CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2016 Tucson comes with a dual-clutch, 7-speed transmission. But Hyundai forgot to tell you about one key phrase – zero-move. That's right, an alarming number of owners have said their SUV wouldn't accelerate after a stop.

Turns out that's because the transmission's application logic has been stumbling all over itself. Hyundai recalled the issue in September 2016, but it's difficult to say if owners are out-of-the-woods, or if this is just a sign of things to come.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
14,277 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Hyundai Tucson engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Owner Comments (Page 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #21

Jul 192016

Tucson

  • 4,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The first sign of trouble with the vehicle concerned the computerized functions within the vehicle. I could not sync my phone to the car and other issues. The second sign of trouble was when I was on my way to work one rainy morning. I exited the expressway and stopped at the red light. Once the light turned green - the car would not move. I sat there for a few lights attempting to get the car to move. It finally jerked and accelerated very quickly and I immediately took the car to the dealership. I was told that there was nothing wrong with the car because they road tested the car and did not have the same problem. I kept having all sorts of problems after this, such as jerking, lurching, lights flickering in and out, to name a few. The transmission seems to be confused and I consider this car to be quite unsafe to drive. Eventually I took the car back to the dealer and they replaced a hood latch - something I did not even know I needed and performed a software cluster that was supposed to repair the vehicle. They kept the car for a full week. I got the car back and did not have it 24 hours before it started acting up again, but even worse than before. It still shoots out after the accelerator has been tapped gently, lurches and jerks forward, stalls and stops, especially if it is raining. I don't even want to think about trying to drive this car once the winter has set in. I am already afraid to drive it. I have been attempting to communicate with the dealer (world Hyundai of matteson, il ) and Hyundai motors to no avail. I have to pay for a car that is unsafe to drive. I am afraid they aren't going to make any real changes unless someone has a tragic accident and dies.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #20

Jun 182016

Tucson

  • 10,800 miles
There is a problem with the 1.6L turbo dual clutch transmission. On three or more occations, pressing the accellerator after being at a couple stop at a traffic light resulted in the vehicle revving to the redline and the car not moving. The last time it happened (June 18th 2016 ~2pm), the car began to roll backwards because I was on a slight incline. I almost hit the vehicle behind me. I tried tried putting it in park. I tried switching to manual mode. I tried turning the car off and on. Nothing worked. It would not move. It was as though it was stuck in neutral. Then without reason, it began to move again. When it did move, it was extremely jerky and lurched forward a couple of times. That was the worst and most frightening. Lately all it has been doing is once or twice a day on average it does the slow acceleration and lurch. This happens during my morning and evening commute. Once it has happened, it does not happen until the next day. I have been lucky that it has not happened while turning into traffic. But it is clearly a dangerous situation.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #19

Jul 102016

Tucson

  • 7,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred randomly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. The VIN was not available.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #18

Jul 092016

Tucson

  • 13,845 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Unable to move from a stopped position with the car in drive. Dual clutch accelerator issue with this model with no current fix.

- Yuma, AZ, USA

problem #17

Dec 012015

Tucson

  • 200 miles
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tucson limited which has a major issue with the lack of acceleration from stop. When trying to move onto a highway/road from a light or stop sign when you step on the gas nothing happens then all of a sudden it lurches ahead. This is a very unsafe situation. When you step on the gas you expect the vehicle to respond and it does not. Also going through a parking lot and not really accelerating at all it lurches and backs off and lurches and backs off. Then when you do step on the gas it almost quits then lurches. I'm told its caused by the manual celinoid which causes the automatic transmission to engage. At the present time I'm not driving the vehicle and have a loaner. Hyundai has sent me paperwork to buy back the vehicle but then I have nothing with which to purchase another vehicle.

