NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
40 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 12, 2019
Engine
THERE IS A RECALL OUT ON MY VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER 181/NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 19V063. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY YET AVAILABLE FOR THIS AND THEY ISSUED THE RECALL IN FEBRUARY. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR P.M. SERVICE AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME MY VEHICLE WAS INDEED SYMPTOMATIC OF THE NATURE O…
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THERE IS A RECALL OUT ON MY VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER 181/NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 19V063. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY YET AVAILABLE FOR THIS AND THEY ISSUED THE RECALL IN FEBRUARY. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR P.M. SERVICE AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME MY VEHICLE WAS INDEED SYMPTOMATIC OF THE NATURE OF THE RECALL (LEAKING FLUID BETWEEN ENGINE BLOCK AND OIL PAN), BUT THAT HYUNDAI DID NOT YET HAVE A REMEDY. WHEN I LOOK UP THE RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, IT SAYS,"IF THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR YOUR VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER, PLEASE CONTACT THE NHTSA..." I FEEL AS THOUGH, GIVEN THE POTENTIAL RISK (FAILURE AT HIGH SPEED/POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE) AND TIMELINE (RECALL ISSUED IN FEBRUARY - NO REMEDY YET AVAILABLE IN MID APRIL), HYUNDAI HAS INDEED FAILED TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL IN A TIMELY MANNER. FURTHERMORE - I HAVE RECEIVED NO OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM HYUNDAI REGARDING THIS MATTER WHICH I FIND UNPROFESSIONAL AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI #11195749
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE PREMIER HYUNDAI OF TRACY 34…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE PREMIER HYUNDAI OF TRACY 3480 NAGLEE RD, TRACY, CA 95304 (209) 820-3550 WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO SPEAK TO A REPRESENTATIVE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11195374
131,000 miles · Mar 4, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI GREENFIELD (6133 S 27TH ST, GREENFIELD, WI 53221, (414) 238-2000) WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DISPLAYED "INTERNAL ENGINE NOISE SCAN FOR DTC MULTIPLE CODES CAM SHIFT OVER ADVANCED". THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI GREENFIELD (6133 S 27TH ST, GREENFIELD, WI 53221, (414) 238-2000) WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DISPLAYED "INTERNAL ENGINE NOISE SCAN FOR DTC MULTIPLE CODES CAM SHIFT OVER ADVANCED". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
NHTSA ODI #11183991
100,000 miles · May 2, 2018
Engine
AT ABOUT 99,000 MILES MY HYUNDAI TUSCON BEGAN MAKING A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. IT PROGRESSIVELY HAS GOTTEN WORSE. NOW AT 103,000 IT IS MUCH LOUDER AND I'M BEING TOLD IT IS A LIFTER PROBLEM. I'M READING ABOUT RECALLS ON THE 2.0 MOTOR BUT TUSCON NOT INCLUDED WITH THE SANTA FE AND SONATA AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME …
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AT ABOUT 99,000 MILES MY HYUNDAI TUSCON BEGAN MAKING A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. IT PROGRESSIVELY HAS GOTTEN WORSE. NOW AT 103,000 IT IS MUCH LOUDER AND I'M BEING TOLD IT IS A LIFTER PROBLEM. I'M READING ABOUT RECALLS ON THE 2.0 MOTOR BUT TUSCON NOT INCLUDED WITH THE SANTA FE AND SONATA AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #11091318
101,000 miles · Feb 16, 2018
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE. AFTER THE OIL CHANGE, A CLUCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE. AFTER THE OIL CHANGE, A CLUCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI OF PERRYVILLE (343 N PERRYVILLE RD, ROCKFORD, IL 61107, (815) 229-0089) TO INQUIRE OF OPEN RECALLS AND THE REASON FOR THE CLUCKING NOSIE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS AND THAT THERE WOULD BE A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO DIAGNOSIS THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA ODI #11073242
112,000 miles · Nov 27, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE DEALER (TAMARON HYUNDAI, 1595 MONTGOMERY HY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35216) AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE ENGINE WAS "THROWING A ROD". THE VEHICLE HAD A 2.4 LITER ENGINE AND THE SAME FAILURES OCCURRED IN THE SANTA FE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE DEALER (TAMARON HYUNDAI, 1595 MONTGOMERY HY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35216) AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE ENGINE WAS "THROWING A ROD". THE VEHICLE HAD A 2.4 LITER ENGINE AND THE SAME FAILURES OCCURRED IN THE SANTA FE AND SONATA VEHICLES. THERE WAS A CURRENT INVESTIGATION ON THE SANTA FE AND SONATA VEHICLES AND THE CONTACT WANTED TO KNOW WHY THE TUCSON WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA ODI #11048764
140,000 miles · Nov 24, 2017
Engine
HYDRAULIC TENSIONER FAILING RESULTING IN TIMING SLIP AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. OUR CAR HAD STOPPED WORKING WHILE TRAVELLING ON A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD, AND NEEDED A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND OUT THAT THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILED, LIKELY DUE TO LACK OF OIL PRESSURE. THERE WAS OIL IN THE EN…
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HYDRAULIC TENSIONER FAILING RESULTING IN TIMING SLIP AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. OUR CAR HAD STOPPED WORKING WHILE TRAVELLING ON A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD, AND NEEDED A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND OUT THAT THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILED, LIKELY DUE TO LACK OF OIL PRESSURE. THERE WAS OIL IN THE ENGINE AT THE TIME SET AT THE CORRECT LEVEL. WE LATER FOUND OUT THAT THIS SIMILAR MOTOR ON OTHER MODELS HAS HAD A LARGE RECALL. PLUGGAGE COULD HAVE LED TO LACK OF OIL PRESSURE CAUSING IT TO FAIL. LUCKILY NO OTHER DAMAGE OCCURED DURING THIS INCIDENT BUT THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY HIGH CONSEQUENCES IF TRAVELLING ON THE FREEWAY. HYUNDAI HAS SHOWN NO SUPPORT OR RECOGNITION IN THIS ISSUE SO FAR AND IT SHOULD BE REPORTED.
NHTSA ODI #11048193
50,000 miles · Sep 20, 2017
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY CAR HAD UNINTENDED DECELERATION FOLLOWING CRANK SENSOR ERROR. ON FREEWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND I HAD TO EXIT. UPON EXIT WHILE DIAGNOSING IN THE PARKING LOT ENGINE REVVED SUDDENLY AND CAR MOVED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ON NEUTRAL. ALL THE FAULT CODES WERE CAUGHT ON TORQUEOBD. HOWEVER UPON RESTARTING THE CAR CHECK ENGINE LI…
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MY CAR HAD UNINTENDED DECELERATION FOLLOWING CRANK SENSOR ERROR. ON FREEWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND I HAD TO EXIT. UPON EXIT WHILE DIAGNOSING IN THE PARKING LOT ENGINE REVVED SUDDENLY AND CAR MOVED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ON NEUTRAL. ALL THE FAULT CODES WERE CAUGHT ON TORQUEOBD. HOWEVER UPON RESTARTING THE CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS GONE AND IT MASKS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE CAR THAT CAN BE LIFE THREATENING.
NHTSA ODI #11024616
116,000 miles · Jan 4, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
I RECENTLY REACHED 115000 MILES ON MY TUCSON. IT STARTED 2 WEEKS AGO, THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR HIGHER OUTPUT THAN IT SHOULD. IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START SINCE IT WOULDN'T HOLD A CHARGE. ONCE REPLACED, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN NOT LONG AFTER SO I TOOK IT INTO A SHOP. THEY FOUND THAT I NEEDED TO RE…
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I RECENTLY REACHED 115000 MILES ON MY TUCSON. IT STARTED 2 WEEKS AGO, THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR HIGHER OUTPUT THAN IT SHOULD. IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START SINCE IT WOULDN'T HOLD A CHARGE. ONCE REPLACED, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN NOT LONG AFTER SO I TOOK IT INTO A SHOP. THEY FOUND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE TWO OF THE CAM SHAFT SENSORS. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO, DRIVINGMY HUSBAND AND KIDS, THE RMP GAUGE WENT OUT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. ONCE STOPPED AND RESTARTED, THE RPM GAUGE RE-ENGAGED AND DRIVE FINE. NO ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DRIVING HOME TODAY, 66 MILES AWAY FROM HOME ON INTERSTATE 78 IN NEW JERSEY, THE RMP GAUGE WENT OUT AGAIN. I PULLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER, PUT ON MY FLASHERS AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. I WAITED ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ENGAGED. I WAS A FEW MILES FROM MY EXIT, AND THE RMP GAUGE AGAIN WENT OUT, AT THIS POINT, I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE AND THERE WERE TRACTOR TRAILERS ALL AROUND ME. WHILE REVIEWING OTHER HYUNDAI ISSUES, I SEE OTHER MODELS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES, YET NO RECALL FOR THE TUCSON. I AM NOW NOT ONLY FEARFUL OF DRIVING IT, ENGINE LIGHT OR NOT, BUT DO NOT HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION TO WORK.
NHTSA ODI #10817734
35,000 miles · Dec 10, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine
THE CAR WOULD NOT START WHEN I WENT TO START IT UP. IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER AND JUST CLICKED WHEN I WENT TO START IT. I HAD TO CALL HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO COME AND JUMP THE CAR. THEY DID AND IT TOOK THEM A COUPLE OF TRIES AND THEY HAD TO USE THEIR VEHICLE, NOT THE PORTABLE STARTER. THEY S…
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THE CAR WOULD NOT START WHEN I WENT TO START IT UP. IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER AND JUST CLICKED WHEN I WENT TO START IT. I HAD TO CALL HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO COME AND JUMP THE CAR. THEY DID AND IT TOOK THEM A COUPLE OF TRIES AND THEY HAD TO USE THEIR VEHICLE, NOT THE PORTABLE STARTER. THEY SAID THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THAT BECAUSE THERE WERE NO LIGHTS LEFT ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THEY CHECKED THE BATTERY AND SAID IT WAS IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2013 AND I HAD TO DO THE SAME THING. I HAD THE DEALERSHIP CHECK THE BATTERY AND IT WAS FINE. ON MARCH 15, 2013, THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED THE BATTERY AND IT REGISTERED A STRONG CHARGE. THE DEALERSHIP WANTED ME TO LEAVE THE CAR THERE OVERNIGHT TO DUPLICATE THE CONDITIONS OF THE CAR NOT STARTING UP, BUT WERE NOT WILLING TO LET ME USE A FREE LOANER. AS THE TEMPERATURE WARMED UP, IT WAS NOT AN ISSUE. HOWEVER, TODAY I WENT TO START MY CAR AND LEAVE FOR WORK, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START UP. IT JUST CLICKED, THE RADIO WORKED, LIGHTS WORKED, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. I AM TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP LATER TODAY AND THEY WILL LET ME USE A LOANER FOR FREE. I HOPE THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX THE PROBLEM AS I NEED MY VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10555482
Official recalls
5Sep 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.
Feb 5, 2019
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.
Jan 28, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured July 22, 2010, to October 31, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission fluid cooler hose, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 139.
May 13, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.
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.
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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