Among all generations, the third generation Tucson overwhelmingly experiences the most problems. Particularly, the transmissions of the 2016 and 2017 model years have had serious issues.
When accelerating from a stop, many owners complained of a delay or even a lack of acceleration. Additionally, there have been reports of the transmission’s general shifting issues.
Hyundai decided to recall Tucson vehicles from the 2016 model year as a result of these serious issues. The software of the transmission was updated by the recall fix.
Nevertheless, because of these transmission problems, Consumer Reports even gave the 2016 and 2017 Tucson its lowest reliability rating.
However, it might not be as bad as it seems. If you decide to buy a secondhand Hyundai Tucson from the third generation, you may find out if the transmission’s software has been updated as part of the recall. Or, you may limit your search to 2018 models or higher.
In fact, Hyundai appeared to have found a solution by 2018 because, in J.D. Power’s 2018 Vehicle Dependability Study, the 2018 model year was recognized as the most dependable small SUV.
Overall, we would conclude that the 2016 and 2017 model years of the third-generation Hyundai Tucson are definitely to be avoided.
In This Article...
Failure of the Hyundai Tucson engine
Models of the Hyundai Tucson made in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 have the majority of engine issues. However, the models that were released in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017 received the majority of consumer complaints.
Owners and users of Hyundai Tucson models from those years have reported problems with the vehicle’s engine, including stalls, surges, oil burns or leaks, significant power loss, no acceleration, white smoke coming from the tailpipe, a tendency for the vehicle to rev up while in park, a malfunction with the speed control, or a complete engine failure.
According to reports, engine problems typically start after the car has traveled about 100,000 miles, and in the worst case, you’ll need to replace the complete engine to restore it to working order.
Also keep in mind that replacing the whole factory-assembled engine of any vehicle is an expensive service.
Therefore, it is best to avoid choosing such models that may ultimately result in such potential problems.
Years with the worst third-generation Hyundai Tucson
2016 and 2017 are the worst years for the Hyundai Tucson of the third generation. These have the most of these and the most serious problems. Additionally, they enjoy the odd honor of having the lowest JD Power rating.
The 2016 version is especially problematic. The issue centers on transmission issues. Unfortunately, a lot of people complained that the vehicle wouldn’t accelerate after coming to a complete stop. The transmission wouldn’t shift correctly if it did.
There was also a problem with the engine. Poor acceleration and rough idling were frequent symptoms. However, they weren’t the worst. Some customers claim that after only a small amount of use, they had to replace the engine (under 100,000 miles).
These issues persisted the following year. Therefore, the 2017 model displayed the same problems. In fact, they were so prevalent over these two years that they were awarded the “Beware of the Clunker” emblem by the Car Complaints. Unworthy honor, undoubtedly.
Avoid these devices if you want to spare yourself headaches. Choose a 2018 Tucson if you’re wanting to buy a third-generation vehicle.
It’s still too early to identify widespread problems with the fourth generation because they emerge over time. We can safely say, though, that we hope these years aren’t as terrible as 2016 and 2017.
If you need a quick reference, the following chart shows how each year is rated by JD Power. It’s one of the greatest authorities on automobile ratings, even though it’s not the only one, so it’s always a good place to go. The top model from each generation is marked in bold.
This graph backs up what we were saying earlier. The Hyundai Tucson is a standard SUV with standard performance. Although it won’t blow you away, it can provide solid driving with strong safety features and above-average dependability in some years.
The worst model years to purchase a used Hyundai Tucson are 2016, 2017, and 2011.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has received the most complaints overall and is the most problematic Tucson to date, according to CarComplaints. Additionally, of all the model years, the 2016 model year has the most expensive issues.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson’s transmission is the primary area of contention. The problem with this model year’s dual-clutch, 7-speed transmission is that many buyers complained about a lack of acceleration after a stop. Evidently, the application logic of the communication was the issue all along. If you find a 2016 model, you better be careful because fixing it could cost you close to $1200. A 2016 Tucson may potentially have more minor concerns, such as the air conditioner spewing heated air.
The main issue with the 2017 Hyundai Tucson is similar to that of the problematic 2016 model in that it likewise finds it difficult to pick up speed after a halt. The 2017 model, however, has a risky flaw that could result in permanent harm. Numerous reports claim that the engine in this model year frequently shuts down and that its bearings frequently fail in the middle of a drive. According to reports, the engine needs to be changed in certain situations to resolve the issue. There have also been reports about interior issues like blown panoramic sunroofs and broken rear windows.
According to numerous complaints, the 2011 model’s transmission frequently locks up, making it difficult for drivers to go from drive to park. There is still a problem for 2011 Hyundai Tucson owners, and no specific solution has been provided by sources. The 2011 Tucson’s interior technology is also a little bit of a jumble, on par with the gearbox problems. Customers may have interior issues such as Bluetooth not functioning, keys becoming stuck in the ignition switch, cruise control not activating, and radios occasionally resetting.
15/15 Prevent: 2016 Hyundai Tucson – AC And Transmission
Not always has the Hyundai Tucson been a bad vehicle. In actuality, it has generally been quite good. It only began to experience issues in 2015 and 2016. Over 200 complaints resulted from this, which were ultimately linked to the gearbox and the air conditioner. Even the newer Tucson model has received the rare complaint.
