2016 Hyundai Tucson transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V628000Aug 30, 201641,000 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.

  Risk: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 21, 2026MSTransmission & Drivetrain

   Component: Power Train / Automatic Transmission / ActuatorsDescription: My 2016 Hyundai Tucson (1.6L Turbo 7-speed DCT) suffered a catastrophic transmission assembly failure that caused a sudden and dangerous loss of forward motive power while driving. The vehicle completely refused to engage forward gears, creating an immediate traffic hazard.A certified Hyundai dealership diagnosed the vehicle and pulled fault codes P073F73, P073F77 (Unable to Engage Gear 1), and P092177…

   NHTSA complaint #11765922 · source
2. Filed Jul 28, 2026FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While stopped at a traffic light, the engine began producing a loud metallic clattering and clanking sound, consistent with connecting rod bearing failure (rod knock). There was no prior warning light or indication of this specific failure. When the light changed, the vehicle would not accelerate normally, leaving me stalled in a lane of moving traffic. I was forced to make an emergency turn to get the vehicle out of the way of oncoming and crossing traffic. The engine would…

   NHTSA complaint #11753197 · source
3. Filed Jul 1, 2026PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of motive power accompanied by a loud, catastrophic internal knocking sound from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership (Piazza Hyundai of Limerick), where a certified diagnostic technician confirmed a severe internal connecting rod bearing failure (rod knock). This sudden engine failure creates a significant highway safety hazard due to the immediate loss of…

   NHTSA complaint #11747780 · source
4. Filed Jun 12, 2026NCEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle severely shudders, jerks, and hesitates from a stop and while making a turn, during both acceleration and deceleration, making it entirely unsafe to drive. The vehicle has been completely un-driveable for the past 6 days. The check engine light illuminated, and on 4/9/26, the dealer documented a failed transmission judder test and kept the car, issuing a loaner. A temporary software patch failed after two weeks. Upon return, the dealer reported they were unable…

   NHTSA complaint #11743723 · source
5. Filed May 26, 2026COTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission previously replaced after failed Judder test. Transmission is failing again: Last few days the car will accelerate to 15 then it attempts to shift and power drops and pressing the pedal has no response or very little then it changes into what feels like 4th or 5th gear at 20 mph and acceleration is very sluggish and also switching into manual gear control is completely unresponsive. Power drop at 15 mph, the transmission jumping into what feels like 4th or 5th…

   NHTSA complaint #11740054 · source
6. Filed Mar 28, 2026PAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   All dash warning lights are on and dash lights have a intermittent bright light surge. Hard to shut off engine and have to disconnect battery for electric power to shut off. Very noticeable hesitation in acceleration starting to drive

   NHTSA complaint #11727692 · source
7. Filed Mar 25, 2026INEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Hyundai Tucson Sport 2016 GDI engine. I am the original owner of this truck I have taken care of this truck so much it being my first brand new purchase. No oil leaks NOTHING! When I first purchased the vehicle I noticed that it would stall when I would accelerate but did not think too much of it since it was brand new. A few years passed started to notice frequent oil changes were supposed to be made. Another few years turbocharger went out had to get it replaced. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11727134 · source
8. Filed Mar 11, 2026FLEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission began slipping and hesitating within days of purchase. The vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate when pressing the gas pedal, especially when pulling into traffic or crossing intersections. This creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle does not respond when needed, leaving me exposed to oncoming traffic. The issue is intermittent and does not always trigger warning lamps or fault codes. The problem has been reproduced multiple times by me while…

   NHTSA complaint #11723654 · source
9. Filed Mar 10, 2026PREngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   "On [XXX], my 2016 Hyundai Tucson (VIN [XXX] ) experienced severe engine power loss and mechanical noise under load while driving uphill, creating a dangerous safety situation. This occurred 2 days after a dealer visit (February 19, 2026) where an open KSDS Service Campaign (TSB HCE22-14-E600-TL, Issue 10D021) — directly related to engine monitoring — was left incomplete. The dealer subsequently denied an engine evaluation citing mileage over 150,000, despite the open…

   NHTSA complaint #11723436 · source
10. Filed Mar 2, 2026MATransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11721391 · source
11. Filed Feb 3, 2026125,000 miOHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and there was a ticking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a knock sensor failure. The knock sensor was replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was included in Manufacturer Campaign: CS966 for the transmission control module (TCM). The vehicle was taken to…

    NHTSA complaint #11715203 · source
12. Filed Jan 2, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Car died/lost power while driving in traffic 11/28/25. Good Samaritan was kind enough to push me off the road out of traffic. Car was towed to Hyundai dealer that day, then 12/1 told engine failure, required engine replacement. Class action lawsuit settlement for engine replacement, but denied by Hyundai because of "neglect", since I am not able to locate all of the service records that they request. Known faulty rotating assembly, and Hyundai has implemented concerted…

    NHTSA complaint #11708402 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology