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.

8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
15,600 miles
Total Complaints:
23 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (22 reports)
  2. update computer (1 reports)
2016 Hyundai Tucson transmission problems

transmission problem

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #23

Feb 202021

Tucson Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,820 miles

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

My car was under warranty. I took the car to Hyundai four times to be diagnosed. They said that they could not see a problem. I even had one of the servicing staff to drive the car. He didn’t see a problem. There was definitely a problem sometimes I would pressed Accelerator in the car with move sometimes out put the car in gear and it wouldn’t move. I had to get rid of the car. I did hear that there’s a class action lawsuit with Hyundai and I believe that I should be in it what I’m trying to find out is which class action lawsuit? Should I get it because I had to purchase a new car because of this awful experience

- Anginette M., Inglewood, US

problem #22

Nov 252016

Tucson Limited 1.6L Gdi 16v Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45 miles

Owner : Tarek Elgendy Address : 33 Empress Ave NorthYork M2N 6Y7

Car: 2016 Hyundai Tuscan 1.6 T 4D4 Vin : KM8J3CA24GU234007 COLOR : RED TRIM: LIMITED

I bought the Hyundai Tuscan SUV back in 26 October 2016, it was the first car I bought and I was simply manipulated by the dealer sales rep. I ended up getting convinced that Hyundai Tuscan 2016 SUV offer included extended warranty bumper to bumper for 10 years or 160,000 km that made me exclude all compared cars like Toyota CRV who didn’t have extended warranty at the time.

The dealership sold me more than 8 K of unnecessary options that I didn’t used such as rust protection tire warranty, theft security etc and excluded mentioning the extending warranty on the discussions that I had already taken into consideration that it was included (so why I would pay 8 K extra cad on the car in things I don’t really understand and leave the most important option - that is, the extended warranty?)

In less than 1 month of driving the car exactly on 25-Nov-2016 (black Friday) the car made a very high error alarm on the dash with error code that didn’t stop except when I pulled over on the highway and shut down the car for more than 15 minutes. Then it showed the malfunction indicator lamp with high heat coming from the paddle direction and transmission part.

This indicator kept showing until I took it to the dealership where they said it was perfectly well and nothing was wrong with the car.

After that incident I start feeling some hesitation and slowing down while trying to accelerate from a stop and as usual when going to the dealership – they deny any issue.

In Jan 2017 I got a recall letter for the transmission issue and send it to the dealership, and they mentioned recall has been done and the car is perfectly well. I started experiencing the same transmission issue multiple times after the recall fix and every time I complain to the dealership, they deny any problem. I even escalated the issue to camvap but what happened was really frustrating and not fair - camvap spent really long investigation time with a very lengthy process that exceeded 6 months and they did not use any third party to check the car (only approved Hyundai dealership results that was believed as a fact) so as a result of making Hyundai the only source of the car status, it was obvious that the results will deny any issues and at the end CAMVAP gave me the offer to pay 10000 cad to return the car (finance) which was impossible to do at the time. They didn’t push for extended warranty or any other guarantee to insure transmission support, they even mentioned that I cannot sue Hyundai by signing with camvap - it was a disaster experience that make you feel Hyundai and camvap both worked against me.

I lived with the car till 2019 with very cautious usage and regular maintenance through the dealership and even changing tires and fixing lights through dealership. The transmission issue was still happening with increased deterioration of performance, from mid 2019 to end of 2021. I almost rarely used the car during the pandemic - that is why I started having long time between maintenance.

On 19 Jan 2022 I took it to the dealership to change oil and was surprised that they told me I have serious issue on the engine, and I am out of warranty. I told them to double check the extended warranty to know that there is no extended warranty on the SUV and there is no extended warranty on the transmission recall (which is strange for recall issues all over the world) and no extended warranty on the engine. I made all types of escalation through the dealership and even send to Hyundai Canada and all my complains was refused. I took the car for checkup for the first time in my life to a third party service center to inform me that I do have serious engine and transmission issues, they also informed me that the automatic portable device that check engine error codes are not retrieving any error codes from the car by mean someone on the dealership has disconnected the electronic diagnostic device on the car.

It is clear for me now that dealership has simply manipulated the vehicle diagnostic electronics to avoid any errors on the engine and transmission during warranty period and surprise me with the car status after the warranty has gone. Now in less than 5 years of proper driving and maintenance and last 2 years rare usage, the car is falling apart with potential failed engine and transmission that will cost me a fortune if I need to fix it.

Update from Aug 28, 2022: the car is falling apart with a engine increasing knocking and about to fail and increasing transmission hesitation, I can't fix it , can't sell it and even sure it will not complete another 2 years of normal working

- Tarek E., TORONTO, ON, Canada

problem #21

Mar 012019

Tucson Premium 1.6gdi T

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,855 miles

At low speed the car hesitates and is jumping like a horse... I reported this to an official Hyundai garage in Assen, but they say it is normal...

The car is still under guarantee... but there is no guarantee to fix the problem. It's very annoying.

