Hyundai Tucson TL
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
177–186 PS
1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II) Benzin
Comfy SUV, family-first
Decent132–165 PS
1.6L GDI (Nu) Benzin
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Hyundai Tucson TL is available with 5 engine variants — from 110 to 186 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Hyundai 1.7L CRDi (Diesel, 116–141 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4FD (2015–2018, Be Careful) und D4FD (2016–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.7L CRDi!
The Hyundai 2.0L CRDi (Diesel, 136–185 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4HA (2015–2020, Be Careful) und D4HA (2015–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L CRDi!
The Hyundai 1.6L GDI (Nu) (Benziner, 132 PS) has the G4KD (1.6L GDI (Nu)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Hyundai 1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II) (Benziner, 177–179 PS) has the G4FJ (1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The Hyundai 2.0L MPI (Nu) (Benziner, 155–164 PS) comes with 2 different engines: G4NA (2015–2020, Stay Away!) und G4NA (2015–2020, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L MPI (Nu)!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-clutch transmission: juddering and loss of drive The Tucson TL DCT shows lack of forward drive despite rising revs, juddering between 40–60 km/h and skipped gears. Hyundai has officially acknowledged gearbox problems. Symptoms: Juddering between 40–60 km/h, no drive despite rising revs, gears skipped from 60,000 km | High | |
| Manual gearbox – synchroniser rings worn On the Tucson TL with manual gearbox, synchroniser rings wear disproportionately quickly. Hyundai replaced revised parts as a goodwill gesture; outside warranty the owner bears the costs. Symptoms: Gear difficult to select, crunching when changing gear, gear pops out from 60,000 km | High | |
| Dual-clutch gearbox judders and jerks The optional dual-clutch gearbox shows juddering and power interruptions between 40–60 km/h. Vehicles with complete service history are less frequently affected; software updates often only help temporarily. Symptoms: Juddering when accelerating between 40 and 60 km/h, slipping despite rising revs, shift shocks when setting off from 50,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 44 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Tucson TL (2015–2020) — 33 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: G4FJ (1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II)), G4NA (2.0L MPI (Nu)), G4KD (1.6L GDI (Nu)). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Steering, Other, Interior.
Tucson (D4HA, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Fuel in engine oil (diesel dilution), EGR valve fouling, DPF clogging. Power: 136 PS.
Tucson (D4HA, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Fuel in engine oil (diesel dilution), EGR valve fouling, DPF clogging. Power: 185 PS.
Tucson (D4FD, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Timing belt — critical service interval, Diesel enters engine oil during DPF regeneration, Early engine block crack — coolant loss. Power: 116 PS.
Tucson (D4FD, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Timing belt — critical service interval, Diesel enters engine oil during DPF regeneration, Early engine block crack — coolant loss. Power: 141 PS.
Tucson (D4FE, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: EGR valve contamination, DPF regeneration fails on short trips, VTG turbocharger actuator seized. Power: 116 PS.
Tucson (D4FE, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: EGR valve contamination, DPF regeneration fails on short trips, VTG turbocharger actuator seized. Power: 136 PS.
Tucson (G4FJ, 2015–2020) — Stay Away!: Fuel contamination of engine oil, Turbocharger oil coking, LSPI: pre-ignition at low rpm. Power: 177–179 PS.
Tucson (G4NA, 2015–2020) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch and Jumping, Cylinder Bore Scoring from Catalytic Converter Disintegration, Recall: Cylinder Bore Scuffing (Piston Rings). Power: 164 PS.
Tucson (G4NA, 2015–2020) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch and Jumping, Cylinder Bore Scoring from Catalytic Converter Disintegration, Recall: Cylinder Bore Scuffing (Piston Rings). Power: 155 PS.
Tucson (G4KD, 2015–2020) — Stay Away!: Connecting rod bearing damage from metal swarf (recall), Recall: fire risk from connecting rod bearing failure, Valve carbon buildup GDi. Power: 132 PS.
What to watch out for with the Hyundai Tucson? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee