2016 Hyundai Tucson Power Train
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
My car had a KSDS knock sensor detection system campaign 966 installed in 2022 specifically to active if having rod bearing wear. Towed my car to Hyundai under the TXXM warranty and they said my bearing clearance was ok and i need new lifters and timing chain cost for repair $2900. I have asked for the full rod bearing wear test report and they will not provide it. They have had my vehicle for 20 days now and I am out of work on disability. Hyundai service center is generally expected to provide you with a report following a rod bearing wear test (often referred to as a Bearing Clearance Test or by a related service campaign, such as T6G or TSB 21-EM-004H). Here is what you can expect regarding reports and documentation: Documentation of Results: The dealership should provide a copy of the results, specifically noting if the bearing clearance passes or fails. Proof of Inspection: If the test is performed under a recall or Service Campaign (e.g., Campaign 966, 982, or T6G), they are required to document the inspection, which you can request for your records. Evidence of Damage: If the test results in a failed diagnosis, technicians often take photos of the engine internals, such as metal flakes in the oil pan or excessive wear, which are used to support the warranty claim. If the Test Passes: If your vehicle passes, ask the technician to print a copy of the results. If the Test Fails: A formal diagnosis of rod bearing failure, confirmed by this test, is required for engine replacement under the extended 15-year/150,000-mile warranty. Hyundai - Recalls +3 This is a safety issue without the full rod bearing report to consumer. Thank you for upstanding, [XXX] cell - [XXX] email - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The car will fail to accelerate when turning at a stop and starting at times. It’s very dangerous b/c you can be at a complete stop on the highway and try to start going and the car will sputter out. There is no doubt that something is wrong with the transmission and has been for a year but didn’t register until 12,000 miles later.the car only has 70,000 miles in it. I kept taking it to Hyundai to be looked at and they kept telling me it was just how the dual clutch transmission works. Now a year later they say it’s registering as a problem but don’t want to cover it under the warranty b/c I’m a second owner. If I was the original owner, it would be covered. If you look at the history of this year and make, you can see there have been issues with this car. I am extremely upset they aren’t willing to cover the cost. This is my [XXX] daughter’s car and this has been extremely dangerous to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
1. December 2024: Hyundai dealership diagnosed my transmission as defective (unable to shift properly) and recommended a full replacement. Despite this, they assured me the vehicle was "safe to drive" without disclosing risks. - Unedited dealer text: "The tech said he doesn’t think it will break down or leave you stranded, he just can’t get it to shift correctly." - No warnings were given about prolonged use, highway driving, or potential failure. 2. Post-Repair Damage: After relying on Hyundai’s advice, the transmission worsened, causing additional damage (e.g., radiator failure). 3. Recall Negligence: My VIN was wrongly excluded from Recall 16V-628 (transmission control issues), despite exhibiting identical symptoms. They didn't cover repairs, despite their technician confirming the defect. The safety impacts are as follows: - Sudden loss of power while driving (e.g., inability to accelerate or shift). - Increased crash risk due to erratic transmission behavior. - Hyundai’s failure to warn put me and other drivers in danger. I am requesting: - Investigate why my VIN was excluded from Recall 16V-628. - Force Hyundai to reimburse repairs and extend recall coverage. - Require Hyundai to issue clear safety warnings after faulty repairs. Attached is the following: - The radiator repair invoice. - Proof of text from Hyundai. - Proof of my Vin being excluded from recall. - Quote for my transmission repair.
