[Avatar]

It may depend on how good the service department is, but I have had my new transmission for over a month and no issues with it. Smooth as silk from the beginning.
That said, I have noticed a bit less MPG. It feels like they bumped up the idle speed, which is helping with take off, especially on hills. Would be interested to know if they do that with yours as well.

I will definitely report back and let you know. They are still waiting for the transmission to arrive. They have no ETA right now.

Is there a break-in period with a new transmission? I am concerned that I will get the car back next week, and then I have a 2000 mile trip planned the following Sunday. Not sure if I should cancel the trip. Don't want to have issues or be stranded far from home if there are any issues.

 

[TelemetryGeo]

I had a firmware update during my last service that they said was to resolve a problem where the car might stall trying to take off, so it sounds like your problem. Get in to a good dealer and see if they can update your EMS.

This right here! I too have had a few stalls starting from a stop in Normal mode. I'll make an appointment to get my firmware updated and report back-

 

[jeanbar]

I will definitely report back and let you know. They are still waiting for the transmission to arrive. They have no ETA right now.

Is there a break-in period with a new transmission? I am concerned that I will get the car back next week, and then I have a 2000 mile trip planned the following Sunday. Not sure if I should cancel the trip. Don't want to have issues or be stranded far from home if there are any issues.

Not sure how useful this will be for you, but I found this info related to Ford DCT transmissions. It may have no relevance to the Kona's. I didn't have any of these symptoms on mine.

"New transmissions require a break in period before they start shifting smoothly. During the break-in period, they may exhibit:

• A rattle noise similar to a loose catalytic converter shield. This noise is commonly heard after light-accelerator triggered 1-2, 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts. This rattle noise will diminish greatly as the clutch completes the break-in.
• A take-off shudder/launch judder (shaky vs. smooth).
• A harsh-shift feel during the first few cold shifts before the transmission reaches operating temperature.

All of the above conditions will diminish, and progressively better launches and smoother shifts will be observed within the first few hundred kilometers of mixed driving as clutch break-in occurs. "
From a forum at www.team-bhp.com

 

[Bebop]

DCT in the Kona is ln a learning mode for the first 1K miles. it is in the owners manual.

In my 2018, i never experienced any of the issue some of the 2019 owners are having. I hope it is not a regression? The 1.8T in the Tucsons have similar issues.

 

[Brick66]

Update, Dropped the Kona off on Monday explaining the issues. No call from them all week. I called on Wednesday. Answer was they are still conferring with engineering. Called again today (Saturday). Service manager said they believe it is the actuator motor in the DCT. They could not get any shipping information on the actuator motor so Hyundai ordered a whole new transmission. Transmission is expected to be delivered Aug 6th and should have the car back by the 8th-10th. So less than 1500miles, yes 1500, not 15,000, and I need a new transmission. Not very happy with my first Hyundai purchase.

 

[Bad~Papa]

Too bad you’re experiencing this defect on your new purchase... Hopefully it will get done quickly and you’re new car experience will be enjoyable again.
Meanwhile... Enjoy the rental car... the only true all terrain vehicle..

Update, Dropped the Kona off on Monday explaining the issues. No call from them all week. I called on Wednesday. Answer was they are still conferring with engineering. Called again today (Saturday). Service manager said they believe it is the actuator motor in the DCT. They could not get any shipping information on the actuator motor so Hyundai ordered a whole new transmission. Transmission is expected to be delivered Aug 6th and should have the car back by the 8th-10th. So less than 1500miles, yes 1500, not 15,000, and I need a new transmission. Not very happy with my first Hyundai purchase.

 

[leftydog1961]

Just a note from someone who sold his 2014 Veloster with DCT. From the day I bought it used it heaved, skipped, lurched, and groaned during low speed,or going up an incline. I watched the Youtube videos on how to save the clutch packs on DCT's by not creeping in low gear, etc. I put 20k miles on it very, very gently over 3 yrs. Traded it in for a Kona SEL with a regular torque converter automatic and am so thrilled not to have to deal with the DCT anymore. It's a computer driven, automated manual which makes predictions as to what gear to shift into. Most times it makes this decision correctly, but there is one thing that i discovered seemed to always upset the DCT. when slowing down to stop at a light, but the light turns green at the last moment, if i step hard on the accelerator the DCT would lurch, obviously not anticipating the correct gear. The revs would go up, and the car would not!
If you bought the turbo DCT model of the Kona, I suggest you watch the Youtube videos on what not to do on a DCT car, however the drivetrain is covered up to 10yr/100000 so getting a replacement tranny is not as frightening as if you had a focus/fiesta powershift DCT.

 

[Bebop]

The DCT program of the Kona had improved. I had none of the issues you have experienced. You should have tried the DCT in the Kona just to compare.

 

[leftydog1961]

I couldn't afford to move up to the next level, so it wasn't an option, but since the warranty is so good, I wouldn't be to worried about the turbo failing, or the DCT problems. There is still a class action lawsuit on the 7 speed DCT, admittedly an older design which really worried me. Then I watched many youtube videos like Scotty Kilmer, etc who said to stay away from them. Your point is valid.

 

[jeanbar]

I have had the new transmission for 2 months, now. Absolutely no more issues. I don't drive it any differently than previous automatics and seldom even think about the transmission anymore. I still think that any issues could be symptoms of a manufacturing problem and not the design.

