Hyundai Tucson

greg5 · October 2005

I was a bit surprised when I read that Consumer Reports is forecasting poor reliability for the Tucson. I went to the local bookstore and found in the '06 new cars book from Consumer Reports that they give it a solid black circle for reliability. But that doesn't necessarily mean everyone will have lots of problems with their Tucson.

It could be that since it's a brand new model there are bound to be a few flukes. For instance, when I drove off the lot with my Tucson about 3 months ago, I had to take it right back because when I turned on the headlight switch, the windshield and rear wipers came on and the horn honked (but the headlights did not come on). Plus, when I turned on the turn signals, they flashed in both directions. The Hyundai dealer fixed it in a day. Since then, it has been perfect. So, maybe their reliability forecasts are because of instances like these and maybe won't be an indicator of long-term reliability.

mike_belknap · October 2005

Yeah, the "poor" rating is a bit misleading. Consumer Reports scores vehicles based on mean problem rate for a given model year. What they really rated it was "much worse than average" due to reports from their subscribers.

Mike

batman47 · October 2005

The car (Tucson LX V6) was booked today at Miskinis Motor, Hyundai in Hyannis (Cape Cod) for its 15K service ($119). Equally, during the service it was investigated about the clunking sound when reversing when the car was engaged in full 4WD. This anomaly was noted 1 month after I bought the car.

The technician found that the most probable cause of this anomaly was the 4WD VISC. COUPLING and replaced it with a new one under warranty ($600 part). The service manager said that the noise was not eliminated but reduced. He said we should try the car in a muddy surface. At this moment is raining in Cape Cod so I may try later on.

I was also offered a detailed valleting service ($119) to clean the car inside and out. The car had to be booked again because they didnt do a very good job.

I am taking the car on a long journey to Peru (South America) and some of the documentation to freight the car from Panama to Guayaquil (Ecuador) requires the Engine Number. When I requested this data from the service manager, he said that he had never heard of anybody asking for that information and that he didnt know where the engine number was located. I had to show him the Owners Manual where he could locate this number. He said this would take time and the car was booked again to find this number.

B

batman47 · October 2005

Miskinis garage at Cape Code replaced a component in the Differential, and replaced all the front light combination (fogging inside the transparent plastic). I bought my own synthetic Mobil 1 (10w-30) to replace the engine oil offered by the garage and I ordered some car parts for my long journey to Peru. The attention of this garage was very acceptable.

From Cape Cod to Los Angeles (4K miles) the car has been responsive, with smooth driving. It seems that the engine becomes noisier after 1 or 2 hours driving (70-75 miles per hour). Brakes are only responsive when pressing the brakes hard. Perhaps this is normal when the car is loaded with weigh equivalent to 4-5 passengers.

During my driving I noted that my right arm was exerting more force than my left arm to control the steering. I released the steering wheel on a long straight road (speed 40-50 miles per hour) and noted that the car pulled to the right side slowly but very noticeable. It came to my mind the event I had in New York driving through the horrible streets of this city full of big pot holes with drivers overtaking you from the right and left and not giving any chance other than to hit these pot holes at speeds of 40-50 miles)

I took the car to Gare Grove Hyundai (CA 92844) to explain about the pulling problem and I was told to take the car to an alignment specialist. When I said I wanted the engine oil changed with my own brand they said they would charge me the same price with or without their oil. After I argued that the camber and caster of the Tucson are pre-set at the factory and if something were wrong with their values the most probable cause was that something had been damaged so an alignment specialist cannot mend the problem by using sophisticated equipment. They told me to bring the car next week for an inspection and that if something is wrong with the hardware I will have to pay for it to put the car right and they didnt want to book the car formally. It was a disappointing experience so I decided to try another dealer.

Will someone in this forum give me some good advice or comments to deal with this problem in the best possible way?

Equally, I have learnt that if I want to replace my factory tires (BF Goodrich, 235/60 TR16 Spec) Hyundai garages do not stock them although the tires theoretically can be requested through the Parts Department by using the part number for the tires. Gare Grove Hyundai told me to buy the tires from somewhere else.

A wheel weight for the tire balancing is also a problem with these tires specialists. In my previous wheel balancing someone put a weight clip that has damaged my factory alloy wheels by practically eating the aluminium cover of the alloy wheel. Someone recommended me to use adhesive weight wheel balancing but I am a bit worried about it falling off while on the move.

I would also like to hear from someone who has had similar problems or otherwise recommend me which weight clips material to request. I think this is a problem overlooked by the majority of car owners.

