2017 Hyundai Tucson Power Train
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
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.
My Hyundai’s replacement engine, installed under a recall a little over a year ago, is now failing again. Hyundai’s service department was the only shop to ever work on the engine. There is visible silicone drooping from the area where the head and block were torqued down — a defect hidden beneath the engine cover that isn’t removed during normal maintenance. Hyundai Corporate acknowledged silicone use would be “shoddy work,” yet refuses further review, stating they’ve “never had a customer dispute something within 18 months later.” If Hyundai engines arrive sealed and shops don’t handle insulation, silicone should not be present. This may indicate poor workmanship or improper installation on recalled engines. I request NHTSA review this as a recurring safety and workmanship issue on Hyundai recall replacements.
While driving, the vehicle started knocking and jerking, lost power and began to run roughly. The check engine light initially flashed and then turned solid before the vehicle shut off. The next day, I took the vehicle to the dealership for a diagnostic after experiencing problems with knocking when the check engine light illuminated. The codes were P302 and 304 indicating misfiring. The diagnostic tech wrote the problem up as having oil in the cylinder and suggesting engine/turbo replacement for approximately $15,000.00. The engine has less than 100,000 miles. I asked about the 10/100. After inquiring about the recalls for GDI engines in the 2017 Tucson for rods causing engine fires due to oil leaking into the cylinders, the service agent stated that it was only the 2.0 and not the 1.6 with recalls. I said sir it is the same issue: high oil consumption, sputtering and knocking, check engine light indicating misfire. Now the oil is accumulating in the cylinders. He stated that because I am the secondary owner neither the dealership nor Hyundai will correct the problem. However, if I was the original owner the powertrain warranty would cover the repair. The problem with the 2017 GDI, DCT in the Tucson is a safety issue for all owners. Escalated the issue to Hyundai Motor America, agent Kyrillos, who said that he would contact the dealership to check for prior authorization with the dealership to see if they would cover it under the recall. After numerous calls (on my behalf) and finally speaking with Kyrillos, I was advised that the dealership denied the repair. I requested supervisor contact and have not had any further communication from the company. I did send a follow up email asking when I could expect to hear from them.
The transmission failed, and it's only at 70k. This was only diagnosed AFTER being told that my dual clutch was faulty. I had that replaced, only to be told that my actuator was faulty and NOT the clutch, after haviing paid for the replacement. Now, the vehicle will barely move with rpms through the roof. So not only was Ithe vehicle misdiagnosed TWICE, the cost of repairs was sky high! This could have been avoided. I contacted the dealerships, at they advised that they did everything as hyundai instructed them. Well, hyundai was wrong, and now my vehicle doesn't even work.
There is an intermittent problem with the transmission. It’s impossible to predict when the transmission will slip. When navigating traffic, it has happened multiple times trying to pull out across oncoming traffic, and the transmission begins slipping so badly in a couple of instances nearly causing a side impact. There are no recalls related to this, but the dealership confirms it is common… the fact that it is intermittent makes it worse. You get used to the transmission performing as it should… Next thing you know it slips when you can’t afford for it to slip..
I am writing to report a serious issue with my 2017 Hyundai Tucson SEL 2.0 that poses potential safety risks. The vehicle is consuming more than 4 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles, which is far beyond normal and acceptable levels. The car has approximately 166,000 miles on it and has been regularly maintained, including timely oil changes. Despite proper maintenance, this excessive oil consumption leads to frequent low-oil warnings, risking sudden engine failure if not continuously monitored. This creates an unsafe driving condition, particularly on highways or during long trips, as the engine could seize without warning. Additionally, I am aware that many other owners of Hyundai vehicles with similar engines have reported comparable issues. This suggests a widespread defect in the engine design or manufacturing process. I am requesting the NHTSA to investigate this matter further to determine if a recall, warranty extension, or other corrective action is necessary to address this issue. Hyundai should be held accountable for resolving this problem, especially since it compromises the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Vehicle Information: Year: 2017 Make: Hyundai Model: Tucson SEL Engine: 2.0L VIN: [Your Vehicle Identification Number here] Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope for a prompt investigation and resolution to ensure the safety of all Hyundai Tucson owners.
