By Rimi The 2020 Hyundai Venue suffers from acceleration problems due to its underpowered 1.6-liter engine producing only 121 hp. Symptoms include sluggish acceleration, difficulty merging onto highways, and the engine revving high without corresponding speed increase. Potential causes are the vehicle’s weight, continuously variable transmission (CVT), and lack of low-end torque. To mitigate this, drivers should keep the engine in the power band by downshifting or using the manual shift mode when more acceleration is needed.
Symptoms
- The vehicle struggles to accelerate, especially when merging onto highways or trying to pass other cars.
- The engine revs high (RPMs increase) but the vehicle does not gain speed correspondingly.
- The RPMs fluctuate rapidly, causing the vehicle to jerk or shake during acceleration attempts.
- There is a “lunging” or “bucking” feeling when trying to accelerate.
- At times, especially at highway speeds, the vehicle abruptly loses the ability to accelerate further.
- The car feels like it is going to stall or turn off when trying to accelerate.
- The check engine light may illuminate, indicating an issue with the engine, transmission, or related components affecting acceleration.
Potential Causes
- Underpowered Engine
The 2020 Venue comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing only 121 hp. This relatively low power output, combined with the vehicle’s weight, can lead to sluggish acceleration, especially when trying to merge or pass on the highway. - Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Issues
Several owners have complained about jerky or shaky acceleration, which could be attributed to issues with the CVT not providing smooth power delivery from the engine to the wheels. - Lack of Low-End Torque
The 1.6L engine may not produce enough torque at lower RPMs, resulting in a lack of initial acceleration from a stop or when trying to accelerate at lower speeds. - Transmission Software/Calibration Issues
There could be problems with the transmission software or calibration causing delays in downshifts or improper gear ratios, affecting acceleration performance. - Mechanical Issues
While less common, some acceleration problems could stem from mechanical issues like vacuum leaks, faulty sensors (mass airflow, throttle position, etc.), or other engine/transmission components not functioning properly.
How to Diagnose Acceleration Issues in Your 2020 Hyundai Venue?
Here are some steps to diagnose acceleration issues in your 2020 Hyundai Venue:
Check for Error Codes
The first step is to check if the check engine light is on. If it is, get the error codes read by a mechanic or using an OBD-II scanner tool. Common codes related to acceleration issues include:
- Misfire codes (indicating an ignition/fuel delivery problem)
- Transmission codes (indicating CVT issues)
- Sensor codes (mass airflow, throttle position, etc.)
Inspect Basics
- Check that the gas cap is tightened properly as a loose cap can cause drivability issues.
- Check engine oil level and condition. Low oil or dirty oil can affect acceleration.
Test Drive and Note Symptoms
Take a test drive and note any specific symptoms:
- Sluggish acceleration from a stop or when trying to pass
- Engine revving high but little speed increase
- Jerking/shaking during acceleration attempts
- Sudden loss of power at higher speeds
How to Fix 2020 Hyundai Venue Acceleration Problems– Step by step
Here are the step-by-step instructions to fix acceleration problems in the 2020 Hyundai Venue:
Step 1: Check for Error Codes
1.Connect an OBD-II scanner tool to read any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the vehicle’s computer. Common codes related to acceleration issues include:
- P0123 – Throttle Position Sensor circuit high input
- P0222 – Throttle Position Sensor circuit low input
- P2101 – Throttle actuator control motor circuit issue
2. If any codes related to the throttle position sensor (TPS) or throttle body are present, this indicates a likely cause of the acceleration problems.
Step 2: Inspect the Throttle Body and TPS
- Locate the throttle body assembly, usually on the intake manifold near the air filter box.
- Visually inspect the throttle body and TPS for any damage, loose connections or excessive carbon buildup.
- Disconnect the TPS electrical connector and check for any bent pins or corrosion.
- With the engine running, manually open and close the throttle plate to check for smooth operation.
Step 3: Reset or Replace Throttle Body/TPS
- Try resetting the throttle body position by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes to clear any adaptive memory in the ECU.
- If resetting does not help, replace the faulty throttle position sensor (TPS) following the procedure in the repair manual.
- In some cases, the entire throttle body assembly may need replacement if the throttle plate is sticking or the motor is faulty.
Step 4: Check for Vacuum Leaks
Vacuum leaks can also cause acceleration issues by leaning out the air/fuel mixture.
- Visually inspect all vacuum hoses and connections on the intake manifold for cracks, damage or disconnections.
- Spray carb cleaner or brake clean around hose connections while the engine is idling to check if RPMs change, indicating a leak.
