1995 Hyundai Sonata transmission problems

Filed Feb 20, 2008 · Transmission · 142,000 miles · MI · crash · 1 injury

I'm the owner of a 1995 hyundai sonata, 2.0l dohc, automatic. Driving on a icy road in michigan the tranny downshifted by itself from 4th(od) to 1st gear and locked in 1st gear throwing me in a snow bank! If it wasn't for the snow bank to stop the car, I would've ended in front of a incoming semi! The transmission has had harsh shifts/downshifts since I purchased the car, but I never had anticipated locking up while driving. After doing some research I found a hynudai technical service bulletin stating that 1995 model transmissions control units may need to be reflashed with newer version software or replaced with newer units. Apparently hyundai didn't make a priority in notifying the owners about the transmission computer causing erratic shifts/downshifts! After talking to a hyundai dealership about the issue I got the following answer: "the 1995 model sonata is known for random transmission problems, and limping mode issues? .." I was speechless knowing other people own and drive this model and that same thing may happen to them. Please, somebody needs to do something about this issue.

Filed Jul 17, 2004 · Transmission · OK

My transmission will not pull forward only in reverse and I have been doing a lot of research on this transmission and theres a numerous amount of people who own the exact same car as I do that had the exact same problems. You cant find local mechanics to work on them because the transmission is so complex. And beings that so many people across america are haveing the same problems with the same car the company should honor their company and admit the transmissions are faulty and recall them.

Filed Aug 30, 2002 · Transmission · TX

Consumer has 2 sonatas, same year, that have experienced complete transmission failures, one occurred at 96266 miles and the other at 130294 miles.

Filed Dec 7, 2001 · Electrical, Transmission · NC

Windshield wipers work intermittently, come on and off without prior warning. Also, transmission roars up high, and when shifting gears in place it is hard to steer. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed Aug 6, 2001 · Transmission · NY

Trasmission failed--lasted 1 month failed gain--needed new computer board and transmission a 2nd time.

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Electrical, Transmission · MD

2 auto transmission failures, 1 idle assembly failure, loss of front defroster due to broken plenum linkage, total loss of horn operation, 1 failure of headlights at twilight due to fuse meltdown

Filed Feb 24, 2000 · Acceleration, Electrical · MA

The rpms go haywire starting at any speed and even stalls when car is at a stop or going at a low speed. This car has had alot of work done to it to fix this ongoing problem but never corrected and none of the things they said they were fixed the ongoing problem. We had two transmissiions, 2 distrubter caps plus a new distrubitor and replaced new computer boards put in and nothing has solved this ongoing problem

Filed Aug 31, 1999 · Transmission · PA

On several occasions transmission failure when shifting out of park or reverse which could have resulted in an rear end collision.

Filed Dec 27, 1998 · Engine, Fuel system · OR

#1: transmission gives very hard shift when first going from reverse to drive. Also very hard down shift that shakes entire car when slowing to a stop. #2: transmission fails to respond when accelerating during very long distance drives. This has happened once on a 400 mile drive during the mountain portion and a 2nd time on a 90 mile drive. #3: engine light always on. Dealership stated it is a short, ignore it. #4: gas gauge on e when not empty and fuel light never comes on. #5: dealership broke driver door handle when attempting to fix #6. Never replaced. #6: power window motor in driver door burnt out. Rear passenger side is failing. #7: power locks unlock/lock by themselves or do not unlock all with key.

Filed Oct 10, 1998 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Transmission/computer failed. Also replaced catalytic converter and radio.