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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Hyundai Tucson powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have filed 511 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 9,600 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
511
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Tucson | 24 |
| 2013 Tucson | 15 |
| 2014 Tucson | 11 |
| 2015 Tucson | 20 |
| 2016 Tucson (this page) | 511 |
| 2017 Tucson | 284 |
| 2018 Tucson | 99 |
| 2019 Tucson | 39 |
| 2020 Tucson | 9 |
4crashes
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 511 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Hyundai Tucson we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 511.
Powertrain accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the immobilizer software upgrade, window decals and steering wheel lock ant-theft solutions available from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain vehicles (listed below) equipped with 7-speed Double Clutch Transmissions (DCT) may exhibit abnormal vibration at low speeds. This bulletin outlines the procedures for diagnosing clutch judder, updating the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) with revised logic, and/or replacing the Double Clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain vehicles (listed below) equipped with 7-speed Double Clutch Transmissions (DCT) may exhibit abnormal vibration at low speeds. This bulletin outlines the procedures for diagnosing clutch judder, updating the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) with revised logic, and/or replacing the Double Clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides service information for a vehicle that exhibits DTC P0507 âIdle Speed Control (ISC) System â RPM Higher than expectedâ.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Tucson's dual-clutch transmission is the dominant complaint: it hesitates or fails to accelerate from a complete stop, with the engine revving 3,000–6,000 RPM while the vehicle sits immobile or inches forward. This happens unpredictably at traffic lights, intersections, and merges—exactly where you need instant response. Owners describe 2–45 second delays, violent jerking once the transmission finally engages, and a feeling of the car being in neutral. Many report dealer software updates and recalls (October 2016, December 2015/2016) provide temporary relief or none at all; the problem resurfaces within days. Dealerships and later Hyundai corporate told owners this is "normal" DCT behavior and blamed driver technique, not the transmission design.
Shuddering and vibration accompany the hesitation—passengers get thrown back and forth in seats during low-speed driving and stop-and-go traffic. Transmission overheating warnings and burnt clutch smell emerge during extended traffic, especially uphill. Engine oil consumption also stands out: owners report needing top-ups every 1,500–3,000 miles despite regular changes and no visible leaks. Dealers refuse to run diagnostic oil consumption tests unless customers pay, and Hyundai has not included many affected VINs in recall campaigns despite matching symptoms. Sporadic stalling, loss of power on highway merges, and loud engine knocking round out the powertrain picture. One owner reported internal transmission failure requiring replacement; the replacement transmission failed weeks later.
Same Hyundai Tucson powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) - Hesitation, Lag, and Loss of Acceleration from Stop
The transmission hesitates, lags, or fails to engage when accelerating from a complete stop or low speed. Engine RPMs rev high while the vehicle remains stationary or moves very slowly, sometimes for 3–45 seconds. Drivers report the car feels like it's in neutral, then suddenly lurches forward. Occurs unpredictably during traffic lights, intersections, merges, and low-speed maneuvers.
When: Starts as early as 350–1,000 miles; persists throughout vehicle life. Most frequent in stop-and-go city traffic and at traffic lights. Some owners report worsening after warm weather or after the vehicle sits.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs but no forward movement for several seconds; Car feels like it's in neutral when accelerating from stop; Sudden lurch or jerk forward once transmission engages; Repeated hesitation at every traffic light or stop sign; Vehicle will not move at all despite engine revving to 3,000–6,000 RPM; Transmission overheating warnings during extended stop-and-go driving; Problem occurs randomly and unpredictably; Worsens or only appears in regular or ECO mode, not in sport mode
Codes mentioned: No codes detected (majority of cases), P259F (turbocharger position sensor), Transmission fluid temperature warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed TCU (Transmission Control Unit) software updates, ECU resets, transmission relearns, and dual-clutch relearns. Hyundai issued recalls 16V-628 (October 2016) and a December 2016 software update. Owners report these repairs temporarily help or have no effect; problem recurs within days to weeks. Costs not specified by owners, but dealers did not charge under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16V-628 (October 2016); software updates issued in December 2015 and December 2016. Later communication from Hyundai: told owners this is 'normal operation' of the DCT and owners must 'learn to drive' the transmission. Hyundai engineers provided educational materials but refused to address the defect. Some dealer service managers admitted the issue is known but Hyundai has no fix and does not want involvement in arbitration.
