How many 2012 owners have complained about the transmission to Hyundai?

[wjakridgeii]

In my opinion the R-Spec with the current tranny must leave the driver feeling like a teenager with blue balls. Almost to the hallowed place but not quite.

It's really a tranny fit for the 4.6 and 3.8 I think.

NO! It is not for any V8! Don't include us 4.6ers in this fight.. I mean.. We don't like it either. Now you V6ers it is perfect for you guys.

 

[wjakridgeii]

Test drove the R-Spec again last night and then the 4.6 to check on this as I'm really trying to narrow down my choices. I'm a manual guy at heart and the old 6-speed was great in the pre-2012's.

The biggest issue I noticed regarding the 8-speed in both vehicles was that when turning while under way (so, imagine foot off the gas to slow a bit into a turn) when you hit the gas again, there is a rough <jerk> as though there is a delay and then a drop into too-low a gear... followed by an immediate upshift.

If you throw it into manual mode right before and then again immediately post-jerk it appears to go from 5th or 6th gear down to 2nd then right up to 3rd.

SO... if you repeat the maneuver in manual mode as soon as you take your foot off the gas and manually drop to 3rd (vs. 2nd in auto mode) it's brilliant and smooth. That tells me it is VERY possible this can be corrected with a flash in the future. The move to the 7-speed in the Infiniti G37's was problematic and the newer models (and older after a transmission flash from Infiniti) are MUCH better.

I will say, the upshifting is EXCEPTIONALLY smooth with this transmission and "casual" driving downshifts are ok. It's the "spirited" downshifting that leaves little to be desired based on my test drives. Is it a deal breaker? We'll see as I have some time to purchase and I'm interested in Hyundai's response in the coming weeks/months. The 2013 Genesis Coupe is getting the same transmission with paddle shifters and that car is designed for spirited driving so I can only assume they are spending a LOT of time tuning the programming and let's hope that finds its way to the sedan!

What's really interesting to me is that everybody wants more and more gears in their automatics these days. As though, more is better. Keep in mind that the more gears you add, the more shifting that takes place, and the "brain" finding the right gear can be difficult as it needs to determine what the driver intends to do. And now you're talking 10-speed next year?? I have a 2011 Mustang getting lemoned because the manual transmission is garbage. It's a 5.0 and has no second or third gear so you have to shift 1-4 and there is NO shortage of power.

Post of the year in this Thread.. Makes sense!

Now run away while you still can before you buy the 8 speed tranny and become an old crank like the rest of us.

Here is the deal. If you can afford better, then go get it. If you are stuck in a price point and the Genesis is the best you can do, then buy it. That is what I did. I like my car, it is alright. Is it my dream car. NOT EVEN CLOSE! It is what it is. I don't hate it and I don't love it. It is a car made in Korea and there are many cheap outs that you will discover once you own it for a week or two. You get what you pay for.

 

[rwlewis]

What's really interesting to me is that everybody wants more and more gears in their automatics these days. As though, more is better. Keep in mind that the more gears you add, the more shifting that takes place, and the "brain" finding the right gear can be difficult as it needs to determine what the driver intends to do. And now you're talking 10-speed next year?? I have a 2011 Mustang getting lemoned because the manual transmission is garbage. It's a 5.0 and has no second or third gear so you have to shift 1-4 and there is NO shortage of power.

No one really wants 8 and 10 speed transmissions. CAFE regulations are driving automakers in that direction. They are digging for ways to improve fuel economy and still provide cars that people might actually want to use. This is one way to keep the engine in it's peak efficiency range more of the time....Other strategies that you see are the cylinder out strategies that use 6 of 8 cylinders when appropriate. Of course, automakers will always spin these as "features" in their advertising.

 

[CC4.6]

Got a phone message today from my dealer advising that Hyundai has issued a voluntry recall for a TCM update. Will have done at next scheduled service (7500). No major issues with tranny so far although I've experienced a coulple of balky up/down shifts. (I tend to drive on the slightly aggressive side.)

