NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
156 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 27, 2021
Engine
My 81 year old Mother was driving the vehicle when it just stopped on her on a busy intersection and a tow company and police had to be called. The tow company tried to jump the car and it did not work. The mechanic said that the engine is shot and it only has 124k miles and has been well taken care of and all recalls have be…
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My 81 year old Mother was driving the vehicle when it just stopped on her on a busy intersection and a tow company and police had to be called. The tow company tried to jump the car and it did not work. The mechanic said that the engine is shot and it only has 124k miles and has been well taken care of and all recalls have been addressed. This is a hazardous and dangerous issue that could have ended badly. I contacted the Hyundai dealer that did my recall to check it and they do not have any appointments until 09-15-2021 which is 3 weeks away. I do not understand how a vehicle that has regular maintenance has the engine just go with no prior warning.
NHTSA ODI #11430697
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2021
Engine
2.4 Theta-II engine failed at 95k miles. The engine is the same engine recalled on the santa fe and sonata and dealer does not want to replace.
NHTSA ODI #11425698
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2021
Engine
Driving on highway 65miles an hour plus, car started making horrible knocking/banging sound. No lights or indicators had went off. I pulled off highway and car just stopped and died. From full speed. Had I not pulled off the highway or was unable to get over it would have stopped without warning and someone could have hit me…
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Driving on highway 65miles an hour plus, car started making horrible knocking/banging sound. No lights or indicators had went off. I pulled off highway and car just stopped and died. From full speed. Had I not pulled off the highway or was unable to get over it would have stopped without warning and someone could have hit me. I towed the vehicle straight to Hyundai. They told me it was internal engine failure in the lower bearing system. They recommended a full engine replacement. No warning lights. Car was maintained with ALL suggested maintenance and oil changes. My particular car is not under recall however this issue in the 2013 Hyundai happens too frequently for it to be a coincidence. In a well maintained car.
NHTSA ODI #11425601
Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2021
Engine
Sunday june 20th 2021 My husband and Son were driving down the highway at 70mph (speed limit) suddenly and without warning the car died. He was unable to steer, with his defensive driving training he was able to veer to the side of the road. The engine oil and Battery indicator flashed AFTER he was pulled over to the side of t…
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Sunday june 20th 2021 My husband and Son were driving down the highway at 70mph (speed limit) suddenly and without warning the car died. He was unable to steer, with his defensive driving training he was able to veer to the side of the road. The engine oil and Battery indicator flashed AFTER he was pulled over to the side of the road. If it wasn't for my husbands training he would have had ZERO abilities to pull the car over. He is a truck driver and this incident scared him. The semi truck behind him almost slammed into him and the car coming twards him. He was worried about the safety of our family as well as everyone on the road. They were in an isolated location with no cell service. He and my son had to walk 5 miles in the 110° heat to call for help. I towed the car to a mechanic who looked at it. He said the oil pan was leaking from the seal. He dropped the pan to look at the damage, he instructed me to call Hyundai after learning there was a recall for that issue.
NHTSA ODI #11423152
207,000 miles · Jun 17, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and diagnosed by an independent mechanic as engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The…
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The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and diagnosed by an independent mechanic as engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 207,000.
NHTSA ODI #11421267
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2021
Engine
Driving vehicle, engine started knocking, noises got louder, engine stalled, caused 360 in the highway, was able to come to a stop on side of road. Inspected by mechanic, noted as engine failure, if vehicle would not have been stopped, would have caused fire in engine.
NHTSA ODI #11420975
Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2021
Engine
Driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph. Suddenly heard a knocking sound from the engine. Accelerator lost any power and could not drive. Check engine light, oil light came on. Had to pull off the side of major interstate without any forward power.
NHTSA ODI #11420630
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2021
Engine
I was driving on I-15 in a 80 MPH road in holiday traffic, when suddenly my engine just shut off. I was lucky to squeeze through 2 diesels and onto the shoulder. I only had about 1 foot between my vehicle and passing vehicles. I had my daughter in the car and we were lucky to not have been in a major accident. I tried to restar…
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I was driving on I-15 in a 80 MPH road in holiday traffic, when suddenly my engine just shut off. I was lucky to squeeze through 2 diesels and onto the shoulder. I only had about 1 foot between my vehicle and passing vehicles. I had my daughter in the car and we were lucky to not have been in a major accident. I tried to restart the Tuscon and it shook and made a horrible banging / pounding sound but didnt turn over. It was towed to Goodyear in Cedar City. They stated it was an engine failure. I contacted Hyundai and they told me I had to get it to a Hyundai dealership. It was towed to Findlay Hyundai in St. George Utah where they confirmed the engine had failed. It only has 106K miles. There was no warning, no indication of issues. I had kept up on maintenance and never had any issues with the vehicle during my time owning it. I am not being compensated in any way. I had someone else pick us up and continued home. I do not have any documentation from the dealership or Goodyear since I was on my way home from vacation.
NHTSA ODI #11420268
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2021
EngineFire
Recall 181 - failure to complete repairs (defective oil pan seal/switch) as requested by owners, that resulted in a catastrophic, high speed stall, loss of control and engine failure. On Mon May 17, 2021 at 4pm EST our 23 year old daughter and 3 of her college graduate girlfriends were driving from Atlanta to Charleston, SC (65…
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Recall 181 - failure to complete repairs (defective oil pan seal/switch) as requested by owners, that resulted in a catastrophic, high speed stall, loss of control and engine failure. On Mon May 17, 2021 at 4pm EST our 23 year old daughter and 3 of her college graduate girlfriends were driving from Atlanta to Charleston, SC (65-70 mph) on Hwy I-26 when suddenly & without warning her 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine started knocking, smoking and ultimately exploded throwing a piston through the engine block creating a huge hole and completely seizing up. She couldn't see due to the intense smoke, lost control of the car but thankfully was able to steer it to the roadside. As the girls struggled to get out they saw fire underneath the car and highway shoulder. They called 911. By the time the fire dept arrived, the fire had diminished but not before terrifying the 4 girls that the gas tank might explode. Our daughter & friends were completely frantic stranded on the side of a major hwy. After approx 1 1/2 hours, a County Sheriff drove by and stopped to assist. He took them to the next exit to wait for the tow truck. The vehicle was towed to Hyundai of North Charleston and inspected discovering a large gaping hole in the engine block. We had to pay $599 to have the car shipped back to Atlanta on Mon May 25th. On Thurs May 27, 2021, we went to Rick Case Hyundai in Roswell, GA and met with the GM. It was his service center involved in our attempts on Jan 6, 2021 to get the car repaired as per Hyundai Recall 181 instructions. We were told their was a national shortage of parts, received only an oil change and left driving a totally unsafe car which ultimately could have resulted in serious injuries or even loss of life to 4 young women. The dealership should not have allowed the car to be driven and a loaner car provided until repairs completed. The 2013 Tucson is available for inspection upon request as it is a nonrunning, engine completely totaled, vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11418907
140,000 miles · May 14, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DINNER ON MAY 1, 2021 ON US HIGHWAY 75 TRAVELING NORTH MY CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MOMENTS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON , ALL LIGHTS WERE FLASHING IN MY DASHBOARD I PULLED OVER AND WITHIN SECONDS MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I ESCAPED WITH MY LIFE!
NHTSA ODI #11416607
Official recalls
3Sep 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.
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.
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.