Step 5: Other Potential Fixes
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, other potential causes to investigate include:
- Catalytic converter restriction causing backpressure
- Fuel injector issues causing lean or rich air/fuel mixture
- Spark plug/ignition coil issues causing misfires.
- Low compression in one or more cylinders
- Issues with the CVT transmission control or operation
Repairing 2020 Hyundai Venue Acceleration Problems: DIY or Professional Help?
I would strongly recommend seeking professional help from an authorized Hyundai dealer or reputable mechanic to properly diagnose and repair acceleration problems in your 2020 Hyundai Venue. Attempting DIY repairs for major acceleration issues on this vehicle carries significant risks and could potentially cause further damage if not done correctly.
Here are the key reasons why professional assistance is advisable:
- Complex Powertrain System
The 2020 Venue has a relatively small 1.6L engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This powertrain combination is prone to acceleration issues like sluggishness, jerking, shuddering, and sudden loss of power, especially at higher speeds. Properly diagnosing faults requires specialized scan tools and expertise beyond typical DIY capabilities. - Potential for Internal Damage
Persistent acceleration problems could stem from internal issues with the transmission, engine components (sensors, actuators), or even low compression. Attempting DIY repairs risks causing further expensive damage if not done precisely. - Access to Service Bulletins/Recalls
Authorized dealers have access to the latest technical service bulletins, software updates, and recall information specific to the 2020 Venue that could address known acceleration issues. - Proper Diagnostic Equipment
Diagnosing drivability issues requires specialized scan tools to read transmission and engine control module fault codes, data stream information, and perform bidirectional control tests that DIYers typically don’t have access to. - Warranty Considerations
If your Venue is still under warranty, any repairs done improperly could potentially void that coverage. Dealer repairs protect your warranty rights.
2020 Hyundai Venue Acceleration Problems Repairing Cost
Throttle Body/Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
One of the most commonly cited causes for acceleration issues in the Venue is a faulty throttle body or throttle position sensor (TPS). Replacing just the TPS can cost around $200-$400 for parts and labor, while replacing the entire throttle body assembly may cost $500-$800.
Engine/Powertrain Repairs
If the acceleration problems stem from more serious engine/powertrain issues like vacuum leaks, bad sensors, low compression, etc., repair costs can vary widely:
- Replacing sensors: $100-$400
- Fixing vacuum leaks: $100-$500
- Spark plug/coil replacement: $200-$500
- Catalytic converter replacement: $1,000-$2,500
Other Potential Costs
- Software updates for transmission control module: $100-$500
- Towing to the dealer if undrivable: $75-$200+
- Rental car costs if overnight repairs needed: $30-$80 per day
Preventing Future Acceleration problems in 2020 Hyundai Venue
Here are some potential ways to help prevent future acceleration problems in the 2020 Hyundai Venue:
- Throttle Body/Throttle Position Sensor Maintenance
Many of the reported acceleration issues seem to stem from problems with the throttle body or throttle position sensor (TPS). Regular cleaning and inspection of these components can help prevent buildup or malfunctions that lead to erratic acceleration. - Software Updates
Hyundai has released software updates for the transmission control module to address some acceleration issues related to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) used in the Venue. Ensuring your vehicle has the latest software updates from the dealer can help mitigate potential problems. - Fuel System Maintenance
Keeping the fuel system in good condition by replacing fuel filters, cleaning fuel injectors, and using quality fuel can prevent issues like hesitation or surging during acceleration. - Check for Recalls/Technical Service Bulletins
Regularly check for any open recalls or technical service bulletins from Hyundai related to the acceleration system components and have them addressed promptly by the dealer. - Proper Break-In Period
Following the recommended break-in procedures for a new Venue, such as avoiding wide open throttle acceleration for the first few hundred miles, can help ensure proper seating of components. - Avoid Aggressive Driving
Excessively aggressive acceleration from a stop or at low speeds can potentially exacerbate issues with the CVT or throttle response system. Driving smoothly can reduce strain on these components. - Consider Transmission Fluid Changes
While not an official recommendation, some owners report improved CVT operation after having the transmission fluid changed by the dealer, especially if the vehicle has higher mileage.
Can I drive my 2020 Hyundai venue with a malfunctioning Acceleration?
No, you should not drive your 2020 Hyundai Venue if it is experiencing acceleration problems or unintended acceleration issues. Driving with a malfunctioning acceleration system can be extremely dangerous and put you at risk of losing control of the vehicle.
Driving with any of these acceleration system failures could increase the risk of a loss of vehicle control, collisions, or other dangerous situations on the road. The search results strongly advise against continuing to drive if your Venue exhibits acceleration problems.