- Smithville, TN, USA

problem #16

Mar 162016

Tucson

  • 1,500 miles
I purchased this vehicle in Jan 2016 and have less than 2000 miles on the vehicle. I am having dct transmission issues. Had noticed that on several occasions the vehicle is very sluggish and has some difficulty accelerating from a complete stop and at times it lurches forward. This is an intermittent and ongoing issue, but very troublesome, none the less. This occurs during normal in town traffic and especially going up hills from a complete stop. There have also been issues in traffic where it accelerates unexpectedly. I have taken the vehicle into the dealer on two occasions in a seven day period, after deciding that this is not safe to drive at times. When I made the initial appt the receptionists stated that there have been several vehicles in for this issue. The initial time at the dealer, they completed the latch recall and reset the computer to relearn the system, hoping that would be the saving grace. Driving down the road a couple of days later and the sound was so loud while driving, that I pulled over and the sound died down at bit. Made another appointment to take in the vehicle the following Monday, I was told that they were not able to recreate the issue and the service manager was not sure what was going on. It's very frustrating, because you have to take time off work to go back and forth to the dealer to hear that nothing is wrong. The dealer acts like they have never heard of the concern. I was also told that it's the design of the clutch that gives drivers the sluggish feel. I decided to come back to Hyundai to purchase a vehicle and I deeply regret that decision.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #15

Jul 202016

Tucson

  • 12,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Parking vehicle at my apartments when the accerlater just took on its own. It cause me to have an accident. Had turn key off and hit the buliding. It was stationary. Just parking on a flat parking area

- Baytown, TX, USA

problem #14

Jul 182016

Tucson

  • 500 miles
Went to a Hyundai dealership to buy the Hyundai Santa Fe model. They didn't have one in stock but told me that the Hyundai Tucson model was just like the Santa Fe but a smaller version. I got the Tucson vehicle and in 2 days the air conditioner only blew hot air while on the highway. When I called the Hyundai service agent I was told to only use the air conditioner on the lowest fan. If I put it on a higher setting it will freeze up and blow only hot air. It was 95 out side. Later I came to a stop and when I stepped on the gas the engine revved up but the car would not go forward. I let off on the gas and tried again. The engine again revved up for about 6 seconds then the car lurched forward. The next day I had parked on a small incline. When I went to leave I: put my foot on the brake - released the parking brake - put it into drive and stepped on the gas. The engine revved up but did not go forward, instead it rolled backwards about 6 to 12 inches then it popped into gear and lurched forward. Every time I drove the car I had problems with that Hyundai Tucson. I felt unsafe and was worried that there would be an accident with the car acting like it did. Took the car to the dealership and they could not find anything wrong with the car. I looked on line and found hundreds of reviews of this vehicle all stating the same problems I was having. So, I traded in my 6 day old Tucson for a Santa Fe - and I am very happy now. The Tucson I felt was the most unsafe and unreliable vehicle that I have ever owned or driven. No one at the dealership told me about these known problems and/or issues with the duel transmission system. All I can say is this car is a potential life threatening vehicle and if Hyundai does not take care of these issues then there is a high probability of fatalities occurring.

- Banning, CA, USA

problem #13

Jul 262016

Tucson

  • 7,000 miles
I purchased my 2016 hyjndai Tucson new and in less than a year it has been sent to the local Hyundai dealership via tow truck. Each time is the same issue, the vehicle while in drive will not move forward while the accelerator is pressed. The rpms will react to the accelerator, but the vehicle will not move. First, Hyundai deal said it was the dct needing update. Second, there was no evidence once it arrived at dealer, but I conteact Hyundai corporate to have a monitoring device installed. They left it in for less then a month. Third, just occured and Hyundai has a new case on the vehicle. I informed them via the phone and will send a certified letter stating this is the third and final time, and I will not accept the vehicle back due to the hazards it can cause on the road including collision, bodily hard, and even death.

