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Thinking of buying 1.6T DCT - is the DCT a deal breaker?

8K views 47 replies 15 participants last post by  TwoElantras 
#1 ·
Hi Folks, I'm on my 2nd Elantra. I owned a 2013 GT hatch for almost 2 years then had an amazing deal come together on a leftover 2014 Elantra Coupe M6 (Canada).

I am now looking to help my wife replace her 2012 Mazda 5 mini-minivan and we both really like the Tucson 1.6T. The 2.0 seems a bit underpowered to haul 2 full sized adults, 2 kids and gear. We can fit, just need more vitamin HP and TQ.

I was almost ready to pull the trigger on the deal when I started researching the 7 speed DCT.

Bottom line - is it that bad? A deal breaker?

Would those who own one not have bought it if they could go back in time?

Just trying to get a feel for how widespread the issues are with this tranny. Are ALL DCT's affected in some way?

Does the TCU TSB fix things well enough?

Thanks for any feedback, I would LOOOOOVE to park a Ruby Wine 1.6T in the driveway!

Cheers,
Ray
 
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#2 ·
For me, the DCT is a deal maker, not a breaker! The car drives fantastic. It looks like the transmission update that has been rolled out has fixed previous issues. We've had our Limited AWD since March. We never really had any of the major transmission issues that some had. We were quite happy with how it drove. We had the update done two weeks ago, and it made what was already good even better. I certainly have no regrets on our our purchase. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Will I be singing the same song in 5 years' time? Who knows? But right now my wife and I are thrilled with the Tucson.

We also had a 2013 Elantra GT. Loved the car, but one day we thought it just felt a bit small for us. We looked at the CX-5, CRV, and RAV4, but in the end settled on the Tucson. For us, it was the best of the bunch.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the feedback, really happy to hear that all is well for you with your 1.6T.

Fingers crossed for me. Maybe I need to go spend a morning hiding behind a plant near the Service Desk and see what buzz I can pick up. :)

It would just suck to be back for Warranty Service regularly - since Spring 2013 I've owned 2 Elantras and had zero warranty claims.

In almost 5 years the Mazda - zero warranty claims. Just regular service/maintenance.

If I wanted trouble I'd go back to the Darkside and get a 2017 Escape 2.0 Ecoboost, but I think I know better after 7 Ford products, none of which were reliable...
 
#4 ·
you will love DCT! I just rented 2017 1.6T AWD and it handles better then our 2016 1.6T AWD (will do update DCT in a week), also was a former E owner.....jejeje
 
#9 ·
you will love DCT! I just rented 2017 1.6T AWD and it handles better then our 2016 1.6T AWD (will do update DCT in a week), also was a former E owner.....jejeje
You traitor! :wink2: What did we E owners ever do to you to make you want to leave the "Far Side?" LOL :grin2:
 
#5 · (Edited)
@TwoElantras: Wife took hers in for the DCT software update. She hasn't gone back. This is her 3rd Tucson (2008, 2012, & 2016) and I would say the finest of the three. Add to that, any other visits to our dealer were for oil changes. So, you'll read no discouraging words from this owner.

I'm a realist and I know "stuff happens." It's what is done to correct the "stuff" that carries weight with me. And Hyundai has proven, to us, that they have their customers' best interests in mind. Measure that in the overall scheme of events.

Would we do it again? Absolutely, YES!!! Any regrets? Absolutely, NOT!!! If I wasn't having such an erotic love affair :)wub:) with my 2017 Elantra, I would buy myself an Ultimate Tucson faster than you can read this post. :grin:

Oh, and YES, the DCT trans is performing magnificently. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

BTW, 00000732 Welcome to the forums!
 
#7 · (Edited)
Along that train of thought, I need to add that the wife only puts 100% E-0 87 octane fuel, usually Shell. She has on all her Tucson's. And will probably continue to do so. Engine purrs. It always has. I'm certain the dealer loaded it up with 87 E-10 when he delivered it to her. That's been diluted by the 100% and gone for months. ;)

Our analogy: At $0.20 a gallon for the pure stuff, we're only talking about an extra $2 every 10 gallons. Living in a petroleum-rich state where pure E-0 grows on trees has its advantages. So...

I'm doing the same with my Elantra.
 
#10 ·
Weeks back I saw the thread with the DCT problems. Following the thread, the one thing that stood out to me was that the overwhelming majority of owners just loved their car and simply wanted the DCT fixed. Except for a few, they did not want to get rid of the car and spoke highly of the love affair they had developed with the car.

Now this spoke volumes to me about the car. In the meantime, my main ride was wrecked and had to purchase a replacement car. So naturally, Tuscon was the very first car that I looked at. I looked at Kia, Toyota, Nisssan. Ford, Subaru, and Honda. The Tuscon in my opinion was the best car out there for our needs and offered the best features and value and of course great warranty.

I love the DCT transmission and is one of the reasons that I bought the car. Almost at 2,000 miles now and I love it. The transmission is as smooth as butter.

Having driven standard transmissions in the past, I understand what is happening when you start out from a stand still. I suggest you drive the car again and pay attention to starts to really know how it feels.

