Some Santa Fe (TMA) and Tucson (NX4A) vehicles equipped with a 2.5L GDI engine and 8 speed automatic transmission may have DTC U028700 (Lost Communication With Trans Fluid Pump Module) set by the transmission Electric Oil Pump (EOP). This DTC can cause the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system to become inoperative. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the Electric Oil Pump on affected vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Hyundai Tucson powertrain problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
2injuries
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
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 ↗This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) for the 2022MY Tucson (NX4/NX4a) vehicles and the Engine Control Module (ECM) for the 2022-24MY Tucson vehicles to improve operation of the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system. Under certain circumstances the vehicle may not restart after ISG system has engaged and require a manual restart due to the lack of intake manifold pressure recovery.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides information to diagnose the push button shifter operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB applies to certain vehicles with 8-speed transmissions that may have had a machining operation out of specification that could lead to a higher mileage durability issue regarding the transmission oil pump. Follow the steps listed below to inspect the transmission. Replace the transmission if needed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2023 Tucson's powertrain is generating alarm across multiple failure modes. Owners report unintended acceleration ranging from mild engine revving while parked to full runaway conditions exceeding 90 mph—one incident required a driver to steer into cable barriers to stop. Transmission problems include shuddering, gear-shifting refusal (leaving the vehicle effectively in neutral at 3 mph), and complete loss of both brake and transmission function simultaneously on one vehicle.
Several owners describe a "Limited to 20 MPH" limp mode activation or intermittent loss of power, sometimes with the engine revving at 5000 rpm while speed doesn't increase. One vehicle experienced an ICU module failure cascading into power steering degradation and instrument cluster shutdown. A rear-view sensor issue on another prevented shifting out of park.
Dealer responses are inconsistent: one service advisor attributed shuddering to an OBD plug-in device (problem persisted after removal); another said dual clutch transmission issues are "ongoing" at Hyundai. Most dealers cannot reproduce the failures in controlled tests. Hyundai has not provided root-cause explanations or repair timelines to affected owners, and recall 23V526000 parts remain unavailable. Two incidents resulted in crashes with injuries; one vehicle was deemed a total loss.
Same Hyundai Tucson powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Stuck accelerator / unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input, ranging from mild engine revving while parked to full runaway conditions at highway speeds (over 90 mph). One incident involved stuck gas pedal; another involved engine revving and uncontrolled forward motion in a parking garage. Driver attempts to brake, shift to neutral, or turn off the engine often fail or are ineffective.
When: Varies: one at 3 months old, one at ~26,500 miles, one at ~10,000 miles, others undisclosed. Can occur while parked, in traffic, or on highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without foot on accelerator; Stuck or unresponsive accelerator pedal; Engine revving on its own; Vehicle propels forward uncontrollably; Brake pedal pulsates and fails to slow vehicle; No warning lamps or messages before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspections typically find nothing wrong. One crash resulted in total loss; another involved collision with parking structure. No repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai infomed one owner they are not taking responsibility. One narrative references NHTSA Campaign 23V526000 (Power Train) but parts not yet available at time of complaint.
Transmission shuddering and gear shifting failure
Transmission hesitates, shudders, misses gears, or refuses to shift. Vehicle may feel like it is in neutral despite driver input, with loss of forward momentum. Occurs intermittently and can leave driver stranded or barely mobile (3 mph max).
When: One at 3 months old; one at undisclosed mileage; one at 500 miles (rear-view sensor issue related to shift failure).
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shuddering; Missing or refusing to change gears; Loss of forward momentum despite accelerator input; Vehicle behaves as if in neutral; Reverse gear fails to function; Vehicle limited to very low speeds (3 mph, 20 mph, 35 mph); Intermittent loss of power during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attributed one case to OBD plug-in device (owner removed it; problem persisted). Service advisor stated it is an ongoing problem with Hyundai's dual clutch transmission. One case: rear-view sensor replaced (vehicle then repaired and could shift). Most cases not repaired or dealer could not duplicate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service advisor mentioned this is an ongoing Hyundai dual clutch transmission issue. Recall 23V526000 referenced but parts unavailable.
Complete loss of brake and transmission function simultaneously
Both braking and transmission systems failed at the same time while exiting a highway, leaving the vehicle without any means of slowing or controlling speed. Driver was only able to coast to safety with assistance from another motorist.
When: At 4 days after lease start (leased 12/22/2023, occurred 12/26/2023).
Symptoms owners cite: Total loss of brake function; Total loss of transmission function; Unable to slow or control vehicle; Vehicle required towing
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; over 30 days later no explanation of root cause provided to owner. Owner feared receiving the repaired vehicle back and requested new vehicle instead.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reported zero cooperation and standoffish behavior from Hyundai; no information on repair status or cause provided.
Limited power and limp mode activation
Vehicle displays 'Limited to 20 MPH' message and loses forward momentum when accelerator is depressed. Engine does not rev normally. Vehicle can resume normal driving after power cycle but failure is intermittent.
When: Around 26,500 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses forward momentum despite accelerator input; Engine fails to rev normally; 'Limited to 20 MPH' message on instrument cluster; Vehicle jumps forward while in park after starting in morning; Horn stops functioning (returns later)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate failure. Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired. No manufacturer notification.
ICU module failure and electrical system breakdown
Integrated Control Unit (ICU) module failure causing cascade of electrical and control system malfunctions. Power steering loses effectiveness with risk of complete failure. Multiple dashboard warnings stop functioning.
When: Undisclosed mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering becomes less effective; Instrument cluster failure; Speedometer inoperative; Miles driven counter inoperative; Low tire pressure warning does not work; Blind spot detection warning does not work; Other driver warning systems fail
Repairs/costs cited: Owner advised not to drive vehicle due to risk of complete power steering failure without warning.
Rear hatch opening inadvertently and shift failures
Vehicle fails to shift from park into intended gear on multiple occasions (three times). Separately, rear hatch opens without driver action while vehicle at car wash. Emergency automatic braking activates inadvertently while driving at highway speed.
When: Early in ownership (500 miles at time of first shift failure).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift from park into intended gear; Rear hatch opens without driver input; Emergency automatic braking engages without obstacle
Repairs/costs cited: Rear-view sensor replaced; vehicle then repaired and shift issue resolved. Emergency braking activation not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failures.
Sudden loss of engine engagement while driving
Engine stops engaging and vehicle will not accelerate despite pressing accelerator pedal. Vehicle becomes unresponsive on interstate highway. Issue resolves on its own after driver exits traffic.
When: Multiple occurrences; one on driveway, two on interstate highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate over 35 mph; RPMs rev high (5000 rpm) without speed increase; Engine stops engaging entirely; No warning before failure occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Driver able to restart vehicle or wait for engine to re-engage; no repairs documented.
Vehicle lurching or stalling at red light
Vehicle nearly stalls while stopped at traffic light, then lunges forward approximately eight feet. Creates near-collision risk.
When: Within 5 days of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle nearly stalls at red light; Sudden forward lunge; No warning lights or messages
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not inspected by manufacturer. Dealer or independent service unable to reproduce.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
ICU Module Failure. Power Steering not as effective, instrument cluster failure, driver warnings like low tire pressure, blind spot detection and others do not work. Speedometer and miles driven stopped working. Advised to not drive the car as power steering could completely fail without warning.
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that on three occasions while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear-view sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while at a car wash the rear hatch opened inadvertently. On…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Hyundai Tucson?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 19,167 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2023/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.