I bought my 2016 Tuscon brand new. Ever since I bought the vehicle, I've complained to the dealer about the transmission slipping. They have told me that this issue is common but there is nothing they can do. Now it seems to be getting worse so I decided to look up the problem and found out a recall notice was issued for some 2016 Tuscons but mine wasn't included. My Tuscon has the exact same problem as described in the recall issued by Hyundai. I"ve almost been in accidents because you press on the gas to go and it hesitates,l. What can I do? My Vin number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate without warning or notification. The throttle pedal goes to the floor without the engine stalling or rev'ing but also fails to propel the vehicle. This has occurred when crossing lanes of on-coming traffic placing the operator in an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS situation. In addition, the vehicle also intermittently fails to go in reverse. These issues are most prevailant in warmer summer temperatures. Neither of these issues directly triggered a MIL light. MIL lights did occur independent from the cited issues but would typically self clear. On one occasion I was able to get a scan of the vehicle with an active MIL that yielded a P1921 Gear 2 System Motor Thermal Damage. Shortly after the scan, the code cleared and MIL went off. The conditions were NOT able to be reproduced by the dealership. They were also not able to clearly diagnose what would cause the P1921 fault. Their recommendation was to replace the entire transmission. ALL of the issues experience closely align with a issues cited in a class action law suit despite the vehicle not having any open recalls or TSBs.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate as intended, before suddenly lurching forward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was functioning as expected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 53,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would begin sputtering and the transmission would begin slipping. The transmission would also slip when attempting to accelerate after being parked or idle. There were no warning lights. While driving approximately 45 MPH the vehicle suddenly began going in reverse. The contact immediately placed the vehicle in park to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle the contact attempted to drive it but failed to accelerate. The vehicle was only able to be driven in reverse. The contact reversed into the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Vehicle started to shake and lost acceleration. Gave engine Code P073F Unable to engage gear 1. Hyundai shows Recall Campaign for this issue but dealer refuses to acknowledge it, and says it needs new transmission. They state transmission damaged clutch rather than clutch damaged transmission.
Vehicle transmission prolongs shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and from 2nd to 3rd gear. Vehicle only has 55000 miles on it and we are second owners of the vehicle. This has been on ongoing issue with the vehicle that we attributed to design but a month ago, the check engine light came on. We took is the Ray Skillman Hyundai who diagnosed that the transmission was the cause of the check engine light and that the entire transmission will need to be replaced at a cost of a little over $7000 to us. The original warranty on the car offered a 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty but Ray Skillman Hyundai nor Hyundai Corporate will replace the transmission without charge. We also know of many other issues related to transmission components of other Hyundai vehicles. The vehicle puts at risk because the unexpected pause puts the drivers behind us at risk of running into us.
loss of power, transmission slipping. unable to get car to move creating hazard. happened 5 times. Diagnosed by dealer as systemic transmission component failure and known issue. many of the same complaints on internet, Code p1921
The engine sign keep blinking on the dashboard, I went to auto zone, they scan it and say that the power train system with code P1326 Glow relay short circuit is the problem. This would be the second time it comes on. The first time it came on but then stopped in a few days but it’s on back again.
Car shuddering going from full stop to 1st gear, not fixed by software update. Clutch replaced under drive train warranty at no cost to me.
While driving the car, when you press down on the accelerator to pick up speed, the car actually slows down. Eventually it will run normally at speed, however it creates a significant risk when pulling into traffic.
I already had a recall scheduled 4 days before this accident but 2 days before the engine failure I heard a ticking in the engine , didn’t think much of it because the engine was still running ( 93k miles on the car) so I was going to tell the dealer the problem when I took it for the recall fix appointment but on the way home my car instantly went from 70-30 in the middle of the highway I had the car towed to the Hyundai Dealer and they said rod had broke and said also something about the oil being dirty when I literally had the oil changed days before , but end result my 2nd owners warranty didn’t cover the vehicle even with rod failures being a recurring problem with my trim. They told me a new engine would be 13,500k while still owing 10k on the vechile has but me in a difficult situation
When coming from a stop and trying to accelerate the transmission slips and makes a strange noise. After a few seconds of releasing the gas pedal, it will drive again normally. It is intermittent and happens from either a full stop to first or first to second (while stuck in traffic). My vehicle should be included in the dual clutch transmission recall that is available for other vehicles.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 51,800.
Car shakes when when starting or stopping
Failing Transmission including inability to engage reverse and slipping gears while shifting.
Has been happening for the last few years, but recently got worse: very difficult to get car to move forward from a dead stop, car would shudder like it was going to stall out. Took car to a Hyundai dealership on October 4, 2022, who were able to replicate the problem. Issue was for transmission to be replaced under drivetrain warranty. Once transmission had been replaced, there were no more problems with moving into first gear from a stop.
