NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
22 reportsClear category filter87,150 miles · Mar 31, 2020
Power Train
SINCE I GOT THIS VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT GETS STUCK. I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH. IT IS A BIG HASSLE TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH LAST TWO TO THREE YEARS. I GOT THE RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH IN 2012, …
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SINCE I GOT THIS VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT GETS STUCK. I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH. IT IS A BIG HASSLE TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH LAST TWO TO THREE YEARS. I GOT THE RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH IN 2012, BUT WHY MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT LISTED? THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CHARGING ME EVERY SINGLE TIME I HAVE BEEN THERE FOR THIS CONSTANT PROBLEM. I ALMOST GOT KILL BY THE TRAIN BECAUSE OF THIS BACKLIGHT SWITCH PROBLEM. I GOT STUCK A FEET AWAY FROM THE RAIL TRACKS TWO WEEKS AGO, THERE WAS A CAR AT FRONT OF ME AND I COULDN'T MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT TO REVERSE. THE CAR DECIDED TO MOVE AT THE LAST MINUTE AND I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. THE CONTENTION BAR WAS OVER MY WINDSHIELD SO I COULDN'T MOVE FORWARD AND I COULDN'T MOVE BACKWARDS BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT WASN'T MOVING. I HAVE BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR FIVE TIMES AND THE LAST TWO TIMES, THEY HAVE KEPT MY CAR THERE, BUT THEY HAVEN'T EVEN TOUCHED IT. THEY HAVEN'T TOLD ME THE REASON WHY, BUT I JUST FOUND IT OUT. IT IS BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT LISTED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. DRIVING A CAR WITH THIS PROBLEM ONCE YOU APPLY THE BRAKES THE GEAR SHIFT WON'T WORK. NEITHER IN CASE YOU HAVE TO PARK OR MAKE A TURN. PICKING UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL IS A BIG PROBLEM BECAUSE ONCE I PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT DOESN'T MOVE DOWN, SO I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF UP TO THREE TIMES AND WAIT EACH TIME TWO TO THREE MINUTES UNTIL THE ENGINE RESETS ITSELF. DRIVERS BEHIND ME GET SO FRUSTRATED. WOULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME TO LIST MY VIN NUMBER? I AM VERY CONCERNED DRIVING THIS CAR WITH MY FAMILY.
NHTSA ODI #11319863
136,000 miles · Sep 30, 2019
Power TrainSuspension
I HEARD A CLUNK UPON TURNING RIGHT, EXITING A PARKING LOT. THE REAR END OF THE CAR STARTED TO SWAY. FEARING A BLOWN TIRE, I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, ONLY TO FIND THE LEFT REAR WHEEL PITCHED AT A RATHER UNHEALTHY ANGLE. AFTER TOWING THE CAR TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED OUT. APPARENTL…
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I HEARD A CLUNK UPON TURNING RIGHT, EXITING A PARKING LOT. THE REAR END OF THE CAR STARTED TO SWAY. FEARING A BLOWN TIRE, I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, ONLY TO FIND THE LEFT REAR WHEEL PITCHED AT A RATHER UNHEALTHY ANGLE. AFTER TOWING THE CAR TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED OUT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURRENCE IN CERTAIN HYUNDAI MODELS. ALTHOUGH OUT OF WARRANTY, IT SEEMS LIKE HYUNDAI SHOULD BE WILLING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE OF RUST AND STAND BY THEIR VEHICLES.
NHTSA ODI #11259109
172,000 miles · Nov 27, 2018
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED UPHILL AND THE FRONT WHEELS MOVED, BUT THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED UPHILL AND THE FRONT WHEELS MOVED, BUT THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 172,000.
NHTSA ODI #11154288
Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2018
Power Train
WHEN DRIVING AND OCCASIONALLY HIT A BUMP THE ICON (SLIPPERY) APPEARS ON THE DASH AND LATER WHEN YOU STOP TO BACK UP TO PARK THE GEARS GET STUCK AND YOU CAN'T MOVE IT TO THE GEAR TO BACKUP. SINCE THIS CAR HAS STICK SHIFT AND AUTOMATIC DRIVING FEATURES YOU HAVE TO KEEP SHIFTING THE YEARS BACK AND FORTH UNTIL IT JUMPS BACK INTO REV…
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WHEN DRIVING AND OCCASIONALLY HIT A BUMP THE ICON (SLIPPERY) APPEARS ON THE DASH AND LATER WHEN YOU STOP TO BACK UP TO PARK THE GEARS GET STUCK AND YOU CAN'T MOVE IT TO THE GEAR TO BACKUP. SINCE THIS CAR HAS STICK SHIFT AND AUTOMATIC DRIVING FEATURES YOU HAVE TO KEEP SHIFTING THE YEARS BACK AND FORTH UNTIL IT JUMPS BACK INTO REVERSE. THIS HAPPENS TO FREQUENTLY.
