Not what I expected
Test drive of 2026 Tucson Hybrid Limited was awesome. Now that I own one, I wonder if it was the right purchase. Upon a fresh start, the engine is quiet. Nice acceleration, etc.. Once the engine warms up, that's when things change. The engine sounds worn out and is much louder than a cold start. Neighbors have asked me what is wrong with my engine because they can hear it when I drive by. I have doubts the engine is going to last. Example: in first, second and maybe third gear....why is the engine charging the battery while accelerating? It goes back and forth between Hybrid and charging. When you'd expect the battery power to be helping accelerate, its not. The dealer had my car in the shop for 2 weeks about 1.5 months ago. No issues found. Said its a small engine.
I have a problem with that. If its a small engine issue....why does the engine sound different after the first start in the morning versus after driving on the highway for 30 minutes? I sounds like a worn out engine...something I knew very well back in the days when all I could afford was a worn out car with a worn out engine.
Was told by the dealer the reason they kept it for 2 weeks was to rule out a recall on the regular 2026 Tucson's for an engine issue. Something about a loose connecting rod bolts. How in the world does an engine recall happen within a couple of months after a new vehicle is released in 2025??? Hyundai bought back my 2012 Sonata 2.0 due to an engine recall (engine bearing failure). Thankfully that car lasted until 2025.
Verified Owner