The problem began in mid to late April 2024 with the Tucson shuddering in the driveway while moving forward slowly. This vehicle has a 1.6L turbo with a dual clutch transmission. The mileage was around 96,000 miles. Once on the road, it ran fine. Approximately a month later the check engine light came on and it began hesitating upon acceleration. It would change to the next gear, accelerate and slam me against the seat! Whenever I try to accelerate too fast, it hesitates and loses power until it "catches" and starts speeding up. This is very dangerous especially when accelerating from a complete stop or after a turn. It also has trouble going up a hill and has actually died out 3 times while attempting to go uphill at a low speed. I am the second owner and it is out of warranty. I have contacted the local Hyundai dealer but their shop does not have a very good reputation and is always backed up for 3+ weeks. They also charge $230 or more to hook up their code reader!! I've already taken it to 2 other shops where that was done at no charge. The code was P073F - Unable to engage gear 1. Of course the only option I've been given is to replace the transmission for $3000 or have it rebuilt for $4100. This problem makes it very dangerous to continue driving it. I get the oil changed every 5000 miles. Of course it's almost paid for but I'm afraid if I try to trade it in I'll be lucky to even get enough to pay it off. I have been endlessly researching this online for recalls, updates or remedies. I want to know if replacing the entire transmission is the only option or is it a component of the transmission or a computer module that is the cause. How do I know the new transmission won't do the same thing?
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving uphill. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,500.
The car would hesitate to accelerate causing the engine to rev high and then take off. It had gotten progressively worse with no error codes detected. With a lack of code, nothing could be done. My daughter was not comfortable driving the car due to the fact it had gotten so bad so I was driving her to school. While going 50 mph the engine started to rev high then completely died with no error or warning. I was able to coast off safely, however an inexperienced driver may not have been able to do the same. A recall needs to be issued ASAP before there are more serious consequences.
My engine began consuming oil at a faster rate. My miles per gallon decreased. Then while driving, my engine lost power, and then the check engine light came on without warning. Pulled into the closet mechanic (less than 2 miles) and mechanic found that I had lost all compression in cylinder 3 of my engine and that there was a large carbon build up. My engine just failed. I bring my Tucson in every 5000 miles for service.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the transmission shifted inadvertently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,420.
As I was turning a corner the transmission seemed to disengaged; when I attempted to accelerate the car would not respond. It felt as though the car had shifted into neutral even though it is an automatic transmission and I had not made any adjustment. Very dangerous in I was in sn intersection and traffic behind and around me had no indication that my car had lost all power to move on its own accord. There could very likely have been collisions.
My concern is who is going to pay for the damage to my car? I initiated a claim with Hyundai due to my car malfunctioning at a stoplight, the light turned green and I gently pressed the accelerator and it lurched forward and smashed into the car in front of me. I had taken my car in multiple times telling them the accelerator sticks and hesitates. Each time they told me nothing was wrong with it. I researched online and I found many people were having this same issue with the accelerator in the 2017 Hyundai Tucson. I was also told there is a software update available to help with this. The service department at the Dealership said there is not one. I have an appointment with the Hyundai service department on 12/20, I need to know who is going to pay for my car.
Very often the transmission does not kick in when the accelerator is pushed and gas is applied. I.e when crossing an intersection, when passing, when moving forward from a complete stop, when changing lanes, and when on busy freeways. This has been reported to Dealer many times beginning in 2017. This has occurred when I have had passengers in vehicle as well as when other drivers have been behind the wheel. I again reported incidents in September of 2023 but could not get an appt with dealer scheduled until November 6, 2023. Since most recent report to dealer, I have experienced at least 4 more incidents that could very well have been life threatening.
FRONT AXLE SHAFT LEAK CONFIRMED BY AAMCO OF EAST HARTFORD TECHNICIAN
The DCT transmission shudders when first accelerating then smoothing out . it also at times will not accelerate at all for several seconds. This can be very dangerous while pulling out into traffic because it doesn't do it all the time.The dealer does know about the problem and has been confirmed . No warning lamps .
Car hesitates when accelerating from a complete stop and the car will jerk when driving at low speeds while accelerating.
I have had multiple instances where the car will not accelerate and can shutter or lurch when I press on the gas. I recently had an incident where I was turning left and the car lurched into traffic and almost stalled as I was trying to turn and avoid the oncoming traffic. This has happened before and is very unsafe. Fortunately, the oncoming traffic was able to stop prior to hitting my car. This apparently is a known issue with this model and the manufacturer refuses to address the issue for this year. I am at the point where I either need them to fix it or I will have to get rid of it because it is very dangerous.
When pressing on the accelerator pedal the Tucson jerks and hesitates and seems to almost turn of then after a few seconds will actually accelerate. This almost caused me to have an accident because it stalled when making a right turn.
On acceleration, the RPM's rev but transmission fails to respond. Slow to accelerate on lower speed end.
Transmission wants to studder or jump around violently during take off; loss of acceleration at low speeds. Normally have to stop and start again or floor the accelerator to make the vehicle proceed.
I believe the transmission is to blame as many others have stated. Our Tucson, without notice, quickly accelerates which is sometimes a scary situation. This defect can easily cause an accident. It happens often. It also sometimes lags when pushing on the gas and then accelerates as if I was in "sport" mode, when in fact I'm not. Hyundai has told me that there's nothing wrong with the vehicle so they won't look at it. That's obviously false as everyone knows now it's defective. No lights or warning devices activated.
I am the sole owner of a 2017 Hyundai Tucson Limited, (AWD) with the 1.6L engine, 7 dual clutch transmission, with 46,000 miles as of today Thursday, February 23, 2023. Currently, I am experiencing problems with the engine/transmission stuttering and vibrating, the gears slipping, and with the inability to accelerate when merging into oncoming traffic. In addition, what frightens me the most is when I am applying the gas when driving and the gears stick causing a brief halt in forward motion then, suddenly progressing forward with a quick burst of speed. On many occasions, I have shared my concerns with the dealership from whom I purchased my vehicle from Hyundai of Chantilly, located at 14848 Stonecroft Centre Court, Chantilly, VA 20151. I have been told that the dual clutch transmissions are trash in so many words and I have been quoted a price of $2000.00 to have the transmission replaced. I am at my wit's end and unsure of my rights and to whom should be held accountable. Therefore, I am writing NHTSA for assistance.
My car shudders upon accelerating at low speeds and hesitated to respond to the gas pedal at low speeds. This shows itself when taking left hand turns where the car will stall for a second or two while turning before the car finally pops and the acceleration kicks in. The transmission feels unresponsive. This has been happening since my car had 5k miles on it but is worse now that it has 35k miles on it. The dealer says this is a characteristic of the dual clutch transmission, and that it’s normal, but it feels extremely unsafe and not normal for an automatic transmission.
My 2017 Hyundai Tucson (91,000 miles) suddenly started having issues shifting into gear. We pulled into traffic and were unable to accelerate for several seconds which created a hazard for both passengers and oncoming vehicles. We took to automotive shop in Clarksville, IN. It was determined that vehicle would not shift into first, third, or fifth gear. The shop informed us this was a common defect with this Make and Model vehicle. We were also informed that only Hyundai Dealerships could service because of specific software and calibration requirements for this specific transmission.
Trend Over Time
Complaints by year
Other Issues
Common problems reported
Quick Summary
The 2017 Hyundai Tucson has 163 Power Train complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.