Worst Years: Powertrain Issues and Loose Latches Vote for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson as the model with the most problems.
The Hyundai Tucson will typically have one or two recalls every model year in the 2010s. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration receives less than two hundred complaints per year on average from registered complaints, which is also a limitation. With five recalls and more than a thousand complaints, the 2016 Tucson stands out as an obvious anomaly.
There are a variety of complaint categories, including 102 for latches and locks, 135 for electrical systems, and 173 for structures. The powertrain, however, is the category with the most complaints, 435 in total.
The powertrain’s inability to accelerate quickly after stopping is its main flaw. A recall for 41,000 units was issued in August 2016 to rectify this, but complaints about it are still coming in as early as 2022, with a few drivers claiming that their VINs were left out.
Along with windows sticking, hoods flying out, and lights flashing all over the dashboard, there isn’t much justification for purchasing a 2016 Tucson when you might be driving a vehicle that has fewer problems.
If you want to go a bit older, think about the 2015 model, or if you want to go a little newer, think about the 2018 version.
Transmitter Issues
The worst issue with the Hyundai Tucson, according to Car Complaints, a website devoted to car owner complaints, is transmission-related and largely affected the 2016 and 2017 model years.
Due to the low average mileage at which the issue occurred and the high volume of complaints, they have determined that it is the worst problem.
Owners have specifically claimed that their Tucson accelerates poorly from a stop, is jerky, and will pause before launching ahead.
Certain 2016 Hyundai Tucsons with a 7-speed EcoShift(r) Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) were affected by this issue, and these vehicles were subsequently recalled.
Not all 2016 (and 2017) Tucsons had their transmissions fixed as a result of the recall, though.
The Hyundai Tucson: A Reliable SUV
Starting at roughly $24,000, the 2020 Hyundai Tucson is a cost-effective vehicle to drive off the lot in. We anticipate the Tucson to be slightly better because the Kona is little less expensive and begins at roughly $20,000.
This isn’t the case, though, in terms of fuel economy. Only up to 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway are averaged by the Hyundai Tucson. Up to 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway are achieved by the Kona.
The Tucson needs to have improved fuel efficiency if it is to compete well with vehicles like the RAV4 or Honda CR-V.
The Hyundai Tucson is it secure?
How secure is the most recent Tucson? The Hyundai Tucson has received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. The car is extremely safe, yet there is still potential for improvement.
Are there any 2012 Hyundai Tucson recalls?
Certain 2011–2013 Tucson vehicles are being recalled by Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai). If the engine oil pan leak is not fixed, the loss of oil could harm the engine.
An engine that is damaged increases the chance of a fire or an engine stall, which increases the probability of a collision.
The fix for this recall is still being worked on. Beginning on March 29, 2019, Hyundai will send owners an interim letter informing them of the problem. When the fix is offered, a second notification will be delivered. Customers of Hyundai can reach them at 1-855-371-9460. The Hyundai recall number is 181.
The Hyundai Tucson is produced where?
On this site, we’ve written a lot about the Hyundai Tucson and its capabilities. Today, we’ll examine the factory that makes the Tucson. This looks like a simple question, but this car has many parts created all over the world, like the engine, transmission, tires, and so on. Let’s begin with a brief response:
The Hyundai Tucson’s fourth generation, which will start being produced in 2022, is put together in Montgomery, Alabama. The Smartstream engines it employs are also produced at the same Alabama factory. The transmissions are created in Southfield, Michigan or West Point, Georgia.
That, however, hardly provides a comprehensive response to the query. We’ll go into more depth regarding the assembly location below. After that, we’ll offer you a detailed breakdown of where each engine and each transmission used in this car are built. Finally, we’ll discuss how to properly identify the type of tires you own and the particular location of their manufacture. Read on!
What is the Hyundai Tucson’s typical lifespan?
The Korean automaker’s initial entry into the compact SUV market is the Hyundai Tucson. The 2005 model, which debuted, has since earned a reputation for being reasonably priced, providing excellent overall value, and being dependable.
What is the lifespan of a Hyundai Tucson then? The typical life expectancy of a modern Tucson is around 200,000 miles, or 13 to 15 years, driving about 12,000 miles yearly, according to owner evaluations and feedback on Vehicle History.
According to one owner on Vehicle History, “My Tucson 2.4L from 2013 has already exceeded 250,000 miles, and it’s still on the interstate at 85 mph.”
After meticulously keeping the SUV with regular annual servicing, including replacing the oil every 5,000 miles, another owner of a 2015 Hyundai Tucson mentions the SUV having reached 463,000 miles.
Discussions on well-known enthusiast forums like Hyundai Forums appear to be overwhelmingly in favor of longevity at 200,000 km. Many Tucson owners who purchased their vehicles after the model year 2010 report seeing between 180,000 and over 200,000 miles on their odometers in a recent discussion from 2020.
In 2021, the original thread’s creator’s 2012 Hyundai Tucson GLS AWD SUV logged 200,000 miles, the “most of which are freeway miles.”
He claims that “At 145k miles, the engine broke due to a rod bearing failure; it was replaced with a used 60k motor taken from a wrecked Tucson.
I intend to keep the car to see how much longer the engine lasts (it has already traveled more than 100k miles).”