The Hyundai Tucson has been a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts, offering a blend of performance, fuel economy, and style. However, like any other vehicle, the Tucson is not without its share of problems. In this article, we will delve into the most common reliability issues faced by Tucson owners and provide an in-depth analysis of each problem. Whether you are considering buying a Tucson or already own one, this article will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and understand what to expect from this vehicle.
Introduction
The Hyundai Tucson has garnered a significant number of complaints from owners over the years. In fact, a total of 598 complaints have been filed on CarComplaints.com, spanning 16 model years. This high number of complaints has led to the Tucson being ranked 23rd in overall reliability out of 25 Hyundai models according to the PainRank™ system /about#what-is-painrank. In this section, we will provide an overview of five common problems reported by Tucson owners.
Rodents Chew Hyundai’s Soy Wiring
One of the most peculiar problems faced by Hyundai Tucson owners is rodents chewing through the vehicle’s soy-based wiring. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, Hyundai switched from petroleum-based plastic to soy-based material for its wiring. While this move has its merits, it has also attracted rodents who find the soy-based wiring irresistible. These critters can cause significant damage to the vehicle’s electrical system, leading to various malfunctions. To learn more about this issue, you can read our detailed article on “Rodents Chew Hyundai’s Soy Wiring”.
“The wiring in cars used to be coated in a petroleum-based plastic, but recently automakers, including Hyundai, have switched to a soy-based material. The soy is biodegradable and helps keep plastic out of the landfill (yay!). Unfortunately, rodents love the taste of soy wiring, and they’ve been snacking on it like it’s a gourmet meal.
Hyundai’s Inflated MPGs
In 2012, Hyundai Motor Group faced a major setback when it was caught cheating on its fuel economy ratings by the EPA. The MPG estimates provided by Hyundai were found to be 1 or 2 miles higher than they should have been. While this may not seem like a significant discrepancy, it becomes problematic when consumers rely on those inflated numbers to make purchasing decisions. To learn more about this issue and its impact, read our detailed article on “Hyundai’s Inflated MPGs”.
“Hyundai Motor Group was caught cheating on their fuel economy ratings (MPG) by the EPA in 2012. MPG estimates were 1 or 2 miles higher than they should have been, which doesn’t sound like much. Except when you consider who’s picking up the.”
Tucson Dual Clutch Transmission Acceleration
Hyundai equipped the Tucson with a 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission to provide a balance between performance and fuel economy. However, this transmission has been plagued by two major drivability issues: hesitation off the line and added vibration. These issues can significantly impact the acceleration and overall driving experience. If you want to delve deeper into this problem and understand its implications, check out our article on “Tucson Dual Clutch Transmission Acceleration”.
“Hyundai went with a 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission for its blend of performance and fuel economy. But these transmissions tend to have two major drivability issues like hesitation off the line or added vibration.
Blue Link Standard Feature?
Hyundai’s Blue Link system, which offers various features such as remote start, remote lock/unlock, and stolen vehicle tracking, has caused headaches for some Tucson owners. There have been reports of messages that self-destruct and alleged extortion attempts, leading to concerns about the system’s security and reliability.
Panoramic Sunroof Explodes
One startling problem reported by Hyundai Tucson owners is the spontaneous explosion of the panoramic sunroof under normal driving conditions. Although Hyundai has not acknowledged the issue, a 2019 lawsuit settlement offers coverage to owners if and when this happens.
What Tucson Owners Complain About
To gain further insight into the most common issues faced by Tucson owners, we analyzed the complaints filed on CarComplaints.com. Based on this analysis, we have identified five major complaints that deserve attention:
No Acceleration from Stop in the 2016 Tucson
One of the most prevalent issues reported by Tucson owners is the lack of acceleration from a stop in the 2016 model. This problem has garnered 50 complaints, indicating a widespread concern among owners.
Hesitates When Starting from a Stop in the 2017 Tucson
Similar to the previous complaint, owners of the 2017 Tucson have reported hesitation when starting from a stop. This issue has resulted in 48 complaints, suggesting that it is not an isolated problem.
A/C Intermittently Blows Warm Air in the 2016 Tucson
A frustrating problem faced by some Tucson owners is the intermittent blowing of warm air from the A/C system in the 2016 model. This issue can be particularly troublesome during hot weather or long drives.
Not Shifting Properly in the 2016 Tucson
Owners of the 2016 Tucson have reported instances where the transmission does not shift properly. This can result in poor performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and an overall unsatisfactory driving experience.
Hesitation in the 2016 Tucson
Another complaint related to the 2016 Tucson is hesitation during acceleration. This issue has been reported by several owners and can be a major concern when merging onto highways or passing other vehicles.
What Breaks the Most
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the most common issues faced by Tucson owners, we analyzed the data on the components that break the most frequently. Based on this analysis, the following components have received the highest number of complaints:
Transmission: With a staggering 240 complaints, the transmission is the component that experiences the most problems in the Tucson. Issues with shifting, hesitation, and complete failure have been reported by numerous owners.
Engine: The engine is another area of concern for Tucson owners, with 107 complaints filed. Problems such as stalling, loss of power, and excessive oil consumption have been reported.