 

[nsanow]

I took my 4.6 into the dealership for 2 issues. One was to see if the there was a tranny flash repair. The service tech said he hadn't seen one yet but knew there were plenty of complaints about the 8 speed being slow. With how important this car is for Hyundai to try and move upmarket I am sure they are working on the fix right now. I am pretty confident this will be a dead issue within 6 months.

The second issue I had was my auto AC was blowing warm but then cold. It was really slow to heat up the car and I am driving in 30 degree temps!! Turns out the interior sensor was reading 97 degrees. So it will go back in next week to get that fixed.

Finally, I discovered a new feature that is super helpful!! The side mirror control switch much be moved to either the left or right. If it is left in the central or neutral position this won't work. When the car is placed in reverse both side mirrors with tilt down so you can see your tires and any curb. SUPER helpful for street parking.

 

[scottdk]

Maybe someone should send a PM to HYTECH, a Hyundai Tech that is a member of the forum about this issue to see if there is a change planned in the future for all 8 speeds.

 

[roblaw]

Got a phone message today from my dealer advising that Hyundai has issued a voluntry recall for a TCM update. Will have done at next scheduled service (7500). No major issues with tranny so far although I've experienced a coulple of balky up/down shifts. (I tend to drive on the slightly aggressive side.)

CC4: When you get the reflash could you get the code or the name for the TSB/Campaign and post it? Many of us would like to be able to identify for the dealer what needs to be done. My dealer continues to tell me that Hyundai has not issued anything to address the problem.

Thanks.

 

[CC4.6]

CC4: When you get the reflash could you get the code or the name for the TSB/Campaign and post it? Many of us would like to be able to identify for the dealer what needs to be done. My dealer continues to tell me that Hyundai has not issued anything to address the problem.

Thanks.

Will try to do this. Should be within the next 3 weeks or so.

CC

 

[nsanow]

All,

I found something that might address some of our issues. It is a Service Bulletin for the TCM but it looks like it is for the 4.6.

If you look at my hyundai forums dot com the Admin has a link for the 2012 TCM bulletin. I cannot figure out how to paste the pdf on this site or I would do that.

I drop my car off this coming Wednesday to have some work done and I will make sure they see this and see if that makes a difference.

 

[037]

here's the link

http://www.hyundaikiaforums.com/showthread.php?p=8395

and here's the PDF

http://www.myhyundaiforums.com/11-01-054f.pdf

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[cheez]

I just picked up my 2012 4.6 two days ago. The dealership gave me a 2010 to drive for a week to see if I wanted that versus the new one. I got the new one for a number of reasons but the tranny was a big part of that.

Like you I am coming to Hyundai from a 2003 Honda Accord V6. So far I have noticed that the drop down in gears is not as fast as I would like it to be. But I have not noticed any lugging or really low gearing. It wouldn't surprise me if there are a few bugs with a new transmission especially developed in house. The good news is we have a killer warranty and since this is such an important halo car for Hyundai I am sure they will address it.

This is not a mechanical breakdown of the Hyundai's new 8-speed transmission. It is the ECU that Hyundai tuned it for fuel economy. The older model Lexus IS series was the same way. What Hyundai needs is to provide 3 ECU mode package:

- ECU 1 - Grandpa / Grandma Drive Mode - for maximum fuel efficiency

- ECU 2 - Sporty-oriented Drive Mode - for moderate power and fuel efficiency

- ECU 3 - "Race-Ready" Drive Mode for RICERS and cool man like me - for MAXIMUM Power and no fuel economy..


Seriously, hyundai needs to offer some sort of package with the ECU programming. I want Race-tuned ECU, the 3rd one that is.


Lexus learned this and re-tuned the ECU for the 2012 Lexus IS350 F-Sport model I have... finally.

 

[DeeVa]

Seriously, hyundai needs to offer some sort of package with the ECU programming. I want Race-tuned ECU, the 3rd one that is.


Lexus learned this and re-tuned the ECU for the 2012 Lexus IS350 F-Sport model I have... finally.

Since you want a Race-tuned ECU package for the Hyundai that you drive in your dreams, couldn't you just dream up an appropriate ECU and apply it in your imagination?

 

[037]

Some of us are actually quite happy with the fuel economy. One day I can have 30mpg on the highway, the next day a 135i can't shake me off on the highway.

