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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

124 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000(ENGINE) WAS RECEIVED. TWIN CITY HYUNDAI (3024 AIRPORT HWY, ALCOA, TN) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIEN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000(ENGINE) WAS RECEIVED. TWIN CITY HYUNDAI (3024 AIRPORT HWY, ALCOA, TN) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11221128

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2019
Engine

FEB 28,2019 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER181 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER19V063 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER THETA-II ENGINES PRO…

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FEB 28,2019 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER181 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER19V063 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER THETA-II ENGINES PRODUCED FROM MARCH 3, 2010 TO DECEMBER 31, 2012 BY HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY AT THE ULSAN PLANT IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA. SAFETY RISK THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK FROM THE SEAL BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND ENGINE BLOCK WHICH, IF LEFT UNREPAIRED AND OPERATED OVER TIME COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO ENGINE DAMAGE. A DAMAGED ENGINE COULD LEAD TO HIGH SPEED STALL AND IN LIMITED CASES, A VEHICLE FIRE REMEDY REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE YET - RECALL 181 TO DATE HYUNDAI HAS NOT CONTACTED US ABOUT A REPAIR

NHTSA ODI #11220433

74,200 miles · Jun 16, 2019
EngineUnknown Or Other

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER THETA-II ENGINES PRODUCED FROM MARCH 3, 2010 TO DECEMBER 31, 2012 BY HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY AT THE ULSAN PLANT IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOR…

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HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THROUGH 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER THETA-II ENGINES PRODUCED FROM MARCH 3, 2010 TO DECEMBER 31, 2012 BY HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY AT THE ULSAN PLANT IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA. SAFETY RISK THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK FROM THE SEAL BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND ENGINE BLOCK WHICH, IF LEFT UNREPAIRED AND OPERATED OVER TIME COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO ENGINE DAMAGE. A DAMAGED ENGINE COULD LEAD TO HIGH SPEED STALL AND IN LIMITED CASES, A VEHICLE FIRE. MY AIR CONDITIONER HAS STOPPED WORKING AND TWO OF MY DOORS LOCKING MECHANISMS ARE NO LONGER WORKING.

NHTSA ODI #11220424

78,000 miles · Jun 13, 2019
Unknown Or Other

TUCSON RECALL: THE CAR SEIZES WHILE IN MOTION, AND REVS IN MOTION WITHOUT THE DRIVER PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR/GAS PEDAL - MEANING THE DRIVER EITHER IS COASTING OR HAS A STEADY PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL, AND THE SEIZING AND REVING OF THE CAR IS MORE THAN AND NOT EQUAL TO THE PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE PEDAL - SO THE CAR IS "RAC…

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TUCSON RECALL: THE CAR SEIZES WHILE IN MOTION, AND REVS IN MOTION WITHOUT THE DRIVER PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR/GAS PEDAL - MEANING THE DRIVER EITHER IS COASTING OR HAS A STEADY PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL, AND THE SEIZING AND REVING OF THE CAR IS MORE THAN AND NOT EQUAL TO THE PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE PEDAL - SO THE CAR IS "RACING" EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER IS NOT INCREASING PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR ALSO STALLS WHEN FIRST STARTED, UNLESS THE DRIVER REVS THE ENGINE USING THE GAS PEDAL IN PARK. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING OVER THE LAST YEAR - DESPITE THE CAR BEING SERVICED EVERY 3,000 MILES - SERVICE PROVIDER CANNOT PROVIDE DIAGNOSIS OR SOLUTION.

