Hyundai Tucson Gearbox & Transmission Problems

The engine in a modern car has inbuilt protection where it won't rev beyond what is safe for it. So you needn't worry about that. But a vehicle that wants to hold gears too long can become tiring to drive, as well as using more fuel than it might if its shifted gears at lower engine speeds.

Your car has what are called drive modes which tailor the aggressiveness of the throttle and alter gearshift points to tailor the car's behaviour in different conditions. My suspicion is that your car is set on Sport which is what's making it feel a bit hyperactive. There's a switch on the centre console which will allow you to change the Drive mode to Comfort or Normal. Try that to see if it tames the gearbox's behaviour.

The engine in a modern car has inbuilt protection where it won't rev beyond what is safe for it. So you needn't worry about that. But a vehicle that wants to hold gears too long can become tiring to drive, as well as using more fuel than it might if its shifted gears at lower engine speeds.

Your car has what are called drive modes which tailor the aggressiveness of the throttle and alter gearshift points to tailor the car's behaviour in different conditions. My suspicion is that your car is set on Sport which is what's making it feel a bit hyperactive. There's a switch on the centre console which will allow you to change the Drive mode to Comfort or Normal. Try that to see if it tames the gearbox's behaviour.

The AWD versions have 7-speed dual-clutch transmissions, the FWD ones have 6-speed automatics, and there is a manual gearbox option. I don’t see any reason for the dual-clutch transmission to have issues in traffic; it won’t have any adverse impact on inner city driving.

I’m guessing the transmission your transmission is a dual-clutch unit, which although it’s called an automatic it’s really like a self-shifting manual gearbox. If you can imagine you’re driving a manual and you take off, there’s a moment before the clutch takes up that the car is free to roll forward or back. That’s in effect is what is happening in your Tucson. There should be a hillhold function to stop the vehicle rolling back and the time this function holds the car before releasing can be adjusted. Check your owner’s manual to see how it can be set to stay on a little longer.

Hyundai's Tucson is available in Active, Elite and Highlander specifications, with the Active and Elite available as a front wheel drive or all wheel drive, and the six Highlander models all wheel drive only. No Tucson is available in rear wheel drive or dedicated 4x4 (which would feature low-range on the transmission). While all wheel drive models send power to all four wheels, the lack of a low-range option means they are not considered 4x4s.

 Contact Hyundai’s customer service (1800 186 306) and put your concerns to them, requesting they explain to you why it is normal. You could also ask the dealer to demonstrate the noise using another car.

Your ix35 auto was a regular automatic; the Tucson’s is a dual-clutch transmission, which means it’s like a manual gearbox but with an automatic shift. I find it hard to believe it could overheat in such a short time while you’re backing up your driveway, even if you need two bites at it.

Suggest to Hyundai that the Tucson is not fit for the purpose for which you bought it, and see what their reaction is. You could also ask if a transmission oil cooler might help.