B

batman47 · October 2005

Yesterday I took the car to Lamar Hyundai (CA 900701) for 18K miles service ($145) whereby I was assured by the service manager that the vehicle pulling to the right side will be looked at as part of the service and will be sorted out. Only after requesting an alignment print out before and after the alignment diagnoses did the manager consider doing this job.

The caster and the camber are angles that are not adjustable, because they are pre-set at the factory (See TSB 304-50-013). It says that the steering knuckle is installed with the strut assembly at factory so it can not be modified by any alignment machine. So the pulling is a very serious problem that should not be taken lightly. A pulling problem generally implies a defective strut or a defective lower arm or a defective knuckle or toe out of specification or camber out of specifications. However according the alignment print out only the camber reading was +0.6 degree out of tolerance (the maximum is + or - 0.5 degree) (in both front wheels). I assume that this is a very expensive job to put it right and I dont know if this is covered by the warranty. The fact that both wheels are +0.6 degree of camber angle, lead me to believe that the car was sold to me with this problem. This is a problem that can only be noticeable after long hours of highway driving.

I dont think the technician bothered inspecting consciously the knuckle/strut combination and opted for the easier way to mislead me, by increasing the air pressure of the front passenger tire from 35 psia to 40 psia as a way to balance the car drifting to the right. However, this trick didnt work, the car is still pulling to the right in spite of the fact that the tires where rotated and balanced according the dealer invoice.

I wonder if some members could comments on the above and give me some advice to confront this problem.

B

dovid2 · October 2005

"For vehicles that were new or substantially redesigned during that time, data from the just one or two years was used." CNN

Why such a poor write-up is a good question, since normally they say on a new model, "Not enough information available."

In addition, CNN quotes them as saying the Elantra is "Average". However, for the '04 model, they gave it almost all red balls, indicating above average reliability.

targettuning · November 2005

I would like to respond to a portion of your post...the part about wheel weights and alloy wheels. All modern balance/alignment/tire stores recommend and use "stick on" type wheel weights for alloy wheels. As you noted the clip on type damages the clear coat used on this type wheel by being hammered onto the rim. This cuts through the protective coat and allows water, and salt water (snow melting salt,and worse chemicals) in the north to get to the aluminum causing the corrosion you noted. Stick on weights will NOT fly off because they are designed for this type use.Balance can generally be achieved by placing weights on the inside of the rim but they don't look too out of place even on the outside.

mtice1979 · November 2005

Who really pays attention to the Communist News Newtwork anyway? :confuse:

tidester · November 2005

Let's stay away from the cable network wars!

tidester, host

oztuck · November 2005

Are there any hot chips around to improve low rev torque in the Tucson V6?

duckied · November 2005

Hello everyone.

I'm getting ready to buy a Tucson within the next couple of months. Do you think I should buy a 2006, or wait for the 2007 next year that is supposed to have some improvements and new features? Currently there are not many rebates on the 2006 Tucson. Maybe there will be some next month.

My '05 Elantra just turned one year old today. It has been problem-free. I'm excited to buy another Hyundai soon.

Thanks for your help!

stever · November 2005

G'day Oztuck, try the Chip Upgrades.. worth it? discussion too.

Steve, Host

alpine1 · November 2005

The Hyundai maintenance schedule lists for periodic replacement the "Fuel Tank Air Filter" - not to be confused with the normal air intake filter. Where is it located? Are the filters expensive? Is this a do it yourself job? Thanks

mike_belknap · November 2005

"In addition, CNN quotes them as saying the Elantra is "Average". However, for the '04 model, they gave it almost all red balls, indicating above average reliability."

CR is basically saying that the numbers now suggest that if you buy a new Elantra today, it will in all likelihood have average overall reliability for its age during the time that you own the vehicle (based on the data for years 2001-05 in their latest subscriber survey). While the 2002-04 Elantras have an above-average overall reliability rating for their respective years, the 2001 and (more importantly) 2005 models exhibited only average scores. Since the '05s had a comparatively higher problem-rate than the '04s, the reliability of future Elantras inclusive of this generation (i.e., 2001-06; the '07 model will be all-new) is unlikely to be quite as solid as they were during 2002-04MYs. So in the end, all the years combined (though appropriately weighted toward the newer units) yield a score of about 15% above the mean (0%) -- or roughly 5% below the "above average" threshold.

As for the Tucson|Sportage, reported problems were especially high for brand-new vehicles -- even amongst first-year models. Engine and suspension troubles were reported, but only moderately so. The most notable issues were with the transmission, drive system, fuel system-related constituents, and brakes. Overall, it scored around 55% below the mean -- or roughly 10% into the "much worse than average" class. Since this was a new introduction, though, reliability could easily improve to an average rating (or even above-average) in just one or two model years -- especially since Hyundai has a reputation to build/maintain.

