8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$600
Average Mileage:
11,000 miles
Total Complaints:
53 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (42 reports)
  2. recall & fix were released on 8/10 by hyundai (5 reports)
  3. aug 10th they have a new software update (4 reports)
  4. legal action! (1 reports)
  5. replaced fuel filters, cleaned tank and lines (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Hyundai dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #13

Jul 272016

Tucson Limited 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,650 miles

I was waiting in a fast food drive through when I needed to go up a slight incline from a dead stop. Suddenly, the car would not move. I was afraid to push the accelerator too much, but the car ahead of me moved forward while I shifted into reverse, neutral, and finally back to drive. Eventually, it moved forward "normally." It had hesitated and lurched before (other issues), but never refused to move.

Update from Aug 10, 2016: This has happened again. Tonight I was scared I was going to be rear-ended. Multiple times the car would not move from a dead stop at a light. Twice the car finally lurched forward and the tires squealed. Going to the dealer tomorrow.

Update from Aug 23, 2016: I did take my vehicle to the dealer on 8/11. They stated that a recall/fix had just been released on 8/10 and they applied it to my car. I was skeptical. However, I checked the Hyundai corporate website after I returned home for recalls on my VIN. Both the hood latch recall and the DCT recall were listed. It showed that the recall/fix were released on 8/10 and applied to my vehicle on 8/11. So far, the car runs smoother than ever and has had no hesitation. So, check with your dealer.......

- Jenelle V., Temple, TX, US

problem #12

Dec 222015

Tucson Limited 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80 miles

Will not accelerate from a stop at times. Started out just in eco, but now has progressed to standard mode.

This could be very dangerous at certain tmes. Is intermitant an never happens when a tech is driving it. Something has to be done before someone gets killed. Not at all happy with this car now and would like it fixed or replaced.

Update from Jul 30, 2016: We now have about 4900 miles on the car. Is still not working properly. Is now doing it in standard mode as well as eco mode. Have opened a case compaint on the suv with corporate. Hope they can do something soon.

- taylor39, Tavares, FL, US

problem #11

Jul 232016

Tucson Limited 1.6L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,500 miles

Since purchasing in April 2016 I noticed a hesitation in acceleration but just thought it was because I was going from a V6 to a V4 even though this was a turbo charged 1.6L, however today, July 23rd has taken the cake. I was on a hill after stopping at a stoplight and although the car was in normal drive mode the vehicle would not move when I pushed down on the accelerator. The RPMs shot up but the car would not move forward. I had to get out of the vehicle in traffic and motion several cars around me. I put the car in park and then back in drive to try and go forward but it would not move. I ended up having to back down the hill nearly being hit by oncoming vehicles including a bus. The vehicle then drove forward. I got rid of my last car a 2007 Monte Carlo because of it's unreliability after 175,000 but here I am with a 3 month old vehicle and less than 6,000 miles on this new vehicle and I'm afraid to drive it. What's the point of having a new vehicle if you are too afraid to drive. After reading your website and all the similar complaints I contacted the Dean Team Hyundai dealer where I purchased the vehicle and she stated she is not aware of this problem but did go ahead and make an appointment for me on Monday. I will update this post as I hopefully can resolve these issues.

- Danette W., Saint Louis, MO, US

problem #10

Jul 212016

Tucson

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,900 miles

Waiting at a traffic signal to turn green and the car just wont move, even with pressing hard on gas. Put it back in park (meanwhile everyone behind is honking) and then drive mode, and still no response. Suddenly in one of the attempts of pressing on the gas, it accelerated forward, but by that time the signal had turned orange. Pretty scary situation. Even after that, the Tucson was no accelerating as it should. Parked it on the side, switched engine off, turned it back again and then the transmission worked fine. Have had similar experience on other occasions, It gets scary when you are in a yielding position and then the car wouldn't move. Definitely a risk to life. Hyundai should come out with a recall soon before someone dies due to this car transmission problem.

