Hyundai Tucson transmission failure problems

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 90,502 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and was unable to exceed 30 MPH. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and oil contaminated the catalytic converter, causing the catalytic converter to fail and require replacement. The transmission was repaired by the dealer, and the catalytic converter was replaced by an independent repair facility. The contact subsequently observed continued oil loss following the repairs. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold headers failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact requested and received a complete diagnostic report from the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 90,502.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Transmission · VA

There is a definite KNOWN problem with the transmissions in all 2018 Hyundai Tucsons and maybe other model years as well. This is well documented via the Internet by the number of articles concerning this ongoing problem! This problem seems to have been unresolved over a pretty long period of time now! It is most definitely a safety issue and should be addressed. When issue happens it leaves the vehicle at the mercy of surrounding traffic! It definitely requires your consideration and your looking into! Search the internet concerning this transmission failure problem…. Why has this NOT been addressed prior to or long before now?

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · WA

My 2018 Hyundai Tucson Limited equipped with the 1.6T engine and 7-speed EcoShift Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) is suffering from severe, dangerous clutch judder, slippage, and sudden acceleration hesitation. This vehicle matches the exact manufacturing defects and symptoms outlined in Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin TSB 21-AT-014H, but the defect has never been properly resolved by the manufacturer.The primary safety defect occurs when accelerating from a complete stop or during low-speed maneuvers (such as yielding at a roundabout or turning at an intersection). When pressing the gas pedal, the transmission violently shudders, hesitates, and fails to properly engage the clutch pack. This creates a severe, unpredictable time lag where the engine revs but the vehicle experiences a total loss of motive power and fails to move forward.This unexpected loss of propulsion has caused multiple near-miss situations where oncoming traffic had to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting my vehicle because it stalled or lagged while pulling out. It is an immediate physical safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. The failure is completely unpredictable and significantly worsens in warm weather or during stop-and-go driving conditions.I previously presented this vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership to complain about this exact transmission hesitation and shuddering while the vehicle was still covered under the factory warranty window. The service department failed to properly log, diagnose, or repair the failing double clutch pack at that time. Because the defect was reported within the warranty period and never corrected, the safety hazard has persisted and deteriorated to the point where the vehicle is now unsafe to operate in normal traffic. Hyundai is currently refusing to cover the full cost of this safety-related transmission failure.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

While driving my 2018 Hyundai Tucson Limited 1.6L Turbo with the 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission (DCT), the vehicle has repeatedly failed to engage and hold gears, resulting in loss of motive power in traffic. Diagnostic scanning retrieved codes P074B (Unable to Engage Gear 3), P074B71 (Unable to Select 3rd Gear), P074B07 (Gear Dropped Out of 3rd Gear), P092177 (1st Gear System Referencing Failure), and P0921 (Gear Shift Forward Actuator Circuit Range/Performance). A Hyundai dealer diagnosed the failure as requiring transmission replacement at approximately 93,000 miles. This is the same 7-speed DCT and the same failure mode addressed by the federal safety agency Campaign 16V628000 (Hyundai Recall 149) and Hyundai Service Campaign T1B, which covered 2016–2017 Tucson vehicles but excluded the 2018 model year despite using the same transmission. Hyundai has acknowledged this defect in 2018 vehicles through TSB 21-AT-014H and TSB 22-AT-007H, which prescribe a TCU software update, but issued these as service bulletins rather than a recall, so owners were never notified. When I requested the TSB software update, the Hyundai dealer refused to perform it. This defect creates a serious safety hazard: the vehicle can drop out of gear or fail to accelerate without warning while in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash — the identical hazard the federal safety agency cited in granting recall 16V628000. I request that the federal safety agency review whether the existing recall scope should be expanded to include 2018 Tucson vehicles.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · WA

My 2022 Hyundai Tucson Experience, a sudden transmission failure at approximately 92,520 miles. The vehicle develop shifting issues and abnormal noises before losing propulsión. While driving. Hyundai diagnosed and internal Transmission failure and approved transmission replacement. I’m concerned about the sudden loss of proportion and the safety risk this creates. Hyundai proposed repair is to replace the transmission with a rebuild remanufacture transmission rather than a new transmission. I am concerned about the reliability of the repair following a complete transmission failure.

