Hyundai Elantra slight jerk and delay when shifting from park to drive after engine warms up on Hyundai Elantra

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Hyundai Elantra owners report experiencing a slight jerk and delay when shifting from park to drive after the engine warms up. This issue is not unique to the Elantra, as it is also common in other Hyundai models such as the Tucson, Veloster, Sonata, Genesis, and Santa Fe. Owners have noted that the transmission may shift roughly before the vehicle has warmed up, typically within 5-15 minutes of driving. Even after warming up, some drivers continue to face problems potentially linked to transmission fluid levels or sensors, as well as excessive vibration within the transmission system. Additionally, some have reported violent jerking when shifting from neutral to drive, along with stuttering during acceleration in lower gears. To address these concerns, it is important for owners to check the transmission fluid level and condition, and if issues persist, to use an OBD-II scanner to diagnose any trouble codes. Consulting a qualified mechanic or Hyundai service center is also recommended for further evaluation, particularly if the problem may involve components like the torque converter or solenoids.

2 people reported this problem
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Hyundai Elantra vehicles with this problem

1 model year affected
Average mileage: 106,000 miles
(106,000 - 106,000)

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