NHTSA ODI #11133409
Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2017
Power Train
2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLES STALLING FOR A FEW SECONDS IN LOWER GEARS WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. *LD UPDATED 11/22/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #11042451
300 miles · Nov 7, 2016
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A TURN THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION WITHOUT WARNING IN ADDITION, WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER A COMPLETE STOP THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A TURN THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION WITHOUT WARNING IN ADDITION, WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER A COMPLETE STOP THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300. UPDATED 02/21/17*LJ CONSUMER STATES WHEN DRIVING INTERM HAPPENS ON CITY DRIVING FEELS LIKE TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND JUST REVS AND OR WHEN GOING AROUND TURNS. UPDATED 7/10/18*JB *TR
NHTSA ODI #10924588
88,692 miles · Jun 29, 2016
Exterior LightingPower TrainService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND DOWN HILL BRAKE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK FROM THE DRIVE POSITION. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEAR SHIFTER SHIFTED OUT OF THE DRIVE POSITION INTO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND DOWN HILL BRAKE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK FROM THE DRIVE POSITION. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEAR SHIFTER SHIFTED OUT OF THE DRIVE POSITION INTO THE PARK POSITION INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS NOT ADDRESSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,692.
NHTSA ODI #10881592
90,000 miles · Apr 8, 2016
Power Train
WHEN TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN TRYING TO AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT TO THE NEXT GEAR. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO LOSE ALL ACCELERATION AND ESSENTIALLY PUTS THE VEHICLE INTO A COAST. TAPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOTHING TO ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN. HOWEVER, AFTER A FEW SECONDS OR MO…
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WHEN TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN TRYING TO AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT TO THE NEXT GEAR. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO LOSE ALL ACCELERATION AND ESSENTIALLY PUTS THE VEHICLE INTO A COAST. TAPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOTHING TO ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN. HOWEVER, AFTER A FEW SECONDS OR MORE, THE TRANSMISSION WILL FINALLY ENGAGE. IF YOU HAPPEN TO HAVE THE ACCELERATOR PRESSED THIS WILL LURCH THE VEHICLE FORWARD. IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE THIS COULD POTENTIAL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BY RAMMING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU. THERE HAVE BEEN A COUPLE OF 'CLOSE CALLS'. I HAVE VIDEOS OF THE ENGINE REVVING THAT I CAN SUPPLY, BUT THE FILE SIZES ARE TOO LARGE TO UPLOAD. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT 5000 MILES FOR A SIMILAR SITUATION. THE PROBLEM OCCURRENCE DIMINISHED, BUT OVER THE YEARS THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. I HAVE ALWAYS REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER WHEN TAKING IT IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE SITUATION OR OFFER ANY SOLUTION. THEY HAVE BEEN SUPPLIED WITH THE VIDEOS. THE EXACT CAUSE OF THIS IS CURRENTLY UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10854391
64,000 miles · Apr 27, 2015
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RPM GAUGE INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO DIFFERENT GEARS WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RPM GAUGE INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO DIFFERENT GEARS WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #10713173
30,000 miles · Jun 12, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY PROBLEM WITH THIS TUCSON IS IN REGARDS OF "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION". IT SPORADICALLY, ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASIS WE EXPERIENCE "SUA" FOLLOWED BY IMMEDIATELY LOSES POWER AND ACCELERATION EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN. EX: DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY DOING 70MPH, IT WILL LUNGE AND THE TACHOMETER WILL RACE AND SUDDENLY LOSES POWER DOW…
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MY PROBLEM WITH THIS TUCSON IS IN REGARDS OF "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION". IT SPORADICALLY, ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASIS WE EXPERIENCE "SUA" FOLLOWED BY IMMEDIATELY LOSES POWER AND ACCELERATION EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN. EX: DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY DOING 70MPH, IT WILL LUNGE AND THE TACHOMETER WILL RACE AND SUDDENLY LOSES POWER DOWN TO 35MPH. THEN HAS A LAG ACCELERATING AFTERWARDS. THIS IS CONSISTENT THROUGH OUT THE DAY SINCE I COMMUTE A LOT. OTHER ISSUES, WHEN ENGINE ON IDLE IT FEELS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO STALL. WE HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND FROM THEIR DIAGNOSIS, THEY DON'T SEE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS DEFINITELY A MALFUNCTION IN THE TRANSMISSION AND DOING RESEARCH I'VE FOUND THESE ISSUES WITH NUMEROUS TUCSON OWNERS. WE ARE CONCERNED WITH OUR SAFETY AS WE NOW HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF CLOSE CALLS ON THE FREEWAY. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR SAFETY AND NOW ARE STARTING TO QUESTION OUR SAFETY DUE TO THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10597798
Official recalls
4Sep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Apr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Apr 26, 2011
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 17, 2010 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED IN THE REAR BUMPERS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Feb 25, 2010
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES. PROPERLY SEATED ADULT RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WEIGHING OVER APPROXIMATELY 240 POUNDS CAUSE THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MODULE PROGRAM TO ILLUMINATE THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT FORCE TO REQUIRE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS EXPERIENCED, AND WILL NOT BE DEACTIVATED IF A CHILD IS SEATED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEATING POSITION, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD FRONT PASSENGER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. HYUNDAI ANTICIPATES OWNERS NOTIFICATION BEGAN BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 15 2010 AND THE NOTIFICATION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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