Hyundai CVT Transmission Problems Include Subpar Reliability and Sudden Power Loss

Cameron Aubernon
Apr 18, 2022

Hyundai’s SmartStream IVT CVT fixes one major issue by replacing the metallic belt with a chain belt system. But is it enough to overcome the problems owners have experienced early on with the new CVT?

2020 Hyundai Accent - Photo by Hyundai

Key Points

  • Hyundai introduced the SmartStream IVT CVT in 2020 on models like the Elantra and Accent.
  • SmartStream IVT CVT uses a chain belt system instead of traditional metallic belts, eliminating the potential for slippage while improving power delivery.
  • However, like with all new tech, some owners have experienced teething issues with the CVT, including sudden power loss.
  • CVTs possess a reputation for reliability problems. It’s too soon to know if Hyundai’s CVT may be one of the few to overcome the odds, though.

Hyundai Offers a New Take On Traditional CVT With SmartStream IVT Chain-driven Unit

The continuously variable transmission, or CVT, is a type of non-manual transmission that has found its way into many models across several automakers over the past decade. Nissan has replaced the traditional automatic almost entirely with its brand of Xtronic CVTs across its range.

Unlike traditional autos, the CVT handles power distribution via a pair of pulleys connected by a belt, improving efficiency while providing a smoother driving experience, as no shifting occurs.

The CVT belt, though, is one of the major weak points in a CVT. Thus, when Hyundai jumped in with its own unit in 2020—the SmartStream IVT—it did away with the belt entirely. Instead, a chain belt connects the two pulleys together for power distribution from the brand’s line of SmartStream engines.

According to Automacha, the so-called “intelligent variable transmission” uses the tension in the chain “to adjust the pulley diameter, thus eliminating the instances of slippage and improving the efficiency in power delivery.”

2020 Hyundai Elantra - Photo by Hyundai

Though Supposedly More Reliable, Hyundai’s New CVT Has Teething Problems

Some drawbacks of the CVT include a constant hum from the belt while it distributes power, and the potential for slippage as the belt runs across the pulleys. Also concerning is Nissan’s poor reputation for its CVTs, which are prone to overheating.

As Nissan is the flagbearer for CVT adoption, the automaker’s problems shadow other manufacturers’ CVT units, even if those units aren’t on the same level (for better or worse) as Nissan’s.

Hyundai claims its chain-belt-driven SmartStream IVT is a sturdier, longer-lasting unit than traditional CVTs. The CVT is found in a handful of Hyundai’s models, including the Accent and Elantra, plus the 2022 Kona and Santa Cruz. Thus, data on the new CVT is still being compiled.

Released data on the Hyundai CVT’s reliability thus far points to some teething problems. On the Reddit forum r/Hyundai, an owner of a 2020 Elantra found themselves stranded on the highway due to “an internal transmission failure,” noting massive rpm fluctuations.

Meanwhile, among the 18 complaints submitted by consumers to Car Complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, 17 of them are about an issue with the CVT, ranging from “sudden uncommanded acceleration” to random power loss on the road.

2020 Hyundai Accent - Photo by Hyundai

Will Hyundai’s Innovative CVT Overcome Early Flaws?

As stated earlier, Nissan’s widespread adoption and promotion of the CVT and the company’s subsequent problems with their own version of the transmission have not helped the public perception of CVTs used by other manufacturers.

Hyundai’s entry into the field is meant to improve the reputation of the CVT overall, mainly through the use of a chain belt instead of a steel-belted rubber band.

Though the new tech developed flaws early on, they have not caught the eye of watchdogs like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as far as recalls are concerned.

Perhaps the SmartStream IVT can overcome Nissan’s dark shadow to establish a path toward improving the reputation of many consumers’ least favorite non-manual transmission.

Photos: Hyundai

Frequently Asked Questions

By Stephanie Stephan | Apr 18, 2022

Who Makes the Hyundai CVT Transmission?

The Hyundai Motor Group produces its own CVT, MT, DCT (dual-clutch), AMT (automatic manual), and four/five/six/eight-speed automatic transmissions in South Korea through its affiliate company, Hyundai Transys. Hyundai Transys merged with Hyundai Powertech and Hyundai DYMOS in 2019.

