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Hyundai Tucson 2016: Transmission issues in reverse

I recently traded in my 2012 Hyundai ix35 2.4-litre automatic for a new 2016 Tucson 1.6 turbo automatic. I was happy with the towing on the ix35, but the Tucson is totally different. Both vehicles have the same 130 kW, so logically I thought they would be the same.

How wrong could I be? I didn't consider that the gearboxes could be different. Reversing up my driveway is an "S" maneuver, which requires a slow and steady drive. A warning sound is heard and there is a display on the dash "Transmission temperature is high! Stop safely." Eventually the dash tells you "Trans Hot! Park with engine on".

As it usually takes more than one attempt at reversing, the vehicle always does this. It's very annoying, the ix35 was a dream to reverse. Yes, I have been back to the dealership to be told this is normal for this gearbox. The dealership told me to ring Hyundai's roadside assist and report it.

I'm now waiting for a callback from Hyundai's roadside assist department, who are investigating. Have you heard about this problem before?

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.

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