Mike

rose12 · November 2005

Have 2500 miles on my new Tucson, checked with dealer service today about headlights. They shine out just so far and then light stops leaving a black shadow across highway. He said they are preset, cannot adjust low beam seperate from high beam. He was very familiar with the complaint, said if you try to raise the low beam the high beam rises also and then high beam is too high to be effective. Anyone else with this problem?

targettuning · November 2005

It isn't a problem per se. The lights use a reflector set up that is European in design. By that I mean that on low beams there is a sharp cut-off so that roadside items are illuminated (such as deer, bikers, walkers et.) but the light beam doesn't continue and scatter unchecked resulting in uneven and poorly defined illumination. This is and has been common on most European brands i.e. BMW,VW etc. Since most US brands didn't use this type technology(maybe they see the light by now...pun intended) users such as yourself are disappointed that low beams have this cut-off expecting the light to continue, however weakly, down the road. If circumstances permit use high beams whenever possible to see "down the road" By the way, I have had several cars with this "cut-off" on lows and have found them perfectly acceptable, even desireable, to illuminate the roadside in urban/suburban environments where high beams are unacceptable...in the country or on a vacant highway use your highs to take up the illumination slack..

guyf · November 2005

I find the headlights just fine on my Tucson.

I understand that you cannot adjust the low beam separate from the high beam but you can adjust both together. My Tucson headlights are fine; if anything they are probably adjusted a little bit high. I would say adjust them a bit higher and you will be fine. And, of course, use the high beam whenever you can.

me_and_g35 · November 2005

After introduced in 2004 as 2005 Tucson, 2006 Tucson was slightly changed mainly for interior. 2006 Tucson is nicer than 2005 Tucson. I don't think 2007 Tucson will be any different than 2006 Tucson. With everything being standard figures, only thing I see to be added in 2007 would be the power driver seat, probably only on Limited model. In November, you can get up to $1500 in rebates if you finance your vehicle through HMFC since you already own a Hyundai.

Check following link for rebate details
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/financing/specialoffers/special_offers.aspx

dmutt · November 2005

The rumor mill for 2007 has the engine power increasing to around 197hp for the 2.7 six and 160hp for the 2.0 four. Both for the Tucson and KIA Sportage. Was on the KIA Sportage forum a couple months ago.

guyf · November 2005

What I heard is that they would use the new 2.4 from the Sonata in the Tucson. Only speculations however.

delta4 · November 2005

Replacing current 4 cyl with Sonata I4 is very certain as Hyundai will be moving to aggressively remain competitive with CRV and Rav 4. Although it will not be significant in horsepower as these models it will offer better fuel economy over existing Tucson. 2007 model with new I4 and increased hp in 2.7 V6 may appear after Spring of '06.

Good catch on the upgrade to power driver seat in limited. Also look for auto locking doors and manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel as well.

niceiam · November 2005

Anyone know if there's a known method to program the keyless entry for Tucson? My husband has mis-placed (lost) his set of keys. I've found the exact key fob's on Ebay but doesn't include instructions. In looking at Hyundai's service site, it looks like it may be more involved than some models have been in the past. (Price to get new remote from dealer was quoted to me as ~ 170 while I found 2 key fobs on Ebay for 30 plus shipping. But I don't necessarily want to get them if I can't get them programmed)

wknj · November 2005

what does the manual say about the timing belt and when it has to be changed....thanks

targettuning · November 2005

Typically other Hyundai cars require timing belt replacement at 60,000 miles (per the owners manual) but if you are a betting man wait a bit... they normally last longer. I changed out one on my sons 2000 Elantra at around 80,000 miles and it looked new.

duckhunter1 · November 2005

Any rumors on when this engine will appear in the Tucson? My guess is that it will be in the 2nd qtr of 2006! Looking at buying but the only fault I can find with the current Tucson is its present 4 cylinder engine configuration which gives poor gas mileage and sluggish performance. From all my readings the 2.4L Theta will cure these problems with a 10-15% improvement in mpg while providing a good healthy increase in HP. Additionally, it will level the engine HP/torque playing field with the new RAV4, CRV7, Saturn VUE and the Dodge/Jeep Caliber/Compass. What are your best guesses??

guyf · November 2005

3rd quarter as the 2007 model.

