Hyundai Transmission Problems by Model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Owners have filed 3,876 transmission complaints with NHTSA across the 8 Hyundai models we track that have at least 50 each. The most come from the Hyundai Tucson (1,221). Per 1,000 sold, the highest rate is the Hyundai Tucson at 1.07 and the lowest is the Hyundai Elantra at 0.16, against a 0.28 median across all 53 rated models.
Hyundai models by transmission complaints
| Model | Transmission complaints | Per 1,000 sold | Share of all complaints | Worst years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Tucson | 1,221 | 1.07 | 20.1% | 2016, 2017 and 2018 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 884 | 0.38 | 7.1% | 2011, 2015 and 2012 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 815 | 0.4 | 14% | 2017, 2010 and 2022 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 459 | 0.16 | 7.1% | 2017, 2013 and 2020 |
| Hyundai Veloster | 147 | — | 11% | 2016, 2013 and 2012 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 145 | — | 6.1% | 2020 and 2023 |
| Hyundai Kona | 115 | — | 11.9% | 2019, 2020 and 2022 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | 90 | — | 12.3% | 2012, 2013 and 2016 |
Per 1,000 sold appears only where published U.S. sales exist for at least three model years. Data fetched July 2026 to November 2026.
Hyundai transmissions
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Frequently asked questions
Does Hyundai have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 3,876 transmission complaints with NHTSA across the 8 Hyundai models we track that have at least 50 each. The most come from the Hyundai Tucson (1,221). Per 1,000 sold, the highest rate is the Hyundai Tucson at 1.07 and the lowest is the Hyundai Elantra at 0.16, against a 0.28 median across all 53 rated models.
Which Hyundai models have the most transmission complaints?
the Hyundai Tucson (1,221), the Hyundai Sonata (884) and the Hyundai Santa Fe (815), by owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Raw counts favor high-selling models, so compare the per-1,000-sold column too.
Which Hyundai has the fewest transmission complaints per 1,000 sold?
The Hyundai Elantra, at 0.16 transmission complaints per 1,000 sold across its rated years. That is a complaint rate, not a failure rate.
Sources
- NHTSA complaints by vehicle (owner complaints API) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report a vehicle safety problem — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration