Hyundai Tucson transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11758305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 not hold an idle afterward and has not run since. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership, where a service department employee stated by phone that this 1.6L turbocharged engine family has a known, documented history of severe factory defects affecting the connecting rod bearings.

NHTSA complaint #11753197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? **Transmission How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? **Car stalled, no warming. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? **Yes, J&M Transmission in Tracy, Ca Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? **Yes, car was taken in for repair where input shaft speed sensors were replaced. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? **No warning lights appeared at time of malfunction/ stall. J&M later reported check engine light was on when running tests.

NHTSA complaint #11752960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving on a US highway, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost the ability to start/run normally, requiring the vehicle to be pulled off the road and towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership. Dealer diagnostic testing found the engine failed a bearing/performance test, consistent with connecting rod bearing wear. This failure mode — Check Engine light, DTC P1326, abnormal noise, or a no-crank/no-start condition caused by connecting rod bearing wear — is described in the manufacturer's own internal dealer service bulletin covering an engine warranty extension program for multiple engine families (Theta II MPI and Nu GDI engines) across several model years and vehicle lines. That bulletin acknowledges the failure as a known condition and extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles for original and subsequent owners. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning while the vehicle was in active use on a highway, creating a stall/loss-of-power hazard in moving traffic — the vehicle could not be restarted at the roadside. The dealership's own multi-point inspection performed shortly after intake confirmed engine fluid levels and oil grade were within normal range, indicating the failure was not attributable to a lack of lubrication at the time of failure. Despite this, the manufacturer denied warranty coverage for the repair, citing an inability to produce maintenance receipts for a prior period, even though the dealership's own inspection findings do not support a maintenance-related cause. This report is submitted because of the safety hazard posed by unwarned loss of engine power/starting capability while driving, and because this failure pattern appears consistent with a defect the manufacturer has already acknowledged for closely related engine platforms, raising the question of whether additional vehicles with this engine design should be included in that existing warranty/defect campaign.

NHTSA complaint #11751791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The Core Symptoms: "The high-pressure fuel pump is leaking internally. Raw gasoline is flooding into the engine oil crankcase, causing severe fuel dilution. The engine air filter is physically soaked in raw fuel and smells strongly of gasoline." My engine is always extremely hot after I have only went 15 mins away from home. Sometimes takes over two hours to cool down. The Safety Risk: "When attempting to accelerate, the vehicle experiences severe fuel starvation, causing the engine to bog down and act like it is going to stall in the middle of traffic, creating a severe crash hazard. Additionally, there is a loud 'popping' sound/mini-backfire upon turning the vehicle off due to unburnt fuel vapors, presenting a high risk of an underhood engine fire. I have only 83,000 miles on my car.

NHTSA complaint #11751381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact's son owns a 2023 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, various warning lights illuminated, and various messages were displayed on the instrument panel; however, the warning lights disappeared upon restarting the engine. The contact stated that her son was forced to restart the vehicle after the vehicle failed to accelerate from a complete stop on one occasion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis; however, the dealer was unable to diagnose or duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed unless the warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact later received a letter from the manufacturer confirming the dealer's information. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 21,000.

NHTSA complaint #11748996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA cited in granting recall 16V628000. I request that NHTSA review whether the existing recall scope should be expanded to include 2018 Tucson vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11748939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Good morning the problems I am having with my 2025 are very discouraging. Started October of 2025, my tire light illuminated stated the tires were low when they are all at correct specs when using an air guage to check. November of 2025 while driving at night the headlights suddenly shut off briefly then came back back on. January of 2026 while leaving work the transmission would not shift, held accelerator pedal to floor but could not go above 20 mph all the way home for 3 miles. April of 2026 the right side of navigation screen went completely black, shut vehicle off twice and on third restart the screen reilluminated. June of 2026 same thing with the screen going black. I have had my Tuscon at the local dealer here in my town for supposedly a repair that they state was a "coaxel cable" behind the dash that was fixed that was causing this issue. I also had the recall performed for the front view camera software update but it is still showing not completed. This is very frustrating to be having experiencing these kind of issues on this new of a vehicle. Clearly something is going on with the software or something and the dealer keeps telling me they are not finding anything wrong. I am a service advisor myself at a small independent shop so I understand the terms they are using but something needs to be addressed to correct the issues that I am having. It is scary when driving and the screen goes black or driving at night and losing the headlight functions. I would appreciate if somebody will look into this and reach out to me to get some kind of remedy for why this is happening. I am paying alot for this vehicle and to say I am satisifed is an understatement. I have purchased Hyundai as my choice of vehicle due to the quality, great warranties and good reviews from other consumers however I am seriously thinking of exploring alternative makes as I do not want to keep going through this. Plus the engine consumes oil. I have attached p/w for review as well

NHTSA complaint #11747876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 acceleration and power steering/brake assistance if the engine completely seizes while operational. Hyundai has issued widespread safety recalls and a 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty (TXXM) for this exact failure mode in other engine displacements (such as the 2.0L Nu GDI), yet they have excluded the 1.6L Turbo engine from identical coverage despite it suffering from the exact same manufacturing defect and presenting the same public safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11747780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

January 9, 2026, driver was on I25, when driver heard a loud thud and the RPMs kept rising but the vehicle would not accelerate. Was very dangerous and barely avoided a collision with other drivers on the road. Barely got it home and shut it off. Tried to drive again but would not get out of reverse. Car was towed to Hyundai dealership for inspection. EGO4 Check Engine Light Diagnostic. 120883. Transmission and rear coupler/differential replaced. Test driven and dealership said it drove as designed and shifted as designed. Cost $10,955.29.

NHTSA complaint #11744822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 to recreate the problem, recommended returning when the vehicle demonstrates the problem more frequently, and refused to mechanically repair the dual-clutch transmission under my active original-owner 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, basically instructing me to continue to drive a seriously un-safe vehicle. Most recently, a yellow dashboard warning light illuminated, and the vehicle entered a dangerous 'limp mode,' severely restricting power and struggling to move before the light cleared after cooling down. The vehicle is completely un-driveable and parked.

NHTSA complaint #11743723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11743833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving, the engine began making a loud knocking/rattling noise and the check engine light began flashing. The vehicle experienced a loss of power and was unsafe to continue operating normally. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. The engine requires replacement. Hyundai denied coverage, claiming excessive oil consumption and/or maintenance concerns. However, upon inspection, the dealership removed the valve cover and advised that the engine was internally clean and showed no significant sludge buildup consistent with severe neglect. I am concerned that this engine failure may be related to known Hyundai engine issues involving the 2.4L GDI engine. The failure occurred well before the expected service life of the engine and created a potential safety hazard due to the loss of power while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA review this failure and determine whether similar failures are occurring in 2020 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with the 2.4L GDI engine.

NHTSA complaint #11741423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving, the check engine light began flashing and the vehicle shook severely due to engine misfiring. The vehicle has had a recurring cylinder 3 misfire throughout ownership. Spark plugs and ignition coils were first replaced around 40,000 miles and replaced again in December 2025 for the same recurring issue. A Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and found codes P0300 random misfire and P0303 cylinder 3 misfire. The dealership technician documented that the piston rings did not look good and confirmed the catalytic converter was damaged as a result of the misfires. The vehicle has had an engine rattle at idle, oil consumption, and blow-by since early in ownership. The engine defect is progressive and predates the current mileage. The flashing check engine light and severe shaking while driving at highway speeds created an unsafe condition with other vehicles on the road. The problem has been confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. Hyundai Motor America was contacted and denied goodwill warranty assistance. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11740933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My vehicle has an ongoing safety‑critical defect involving the braking system, powertrain, and ADAS logic. I have not driven the vehicle since 04/27/2026; all diagnostic trouble codes were recorded while the vehicle was in the dealership’s possession. On 05/05/2026, the vehicle stored multiple DTCs, including C164286, P071300, P076800, U060FF1, U060F29, and U061386. On 05/13/2026, P071300, P076800, U060FF1, U060F29, and U061386 were recorded again, showing repeated powertrain, communication, and control‑system faults while the vehicle remained with the dealer. On 05/22/2026, two additional safety‑related DTCs (P107600 and C272146) were first recorded, and both were last reported again on 05/27/2026, still while the vehicle was in dealer custody. These DTCs now show as Historical because the vehicle has not been operated since the last fault was recorded. Their Historical status only means the system has not run a new check — it does not mean the defect is repaired. The vehicle has also exhibited brake‑logic abnormalities, including a persistent Brake‑ON signal at highway speeds, which violates Brake‑Throttle Override safety logic and affects ADAS functions. The powertrain shows signs of torque converter instability, mechanical drag, abnormal slip, and heat buildup documented across these dates. Two OTA updates were performed during periods of instability, but neither corrected the defect. The dealership has not provided documentation confirming the safety issues were resolved. Because the braking logic, powertrain behavior, and repeated DTC activity remain unexplained and unresolved, I do not believe the vehicle is safe to operate.

NHTSA complaint #11740756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 gear at 20 mph, and sluggish acceleration — is consistent with the clutch pack slipping and the TCM essentially giving up on lower gears and defaulting to a higher gear to protect itself. Manual mode being completely unresponsive is a significant red flag — it means the TCM may have entered a limp or failsafe mode where it’s overriding driver input entirely.

NHTSA complaint #11740054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Multiple DTC codes on car at 25,120 miles,32,344, 34,324, 47,484, 51,853, 53,521, Consistent Fuel Injector failing under warranty, prior to 60,000 miles and not replaced correctly, as I have had to see dealership 4 times for ineffective fuel injector replacement and consistent problem. First DTC code reading @ 25,120 miles as stated on DTC coding Reports through Hyundai/Bluelink app. SEVERE Fuel leak into interior cabin and Fuel failure due to Powertrain/Injector Issues from 25,120 miles, and many more mileage as seen above. AUTO start does not work, Catalytic Converter is in need of replacement as codes read DTC code past readings and Engine Failure: P04567A, P030300, P022200,P012300,P210013,P042033,P042033 With FUEL INJECTOR/Powertrain Error. Caused car to engine fail in middle of driving!! *SAFETY CONCERN. I Have started multiple cases with Hyundai Motor America, and they had done nothing to report the problem or keep car for further testing and safety priority. Car is brand new, has about 66,800 miles on it now, had to replace all FUEL INJECTORS, FUEL RAIL, and now needing to replace Catalytic Converter due to Hyundai not covering issue that was consistent with Fuel Injector and initial GAS leak into Cabin. I had to visit the doctor many times due to GAS FUMES. 2025-2026-DTC codes stated under individual mechanic, and within my Hyundai Blue Link app as reading multiple DTC codes that Hyundai Refused to cover or fix initially. (Wrights Car Care, Atlanta, GA) stated that car is not safe to drive and is FIRE HAZARD (Technical Bulletin Alert) for Catalytic Converter is now pending and previously read as powertrain issue.

NHTSA complaint #11739618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While operating the vehicle on the highway at speeds around 55 to 60 mph, without warning, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure that resulted in an immediate and complete loss of motive power, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a formal tear-down and diagnosis. They Hyundai dealership technician formally diagnosed the issue as a catastrophic internal "pin failure" (Structural failure of an internal engine pin component). This component defect caused a total mechanical breakdown of the engine assembly. Hyundai Motor America has issued a corporate warranty denial for an engine replacement, despite the vehicle being covered under the Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement (which extends powertrain protections due to widespread internal engine manufacturing defects), A sudden, un-warned loss of engine power while driving poses a severe and immediate safety hazard to the driver, passengers and other motorists on the highway. Hyundai's refusal to remedy this known structural defect leaves a dangerous vehicle un-repaired. I am requesting an investigation into Hyundai's denial of coverage for structural engine component failures on the 2.0L Nu engine platform.

NHTSA complaint #11739308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

delayed response when accelerating from a stop

NHTSA complaint #11737752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.