- hey, Utrecht, Netherlands

problem #20

May 012017

Tucson

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

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

Since about 6 months after purchasing Hyundai Tucson 2016, the clutch does not engage with certain frequency... This is a danger when you stop at an intersection and start up again... many times it will start up a bit and then the gear does not seem to engage and you are stuck in the intersection for a few seconds... It puts the fear of God into you when there is incoming traffic.

I have complained many times about this and of course it never happens at the dealership and they say there is nothing wrong. I see online there are hundreds of complaints about this and I am wondering why there is not a class action lawsuit so the care is recalled. IT IS DANGEROUS!

- treosgsears, Houston, TX, US

problem #19

May 152019

Tucson Limited 1.6L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

The dual clutch transmission and/or the 1.6 liter turbo engine hesitates from a stop, and heavy gas pedal to get it going sometimes causes it to really hesitate even more, almost like a stall which is dangerous when trying to fit into traffic.

- Dennis K., Salem, OH, US

problem #18

May 312019

Tucson

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,000 miles

Transmission is having problems either when stopped or driving, it shakes and sometimes it almost tuns off. Also having electrical problems. Front passenger door doesn't open from the outside and trunk sometimes opens without pressing the opening button.

- Yamila C., Denver, US

problem #17

Sep 282017

Tucson Sport 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,759 miles

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

The vehicle continues to have the same problem … hesitation when accelerating from a complete stop and lurching forward. I have asked the dealer several times when I take the vehicle in for routine service. I'm told the "engineers are working on a solution" and "no fix for this issue yet". It's been a continuing problem and I believe a significant safety issue. I love the style and comfort of the Tucson but feel unsafe, especially on icy roads in the winter.

- Linda K., Big Lake, AK, US

problem #16

Mar 242017

Tucson Limited 1.6t

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,900 miles

This car is a piece of crap! I have a decal on the back of the thing now labelled SHITBOX. My wife refuses to drive it due to the death trap feature of crawling out into oncoming traffic from a standstill or rolling stop. It is the worst automobile that I have ever owned or driven.

Hyundai has admitted that this is a known issue yet they still refuse to do anything about it other than offer lip service. Due to this piece of sh*t car, I will never purchase another Hyundai heap of garbage again.

Customer service and vehicle service is the worst in the industry.

DO NOT PURCHASE A HYUNDAI!!!!!

- Richard M., Encinitas, CA, US

problem #15

Apr 272016

Tucson Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 169 miles

This problem began shortly after purchase at 14 miles and it is now at 3,600 miles on the car and the hesitation during acceleration still exists, so it is not the Adaptive Learning System, as suggested by one of the service providers. There are no lights to detect a problem and it does not register on Hyundai computer system. This problem requires more lead time when merging into traffic or turning into oncoming traffic. I believe this could cause a serious accident but it is not taken seriously by the original dealership I bought it from or subsequent dealers.

- donnabo28, Aurora, CO, US

problem #14

Jul 152017

Tucson Limited 1.6lturbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

Hesitation/ transmission shudder most noticeable in stop in go traffic or when driving very slow on steep hills. It feels like you are starting in 2nd gear in a manual transmission.

This has always been an issue with this car, but it has definitely gotten worse in the past few months.

I have brought this in to Hyundai service several times. They have installed software updates, reset the system, and now are out of options until enough people complain to Hyundai to develop a new update. The service manager agrees that my car does this worse than most, but thinks it is inside the normal range for a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). It is bad enough that passengers always comment ('What is wrong with your car?' 'What was that?')

I don’t know if I will buy another Hyundai or not, but I do know I will NEVER buy another car of any brand with a DCT.

- Keesha G., Mason, OH, US

problem #13

Jul 212017

Tucson Sport 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

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

Ongoing issues with the dual clutch transmission on my 2016 tucson sport 1.6, Since nearly the beginning there has been Hesitation accelerating from stop, slipping causes jolt effect when the clutch does grab. very frequent slipping of clutch mostly at slow speeds, clutch slipping also causes vibration/jolting at slow speeds ever since the last SW update. becoming severe safety issue. Occurs even in reverse. was told no defect however there has been three software updates done by dealership addressing this issue as a safety recall, 1st two helped some but the last one made problem worse than it ever has. Was told no way to reverse the SW updates. Dealership and Hyundai unable to help resolve issue stating this is "normal" condition where this is a severe safety issue that is being ignored.

- Frank S., Pottstown, US

problem #12

Apr 012016

Tucson Sport 1.6L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

When accelerator is pressed from a stop, engine lags severely and feels like it will die. After a second or two, it kicks and the car lunges forward and races. Very dangerous when trying to pull out into traffic. Car dealer has heard of same complaint but offers no solution.

- ammani, Oswego, IL, US

problem #11

Jun 012017

Tucson Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

I've been to the dealer twice about this issue. They claim that the problem is not the car, but its me. You see, the car has "advanced dual clutch technology" and I just don't know how to drive my car. Bullshit. The transmission sometimes slips upon acceleration...I know what that feels like. It hesitates on acceleration from a hard stop. I know what that feels like.

The real issue is that they've already issued 2 recalls and due to lemon laws, I suspect they don't want to release a 3rd.