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) - Shuddering, Vibration, and Jerking
Severe shuddering, vibration, and jerking occurs when accelerating from a stop or during stop-and-go traffic. The vehicle shakes so violently that passengers are thrown back and forth in their seats. Distinct from hesitation: the car moves but with violent oscillations. Often accompanied by a grinding or clicking clutch noise.
When: Begins early in ownership (23,000–40,000 miles). Triggered by stop-and-go traffic, low-speed acceleration, hills, and extended driving. Worsens in warm weather and after prolonged traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shuddering and vibration during acceleration from stop; Passengers jerked forward and backward in seats; Grinding or clicking noise from transmission area; Clutch slipping sensation; Vehicle bucks like it will stall (similar to manual transmission learning to drive); Shuddering when rolling slowly in traffic; Clutches periodically slip or disengage at stops
Codes mentioned: TCU (Transmission Control Unit) judder test failures reported, No diagnostic codes appear in system
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed TCU software updates, judder tests, and dual-clutch transmission updates. Owners report temporary improvement or no lasting relief. Some owners spent money on independent transmission specialists who confirmed the transmission was hesitating and jerking abnormally.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued software updates and recalls. When dealers noted ongoing shuddering, Hyundai provided educational materials explaining the 'normal' operation of dual-clutch systems. No structural repair or transmission replacement offered in most cases.
Transmission Overheating and Burnt Clutch Smell
Transmission overheating warnings appear on the dashboard, instructing driver to pull over safely. Burnt clutch smell accompanies the problem. Occurs during extended stop-and-go driving, uphill traffic, or warm weather. After cooling, vehicle may resume but with continued hesitation and slipping sensation.
When: Reported around 35 minutes into stop-and-go uphill driving, in warm weather (77–82 degrees), and after vehicle sits in sun all day. Can occur at relatively low mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning: 'Transmission temperature too high, pull over safely'; Burnt clutch or burnt smell from engine bay; Transmission slipping after overheating; Vehicle hesitates and lurches after cooling period; Brakes feel delayed (2–4 seconds) after overheating incident
Repairs/costs cited: Owners allowed transmission to cool for 30–45 minutes before continuing. No repair documented. Dealers suggested turning off traction control and ECO mode.
Internal Transmission Failure – Complete Loss of Function
Transmission completely fails without warning, vehicle becomes immobile and unsafe to drive. One documented case required full transmission replacement; replacement transmission also failed. No warning lights or symptoms prior to failure.
When: Reported at 3–5 years of ownership; failure date November 2022 in one case (vehicle purchased September 2019).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle becomes immobile without warning; No warning lights or messages prior to failure; Car overrides driver's foot braking at stops and lights; Hazardous uncontrolled acceleration risk
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed internal transmission failure requiring replacement. Replacement transmission also failed within weeks (December 2022 in reported case). Owner paid out-of-pocket for rental car (~$40/day) because Hyundai warranty covered only $35/day for 10 days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaced transmission; Hyundai USA Case opened but supervisor could not authorize rental car payment or provide communication support. Vehicle retained at dealership for extended period with poor communication.
Engine – Excessive Oil Consumption and Burning
Engine burns excessive oil between service intervals, depleting oil faster than normal. Owners report needing oil top-ups every 1,500–3,000 miles despite regular maintenance and oil changes every 3,000 miles. No visible oil leaks detected by owners or dealers.
When: Begins years into ownership; one owner noticed at service in March 2026 after consistent maintenance. Another owner reports ongoing issue since September 2019.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil depletes rapidly between service intervals; Must carry oil in trunk for highway trips; Oil level dry or critically low at 3,000 miles despite recent change; Engine light flickers or comes on; Engine shakes or vibrates when oil is low; No visible oil leaks; Failed oil consumption tests at dealership (before 100,000 miles)
Codes mentioned: Oil consumption test failures, Combustion test failures
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers refused to perform oil consumption tests without customer payment (~$200–$300). One owner reports dealership kept vehicle 5 months and found issues consistent with recalled vehicles but then Hyundai corporate denied goodwill repair because vehicle was out of warranty. Owners did frequent oil changes (every 1,500–3,000 miles) to prevent engine lockup on highway.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai has issued recalls for excessive oil consumption in some 2016 Tucson model years (mentioned by owners), but owners report their VINs were not included in recalls despite symptoms matching recalled vehicles. Corporate claimed engines must fail before they can be replaced under recall. One owner had failed oil/combustion tests before 100,000-mile warranty expired but was denied goodwill repair.