Are Hyundai Automatic Transmissions Reliable?

11 percent of all Hyundai complaints relate to the brand’s transmission performance. Hyundai issued a recall on its seven-speed DCT/Dual-Clutch transmission in 41,000 2016 Tucsons, and a class-action lawsuit was settled for 135,000 automatic transmissions in the 2017 Elantra Eco, 2017 Sonata Eco, 2016-2017 Tucson, and 2016 Veloster Turbo.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mike D on December 3, 2021
2017 Veloster transmission faults, reverses in park, neutrals in reverse.
The on screen display stated the transmission had overheated even though I had all my fluids and hadn't driven excessively on it since it was back from the shop for only a day. The second most dangerous issue was that every once in a while if I put it in reverse from cold start it does not reverse which resembles neutral (idle with acceleration no movement when depress the pedal). Other times if I put it in park after arriving from driving somewhere it does not engage instead it acts like I put it in reverse ( acceleration active crawls backwards unless gassed) which is extremely dangerous. There are countless reports for the dct issues Veloster hold.
accountCircle Knox on November 5, 2021
Should be illegal!!!
You will go for a test drive and it will feel a bit odd with the automatic shifting manual transmission, but no big deal right? Just a bit of getting used to....but it far worse than that. This cars transmission prioritizes its own longevity over the safety of the people inside. If you step on the gas, it may or may not listen to you. Even when you turn off all the traction and stability control entirely, there is still the fact that the transmission tries to think for you...but it cant react to your environment like you will.
accountCircle Tabitha on February 10, 2023
Transmission problem
I went to get my transmission flushed on my 2016 elantra only to find out its an electronic transmission. Right after the dealership flushed the transmission it would not take off in drive. I was then told after taking it back it needed and input/output sensor and a harness shaft.. After that was put on the car still would shift to drive but would not go. Lastly I was told it needed a new transmission. This cost me a total of 3300 at Jason Pilger Hyuandi
accountCircle Dan Garrett on April 8, 2022
Transmission/Dual Clutch
The problem is with the 8 speed transmission and dual clutch. From a standing stop it will shake and shudder until it gains speed. The dealer that services this vehicle states that the problem “can’t be fixed”. Another statement they have made is “all the Tucson's Do that” as if that justifies it. Do not buy a Tucson if it has a dual-clutch transmission. It is a real problem for us and Hyundai is hard to deal with.
accountCircle Poor on August 1, 2021
Transmission problems
I have a 2019 Santa Fe, 10,000 miles. The transmission is jumpy especially at start up and for a few miles. It has turbocharged engine and at 1500 rpm's it sounds like a diesel. Vibration problems. It has been to 4 dealerships and they don't know what it is. Does anyone else have these problems, I might have stuck with a 6 cylinder. This has to be the worst transmission that I have ever driven and I got my license in 1965.
accountCircle jack lin on February 14, 2024
Cvt transmission
I have a 2022 Accent. First year we had the car it worked and got great fuel mileage. Then my mileage went down from 49 to 36 MPG. The reason is higher RPMs than normal going down the highway. Noticed it not using top ratio in transmission. Supposed to be 8 "speed" transmission but it's only using 7. Crain hyundai is trying to tell me the trans. Is acting normal.
accountCircle Anna M on August 9, 2021
I hate my car and will most likely not buy another Hyundai.
It has a dual clutch transmission and I hate it because it sputters and shakes when shifting. I have an appointment with the Hyundai dealership near my house to get a software upgrade to hopefully fix this issue. I have already taken the car in twice for this issue but I keep getting told that this is just how the car shifts due to that dual clutch transmission.
accountCircle Gerry Boyle on March 13, 2022
Transmission
Has anyone experienced hard downshifting with this cars transmission? It supposedly has this intuitive transmission that adapts to the driver. Pretty much every oil change I have to get the transmission reset to factory settings due to hard downshifting. I would love if they could shut off this intuitive adjustment because other than that we like the car.
accountCircle jacklin on February 14, 2024
Transmission
I bought a 2022 Accent. The first year we had the car it got great fuel mileage. Then the MPG went from 50 to 36 MPG. Noticed higher than normal RPMS. Transmission not using top ratio. Trans. Is supposed to be an 8 "speed", But it's only using 7th. Crain hyundai says trans. Is working normal and Crain/Hyundai refuses to fix it.