When driving the vehicle is slow to accelerate hence posing a risk of being rear ended. It makes loud noises when going down hill and it tends to slow down even when you're foot is on the gas pedal. This is a concern for me since I have a small child that rides with me to and from school. The passenger a d driver doors jam on multiple occasions. The non acceleration especially when merging on highways or after traffic light stops is very dangerous since the person behind has no idea what's happening. When you stop the vehicle on a hill at a traffic stop and it's time to go on green the vehicle tends to pull back abit before accelerating, making the person behind wary of being hit. The loud noises made by the vehicle especially driving down a hill are just annoying, if you break to go slower, the noise is even louder. The lack of acceleration and jamming that the vehicle has me very worried for my safety and that of my young child, since we use the vehicle everyday for school drop offs and pickups and work. I am wary of driving it for any other reason that that which isn't fair because I pay for the car each month!!
Put the car in Drive and car failed to move with motor revving. Car finally moved about 20 mph max. Attempted to shift the car in and out of gear as well as shut it off and problem still existed. Got it home and made arrangements for tow truck to haul to dealer. In moving it the next day to prepare for tow truck the transmission worked normally and drove it to the dealer. Dealer could not duplicate the problem so they said there hands were essentially tied. Did and internet search on 2016 Tuscon DCT transmission problems and found the problem is very common. Hyundai attempted to address it with a computer update which this car has had. Many people have been placed in very dangerous situations with this problem. No warning lights were displayed despite the car being essentially undriveable . This is a known safety issue which should be addressed by the manufacturer. A car that suddenly becomes undriveable in traffic or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere is definitely a safety issue.
Transmission is defective. Car wanted to override my foot braking at lights & stop signs. The potential for the car to force me into traffic or a vehicle or wall in front of me made for a hazardous situation. Coconut Creek Hyundai Service Department (via [XXX]) stated the transmission had an internal failure & must be replaced. I do not know if the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others have inspected the transmission -- I am only aware that Coconut Creek Hyundai Service Department has inspected it. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It first appeared in early November 2022. I tried to make an appointment & could not so I took it to the dealership on November 8, 2022. I bought this car from Coconut Creel Hyundai as Certified Used on September 6, 2019. Coconut Creek Hyundai in Coconut Creek, FL 33073 has had my car since Nov. 8, 2022. They replaced the defective transmission with another defective transmission the 1st week of December. I have had to pay out of my pocket for a rental car. Today is December 14, 2022. The least Hyundai can do is provide a car for me. The dealership has not done so. Hyundai USA (Case #: [XXX]) has not. My warranty only covers 10 days at $35.00 per day. A rental that I can use cost $40/day. I waited until December 1, 2022 to rent hoping my car would be fixed within a reasonable amount of time. My 10 days & my patience with this corporate pass the buck attitude has ended. I have no idea if the dealership got another new transmission or if they have installed it. This dealership has major communication issues. HyundaiUSA has lost a 3-time Hyundai owner. I just hung up with supervisor [XXX] from HyundaiUSA & she cannot authorize payment for a rental car nor speak to my case manager ([XXX]) about rental car payment/reimbursement. I have been without my car since Nov. 8, 2022. I stopped using my car Nov. 3, 2022 because it was too dangerous to do so. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Car having issues accelerating, switching gears and will not move when gear is in reverse.
My car has an unresponsive accelerator pedal, delayed or no acceleration, jerking, shuddering, shaking, and stalling. The defects cause dangerous and unsafe conditions, including failing to shift, stalling and delayed or unresponsive acceleration, especially from a stop. I have been stuck on major highways and have had to disconnect battery and wait just to get the car to restart and actually move. I have had to be towed just to get out of the way of traffic
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The contact stated that after several seconds the vehicle continued to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 2,400.
Trend Over Time
Complaints by year
Other Issues
Common problems reported
Quick Summary
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has 315 Power Train complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.