- Nesbit, MS, USA

problem #12

Jul 222016

Tucson

  • 900 miles
After coming to full stop and subsequently trying to proceed the dual clutch does not engage.this can result in possible accidents including caught in intersection turning left or being rear-ended.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #11

Jul 162016

Tucson 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle fails to move and/or accelerate when pushing the gas pedal or it moves in a very "jerky" manner. I do mostly city driving. This happens randomly and after I have come to a complete stop, usually at a stop light or stop sign. Happened once after I filled up the car with gas. At that time the engine had been off. So after I am stopped, and the light turns green, I hit the gas. The engine revs and the tach can hit 4000rpms but I either don't move or move a matter of inches. Usually lasts 20 - 30 seconds. Last weekend it was 45 seconds. (it is as if the car is in park, which it is not). Eventually the car moves. First started at about 6400 miles; I now have 7500 on it and it seems to be occurring more frequently. It has happened twice while backing up as well. I took it to the dealer and they said they did a software update. They said it is just the way this car runs. (they also mentioned they have started getting complaints like mine with this model car.) the update did nothing. Please look into this situation. I am afraid of causing an accident.

- Centennial, CO, USA

problem #10

Apr 052016

Tucson

  • miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. While at a stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed and failed to respond without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the failure was unable to be duplicated or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Hookstown, PA, USA

problem #9

Apr 302016

Tucson

  • 100 miles
There is an issue with lack of acceleration in this vehicle when accelerating from a standstill. For example, from a stop sign or traffic light. Most times, when I step on the gas when I am at a stop, this car hesitates for a moment before it finally lurches forward. It is a serious safety concern because when I am pulling out into traffic and think I have allowed myself ample time, this car hesitates for such a long time before finally moving forward it could cause an accident. It happens almost every time I drive it.

- Shelby Twp, MI, USA

problem #8

Jun 042016

Tucson

  • 7,000 miles
Stopped at a gas station to get gas, turned the vehicle ignition off, pumped gas, got back in & started the vehicle, sat there for a minute or two put the vehicle in park & pressed the gas, RPM's revved way up but the vehicle would not move forward. Checked everything to make sure I wasn't overlooking anything; no 'check engine' light came on or any other dashlights, emergency brake was not engaged. Turned the switch off & on several times, waiting a few minutes each time, then would start and shift into reverse (it would back up), neutral, & finally drive & still nothing happened. Finally gave up, put it in reverse & backed away from the pumps to a safe place. Called Hyundai blue link but they were no help as the vehicle wasn't sending any codes. I tried a couple more times then gave up & had it towed to the dealership (after speaking with the salesman). Once it was off the truck, the salesman tried it several times & got the same result. He was just as stunned as I was. On mon I called Hyundai America & opened a case so there would be documentation. I had done some research online over the weekend & found a Hyundai forum where people were discussing the same problem that I was had. I then went to the dealership & met with the service director & the technician working on my vehicle. Of course, they didn't know what to do even though it had done the same thing with the service director that morning but he finally got it to move. The dealership called Hyundai tech services & they made an update/adjustment. For now it seems to be fine, but I am totally paranoid about driving it now! I think it's very important that the NHTSA get involved & get to the bottom of this issue as soon as possible.

- Springville, AL, USA

problem #7

Jun 152016

Tucson

  • 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!

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #6

Nov 192015

Tucson

  • 1,000 miles
I had to replace the throttle body and rear shock at approximately under 2000 miles. It hesitates badly. It decelerates as I press down on the accelerator. It had low coolant before a long trip so I filled it up as it advised. When the vehicle was hot the coolant was approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch below the minimum fill line. After my trip I took it to the certified Hyundai dealer service center for tire rotation and oil change and they advised the coolant was low again, but that there are no leaks. I told them I just filled it up and so they are checking again for leaks. It slammed into gear as I was going on an off ramp from an interstate. It jerked and shimmied like it was going to die when I was at a stoplight. It is brand new. It should not be having so many issues and no one will help me with it I just keep hearing "there is nothing wrong with it, it is just the way Hyundai designed the vehicle." Hyundai needs to work on this. There should be multiple recalls on this vehicle. It has a popping sound every time I reach 20 mph after taking it out of park. It has a rattle in the frame/rear passenger door area. No place can fix these sounds. I just have to deal with it all. It has been nothing but a nightmare since purchased in November 2015. This really needs multiple recalls on it. I just got an email about a hood latch recall too. Not even from Hyundai... from car fax. Hyundai did not contact consumers regarding the hood latch recall. They should be required to. The dealer did not contact me about it either. The dealer, bob poynter columbus, in refuses to service my brand new vehicle under warranty and they will not speak with me at all. They will not tell me where they obtained my vehicle from as a dealer trade either.