- sag, Phoenix, AZ, US

problem #9

Jul 222016

Tucson Limited 1.6L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,650 miles

I WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A CITY STREET WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND MY CAR BARELY MOVED. THE RPM'S REV'D UP BUT THE CAR WAS BARELY MOVING. I THOUGHT I WAS IN NEUTRAL AT FIRST BUT WAS NOT. I KEPT HITTING THE GAS TRYING TO GET POWER TO THE CAR TO GET THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. CARS BEHIND ME WERE BEEPING. THE CAR FINALLY FOUND A GEAR AND CONTINUED ON. THAT WAS SCARY. IF I WERE MAKING A LEFT TURN SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN WORSE! I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR NOW. THIS SEEMS TO BE A GROWING ISSUE WITH OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. I BELIEVE IT HAS SOMETHING TO DUE WITH THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI CORPORATE AND THE DEALERSHIP. I WANT TO HELP GET THE WORD OUT TO ESCALATED THE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE OR A RESOLUTION.

- savvysoul, Mays Landing, NJ, US

problem #8

Jul 162016

Tucson Limited 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,800 miles

Same transmission issues that I am seeing others report!! I was attempting to turn left after a red light. No power, engine just raced at 4000 rpm. I was holding traffic up behind me. Light turned red again. I shifted in and out of gear, nothing! When light turned green for the second time the engine raced again to 4000 rpm as I attempted to accelerate, the vehicle lunged forward in a jerking fashion. It smoothed out about an 1/8 mile later. Thank goodness I was tuning left from a stop and not inching out into traffic, I could have been broadsided very easily. It would appear with the number of similar complaints Tucson owners are having, it is only a matter of time before something serious happens! This is a very dangerous problem.

The following day I called my sales agent (due to being a Sunday) to inquire of problems...he knew of none. On Monday I called service, they were aware and had me take the vehicle to them. It is in there hands with no idea as to what or how long the fix will be.

I had been driving a Lexus the past 14 years. When I would go in for service, a greeter would meet me at my vehicle. No matter how long they provided a Lexus loaner. At the Hyundai dealership, I have to walk into service, sit at a bar stool to talk with someone! They had someone from from a car rental place pick me up to get a rental. I traded a Lexus for Hyundai Tuscon and now are driving Chevrolet Cruze! The dealer has no idea when mine will be repaired!

Has anyone with this transmission issue had their problems resolved?

- David Y., Fountain Hills, AZ, US

problem #7

Jun 012016

Tucson Limited 1.6L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,300 miles

Driving a Death Trap ! ............ 2016 Tucson Automatic 1.6L 4cyl

I am having the same problem with my 2016 Tucson as many of you. I am terrified of driving it. I bought it new 7 months ago loved it the first 5 months then about 2 months ago at about 3300 miles it would not go. I was sitting at a red light waiting to make a left turn when the light turned green I put my foot on the gas pedal to turn left accross on coming traffic the car would not move. I put my foot back on the brake pedal and waited a few seconds put foot back on the gas and the car moved.. That was the first time it happied to me. It has happied 2 more times each time it is worse. The very worst was sitting on an incline, I let off brake and press the gas pedal the car revs high and fells like it should be moving forward but it is rolling backward. I put my foot back on the brake then the gas same thing rolling backward so I put it in park then drive still rolling backward tried again park then drive let of brake to gas finally it moved and drove fine.. Very scary and very dangerous. I have had my car in the dealerships shop 2 times in the last 21 days and I get my car back tomorrow they had it over a week now and they still say that there's nothing wrong with it.. It's a death trap for anyone in the car and for drivers around me.... ..( Lawers are suppose to take these cases for free . It may end up that way for me.. ) Consider the lemon law... We must get the news out there, post it every where. Copy and paste your complaint, Post to Hyundai web site, Contact action news .. We deserve what we paid for not a death machine.. Seriously someone is going to die or get hurt really bad from these Tucsons..

