Hyundai i30 transmission problems have plagued my vehicle since 2017. After just 5 years of ownership, my i30 required a complete transmission replacement, and only 3 years later, the same transmission needed a full rebuild. Here’s my experience with Hyundai’s reliability and customer service.
My Hyundai i30 Journey: From Purchase to Transmission Failures
I purchased my Hyundai i30 brand new from an authorized Hyundai dealership in 2012. The car performed well for the first few years, but transmission issues began to emerge as it aged.
First Hyundai i30 Transmission Replacement (2017)
On August 7, 2017, after experiencing ongoing transmission issues, Hyundai covered the cost of replacing transmission parts and labor. This was provided under “Goodwill” since my vehicle was just a few days outside the 5-year warranty period. According to research from Car Complaints, transmission problems are among the most common issues reported by Hyundai i30 owners.
Hyundai i30 Transmission Issues Continue (2018-2019)
During my 2018 yearly service, I reported a shudder in the transmission. The technician’s response was concerning: “Road test vehicle for hesitation after service, no issues – all OK, customer to monitor.”
By 2019, the transmission problems were more noticeable. The service report stated: “Check and Report on Transmission Issues, Bottom Sump Leaking, Low on Oil, Resealed Sump and Topped with Fluid, Tested OK.”
Major Hyundai i30 Transmission Failure (2020)
The situation dramatically worsened by June 12, 2020. During my yearly service, major transmission issues were identified: “Transmission internal fault P700. Leak confirmed between the housing. Recommend transmission rebuild with new valve body.”
Hyundai quoted an eye-watering $5,700 for the transmission rebuild.
Hyundai’s Customer Service Response to Transmission Problems
On June 15, 2020, I contacted Hyundai Australia about the recurring transmission issues. Their response was disappointing: “Kindly note that as the valve body was replaced on the 21/03/2017 (over three years ago), the issue has occurred now with the vehicle being over three years out of manufactures warranty. I have raised your case with my team and unfortunately due to the age of the vehicle we are unable to assist with the cost of the repairs of your transmission.”
It’s important to note that this response only mentioned the valve body replacement, when in fact, a full transmission repair was performed on August 7, 2017. According to Consumer Reports, transmission durability should significantly exceed what I experienced with my i30.
Taking the Hyundai i30 Transmission Issue to Consumer Protection
Frustrated by Hyundai’s response, I lodged a complaint with Consumer Protection on June 26, 2020. The outcome was equally disappointing: “Service Manager at Osborne Park Hyundai checked with the transmission specialist who built the transmission for your vehicle, who confirmed that the warranty on the transmission is 12 months/20,000km. As your vehicle has travelled 28,179km over a period of 34 months since the repair it is no longer covered under warranty.”
| Hyundai’s Offer | Percentage of Total Cost |
| 50% of parts cost only | Approximately 26% ($1,500) |
| Customer responsibility | Approximately 74% ($4,200) |
Hyundai offered to cover 50% of the parts cost only, which amounted to roughly $1,500 or just 26% of the full repair cost. This seemed inadequate given the recurring nature of the transmission problems and the relatively low mileage on the replacement transmission.
My Decision on Hyundai’s Offer
After careful consideration of Hyundai’s partial coverage offer and researching common Hyundai i30 problems, I declined their offer. A transmission should last significantly longer than 3 years, especially with the moderate mileage I had put on the vehicle.
Timeline of Hyundai i30 Transmission Issues:
2012: Purchased new Hyundai i30
2017: Complete transmission replacement (under goodwill)
2018: Reported transmission shudder (dismissed by dealer)
2019: Transmission fluid leak repaired
2020: Catastrophic transmission failure requiring $5,700 rebuildThis experience has significantly impacted my perception of Hyundai’s reliability and customer service. For potential Hyundai i30 buyers, I recommend thoroughly researching transmission reliability and securing extended warranty coverage that specifically includes the transmission.
Have you experienced Hyundai i30 transmission problems? I’d be interested to hear about your experiences in the comments below.