- Columbus, IN, USA

problem #5

Mar 012016

Tucson

  • 2,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure was not found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000.

- Meridian, ID, USA

problem #4

May 192016

Tucson

  • 1,800 miles
05/06/2016 @ 1600 cond-rainy. While at a stop light I pressed the accelerator and the SUV did not move. The engine revved but the SUV did not go forward. It slowly engaged and lurched forward after approx 3-5 seconds. 5/19/2016 @ 1800 cond-rain /not driven in approx 4 days. Less than a mile from start and had been driving for approx 3-5 mins-while waiting at a stop light I attempted to accelerate when the light changed and the veh did not move. I pressed the accelerator to the floorboard and the engine revved for approximately 5-7 seconds before the veh lurched/jumped forward and slowly moved. I again immediately went to Hyundai. I was given a loaner vehicle - 2016 Tucson. 5/21/2016 @ 1350 same non-movement while accelerating from a stop occurred w/the loaner vehicle. It had not been driven in 2 days cond-rainy. This occurred approx 3 mins after start and w/in a mile. Hyundai Corp are not taking responsibility for the issues with this veh. 3 similar issues from customers were reported to this dealership. I do not feel safe driving this veh or allowing any member of my family to drive this veh. It is an accident in waiting either from being hit from behind by another veh or from striking another B/C of the lurching. I had to put my hazards on and hope that I did not get hit from behind. I am not satisfied and want a refund for both of the veh's I purchased due to this huge safety issue. At random times, usually from a stop, but sometimes when pulling into traffic, the veh does not move. I consider this to be a very hazardous defect. Hyundai is unable to replicate the error, so eng. Advises to release the veh back to me, they are unaware of any similar problems. I will never drive another Hyundai veh again B/C it is unsafe and the lack of responsibility to rectify their manufacturing problem. It is not a driver's operational error.

- Dothan, AL, USA

problem #3

May 212016

Tucson

  • 25 miles
Reported hesitation when trying to accelerate from a stop, in traffic, or when exiting a turn. Service tech acknowledged as did the sales team that they experienced the issue in the vehicle but since there are no recalls that apply to the vehicle there is nothing they can do until corporate decides to address the issue. Have had several times when the vehicle would not accelerate when trying to merge with traffic and hesitates or lunges when coming to a stop some times. Continues to happen when driving since first purchased on 5/21/2016.

- Fountain, CO, USA

problem #2

Apr 042016

Tucson

  • 6,120 miles
The car occasionally exhibits the following behavior: 1.upon acceleration from a stop, the transmission seems to be in a gear higher than first, which then causes the motor to stall and lose power for one to three seconds before resuming acceleration. The loss of power puts the car in peril of being rear ended by vehicles following behind. 2.when in this state, moving the gearshift lever left to enter manual mode fails ' the transmission stays in drive despite several attempts to engage manual mode. 3.because the transmission never downshifts to lower gears, the car runs rough at slower speeds. 4.turning the car off and back on again restores it to normal operation until the errant behavior happens again on random, unpredictable occasions. This car is equipped with a turbo-charger. A factory recall to fix an accelerator hesitation improved, but did not eliminate, said hesitation.

- Epping, NH, USA

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