 

[Bad~Papa]

Just a note from someone who sold his 2014 Veloster with DCT. From the day I bought it used it heaved, skipped, lurched, and groaned during low speed,or going up an incline. I watched the Youtube videos on how to save the clutch packs on DCT's by not creeping in low gear, etc. I put 20k miles on it very, very gently over 3 yrs. Traded it in for a Kona SEL with a regular torque converter automatic and am so thrilled not to have to deal with the DCT anymore. It's a computer driven, automated manual which makes predictions as to what gear to shift into. Most times it makes this decision correctly, but there is one thing that i discovered seemed to always upset the DCT. when slowing down to stop at a light, but the light turns green at the last moment, if i step hard on the accelerator the DCT would lurch, obviously not anticipating the correct gear. The revs would go up, and the car would not!
If you bought the turbo DCT model of the Kona, I suggest you watch the Youtube videos on what not to do on a DCT car, however the drivetrain is covered up to 10yr/100000 so getting a replacement tranny is not as frightening as if you had a focus/fiesta powershift DCT.

As with most, if not all technology, things improve with time.

 

[TelemetryGeo]

I had a firmware update during my last service that they said was to resolve a problem where the car might stall trying to take off, so it sounds like your problem. Get in to a good dealer and see if they can update your EMS.

You got a firmware update?! Would you happen to have the paperwork from that? did they note what version it was\updated to? Or have a Service# for the update?
Reason I ask is I had the same issues- stalling, not starting in 1st gear, so I drive in Sport all the time. I took it in and they said no issues and no firmware updates available and gave it back to me. I'm pretty peeved at my dealership...

 

[tntrmskd]

I just got the DCT warning. We have maybe 1100 miles on the car...it's not even a month old.

 

[Bebop]

Dont know if they made any changes to the 2019 models? They seem to have lot more issues with the DCT than 2018.

 

[leftydog1961]

Judging by the number of people with Kona's with the DCT's reporting serious problems on this forum (with extremely low miles), I would be extremely wary of buying those models. Even if the technology has improved over the last few years, it appears that DCT's (DSG, Powershift) transmissions are not a mature and reliable component and the longevity/reliability is seriously in question. More articles are appearing about manufacturers moving away from these transmissions, not only because of problems but also because people are not comfortable with the way they shift compared to the old torque converter transmissions. I'm not a mechanic, but having had the DCT on my Veloster for 3 yrs I was always aware that one turn of the key after my 60,000 mi used warranty was up would be a $$$$ disaster. I felt the same about the GDI engines and carbon buildup resulting in an oil catch can. For whatever it's worth you might want to watch this video:
The Truth About Dual Clutch Transmission Cars

 

[tntrmskd]

Judging by the number of people with Kona's with the DCT's reporting serious problems on this forum (with extremely low miles), I would be extremely wary of buying those models. Even if the technology has improved over the last few years, it appears that DCT's (DSG, Powershift) transmissions are not a mature and reliable component and the longevity/reliability is seriously in question. More articles are appearing about manufacturers moving away from these transmissions, not only because of problems but also because people are not comfortable with the way they shift compared to the old torque converter transmissions. I'm not a mechanic, but having had the DCT on my Veloster for 3 yrs I was always aware that one turn of the key after my 60,000 mi used warranty was up would be a $$$$ disaster. I felt the same about the GDI engines and carbon buildup resulting in an oil catch can. For whatever it's worth you might want to watch this video:
The Truth About Dual Clutch Transmission Cars

I would have been ok with a standard automatic+torque converter but it's not an option on the higher end models. **** if they offered a manual gearbox I would pay extra for it lol.

 

[leftydog1961]

I didn't have the coin for the higher end models, and the DCT/Turbo combo was a killer for me. All i wanted was the leather seats, not interested in speed, turbo, DCT, or higher mileage. No more manuals for me. I still have a 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege- 5 speed, and there is no fun in jersey traffic clutching all day.

 

[tntrmskd]

Those of you with DCT issues I'd urge you to write or call Hyundai here and report it to them. I just emailed them a pretty scathing letter (I don't have time to sit on the phone/hold currently). I even threatened to contact a lemon law attorney if this isn't rectified promptly. We'll see what they say. 1100 miles, ~3 weeks of driving, and DCT/tranny failure? This might be my first and LAST Hyundai...

 

[jeanbar]

Those of you with DCT issues I'd urge you to write or call Hyundai here and report it to them. I just emailed them a pretty scathing letter (I don't have time to sit on the phone/hold currently). I even threatened to contact a lemon law attorney if this isn't rectified promptly. We'll see what they say. 1100 miles, ~3 weeks of driving, and DCT/tranny failure? This might be my first and LAST Hyundai...

I know exactly how you feel since I was upset as well. I discussed my options with the service manager. He said that you need to have 3 issues within a short period (a month I think) and that the dealership has to have a chance to fix it before it qualifies as a lemon issue. Since they promptly acknowledged problem and gave me a loaner I couldn't really complain. A car is a complicated piece of machinery with many possible points of failure, so issues come up occasionally. As long as they willingly acknowledge their fault and address it, isn't that enough?

And the warranty is so good, I think it should be okay. As I've said before, once they replace the transmission, the problem just goes away. If it comes back, I will probably be more concerned. I also remember how disappointed I was that my brand new car was not perfect, but after the fix it drives so much better that the inconvenience seems worth it. I hope you have the same positive conclusion. It's a great little car.

 

[leftydog1961]

If you intend to keep the car and keep replacing transmissions if this happens repeatedly you may not be content with that outcome. If you try to sell it later on after this becomes a “known” issue it will devalue the amount for you will receive when selling it

There are many things which can lower resale price beyond accidents or mileage.
Fleet use, multiple owners, poor reliability, etc all go into the final $ amount of what you will receive

Personally I would hold on until the end of the warranty or look to Hyundai Assurance to extend the bumper to bumper which I did when I discovered the cost of high tech repairs after 5/60