex: roll windows up)…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 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?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 64,307 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/2019/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.