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2011 Hyundai Tucson

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 180.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

70 reports with mileage · 54 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports

Power Train complaints

20 reports
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153,000 miles · Apr 20, 2021
Power Train

THE RUBBER TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES BROKE AT 55 MPH ON RT 81S AND INSTANTLY BLEW THE TRANSMISSION. MY VEHICLE IS THE EXACT MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN 16V05700. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MY REPAIR COSTS AND HYUNDAI STATED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THIS "149" CAMPAIGN. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND W…

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THE RUBBER TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES BROKE AT 55 MPH ON RT 81S AND INSTANTLY BLEW THE TRANSMISSION. MY VEHICLE IS THE EXACT MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN 16V05700. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MY REPAIR COSTS AND HYUNDAI STATED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THIS "149" CAMPAIGN. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY OTHERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM ARE BEING REIMBURSED AND I AM NOT? CLEARLY HYUNDAI IS AT FAULT. DOCUMENTATION IS ATTACHED

NHTSA ODI #11413067

115,000 miles · Jul 26, 2018
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD A LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V057000 (POWER TRAIN). THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD A LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V057000 (POWER TRAIN). THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #11113907

78,000 miles · Jul 23, 2018
Power Train

THE ENGINE ON MY 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED SEIZED UP WITHOUT WARNING ON FEBRUARY 6TH, 2018 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH ON HWY 44 IN ST. LOUIS. THE ENGINE ONLY HAD 78,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD RECEIVED REGULAR OIL CHANGES. SINCE IT SEIZED UP COMPLETELY I HAD TO GET A NEW ENGINE FOR IT. I HAD ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FO…

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THE ENGINE ON MY 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED SEIZED UP WITHOUT WARNING ON FEBRUARY 6TH, 2018 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH ON HWY 44 IN ST. LOUIS. THE ENGINE ONLY HAD 78,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD RECEIVED REGULAR OIL CHANGES. SINCE IT SEIZED UP COMPLETELY I HAD TO GET A NEW ENGINE FOR IT. I HAD ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 10 MONTHS; IT WAS PURCHASED FROM SUNTRUP FORD IN ST LOUIS IN 2017.

NHTSA ODI #11113067

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

64,000 miles · Oct 8, 2016
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY, BUT ON A MORE FREQUENT BASIS NOW, THE SHIFTER BECOMES BLOCKED AND THE CAR CAN'T BE PUT IN PARK. BOTH STABILITY CONTROL AND DOWN HILL LIGHTS COME ON DURING THAT TIME. SAME HAS OCCURRED WHILE TRYING TO GET CAR OUT OF PARK AND IN GEAR. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE CAR IS STATIONARY. IT BECAME A SAFETY ISSUE WHILE…

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OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY, BUT ON A MORE FREQUENT BASIS NOW, THE SHIFTER BECOMES BLOCKED AND THE CAR CAN'T BE PUT IN PARK. BOTH STABILITY CONTROL AND DOWN HILL LIGHTS COME ON DURING THAT TIME. SAME HAS OCCURRED WHILE TRYING TO GET CAR OUT OF PARK AND IN GEAR. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE CAR IS STATIONARY. IT BECAME A SAFETY ISSUE WHILE PARKED ON A DOWN SLOPE HILL. HAD TO USE E-BRAKE AND EVENTUALLY FIND A FLAT ROAD TO PARK AND USE E-BRAKE WHILE TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO SECURING THE VEHICLE SO IT WOULD NOT ROLL AWAY.

NHTSA ODI #10914860

125,000 miles · Aug 2, 2016
Power Train

IN MAY 2015, MY TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN THE PARKING LOT OF A WALMART. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP (KNOXVILLE, TN) WHERE I PURCHASED THE 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE COOLER HOSE HAD BURST. I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. I RECEIVED A LETTER OF RECALL IN MARC…