- Theresa H., Santa Ana, US

problem #10

Nov 302016

Tucson ECO 1.6L

  • CVT transmission
  • 12,599 miles

This is the 3rd time that I bring the car to the dealer -UNIVERSAL HYUNDAI-Orlando with the same problem of the hesitation, every time that I stop in a light or in a congested traffic.They check the car update the tcm module but the fricking problem comes back again after some days.

Tomorrow I have an appointment again for the same problem let see what they said tomorrow,last time the maintenance advisor said that that's is normal because the wagon is awd and that's is bull sh...I think is time to do something I call Hyundai America they gave me a id no. for the call and they are going to call the dealer but you know that's never happened I think that Hyundai was more responsible but I was wrong. Time to fill the lemon law papers because the money is not in the trees.

- Octavio L., Kissimmee, FL, US

problem #9

Jul 142016

Tucson Limited 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 157 miles

This is only the beginning!!!! Minding my own business, pulled off from a traffic light... or at least I thought I was going to pull off... but no. Called dealership where I bought the car. Took it in and of course I get the standard "we can't get it to duplicate the issue".

- Theresa R., Richmond, VA, US

problem #8

Dec 012016

Tucson SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,300 miles

I bought the 2016 Hyundai Tuscon SE pre-owned in November 2016. It had approx. 23000 miles on it. After driving it for a while, it feels like the transmission keeps slipping and, while pressing the gas pedal for a fast acceleration, there is a major hesitation where the car doesn't move. This has happened many many times. I am now fearful of driving it because while trying to change lanes today, the car hesitated and I almost hit the car next to me due to lack of response. I have taken it to the dealer.

- rydalmount, Allen, TX, US

problem #7

Apr 012016

Tucson Sport 1.8L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles

Twice I had my 2016 Tuscon SUV into dealers to upgrade the 1st gear transmission recall problem. Since April 2016 and 10,000+ miles my car still runs terrible, bogs and hesitates in 1st gear. I still feel like my car is going to stall when starting up or turning right or left. It runs terrible in slow moving traffic and feels like the engine wants to die. Hyundai Corporate takes 5-7 Business days to return a call and I am still a very unhappy Customer. I really recommend that no one purchases this 2016 Tuscon.

- debloome, Down, IL, US

problem #6

Feb 272016

Tucson Sport 1.6L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

I have filed prior complaints about this problem as have thousands of other owners. A recall was issues within the past few months regarding this same issue. I brought the car into the dealer and had the transmission "reprogrammed" as outlined in the recall. The issue is still present and poses a very serious safety issue. When the gas pedal is pressed from a stop, the car will hesitate for appr. 1-2 seconds and feel like it will die. The car will then lunge forward as if the gas pedal had been floored. The brake has to be released at least 1-2 seconds prior to accelerating. My family cannot feel safe pulling into traffic as we don't know if the car will actually move when needed to. When coming to a stop, the car will stop then lunge forward again. When coasting at a very low speed as in traffic, the car will "bounce" as if it were a manual transmission and the gas pedal was not pressed. It feels like it will die. When accelerating while moving, there is not a smooth shift between gears as if the clutch plate is not fully engaging.

- ammani, Oswego, IL, US

problem #5

Aug 212016

Tucson 1.6T Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,125 miles

I purchased this vehicle in late February 2016. I Began noticing a problem recently when accelerating from a stop. The car will momentarily hesitate or not respond when pressing gas pedal. This problem is intermittent and I am trying to find if there is a sequence of events that can be reproduced.. I have mentioned the problem on several occasions to my service department (dealer), Once when doing my 3,000 check up/oil change, and during the last two recalls (latch recall and S/W update?). I was advised the last time I mentioned the problem that they are aware of the problem, with the Dual Clutch Transmission but there is no known FIX and nothing they can do. I find that most unnerving as it can be a very serious life/death issue.

My concern is that of safety, as the car has less than 6,000 miles and I am afraid the problem may worsen or happen when trying to accelerate to avoid/react in an emergency.

I have reported this up the chain at Hyundai, and have received an incident REPORT#. I was told that someone in corporate would call within 3-5 days.and they would provide me more information as to what I can do. Unfortunately, I missed their initial call back, I returned a call to their office and left a message, but have not received a return call.

- nptpete, Newport, RI, US

problem #4

Jul 272016

Tucson Limited 1.6t

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,600 miles

My brand new car, purchased in March 2016, is causing a life threatening hazard. Multiple times, although sporadic, my car will not move when I press on the gas pedal after being a stop light or stop sign. I have taken my car to the dealer and because the problem is not duplicating itself to the service technician they are not fixing the problem.

Today, July 27, 2016, another driver nearly ran in the back of my car as they were going full speed and anticipated that would move upon the light turning green; I press the gas all the way to the floor and the engine revved but the car did not move. I do not want to end up in a tragic accident or be a victim of road rage because the problem is not being duplicated at the time I take it in to service. I searched for this problem online and there are multiple exact complaints voiced about this same modeled car.

- niatmosely, Inkster, MI, US

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