Filed May 21, 2026 · Engine · NC

I am submitting a complaint regarding a 2017 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate AWD equipped with the 1.6L Turbo Gamma GDI engine. My vehicle currently has approximately 127,000 miles and has experienced sudden engine knocking consistent with rod bearing failure and/or catastrophic internal engine damage. The vehicle has been properly maintained, including regular oil changes. However, the engine began consuming excessive oil without warning. Upon inspection by an independent repair facility, the engine was found to have extremely low oil levels despite being within the normal oil change interval. After refilling the oil, the engine continued making severe knocking noises, and the repair facility advised that the engine is likely non-repairable and requires replacement. This failure appears materially similar to the rod bearing and engine failure issues already widely documented in Hyundai/Kia engine defect investigations and class action settlements involving related Gamma and GDI engine platforms. I have learned that Hyundai extended warranties for certain vehicles with similar engine defects up to 15 years/150,000 miles; however, my specific Tucson trim/engine configuration does not appear included despite experiencing the same type of failure. This vehicle has also previously required major drivetrain repairs under warranty, including two transmission replacements and turbocharger replacement. My concern is both financial and safety-related. A sudden engine failure or seizure while driving could create a serious roadway hazard and risk of loss of power in traffic. Additionally, Hyundai dealerships have advised that replacement engines for this vehicle are no longer readily available. I believe Hyundai should further investigate whether the 2017 Tucson 1.6T Gamma GDI engine should be included in existing engine defect warranty extensions and/or recalls.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Engine · CT

The car has 57,000miles and needed a new transmission. Safety concern of the transmission failing while driving. There was a persistent and worsening rubbing noise once the car ran for 20 minutes or so. 4 visits to the dealer later, they confirmed the issue and Hyundai issued a warranty to replace the transmission with a remanufactured transmission. When I asked the dealer what happened, he said this was there 4th one in a few weeks. There were no indicator lights or anything besides the noise to indicate there was a problem.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Transmission · GA

The transmission system failed. The vehicle had previously been serviced at a Hyundai dealership for a transmission-related issue and was returned to me as repaired; however, the problem persisted. Shortly after the repair, the transmission failed again, indicating that the issue was not properly resolved. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. The failure occurred while I was actively driving, creating a serious safety risk due to the potential loss of power and reduced ability to safely control or maneuver the vehicle. At the time, my [XXX] child was in the car, placing both of us, as well as other drivers on the road, at risk. The issue was confirmed by the Hyundai dealership following the initial repair attempt. Despite being advised that the vehicle was repaired, the transmission failed again, and the dealership acknowledged that the transmission remains defective. The vehicle has been inspected by the Hyundai dealership’s service department but has not been evaluated by police or insurance representatives. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The transmission failed unexpectedly after the vehicle had already been serviced and returned as repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Transmission · CA

My specific Tucson is equipped with 1.6L Turbo and a 7 speed Dual-Clutch Transmission. I see there are recalls for the 2016 models equipped with the same transmissions, so I'm concerned as to why there hasn't been a recall for the newer models. My transmission was replaced by Hyundai when the car only had approximately 15,000 miles (give or take) and now at 73,000 miles, I'm experiencing the same issue again! The delayed engagement when accelerating from a stop has been stressful, to say the least. I hope this can be taken more seriously and investigated further. Just take a Tucson, like my version, through a Starbucks drive-through and you'll understand just how awful the shudder is. It gets so bad, I worry that the vehicle will shut off.

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Transmission · RI

The vehicle has a transmission (powertrain) malfunction that first appeared in July 2025, a few weeks after I purchased the vehicle and after the warranty had expired. At the time the issue began, the vehicle had well under 80,000 miles. The transmission slips, fails to properly engage, and cannot provide sufficient power, particularly when accelerating or driving uphill. The vehicle struggles to move forward and behaves unpredictably during normal driving conditions. This defect has put my safety and the safety of others at risk. On one occasion, the transmission failed while I was driving and I became stuck in the middle of an intersection, unable to accelerate, creating a serious traffic hazard. The issue has been reproduced consistently and has persisted despite repeated transmission fluid services. Multiple mechanics have inspected the vehicle and have indicated that the problem is not due to lack of maintenance, but instead is likely caused by the transmission not being properly filled with transmission fluid at the time of manufacture. Despite servicing, the problem continues, indicating an internal or manufacturing-related defect. I have also been in contact with multiple owners of the same make and model vehicle who report the same transmission failure, suggesting this is a widespread issue rather than an isolated incident.