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Buying guide

Hyundai Tucson TL (2015 to 2020): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Hyundai Tucson TL was built from 2015 to 2020 as an SUV, with a manual, automatic or dual clutch gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis code: TL. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2015 to 2020
Chassis codes
TL
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic, Dual clutch
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Hyundai Tucson TL (2015 to 2021). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. 1.6 turbo dual clutch gearbox

    The dual clutch auto on the 1.6 turbo is easily confused and laggy moving off, and owners report reluctance to pick a lower gear.

    Where to look
    The 7 speed dual clutch gearbox, felt from the driver seat
    How to test
    Pull away from a standstill several times and creep in traffic, feeling for hesitation, judder or a delayed downchange.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost clutch or gearbox repair

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  2. Engine seizure and knocking

    Seized engines are an issue across the Hyundai and Kia ranges, and overseas models have had knocking and failures, though it seems less widespread in Australia.

    Where to look
    The engine, the oil level and the service records
    How to test
    Listen for knocking that rises with revs, check the oil level and ask for proof of regular oil changes.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a replacement engine

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Diesel smoke and clutch judder

    Watch for heavy smoke from the diesel at start up or under acceleration, and manual diesels can suffer clutch judder, with a redesigned clutch available.

    Where to look
    The exhaust on the 2.0 diesel, and the clutch on manuals
    How to test
    Watch the exhaust from cold and under acceleration, and pull away gently on a manual feeling for judder.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost injector or clutch work

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  4. Driveshaft joints

    Driveshaft joints can click on tight turns, usually on front drive versions past about 70,000 km.

    Where to look
    The front driveshafts behind each front wheel
    How to test
    Do slow full lock turns both ways and listen for clicking.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a driveshaft or joint

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. Suspension clunks and rear corrosion

    Worn suspension parts clunk and rattle, and rear suspension parts can corrode.

    Where to look
    The suspension at each corner, and the rear suspension arms and springs
    How to test
    Drive over bumps and listen for clunks, and look under the rear for rust on the suspension parts.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost bushes, links or arms

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Steering and power steering pump

    Stiff steering and a noisy power steering pump are reported.

    Where to look
    The steering, felt through the wheel
    How to test
    Turn lock to lock at a standstill and listen for whine, and feel for stiffness.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost steering parts

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  7. Recalls

    An early 2021 Australian recall of about 94,000 Tucsons fixed an electrical fault that could make a circuit board ignite, and a UK recall covered a bonnet safety catch that could fail.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Hyundai dealer to check the VIN and confirm every recall is done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Hyundai dealer

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  8. Infotainment and air conditioning

    Infotainment glitches and air conditioning faults with poor airflow are reported.

    Where to look
    The touch screen and the air conditioning controls
    How to test
    Pair your phone, work through the screen, and run the air conditioning on every setting.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost software or air conditioning repair

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 2.0 petrol, 1.6 turbo or 2.0 diesel, and manual or auto?
  • Have all recalls been done, including the 2021 electrical recall?
  • Is there a record of regular oil changes?
  • Has it been off road?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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