HVAC: The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system has been a source of frustration for some Tucson owners, with 59 complaints filed. Issues with the A/C blowing warm air, lack of cooling, and strange noises have been reported.
Interior: Tucson owners have reported 37 complaints related to interior components such as seats, dashboard, and infotainment system. Problems with seat comfort, cracking dashboards, and malfunctioning infotainment systems have been observed.
Electrical: The electrical system in the Tucson has garnered 32 complaints from owners. Issues such as malfunctioning lights, electrical shorts, and battery drain have been reported.
Years to Avoid
Based on the complaint data available, some model years of the Hyundai Tucson have proven to be more problematic than others. The following years have received the highest number of complaints:
2016: The 2016 Tucson has garnered a staggering 217 complaints, making it the most problematic year for this model. Issues with transmission, acceleration, and A/C have been reported.
2017: The 2017 Tucson has received 99 complaints, indicating a significant number of issues. Complaints related to transmission, starting hesitation, and electrical problems have been reported.
2011: The 2011 Tucson has been the subject of 60 complaints, suggesting a notable number of problems. Issues such as engine stalling, transmission failure, and electrical malfunctions have been reported.
2012: The 2012 Tucson has garnered 52 complaints, indicating a considerable number of issues. Complaints related to engine problems, transmission failure, and electrical malfunctions have been reported.
2015: The 2015 Tucson has received 30 complaints, suggesting a moderate number of problems. Complaints related to transmission issues, engine problems, and electrical malfunctions have been reported.
Tucson Generations
The Hyundai Tucson has seen three generations of production, each with its own set of issues. Based on the PainRank™ system, it is advisable to avoid the third generation (2016-2020) of the Tucson due to its relatively poor reliability. Let’s take a closer look at each generation:
3rd Generation Tucson (2016–2020)
The third generation of the Tucson, produced from 2016 to 2020, has been ranked 42nd out of 50 in terms of reliability according to the PainRank™ system. With a PainRank™ score of 15.27, this generation has garnered 345 complaints.
2nd Generation Tucson (2010–2015)
The second generation of the Tucson, produced from 2010 to 2015, has fared slightly better in terms of reliability, ranking 41st out of 50 according to the PainRank™ system. With a PainRank™ score of 14.64, this generation has amassed 198 complaints.
1st Generation Tucson (2005–2009)
The first generation of the Tucson, produced from 2005 to 2009, has been ranked 27th out of 50 in terms of reliability according to the PainRank™ system. With a PainRank™ score of 4.41, this generation has received 55 complaints.
Tucson Key Numbers
To provide a comprehensive overview of the Hyundai Tucson, let’s take a look at some key numbers associated with this vehicle:
598 Complaints: This represents the running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com. It showcases the significant number of issues faced by Tucson owners.
244 Service Bulletins: These bulletins document the process of troubleshooting common problems in the Tucson. They provide valuable insights for owners and mechanics alike.
18 Recall Campaigns: These campaigns involve time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems identified in the Tucson. Staying informed about these recalls is crucial for Tucson owners.
Tucson Class-Action Lawsuits
The Hyundai Tucson has been involved in several class-action lawsuits due to alleged defects and safety concerns. Let’s take a closer look at a few notable lawsuits:
Nicholas Wylie et al, v. Hyundai Motor America: This class-action lawsuit involved approximately 135,000 Hyundai owners suing over alleged transmission defects. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement worth approximately $11 million to $22 million.
Billy Glenn v. Hyundai Motor America et al: This lawsuit revolved around exploding sunroofs in Hyundai vehicles, including the Tucson. Plaintiff Billy Glenn alleged that the sunroof in his 2014 Santa Fe Sport exploded, causing significant damage.
Guy Coss v. Hyundai Motor America: This lawsuit alleged that Hyundai failed to inform owners that the Blue Link telematics system would be disabled if inactive for more than one year. Reactivating the system allegedly required changing hardware, resulting in additional costs for owners.
Recent Tucson News
Stay up to date with the latest news regarding the Hyundai Tucson. Here are a few noteworthy news articles:
Owners of the 3rd generation Tucson (2016-2021) are being urged to keep their parked vehicles away from anything that can burn until they have a fuse in the antilock braking system (ABS) replaced. Multiple SUVs have caught on fire, both while parked and in motion, due to a short circuit in the ABS.
Hyundai is recalling 120,000 Tucson SUVs because their oil pans can leak, potentially damaging the engine or causing fires. This recall affects the 2011-2013 model years due to a problem with the sealant used.
Hyundai has proposed a settlement that would offer extended coverage to owners in case their sunroofs explode. The settlement would double the existing sunroof warranty, reimburse certain previously-paid expenses, and even offer cash to those who decide to sell their car within the next 90 days.
Conclusion
While the Hyundai Tucson offers a compelling package of performance, fuel economy, and style, it is important to be aware of the common reliability problems faced by owners. From rodents chewing through soy-based wiring to transmission and engine concerns, these issues can impact the overall ownership experience. By understanding these problems and staying informed about recalls and class-action lawsuits, you can make informed decisions and mitigate potential risks. Remember to consult with a qualified mechanic for professional advice before making any repair decisions.
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