accountCircle Manic mechanic on September 9, 2022
We weren't ready for this
The CVT transmission is still being improved on a regular basis. That even includes Nissan. It's the Transmissions that they're using today. If I get a 100,000 miles out of mine I would be happy. Time will tell but I believe they're going to have problems. All cvts have problems but it's all we got now
accountCircle Jaclyn S on November 19, 2021
The car has good space in front and back.
Engine and transmission issues. Very comfortable and feel safe in, however I have been having issues with the engine and Hyundai is very unprofessional when dealing with the issues I have had with my car. The features are basic in the car also. I would not recommend Hyundai.
accountCircle Hanging in there on September 26, 2021
Shifting gears
Then ended up with a new transmission. Mine jerked really bad - especially first thing in the morning. Had to park it overnight at the dealer (keep the keys) and then go there and have them plug in their computer and drive with me. Took two or three times to diagnose.
accountCircle Ajanee L on February 27, 2022
None to highlight whatsoever.
Engine recall, transmission went out gas to replace every never came in dried engine series in the middle of highway with no warnings will never buy another car from them. Terrible car done recommend. Customer service trash just trying to use people.
accountCircle Assumpta Sandrasagra on September 13, 2021
Transmission Replaced So Early
I bought brand new Sonata in 2016. First year itself have problems. They changed transmission in first year it took 6 months to get the parts. Every year dealership changing transmission. I changed three times. Transmission.
accountCircle Ron Berman on April 13, 2022
Go when give it gas- no says dual clutch
Cannot wait for lease to end for 2018 Tucson with the "new" dual clutch. This car is a death trap. It should have been recalled for known transmission problems. Don't do it - do not own a Hyundai with a dual clutch.
accountCircle Jessica W on February 19, 2022
A good little car that gets up and going while looking sleek.
Put 80k miles in two years. Have had the transmission clutch replaced and now the transmission is still having issues. Would recommend getting a standard so you do not run into issues with this.
accountCircle Donna on June 27, 2021
Two major issues in 4 years...
However the 2016 Sport has just had the transmission replaced with a cost to us of $700 for labor, and now our engine needs to be replaced. Seized up on the hwy. What is going on Hyundai?
accountCircle Shy W on December 3, 2021
Would not recommend to new buyers or leaders, see previous text for details.
It has electrical issues with the transmission right now and the brakes go out easily, wouldn't think I would have to get newer ones especially when I've had it 2 years and it's a 2016.
accountCircle Brian on December 19, 2021
Won't own another
Transmission shifts are so long to fully engage i can see why people are having problems. - the engine is always at the lowest RPM thanks to the trans that the 2.4 has no power.
accountCircle DejaVu on August 1, 2021
Sidekick car
Did my transmission oil change 7k early, it was already turning brown. I received lawsuit notice, the car will be a lemon, future buyers, BEWARE. The shape of the Veloster
accountCircle Candi B on March 30, 2022
1 bad feature ruins whole car.
It has a dual clutch transmission which causes the car to shake violently when slowing down. Otherwise the car is a great car. Sporty and nice looking and easy to drive.
accountCircle Amanda H on February 21, 2022
Makes me feel like I am in a race car it can be driven in manual mode or automatic.
The turbo is rad but had a transmission recall so shifting gears can cause the car to jerk sometimes
accountCircle Jay A on September 30, 2021
Hyundai sonata - get what you pay for.
Slow pickup; transmission sticks at times. Reliable and gas efficient.
accountCircle Aberham on April 6, 2022
Transmission over heating
Too bad my new 2020 N line transmission getting too hot!
avatar Cameron Aubernon
Former fashion blogger Cameron Aubernon’s path to automotive journalism began in the early-’10s, when she began contributing to several auto publications, including Ford Authority, Hagerty, Ride Apart, and Street Trucks. She also served as the editor-in-chief of a short-lived online society publication in Louisville, Kentucky; interned at the city’s NPR affiliate, WFPL-FM; and was the de facto publicist-in-residence for a communal art space near the University of Louisville. Aubernon is a member of the International Motor Press Association, and the Washington Automotive Press Association.
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