Engine – Stalling, Loss of Power, and Hesitation During Acceleration
Engine stalls or loses power during acceleration, merges, or normal driving. Loss of power feels like car slipped into neutral. Can occur at highway speeds and during critical maneuvers like merging or turning. Often accompanied by no warning lights.
When: Reported early in vehicle life and throughout ownership at varying mileage. One incident at 4,700 miles; another at 6,695 miles; sporadic throughout subsequent years.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during acceleration or turning; Loss of power while accelerating onto highway; Engine lag time before power returns; Vehicle propels suddenly and uncontrollably after lag; Accelerator floored but no response from engine; No warning lights or diagnostic codes; Can occur during merges and highway traffic; Occurs multiple times at consecutive traffic lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers checked diagnostics and found no codes. Hyundai directed owners to dealerships but could not find anything wrong. One owner (Case #8735263) reported issue to Hyundai but received no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai told owners to take vehicle to dealership; dealerships found no codes or defects. No TSBs or recalls issued specifically for this stalling/loss-of-power issue in complaints reviewed.
Engine – Loud Knocking, Grinding, and Abnormal Noises
Engine produces loud knocking, grinding, or helicopter-like noises, often described as coming from internal engine. Appears suddenly with no warning lights. Owners report fear of engine fire and catastrophic failure.
When: Reported occurring suddenly during normal driving with no prior warning or check engine light.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or grinding noise from engine; Helicopter-like sound from engine bay; No check engine light or warning despite noise; Noise occurs during acceleration; Owner fear of fire or catastrophic engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives; owner became fearful of driving and parking vehicle.
Electrical System – Random Check Engine Lights and Dashboard Warnings
Check engine lights come on randomly, then go off without service. Multiple warning lights appear and disappear sporadically. No diagnostic codes found when vehicle is scanned.
When: Early in vehicle life; sporadic throughout ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on, then off randomly; Multiple dashboard warning lights pop on and off; Lights flicker in and out; No diagnostic codes appear when scanned; Problem not reproducible at dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers scanned vehicle, found no codes, performed no repairs.
Brake System – Delayed Brake Response and Soft Pedal
Brakes feel delayed or soft, requiring excessive pressure. One owner experienced 2–4 second brake delay after transmission overheating incident. Another reported hard braking and multiple accidents related to brake issues.
When: Sporadic; one incident during transmission overheating scenario.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels soft or requires excessive pressure; 2–4 second delay before brakes engage; Feeling of slamming on brakes to stop; Multiple near-rear-end collisions
Repairs/costs cited: One complaint mentions ABS recall; no repair documentation provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner mentions ABS recall that they believe caused acceleration accident in 08/2020.
Air Conditioning – Blows Hot Air or Blows Cold on One Side Only
AC system malfunctions: blows hot air instead of cold, especially on highway; blows cold on driver side and hot on passenger side despite full charge; AC freezes up when set to higher fan speeds.
When: Early in ownership; one incident within 2 days of purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: AC blows only hot air on highway; AC blows cold on driver side, hot on passenger side without dual controls; AC freezes up on higher fan settings and blows hot; Problem occurs in hot weather (95 degrees reported)
Repairs/costs cited: One service agent told owner to use lowest fan setting only; another reported problem resolved after service (unspecified repair).
Window Regulators – Rear Window Actuators Failure
Rear window actuators fail prematurely, making windows inoperable. One owner reported both rear window actuators needed replacement within 3 days of purchase.
When: Reported within 3 days of purchase on a used 2016 model.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear windows will not roll down; Windows cannot be opened manually or electronically; Multiple repairs for same issue, still not resolved; Passenger door will not open despite pulling externally and pushing internally
Repairs/costs cited: Both rear window actuators replaced; problem persisted or recurred on rear passenger door.
Oil Seal and Pump – Seal Failures
Oil pump/pan seal and rear seal fail prematurely, causing oil leaks or loss of oil pressure.
When: Reported within 1 week of purchase on used 2016 model (which had only 40,000 miles at time of purchase).
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pump/pan seal failure; Rear seal failure; Loss of oil pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Seals replaced.
CV Joint Boot – Right Side Boot Failure
CV joint boot fails, exposing joint to contamination and risking joint damage.
When: Reported within 1 week of purchase on used model with 40,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Right CV joint boot torn or failed
Repairs/costs cited: Boot replaced.