I would recommend this car in a heartbeat. My wife and I are very satisfied and confident that we made the right choice. :smile:
 
#15 ·
Yup. Anyone know Dupont Street in Toronto, Canada? Just an endless rush hour ribbon of stop and go.

Mazda's trip computer is showing average speed since last fill of 19 km/h - that's about 11 mph. Could pretty much run faster than that...
 
#13 ·
The 1.6T with a DCT was a deal maker for us (mostly me as SWMBO did not really care), shift points were fine and the car never demonstrated the horror some have had. Our's was OK without the fix (born in April 2016); but since the fix has been awesome for a 1.6l motor. A very nice ride.
The CX5 Mazda with the 2.5 has more muscle IMO. Our Tucson handled 3 adults and a child driving up and down some serious hills (most at 200 ft above sea level) a couple of weeks ago - out of ECO mode it responds very well. It all comes down to style and fit - the Tucson seats fit SWMBO - that sold the car.
 
#14 ·
Thanks to everyone who took the time to post about my DCT curiosity. Seems that overwhelmingly, everyone loves their Tucson and that the DCT's are generally holding up well. Great news! I really love the new Tucson, but couldn't see myself wanting to drive something slower than our 2012 Mazda 5 (the GDI 2.0 - 164 hp), so it will have to be the 1.6T if we take the plunge.

But, but, that 2017 Escape with 240 hp and 275 tq (on 93 RON) still calls me to. After 5 years with the 157 hp Mazda, I really would love something that just GOES when you put your foot down. Fast. :)

We shall see!
 
#16 ·
Few years ago rented a Mazda 5 in Ottawa, drove it Ajax via hwy 7 and 401 back to kingston, the Gamma 1,6T Tucson is a little more horsey, iMO..
If you want get up and go it is tough to beat American iron, the Escape turned me off with maintenance and history, neighbour has two of them - which is good as one seems to be always off the road. Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
#17 ·
Your neighbour has 2 Escapes and 1 seems to always be off the road.

Exactly.

Probably best to stick with reliable imports. Someday though I might, if I have the cash, go back to Ford for a Mustang GT convertible. Maybe. :)
 
#18 ·
It makes the car so great. It makes driving fun again. Always look forward to getting in it and putting it through the paces. Try to see if you can get it with everything though, including the Ultimate package.

I have bought and owned some 33 new cars in my lifetime. This one I like the best of all.

I love that low growl as it boogies down the road. Neat!
 
#22 ·
Wow, 33 cars is awesome? How long have you been on the road?

Since getting my licence 25 years ago (42 years old now), I have owned 17 cars, about half new, half were a couple of years old when bought.

I thought that was a lot!!

The Mazda 5 that is going to the glue factory soon to be replaced by an AWD CUV/SUV my wife and I have had to a couple of months shy of 5 years. That's the longest commitment we've done so far. It's just been too reliable, but off warranty the Mazda A5 with known valve body problems scares me a little...

Congrats on 33 cars!!
 
#19 ·
Just got back from a 1600 mile vacation loaded with 3 adults and 1 teenager. Car top carrier and bike rack to boot. The Tucson worked flawlessly. Car top carrier caused some mileage reduction, but still averaged 26 running the AC.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Get a 2017 model



I had a 2016 Tucson and I got hit head on (everyone is OK).
So when it came time to replace it I didn't want another one based on the DCT problems.

My other current vehicle is a 2016 Mazda CX5. It drives OK but I cannot stand the info system and the remote starters shut off the engine when you open a door. We live in Florida and I use the remote starter for the kids all the time.
The fuel efficiency is better on the Tucson, as well as the interior. Even the top Mazda model doesn't have the Smart Liftgate with auto open & adjustable height setting.

After the recall and fix on the 2016 models I drove a couple of them, and I really felt the hesitation on the beginning. Much better but not perfect for my taste.

So I waited for the 2017 models and I drove some and they drove really great.
Also, the 2017 model eliminated the Eco mode and they upgraded a radio system (Infinity) on the limited models as well. At the end I bough a 2017 Tucson with the ultimate package and I couldn't be happier.

Keep in mind that I drove a 2016 Toyota Rav4 for few days (not fun to drive and too plain). You have to get the Sport or limited in order to get the Blind Spot Monitor.
The 2016 Honda CRV had the biggest interior and nicest cargo space, but a crappy engine (no power when merging in Hwy) and not even their top model comes with the Blind Spot Monitor.

May I suggest for you to drive a 2016 and 2017 models, I think you'll feel the difference on the 2017 transmission.

And lastly, the new Hyundai Tucson did the best job on the passenger Small Ovelap test done by the IIHS, better than the Rav4, CRV, CX5, etc.

I drove the Ford Escape with the 2.0 litter, and I felt that the smaller 1.5 engines was more fun to drive. I was not impressed with their prices and their fuel efficiency either. Cargo space is smaller too.

I hope I was able to provide some positive info for your next purchase.
And try to take a road test for at least an hour and make sure to drive in traffic as well as Hwys. It is a lot of money so make sure you are happy with the purchase.

Buy at the end of the month, specially the last three days of the month. So shop around.
 