Update from Jul 25, 2016: Up date today is July 24th.. I went in to pick up my Tucson from the dealers shop over a week ago at that point they had it for 2 weeks they told me once again that they couldn't find anything wrong with it and everything checked out fine. They had drove it every day and had put 300 miles on it and could not find any problems.. I am not a high strung person , I am normally very calm and easy going and it takes a lot to upset me but when I realized they were going to put me back in that death trap I freaked out.. I raised my voice and said (That is bullshit and someone is going to die because of that car)

They then took me into a private conference room and shut the door so that other customers couldn't hear me.. In a short time a guy I never seen or dealt with before shows up to talk with me. I'm assuning this is the guy that steps in to handle seriously upset customers. This is when they finally admitted that they had heard of other complaints the same as I'm having with my Tucson (up to that point 3 other people at the dealership had told me they never heard of this problem before..) So to make a long story short he let me keep the loner car where as the other guy was putting me back in my dangerous Tucson and he told me he was going to get a hold of a rep at Hyundai and get back to me.. So they have now had my Tucson for over 3 weeks this time and they call me from time to time to tell me Hyudai is trying to figure it out.. Too bad I had too get so upset before anyone took this dangerous problem seriously. Anyways all together they have had my Tucson over 4 weeks if you include the first time I left it with them.

..My suggestion to you..

Don't remain calm, raise your voice, tell them someone is going to die, stomp your feet if you have to, don't leave in that dangerous Tucson that could potentially do somebody serious harm. Demand to speak with the head guy.... I truly loved my Tucson before the problem started I just hope that when they finally fix it that it doesn't reoccur after another 3000 miles. I've been driving this loaner car for the last 3 wks it's a nice car but not my taste, I would rather drive any car than that death machine..

- misstc101, Balch Springs, TX, US

problem #6

Jun 242016

Tucson Limited 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,200 miles

When entering the Meg Auto Spa (car wash), we (my wife was driving) had stopped to enter the washing tunnel and could not move forward until she shifted the car to park and the back to drive.

I scheduled a service appointment at the dealership where I purchased it, on June 27, 2016. They first told me that a lag in shifting was normal for this vehicle. However, I declined to agree so I asked them to take a look at the vehicle anyway, which they agreed to do.

After the first day I was contacted by the dealership and they indicated that they could not find any issue but wanted to keep the car for a week while the service coordinator drove it to and from work. I agreed and the dealership provided us with a loaner car while they tested our car. At the end of each day they contacted us to keep us informed as the status of the testing. On Friday, July 1st, I was contacted and informed that one of the service technicians was able to replicate the issue when they drove the car to lunch. I was informed that they will send the diagnostic data to Hyundai engineers to be studied.

The service coordinator indicated that they were aware that other locale dealers have had similar issues and that she was not sure of what the next steps would be. She stated that her representative was on Vacation and would return on Tuesday, July 5th. We are scheduled to return to the dealership on Tuesday July 5th where we will be provided with a loaner car while this issue is investigated further. So far the dealer ship has been very cooperative and attentive to our situation. As of today, July 14, 2016 they still have our car and there is no solution to this problem.

- Chris R., Wlliamsburg, VA, US

problem #5

May 272016

Tucson Limited 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,000 miles

In late April I started noticing an extreme lag when I hit the gas but it was only happening every once and a while. Starting in late May, early June, it became extremely noticeable. In front of Michael’s art and crafts, where after stopping at the intersection, I depressed the accelerator to move forward and nothing happened. The engine RPM’s increased but no forward movement. I was on a slight incline so I started to roll backwards almost hitting the car behind me. I had to shift to park and then back to drive to move forward.