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IN MAY 2015, MY TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN THE PARKING LOT OF A WALMART. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP (KNOXVILLE, TN) WHERE I PURCHASED THE 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE COOLER HOSE HAD BURST. I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. I RECEIVED A LETTER OF RECALL IN MARCH 2016, STATING I WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS. I SUBMITTED THE "REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT". I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HYUNDAI ON MARCH 25TH, 2016, STATING THEY WOULD PROCESS THE REIMBURSEMENT IN 90 DAYS. THEY REQUESTED A COPY OF THE REPAIR SHEET FROM THE HYUNDAI DEALER, WHICH I SENT ALONG WITH THE COST DOCUMENTING WHERE I HAD PAID FOR THE REPAIR. ON JUNE 15, (82 DAYS), I RECEIVED A LETTER REQUESTING A "CLEAR CREDIT CARD STATEMENT SHOWING NAME OF CARD HOLDER ON STATEMENT". THE CREDIT CARD STATEMENT WAS SENT THE SAME DAY SHOWING THE NAME. HAVING HEARD NO WORD, I FOLLOWED UP ON JUNE 27TH (94 DAYS). I RECEIVED A RESPONSE REQUESTING THE SAME INFORMATION TO WHICH I STATED I HAD ALREADY SENT IT AND SENT ANOTHER COPY. ON JUNE 29TH (96 DAYS), I RECEIVED A CALL REQUESTING MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NAME ON THE CREDIT CARD STATEMENT, TO WHICH I RESPONDED IT WAS MY WIFE'S NAME AS WE SHARE THE CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT. I WAS TOLD I'D RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITHIN 2 WEEKS (110) DAYS WITH A DATE THE CHECK WOULD BE SENT. AFTER DAY 110 (JULY 13TH) I SENT AN EMAIL REQUESTING AN UPDATE. ON JULY 15TH (DAY 112), I RECEIVED A CALL FROM GABRIEL ASKING MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NAME ON THE CREDIT CARD STATEMENT. I TOLD HIM IT WAS THE SAME AS THE LAST TIME, SHE IS MY WIFE. GABRIEL SAID I WOULD RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITHIN A WEEK (JULY 22ND). IT IS NOW AUGUST 2ND (DAY 130). I WAS SUPPOSED TO RECEIVE THE REIMBURSEMENT NO LATER THAN 40 DAYS AGO. MY HYUNDAI RECALL CASE # 2714-516150749-2658

NHTSA ODI #10892503

67,000 miles · Jun 28, 2016
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V057000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.

NHTSA ODI #10877169

95,000 miles · Mar 30, 2016
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER HOSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER HOSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V057000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #10852571

32,000 miles · Mar 10, 2016
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY REDUCED SPEED AND AN INTERNAL FRACTURE OCCURRED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN EXTENSIVE PUDDLE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY REDUCED SPEED AND AN INTERNAL FRACTURE OCCURRED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN EXTENSIVE PUDDLE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING FOR DAYS FOR THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE PARTS AND REMEDY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V057000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE TO SUPPLY THE PARTS TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10846014

78,210 miles · Mar 1, 2016
Power Train

I'VE BEEN HAVING A SERIOUS, REOCCURRING PROBLEM, THAT THE SERVICE TEAM CONTINUES TO MISS-DIAGNOSE. WHILE ACCELERATING, MY CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE ALL POWER. THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO FUNCTION JUST FINE, AND THE RPM'S CONTINUE TO RISE (VERY RAPIDLY), BUT NO POWER IS BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE WHEELS. THE SERVICE TEAM HAS DECIDED THIS …

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I'VE BEEN HAVING A SERIOUS, REOCCURRING PROBLEM, THAT THE SERVICE TEAM CONTINUES TO MISS-DIAGNOSE. WHILE ACCELERATING, MY CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE ALL POWER. THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO FUNCTION JUST FINE, AND THE RPM'S CONTINUE TO RISE (VERY RAPIDLY), BUT NO POWER IS BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE WHEELS. THE SERVICE TEAM HAS DECIDED THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH MY TIRE PRESSURE, WHICH IS CLEARLY NOT THE CASE. THIS ISSUE IS EITHER SOFTWARE RELATED, OR IS SYMPTOMATIC OF A DRIVETRAIN PROBLEM, TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, OR FRONT/REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY, AND THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I'M REPORTING TO THE NHTSA. I HAVE BEEN DRIVEN OFF OF THE ROAD TWICE BECAUSE OF MY INABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHEN NEEDED. TODAY WAS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE ENDED UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHAKEN, CRYING AND AFRAID. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THIS CAR IN FOR THIS ISSUE SINCE 2012. THIS HAPPENS ON ALL ROADS BUT IS MORE LIKELY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON THE FREEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #10839266

Official recalls

5

23V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 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.

19V063000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

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.

16V057000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

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.

14V245000 · Air Bags

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.

13V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

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

2

AQ23002 · 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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