NHTSA ODI #11219889

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED SEIDEL HYUNDAI (6125 SHILLINGTON PLAZA, READING, PA 19607, (610) 775-5100) SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR MONTHS. A LOANER VEHIC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED SEIDEL HYUNDAI (6125 SHILLINGTON PLAZA, READING, PA 19607, (610) 775-5100) SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR MONTHS. A LOANER VEHICLE WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11219258

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HYUNDAI WEST ALLIS (10611 W ARTHUR AVE, W…

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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). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HYUNDAI WEST ALLIS (10611 W ARTHUR AVE, WEST ALLIS, WI 53227, (414) 329-3100) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PART NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11219078

110,000 miles · Jun 10, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11218939

Mileage unknown · May 28, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE R…

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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). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11210460

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2019
Engine

I RECEIVED AN INTERIM ENGINE RECALL LETTER FROM HYUNDAI IN MAY 2019' I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO GET MY CAR LOOKED AT AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO REMEDY YET AND TO WAIT FOR THE 2ND RECALL LETTER-I NEVER RECEIVED THE 2ND RECALL LETTER ' I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON MONDAY, MAY 20TH 2019 AND I MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO A STREET AND MY CAR DI…

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I RECEIVED AN INTERIM ENGINE RECALL LETTER FROM HYUNDAI IN MAY 2019' I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO GET MY CAR LOOKED AT AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO REMEDY YET AND TO WAIT FOR THE 2ND RECALL LETTER-I NEVER RECEIVED THE 2ND RECALL LETTER ' I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON MONDAY, MAY 20TH 2019 AND I MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO A STREET AND MY CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WHILE IN MOTION WITH NO WARNINGS WHATSOEVER-WAS NOT ABLE TO START CAR OR JUMPSTART IT '-MY CAR WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND I HAD TO ASK A NEIGHBOR TO HELP ME MOVE THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET 'MY HYUNDAI TUCSON IS 2011 AND HAS 79,000 MILES' CALLED A TOWING SERVICE TO GET IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID NOT GIVE ME A LOANER CAR-I HAD TO RENT A CAR OUT OF POCKET AND WAS TOLD I'M ONLY BEING REIMBURSED $38/DAY

NHTSA ODI #11209913

75,000 miles · May 23, 2019
EngineService BrakesStructureCrashInjury

HIGHWAY, BRIDGE, FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANTLY FAR BACK. CAR STOPS AHEAD AND I BRAKE IN PLENTY OF TIME (MY SON WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND CAN ATTEST TO THAT). CAR BRAKES BUT VERY SLOWLY, NOT IN TIME SO WE HIT THE STATIONARY CAR AND THEN WE WERE HIT MUCH HARDER FROM BEHIND. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY FILLED WITH SMOKE WHI…

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HIGHWAY, BRIDGE, FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANTLY FAR BACK. CAR STOPS AHEAD AND I BRAKE IN PLENTY OF TIME (MY SON WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND CAN ATTEST TO THAT). CAR BRAKES BUT VERY SLOWLY, NOT IN TIME SO WE HIT THE STATIONARY CAR AND THEN WE WERE HIT MUCH HARDER FROM BEHIND. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY FILLED WITH SMOKE WHICH I ATTRIBUTED TO THE AIR BAGS BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW ANY BETTER. VERY SCARED, I SCREAMED FOR THE KIDS TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. SMOKE WAS GONE BY THE TIME POLICE ARRIVED. WE WERE OK, MY SON AND I HAD SORE RIBS AND WHILE TALKING WITH POLICE MY LEFT HAND WAS BURNING FROM SOMETHING. NOTHING WAS VISIBLE SO I SAW KNOW POINT IN TELLING ANYONE. IT LEFT A RASH AND WITHIN TIME IT PEELED AND NOW IS BACK TO NORMAL. A FEW DAYS LATER, HAD SOME HEADACHES. WENT TO THE ATHLETIC TRAINER AT OUR SCHOOL (I AM A TEACHER) AND WAS PUT ON CONCUSSION PROTOCOL. CAR WAS TOTALED. THE FRONT LOOKED LIKE AN ACCORDION AS WE WERE PUSHED SIGNIFICANTLY INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT BY THE CAR WHO HIT US FROM BEHIND. I WAS SO RELIEVED THAT EVERYONE WAS OK THAT I REALLY DID NOT THINK ABOUT IT UNTIL RECALL NOTICE CAME FOR THE CAR WHICH OF COURSE WAS ALREADY GONE. ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH "OIL LEAKS AND POSSIBLE SPONTANEOUS FIRES, INCREASING RISK FOR ACCIDENT" IS THE WORDING ON THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11209489

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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