I think it works.

 

[ImInPA]

Interesting thread, but, I think the slowness of the tranny is by design and not unique to Hyundai. I have a MB E350 Bluetec diesel, and, there are numerous posts about how slow the MB 7G tranny is to upshift, downshift, change from D to R, etc. A lot of this is to maximize fuel economy. Personally, I find the demeanor of the new transmission enhances the upscale feel of the Genesis. It is not noticeably goofier than the transmission on my MB.

 

[cheez]

I assure you it's not due to the mechanical design of the Gensis. It's the ECU programmed to favor best fuel economy that's the problem... well, to some of us.

 

[Mark_888]

Interesting thread, but, I think the slowness of the tranny is by design and not unique to Hyundai. I have a MB E350 Bluetec diesel, and, there are numerous posts about how slow the MB 7G tranny is to upshift, downshift, change from D to R, etc. A lot of this is to maximize fuel economy. Personally, I find the demeanor of the new transmission enhances the upscale feel of the Genesis. It is not noticeably goofier than the transmission on my MB.

Are you still test driving the Genesis? Is the MB a replacement for the Volvo, or another car you own?

 

[roblaw]

I believe that the transmission's tuning negatively affects fuel economy as well. The 3.8, while powerful, makes most of the power higher up in the rev range. While driving in the suburbs the engine is loafing around 1000-1400 RPM (30-45 MPH). When you need to move slightly quicker the engine is straining more because the engine is in an inefficient part of the power band (for this car) and is using more fuel. If the engine would be engaged in a lower gear rather than running to 8th gear at 30 MPH (and therefore lugging because true power is made far higher up in the rev range), it would be both more responsive and put less stress on the engine, likely improving (my) fuel economy.

Although I have read many on this forum express pride in the Genesis's economy, I am averaging no more than 17.5 MPG. I do mostly suburban driving. When I have the opportunity to drive straight on the highway, my fuel economy improves noticeably. Since my car is new I have not had a chance to drive a straight highway trip to see if it matches EPA estimates. However, I now I have about 2500 miles on the car so I assume the poor fuel economy is not likely too improve with time.

Again, my car is the 3.8. The V8s have different torque characteristics but appear to make power higher up in the rev range compared to competitive vehicles. However, since they make substantially more power than the 3.8 the low RPM behavior may be less of an issue for owners of the 4.6 and 5.0.

Again, great car overall, but if Hyundai would spend some time adjusting the transmission to the engine's power curve, it would materially improve the driving experience.

 

[nsanow]

My 4.6 is at the dealership right now getting the TCM update. They said I should see an improvement in gas mileage and possibly shifting response. I will find out tomorrow when I pick it up. I had an issue with the HVAC cabin temp sensor was not reading correctly as it thought the inside temp of my car was 97 degrees and blew cold air. Not good when outside temps are averaging mid 40's in Oregon.

I pushed the tech for what exactly was the TCM update fixing and he either didn't know or didn't want to tell me. My guess is he doesn't know by how he is talking. I am currently averaging roughly the same 17 mpg in the first 1,000 miles. I live in a hilly area so that does affect the mpg I have gotten in all of my cars. The tech said Hyundai takes customer feedback VERY seriously as they are working hard to improve their brand image. Make sure we are all complaining about it to Hyundaiusa.

 

[balazsbb]

My ES 330 from 2004 used to do the exact same thing. Not to compare it to the genesis since they are two very different mindsets. It was annoying in the ES and Lexus never did fix it; they just said it was the driving characteristic of the car. Considering the ES wasn't very quick on its feet to begin with coupled with such a flaw made it terrible when merging onto a freeway.

With that said I never test drove the 2012's with the new tranny but by the way you all are describing it this sounds familiar.

Hopefully they find a fix!

 

[nextcar]

i drove 2012 gennies, and i didn't feel that the tranny was significantly slower to downshift than the 2011 ZF.
the car that shifted very quickly was a 2011 audi S4, which i believe has the dual clutch setup. again, it was a very sporty car, and hence a quick shifting (and not so smooth shifting) tranny is more appropriate.