About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Hyundai Tucson since 2012, 290 (5.2%) describe dual-clutch transmission hesitation, the second most reported problem we track on the Tucson. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2018 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 131. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 6,000 and 31,000 miles. 7 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Hyundai has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Tucson's automatic transmission hesitating when pulling away, with the dual-clutch transmission on 1.6-liter turbo models feeling like it would not move for a moment. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2016 and 2017 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I have 4000 miles on this car and already have had it in the shop 5 times! Transmission- is very jerky, doesn't have pick up most the time, doesn't shift right away it takes a moment to kick in while rpm's are jumping."
2016 Hyundai Tucson, 300 miles
"I recently purchased a new 2017 Hyundai tuscon. I found that the vehicle doesn't shift smoothly, sometimes has a rough idle, feels like it's going to stall out, and doesn't always accelerate. I brought the car in for inspection for the rough shifting."
2017 Hyundai Tucson, 100 miles
"When shifting gears, ie p to r or r to d or p to d, the car jerks / catches. Some have called it "turbo lag". It's definitely most noticeable at a dead stop."
2018 Hyundai Tucson, 2,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Hyundai has sent dealers 11 bulletins that mention this problem on the Tucson. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.
This bulletin provides the procedure for updating the automatic transmission TCU and ECU software (Santa Fe ONLY) to improve shift quality, judder with ISG enabled and hesitation when accelerating.
If you are servicing a vehicle with a transmission slipping concern, follow the Service Procedure shown below and perform a stall test.
This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and repair a transaxle for the following Incorrect Ratio DTC (transaxle clutch slipping more than 200 rpm in gear).
If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 4.
Eco, sport, and limited trim 2016 Hyundai tucsons are equipped with a 7-speed ecoshift dual clutch transmission (dct).
Before you buy a Tucson
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Hyundai Tucson years have dual-clutch transmission hesitation?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2018 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 131 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 14,000 miles, and half reported it between 6,000 and 31,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.