duckhunter1 · November 2005

Maybe! Just seems that Hyundai is really discounting the Tucson right now. They might be doing a mid-model cycle, (i.e. 2007 model year) engine I-4/V6 update to compete with RAV4/6 and the Caliber/Compass releases. Funny how the Caliber/Compass will be using the Theta I-4 engine series. Now if Hyundai did the same release as Dodge with the I-4 Theta and CVT2 transmission then you would have a killer product.

wknj · November 2005

Is it easy to get the the oil filter on the Tucson I heard it is very close to the exhuast?
Also, I have been going crazy deciding if I want to buy this vehicle. I am a Japanese car guy but the Tucson seems a great bargan. Is this car a 'you get what you pay for'??
Any reassuring thoughts would be helpful .
thanks!

guyf · November 2005

It's really a good vehicle. I went trough the same toughts before buying a 2001 Santa Fe and did not regret it one bit, coming from a 1997 CR-V.

I bought a 2005 Tucson for my daughter to drive and it's really nice.

delta4 · November 2005

The Tucson has received very good reviews throughout it's introduction and many consumers rate it very highly. Additionally for the '06 model year they have even made the interior even nicer with the addition of a limited model. For example some new features added are tire pressure control, height-adjustable center console, re-designed rear security cover. The ride is very smooth and quiet, fit-an-finish is excellent, plus+plus+.

I highly recommend you take a test drive and do the research here on edmunds. There are plenty of consumer feedback that will help you make an informed decision.

emmett1 · December 2005

I have owned my 2005 Tuscon GLS, V6, for 1 year now and do not have a single complaint. I have 28k on the odometer, and the only issue I had was the molding/weather striping coming loose around the windshield. I contacted the dealership, they took pictures of the issue for forwarding to Hyundai and fixed it without question, while throwing in a free oil change. The gas mileage has been fine, the heating/cooling systems work perfectly according to season, and I just love the car. The fact that it just received a 5 star crash rating was welcome news also. I had never owned a Hyundai prior to this one, and traded a 98 Lexus ES in to purchase it, and I must say I am impressed with the quality. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone, especially when you compare pricing/warranty to similar sized SUVs. Merry Christmas everyone

aladinlamp · December 2005

Dear emmett1;
I recently bought 2005 Tucson LX FWD. I enjoyed a lot. It's a really good vehicle. I feel fun when driving. But I felt MPG seems low (~20mpg). What is your average MPG for past 1 year ?

fk322 · December 2005

I have a 05 Tucson GLS with 4000 miles. From a stopped position, the transmission goes thru a serious of "lurches" before it finally gets up to speed. It happens on a cold and warm engine. Brought it to dealership and the problem magically diappeared before technician could diagnose it. Now its acting up again. I love this car but this is driving me nuts! Anyone having similar problems???

kzn · December 2005

We have the same vehicle with 1400 miles. It seems to surge and it does whether its cold or up to temp. We posted a comment regarding our experience with this. The vehicle is still in the shop waiting to be diagnosed. Please post or email when they determine what is wrong with yours. We will do the same.

ggoldhawk · December 2005

Guy, I'm an expatriate Canadian (currently resident in the US), but I will be returning to our home in Ottawa likely next summer. I'm looking at the 2006 GLS version of the Tucson, and weighing this against the 2006 EX version of the Honda Element. What has me slightly tilting toward the Tucson is the safety ratings on the car -- better than the Element especially for rear-seat passengers. I would be very interested in your daughter's overall experience with the Tucson, especially the mileage she might be getting (how does it stack up to what was advertised by Edmunds / the manufacturer / Natural Resources Canada. Thanks!

fk322 · December 2005

Second time in the shop and they figured it out. Mass Air Flow Sensor was getting the wrong readings because it came loose from the Intake Air Tube. They repositioned the Air Intake Tube and reattached the sensor. Mechanic says he has seen a rash of this same problem with the 05 Tucson. Says its a design flaw and expects Hyundai to issue a recall with a newly designed part to alleviate the problem.

guyf · December 2005

Our's a 4 cyl GL. She's getting 10.5 to 11 l/100 km, mostly city. For the rest everything is fine so far!

Welcome back!

nakeydog · December 2005

I have a 2005 Tucson LX and the rear windshield leaks! I have broght it to the dealer 3 times and now they are calling the tech line because they don't know how to stop the leak. They have changed the seal but it still leaks when it rains. My car smells after it rains as the water gets musty. Does this fall under the lemon law if they can't fix it??? :lemon: :mad:

flytedhy · December 2005

The initial idle rpm is normally higher during a cold weather start, however I'm finding that below 32F that the idle is 1700 rpm and it takes about 4-5 minutes for it to get down to about 1200. 1700 is just too high to even put the auto in D. Anyone else notice this?