#27 ·
So far as I know, there is no difference between a 2016 and a 2017 model except the year on the title.

I would add that having the DCT is what attracted me to the Tucson. It is just so much more fun than a conventional transmission. Yes, it will occasionally jerk and misbehave but that's a price I'm willing to pay. Where I would not recommend it would be in city traffic jams. Then it would be best to have a conventional automatic.
 
#28 ·
So far as I know, there is no difference between a 2016 and a 2017 model except the year on the title.
There are a few differences, depending on which trim level you want. All models with cloth interiors (so everything but the Limited) now come standard with Yes Essentials stain repellent, which as the parent of a 5-year-old is something I really appreciate. However, dealers probably don't like it because that's one less thing they can upsell customers on at point of purchase LOL. Other changes include air vents on the back of the center console for the Sport and Eco; nicer trim on the door panels for the Sport; and an upgraded Infinity audio system on the Limited.

The one thing I really wanted but didn't get was Apple CarPlay support across the board, but it wasn't worth spending the extra money on the Limited, at least for me anyway.
 
#29 ·
Due to the somewhat lack of power, I kind of wish we had the 2.0T motor in the Tucson for that extra grunt. Considering the Escape 2.0 Ecoboost has like 245 HP, it would be pretty gnarley if we had 245hp or more in this Tucson!
 
#30 ·
Unless there is a major packaging problem, the Sonata 2.0T motor should theoretically fit in the Tucson since you can get this configuration in the Kia Sportage. There's probably also a business-related component to why they wouldn't do this either. As that engine is certainly more expensive, such a configuration would likely be restricted to a fully loaded Limited, in which case you'd be looking at a $35k+ Tucson, which is probably more than most would be willing to pay.
 
#37 · (Edited)
I don't think they need it. How does one improve on perfection?

It is well to note that 1500 pounds is the tow weight. They could put a larger engine in but the weak link for towing would have to be the DCT. But tHis is true in all manual transmissions with a dry clutch.

The 2.0 SE is rated at 2000 pounds towing capacity for the 2015 model (the old model) but the 2016 is shown as 1500 pounds. I suspect that is a marketing decision.
 
#38 ·
I purchased mine on June 3, 2016. I have since put more than 10,300 miles on the automobile as nearly 80 mile round trips to work will do that to the poor Tucson. With the update applied in August to address the no acceleration issue, the automobile has performed well and maintains a better than 28 miles per gallon fuel consumption. The turbo takes a bit of getting used to out of a stop, yet to answer your question I do not regret purchasing my Caribbean Blue Tucson. All the best in whatever you decide, or already decided.
 
#39 ·
It has taken me a few weeks to convince my wife to get out of her Mazda 5.

Test drove the DCT Ultimate today. Smoother than I thought. No hesitation, no reluctance to move off.

We have an opportunity to pick up an orphan, a 400 day car for about $6K off MSRP with what I think is a very generous trade in allowance.

Test driving the Winter White orphan on Saturday morning. If Madame likes it, it's coming home with us.

Build date is August 28, 2015, so likely no TCU reflash. If we get the deal we want, we'll drive it for a few thousand klicks to see how the DCT behaves before going in for a reflash, if necessary.

Overall, the impression from all on this site is that they love their Tucsons, warts and all. I can understand why - I fell in love with the Ultimate in less than 5 minutes on the road...
 
#42 ·
I don't know if the Ultimate I test drove yesterday had the TCU reflash or not. It was also an early build 2016.

I drive a 6 speed manual, and I often drive my in-laws' 2009 Acura RDX Turbo. Test driving the Ultimate kind of felt like putting the 2 together - the tiniest bit of hesitation, like say me letting out the clutch in 1st on a cold morning combined with just a whiff of turbo lag before it rocketed off.

I can live with that as long as I don't have to deal with zero power making a left turn when the light is changing from amber to red...
 
#43 ·
Dealer rolled it out of their compound Saturday morning with 24 km on the odo. My wife drove it 5 km and gave me the thumbs up when she came back to the dealership. I then drove it for 2 hours, trying to get the DCT to misbehave - jumping out of the throttle at high revs, trying Eco, normal and Sport modes. Drove it 50 km, highway and some Saturday Toronto bumper to bumper stop and go. I could not get the DCT to do anything strange or bizarre.

The Service Manager gave me a printout showing that all recalls and TSB's have been completed; the transmission, hood latch, and something to the stereo system.

Picking up the new Tucson tomorrow at 6pm tomorrow. Excitement!
 
#44 · (Edited)
Maybe you should buy wife's new Tucson Ultimate. Had the DCT update. No issues. Car is perfect and babied by her. I say this, because some clown at our dealership called her and asked if she'd consider Trading it in for a 2017 Ultimate. :puzzled:

Good Lord. She's only owned the thing for 3-4 months. Idiot salesman! I guess Fall has started its seasonal sales slowdown. I sure hope Ronco's "Mr. SALESMAN" has banked those bags of $pring/$ummer commissions. Not a lot of buyers for a car in 20F or when there's snow on the ground...might be hungry this winter. :frozen:
 
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