Hyundai Tucson ix35: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Hyundai Tucson ix35 (2009–2015) in New Zealand? We've documented 12 known faults for this model spanning cooling, engine, transmission, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
12
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$550–$3,200
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Hyundai Tucson ix35 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01EGR Cooler Seal Failure – Coolant Loss & White Smoke
CriticalCommonCooling $1,200–$3,200 to fix
The D4HA 2.0 CRDi engine EGR cooler internal seals deteriorate under repeated thermal cycling, allowing coolant to enter the EGR circuit and intake manifold. This produces white or grey exhaust smoke, a sweet coolant smell from the exhaust, and gradual coolant loss with no visible external leak. Left unaddressed, coolant ingestion into the combustion chamber risks hydrolock and severe engine damage including head gasket failure and bent connecting rods.
Symptoms to notice
White or grey smoke from exhaust particularly on startup or under load
Sweet coolant smell from exhaust pipe
Coolant level dropping without any visible external leak
Coolant reservoir needing regular top-up between services
Oily or discoloured residue inside intake manifold passages
What to check
Check coolant reservoir level and colour for contamination or oily residue. Use combustion gas leak tester (block tester) on coolant reservoir to detect exhaust gases in coolant. Inspect EGR cooler body and surrounding pipes for white residue or deposits. Ask for coolant top-up history between services.
Where to look: Engine bay, EGR cooler mounted on rear of cylinder head adjacent to intake manifold
Ask the seller
“Has the coolant level needed topping up between scheduled services?”
“Has white or grey smoke been noticed from the exhaust, especially when cold?”
“Has the EGR cooler or EGR valve ever been replaced or inspected?”
“Is there any sweet smell from the exhaust when the engine is running?”
02G4NA Crank Position Sensor – Intermittent Stall
MajorOccasionalElectrical $280–$750 to fix
The G4NA 2.0-litre Nu GDI petrol engine is affected by crankshaft position sensor failures that cause the ECU to intermittently lose crank signal. This produces random stalling at speed or during deceleration, difficult restarts, and occasional no-start events. The fault is frequently heat-soak related, with sensor resistance increasing when hot and recovering when cooled, meaning no fault code may be stored at inspection time. Dealers have replaced sensors under warranty on affected vehicles and the fault is well documented in Hyundai technical forums.
Symptoms to notice
Engine stalling unexpectedly at road speed or during deceleration
Difficult or extended restart immediately following a stall event
Intermittent no-start with engine cranking but not firing
Check engine warning light appearing intermittently and then clearing
Scan all stored and pending fault codes including freeze-frame data specifically for P0335 and P0336 crankshaft position sensor codes. Inspect CKP sensor connector for corrosion, bent pins, or damaged locking tab. Check sensor wiring loom for chafing near exhaust heat sources or engine mount edges. Ask specifically about stalling episodes even if no warning light is currently active.
Where to look: Engine block lower section, crankshaft position sensor at transmission bell-housing face on G4NA
Ask the seller
“Has the engine ever stalled unexpectedly while driving or during deceleration?”
“Has the check engine light ever appeared even temporarily or intermittently?”
“Has the vehicle ever failed to start or had a crank-no-start event that resolved on its own?”
“Has the crankshaft position sensor ever been replaced or flagged in a diagnostic scan?”
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10 more documented faults on the Hyundai Tucson ix35
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 12 documented faults for the Hyundai Tucson ix35, the recurring problem areas are cooling, engine, and transmission. A Hyundai Tucson ix35 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Hyundai Tucson ix35?
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We've catalogued 12 known faults for the Hyundai Tucson ix35, covering cooling, engine, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Hyundai Tucson ix35?
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Most single repairs on the Hyundai Tucson ix35 fall between $550–$3,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 12 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Hyundai Tucson ix35?
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Yes. A Hyundai Tucson ix35 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.