Electrical – Charging Port Overheating
USB or auxiliary charging ports cause connected phones to overheat dangerously, becoming too hot to touch even when shaded.
When: Early in ownership of used model.
Symptoms owners cite: Phone overheats to unsafe temperature when plugged in; Heat persists even when phone is shaded and out of sun; Phone becomes too hot to handle
Bluetooth and Electronics – Connectivity Issues
Bluetooth connects and disconnects randomly. Radio, CD player, and other infotainment functions fail sporadically.
When: Early in ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Bluetooth randomly connects and disconnects; Radio/CD player will not work at all times; Cluster software issues
Repairs/costs cited: Software cluster update performed by dealer.
Fuel Gauge – Inaccurate Reading
Fuel gauge reading is erratic and inaccurate, showing 40 miles remaining then suddenly showing warning light with only 20 miles remaining.
When: Early in ownership of used model.
Symptoms owners cite: Gauge reads 40 miles remaining, then suddenly fuel light comes on with gauge showing 20 miles; Repeated inaccurate readings
Lighting – Bulb Failures (Brake Light and Turn Signal)
Brake light bulbs and front turn signal bulbs fail prematurely and repeatedly, sometimes multiple times within a few months on the same side.
When: Reported early in ownership of used model.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light bulbs repeatedly burn out; Front turn signal bulbs repeatedly burn out; Often on the same side; Multiple replacements within a few months
Repairs/costs cited: Bulbs replaced multiple times.
Door Latches and Hardware – Stuck or Non-Functional Doors
Front passenger and rear passenger doors stick or will not open despite pulling handle externally or pushing from inside. Front passenger door requires pulling twice externally to open.
When: Reported early in ownership of used model.
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger door requires pulling twice externally before opening; Rear passenger door will not open at all; Pulling from inside does not work; Pulling from outside does not work
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; issue persisted.
Rod Bearing Wear – Engine Internal Damage
Rod bearing wear occurs, requiring bearing clearance testing under Hyundai service campaigns (966, T6G, TSB 21-EM-004H). Dealers perform testing but refuse to provide full test reports to consumers, claiming damage exists but not explaining findings. Potential for catastrophic engine failure.
When: Reported on vehicle with 2016 model year; issue detected during campaign inspection in 2022.
Symptoms owners cite: Rod bearing wear detected by service campaign testing; Potential for catastrophic engine failure; Metallic wear particles in oil (implied from service campaign protocols)
Codes mentioned: Service Campaign 966 (rod bearing wear detection), Campaign 982, Campaign T6G, TSB 21-EM-004H
Repairs/costs cited: Service center performed bearing clearance test and found bearing wear. Owner requested full test report; dealership refused to provide documentation beyond verbal statement that lifters and timing chain needed replacement ($2,900 estimated cost). Vehicle kept 20 days; owner disabled and unable to work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai extended warranty covers rod bearing replacement up to 15 years/150,000 miles under certain service campaigns, but dealers are not providing test reports or documentation to consumers, creating disputes over diagnosis.
Synthesized from 511 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The car jerks when starting from a stop. It feels like someone is tapping and releasing the brake. The problem is worse when starting from a stop going uphill.
The engine began to make a knocking noise. Upon our inspection, the vehicle had lost all oil. Vehicle was towed to our local dealership. Dealership informed us a bearing had become worn causing rapid oil loss and a rod to break, sending metal shards into the engine compartment. Engine could have seized up or caught on fire, had the vehicle continued to run. Dealership informed us of other Hyundai…
When pulling out of parking area, or starting up from a complete stop at a light or stop sign, when I press the gas of the vehicle , it hesitates . It almost seems like it's going to cut out, or bogs downs, and then catches. I make sure if there is an oncoming vehicle coming , I don't pull out in fear this will happen , and I'll get hit by another car. This happens everytime it's driven
The transmission at starting from a stop has hesitation and skips when slowing down. The car has no open recall for the transmission. It has been fixed or updated from the 2016 recall. This needs to be addressed and truly fixed.
Dual clutch transmission recall: I have had issues with my tucson a week after purchase (july 2016). It's a brand new vehicle. I have had problems with shifting, accelerating, and have taken my vehicle in to be looked at several times. The Hyundai dealer in iowa said there's nothing they can do. There was a recall on the issues I have been having with my vehicle but no fix. It's the DCT (dual…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 511 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 323 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 4,153 and 26,300 miles, with the median around 9,600. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,153; a quarter make it past 26,300. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Hyundai/Tucson.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.