238000 · December 2005

My 2005 Tucson bought in Feb 2005 has about 15,200 miles on it. At about 12,000 it began to make a vibrating noise when going up long uphills. I finally took it to the dealer - after waiting about two hours, the service manager came in and said - the problem is in the drive shaft - it is vibrating and Hyundai has come up with a fix that we'll get around the middle of Jan. 2006. So, they tweaked the drive shaft but nothing changed, so I'll have to waituntil they get the part. This is very discouraging. After the troubles with my 2003 Sonata with the front brakes, and heater problems, I'm rethinking Hyundai. I hope that the Tucson is not a dog, but what else can I think?

nakeydog · December 2005

I have a 2005 Tucson LX and the rear windshield leaks! I have broght it to the dealer 3 times and now they are calling the tech line because they don't know how to stop the leak. They have changed the seal but it still leaks when it rains. My car smells after it rains as the water gets musty. Does this fall under the lemon law if they can't fix it??? :lemon:

sueben · December 2005

I am having the exact same problem with our 05 Tucson and it just started two days ago. We have 6500 miles. For some reason it does not "buck" when you're reversing; only when driving forward. Also it seems to be worse when you're driving 30+ Mph then stop and then hit the gas. I guess we'll ask to have the sensor checked out...this website was very helpful!

guyf · December 2005

Does your Tucson has the 4 cyl engine or the V6?

Thanks,

oakview · December 2005

I had read concerns over Tucson MPG. After 1000 miles in my 2006 4wd V-6 I prefer my Jeep Grand Cherokee V-8. I get about the same gas mileage. If you don't mind driving a small SUV gas gulper V-6, the Tucson should be considered.

wto · December 2005

The poor MPG I am experiencing with my Tucson seems to be the norm. I am only getting 75% of the rated mpg and that is low to begin with. The poor MPG is unexceptable. I bought the wrong vehicle. Hyundai is going to be left in the dust by other automakers if they do not start to focus on building a more efficient V-6 engine.

raythegerman · December 2005

We too had this same problem of our 2005 Hyundai Tucson GLS lurching from a stopped position, when accelerating. It was very upsetting and dangerous. We took the car to the dealer and they had a factory directive about this. According to the work order, they installed new SOP Mass air flow tube clamps. This eliminated our problem. Hopefully no one else will go through this, but if your car lurches and bucks, take it right to the dealer and have them check that section of the car out.

rxcapt · December 2005

I have to say you are being a bit unrealistic. The EPA MPG estimate has NO relation to real world driving. If anyone bases a car buying decision based on that test, they are going to be sorely disappointed from the beginning. Independent tests have generally shown that the EPA estimates are about 15-25% too high due to the methodology they use.

I can only say about mileage, that I drive in Washington, DC, and after 6000 miles I average about 20mpg which is actually right in line with the estimates. On the one long trip I have taken (I have a 2005, LX 4WD), I got about 23-24 or so. To call it a guzzler is a matter of opinion. The last car I had (a Dodge Stratus, V6) got the same mileage, so I do not really consider it a guzzler myself. Would I like more mileage (who wouldn't), would I like a bit more horsepower (sure). Supposedly those things are coming.

Even if the mileage does not improve, as a Jeep Grand Cherokee costs about $8-10,000 more, depending on the equipment, and unless you really need the towing and off road capability that the Jeep truely has, I don't see the problem, but that's me.

pocono35 · December 2005

....All I know is that my neighbor and my bro-in-law both own 05 Tucsons. Both have in excess of 10k miles and neither of them are experiencing any troubles. In fact, both are so please with the vehicles that the are Toyota and Nissan converts to the Hyundai brand.
As far as mpg issues, well, I own a Pilot and avg. 17mpgs. EPA is 17 and 24. Never has my Pilot been over 20mpg. Am I displeased, no! I have a 3.5 V6 that is smooth and great to drive. I drove my bro-in-laws Tucson and found the Hyundai 2.7 as responsive and smooth as my Honda and if I got 20mpg I would be very pleased.

jacques · January 2006

fyi... In Montreal- Quebec I have a Kia Sportage (tucson twin) and I am running 25 lires per 100 km... or 12 miles per imp. gallon or... 9.6 miles per US gallon....

I have the awd v6 model and don't like this one bit!

I had a 2004 Sorento (Santa Fee twin) and traded down to save on gas. ...major mistake so far !!!!

I will be visiting my dealer after new year holidays

everything else... is fine.

nakeydog · January 2006

What is the MPG's you guys are getting? Mine is usually 18 MPG around town.

Hyundai Tucson

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