- Chris R., Wlliamsburg, VA, US

problem #4

Jun 102016

Tucson Limited 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,100 miles

I am writing to in regards to my 2016 Hyundai Tucson that I purchased on February 22, 2016 from Williamsburg Hyundai, 7277 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188. I am experiencing disturbing and what I consider to be seriously unsafe issues with the vehicle not shifting properly. In late April I started noticing an extreme lag when I hit the gas but it was only happening every once and a while. Starting in late May, early June, it became extremely noticeable. There were 3 occasions when trying to accelerate after stopping to car would not move at all.

June 10th When my wife was stopped at a traffic light attempting to make a left hand turn onto Jamestown road, she hit the gas, the car sat still. Again the engines RPM’s increased but no forward movement. She had to place the Tucson in park and back into drive before she could move forward. This caused her to sit through the entire cycle on the light. Luckily no one behind her became angry or confronted her.

- Chris R., Wlliamsburg, VA, US

problem #3

Jul 112016

Tucson Limited 1.6t

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,500 miles

This is an unsafe condition. We were turning left into oncoming traffic and the car refused to move. Once it did, it crawled once we started turning left into traffic. It finally engaged properly but now we do not trust the car when dealing with fast approaching traffic!

- tgreg77, Litchfield Park, AZ, US

problem #2

Jul 022016

Tucson Limited 1.6L Turbo

  • CVT transmission
  • 3,000 miles

I purchased my 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited in May 2016. It is already having transmission problems. At first it was driving like someone who didn't know how to drive a manual transmission - kind of shaking. Then twice my car was in drive, the foot was on the gas, and it wasn't moving! I brought it in - this time they said they have other complaints and Hyundai knows about it but doesn't have a fix. They gave me a Santa Fe loaner, stripped down - indefinitely.

Are they going to try and hurry to do a software patch so that cars don't pass the 30 days mark thus making them eligible to be considered a lemon.

Also, my Tucson was loaded. I had the remote start to get me through the 111 degree heat. I had the backup camera because backing up sucks. I had Sirius radio that is on a trial but the time is running out sitting in the shop. And I had an auto lift gate because of my back. (why I didn't choose the mazda). How is this ok when I had my car a little over a month? I have no recourse and I am worried.

- Erica E., Gilbert, AZ, US

problem #1

Jun 152016

Tucson Limited 1.6L Turbo Gdi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 816 miles

Was jerky when getting through 1st and 2nd gear. I thought that might be normal for a 4 cylinder, since I'd been driving a 6 cylinder for 20 years. Thought I just had to get used to it. 10 days from purchase, at ~ 300 miles, just filled up with fuel and was attempting to leave the gas station... pressed on accelerator and nothing happened... let up and pressed again... nothing happened... let up and pressed again... it started slowly jerking forward, into oncoming traffic, it kept jerking and slowly accelerated until I hit about 5 gear, then it smoothed out. Frightening!

26 days from purchase, at ~ 700 miles, from a cold start, backed out of driveway and put the car in Drive... revved through 1st and 2nd gear and hadn't moved yet... hit 3rd gear and it jerked forward and started slowly moving. 30 days from purchase, @ ~ 816 miles, stopped for a red light... light turned green and the car wouldn't move... shifted through all of the gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) several times... in Drive for about the 4th time and stomped on the accelerator... it pealed out... drove straight to the dealership... jerkily pulled into a parking spot. Just over 3 hours later, was told they discharged the capacitor completely and "re-taught it" the system. Thought it might be fixed, but, I'm at day 37 and can swear that it hesitated yesterday and this morning.

Will keep you abreast. This is a potentially deadly malfunction!

Update from Jun 24, 2016: Yesterday (6/23/16) I was taking a left hand turn, after having stopped at a stop sign. Tucson was slowly moving in 1st gear and a car was approaching rapidly on my left, so I depressed the accelerator a little more, it revved up to about 4000 rpm, but wasn't moving any faster, then jerked into the next gear. It appears the capacitor is not the only problem.

I have a call into the dealership. Thank you Galen for sharing your tip on finally getting your control unit replaced. I hope this works for you!!! I'll be proposing this option to my dealer.

Update from Jul 11, 2016: My last update was on June 23, 2016. I took my Tucson back to the dealership on June 24th. I was told that they are going to replace the actuator, which is on back-order with an unknown delivery date. On June 29, 2016, I called Hyundai to find out if ALL Tucson's are having this problem. They opened a case file and told me a Regional Case Representative would be in touch in 3-5 days. 7/5/16, 6 days later, I received a call from the Case Rep, who was completely uninformed. Once I brought her up to date, she said she'd call me back by 7/7/16 to let me know what she finds out from the dealership. I called her twice on 7/7, with no response. On 7/8/16 I went to the dealership and took them a work order from someone having the same issue (in California) and asked if we should order this part, as well. I was told that my part, which is the same part with a different part number than what I shared with them, is suppose to be delivered on Saturday, 7/16/16. I asked why they can't take an actuator off of another Tucson and put it in my vehicle. I was told we'd probably be replacing a bad part with another bad part. About 4 hours later, I heard back from the Regional Case Rep that told me, "The part was actually delivered to the dealership already, but they were told not to put it on. My vehicle is being considered for a "buy back program".

Update from Aug 3, 2016: Yes, my dealership STILL has my Tucson. As of Monday morning, 8/1/16, my third Hyundai Representative has told me that as of last Friday (7/29/16) they have the "fix". It's supposedly going through the approval stages and will be released to the dealerships for implementation with 2-3 weeks. I've asked my dealership and all of the Hyundai Reps, "How can you still be selling the 2016s and why are putting the same deadly transmission in the 2017s?" Nobody could answer my question. I read Hyundai's Press Release, issued last Thursday, noting the new features in the 2017s, and mentioning that they are being released to dealerships. Really??? Fingers crossed for us all!

Update from Aug 3, 2016: Oh, and I think I forgot to mention, I was getting 12 mpg. This "fix" better "fix" that too.

Update from Aug 14, 2016: Campaign released! Hyundai released a Technical Service Bulletin Release for the Tucson DCT Control Logic Update on August 10, 2016. My dealership retrieved my Tucson off the back lot, performed the software update, and again discharged the capacitor and "re-taught it" the system. Finally got my Tucson back the evening of August 11th. I understand this is not the first software update that has been performed on DCTs with our acceleration problems, but, I can report that my first 70 miles have felt great! Will only update my complaint again, if someone needs info, or if things go awry again. Good luck, safe and happy trails to us all!!

Update from Dec 8, 2017: The rev and not move thing has been a constant event, since May 2016. Prior notes will reveal the months they kept it, trying to make it run. My vehicle was back at the dealership for a week in April and now again 2 1/2 weeks (Nov/Dec 2017). We're waiting on a new transmission to be delivered and installed. Wondering if they're pulling a recalled 2016 transmission, from one of the vehicles they couldn't sell after the nationwide recall. Battery discharge light lite up again. Last time they replaced the battery, as it was dead. So, I'm guessing my lemon will get it's 3 battery in a little over a year.

Update from May 1, 2018: After non-stop transmission problems, the dealer replaced the transmission in Nov/Dec 2017. Although it's "better", it's still doing the same things. Revs and does not move, especially when turning and when turning with an incline; dangerously slow from a stop; "clunks" from a stop to a coast. And still get 20-22 MPGs. I've finally given up on their ability to fix it and am starting the Lemon Law process. My Tucson was in the shop for 86 days, since May 2016, because of the deadly transmission.

Update from Jul 10, 2018: I filed for Florida Lemon Law... while Key Hyundai is in possession of my Tucson (currently at 111 days and counting), because they still can't fix the defective deadly DCT, Hyundai Motor America just let me know that my car doesn't qualify for Florida Lemon Law. Now having to file with BBB Auto Line. After "Service Campaigns" and Recalls were issued on this vehicle, Hyundai still will not take responsibility for their deadly Lemon!

- Susan R., Jacksonville, FL, US