NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
11 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 26, 2025
EnginePower Train
The engine experienced catastrophic failure. A piston punctured the engine block, likely due to failure of the connecting rods, an issue known to be associated with the recalled Theta II engine. The engine is still in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. We were scared and felt seriously endangered during the …
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The engine experienced catastrophic failure. A piston punctured the engine block, likely due to failure of the connecting rods, an issue known to be associated with the recalled Theta II engine. The engine is still in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. We were scared and felt seriously endangered during the incident. The engine failed suddenly while we were driving on a busy highway. After a loud clunk, the vehicle immediately lost acceleration and would not respond to throttle input. We had to quickly pull over onto the shoulder while traffic sped past us at high speeds. The sudden loss of power in fast-moving traffic put us at serious risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident. It was a frightening experience that could have resulted in injury or worse. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed there is a hole in the engine block caused by a piston. We brought the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for further inspection. Still, their communication has been poor, and they have not yet confirmed whether they acknowledge the issue or its relation to the Theta II engine recall. Our independent mechanic has inspected the vehicle and is currently with a Hyundai dealership for inspection. It has not been checked by police or insurance representatives. No third-party inspector has been involved beyond the dealer and mechanic. There were no warning lights, error messages, noises, or performance symptoms before the failure. The engine failure was sudden and occurred without any prior indication of a problem.
NHTSA ODI #11683104
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2024
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
While driving on street lost power in traffic then a loud knocking noise.pulled over to a mechanic shop and they told me that it was engine pulleys was bad plus 2 transmitters was bad . I only had the vehicle 4months .The dealership that sold me the vehicle I don't believe they had the car inspected tried to contact them but no…
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While driving on street lost power in traffic then a loud knocking noise.pulled over to a mechanic shop and they told me that it was engine pulleys was bad plus 2 transmitters was bad . I only had the vehicle 4months .The dealership that sold me the vehicle I don't believe they had the car inspected tried to contact them but no reply . I believe the dealership ripped me off and I'm making payments on the vehicle, also my Vehicle has not been running for 3 weeks due to the expensive repairs that is needed.
NHTSA ODI #11628113
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2024
Power Train
I was traveling in Texas with my child on the highway going 65 when my vehicle went into limp mode and immediately started making a noise like a card in a bicycle tire and would not accelerate. After a few seconds the check engine light came on blinking. I managed to make it to an exit and pull into a gas station. I called a tow…
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I was traveling in Texas with my child on the highway going 65 when my vehicle went into limp mode and immediately started making a noise like a card in a bicycle tire and would not accelerate. After a few seconds the check engine light came on blinking. I managed to make it to an exit and pull into a gas station. I called a tow company and had to wait more than an hour in the heat with my [XXX] for them to reach me. I called the closest dealer which was aslo an hour away and made sure they were aware the vehicle was coming. A family member drove two hours to get us. A service tech texted me that night and told me the car was awaiting a tech. First thing Monday I received another text that a new engine replacement had been approved. It actually took several phone calls and trying to reach anyone to actually find out that the car had code p1326 and had failed the rod bearing test. And I read more about the gdi theta II settlement and reached out to customer care and opened a ticket to be reimbursed for towing. The vehicle had a previous recall completed for the knock sensor. No rental cars were available to me AT ALL. I received a remanufactured short block all said and done in 10 days. My family was left with no car for that time. There were no warning signs on my car-no excessive oil consumption, no other lights or noises. terrified it will occur with the replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11620738
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2024
Electrical SystemPower Train
My car started to slightly jerk when beginning to drive, the next day, while crossing a very busy road, it made a loud clunking noise and harsh jerking. This happened 3 times and then subsided. I took my car to be looked at and was told I needed a brand new transmission. I have 129,000 miles on my car and never had any issues. T…
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My car started to slightly jerk when beginning to drive, the next day, while crossing a very busy road, it made a loud clunking noise and harsh jerking. This happened 3 times and then subsided. I took my car to be looked at and was told I needed a brand new transmission. I have 129,000 miles on my car and never had any issues. This makes no sense! It's going to cost me $2300. The sunroof has also stopped working. This is my 3rd Hyundai, I've never had to have my transmission replaced with low miles. I work remote and live in Fl, I drive my car responsibly and never beat on it. I love Hyundai so much and my next car will be a Hyundai, but this is not right and could have caused me great harm when crossing the road. It is currently in the shop at Hyundai New Port Richey, Fl
NHTSA ODI #11566648
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
Car keeps throwing "P1326 glow relay short circuit" code. This is the 3rd time it has happened in 3 weeks of driving it. Engine power is limited, engine is knocking and squealing, wheels are locking up while driving, engine keeps dieing while actively moving and accelerator is pressed. Just purchased the car in used market with…
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Car keeps throwing "P1326 glow relay short circuit" code. This is the 3rd time it has happened in 3 weeks of driving it. Engine power is limited, engine is knocking and squealing, wheels are locking up while driving, engine keeps dieing while actively moving and accelerator is pressed. Just purchased the car in used market with 105k on odometer. At time of purchase dealer indicated the they had to put a new top end into engine to get it to run. This car is the most expensive LEMON I have ever encountered!
NHTSA ODI #11490789
Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2022
EnginePower Train
Engine light started blinking and I could not accelerate anymore. After driving home, I figured out it was showing P1326 error. It didn't allow me to go above 60 mph or 2000 rpm. Further digging into the issue I figured out that this was a common issue with hyundai and kia cars, but there was no recall for my car. I took the car…
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Engine light started blinking and I could not accelerate anymore. After driving home, I figured out it was showing P1326 error. It didn't allow me to go above 60 mph or 2000 rpm. Further digging into the issue I figured out that this was a common issue with hyundai and kia cars, but there was no recall for my car. I took the car to dealship as it was still under warranty and they only updated ECU for knock sensor. No other repairs where done saying that there was no solution to the issue. Other cars get their engines replaced and get lifetime warranty. I got no repairs or extended warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11457336
83,000 miles · Nov 24, 2021
EnginePower Train
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle would not exceed a certain speed and would jerk upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was given an appointment to have the…
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The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle would not exceed a certain speed and would jerk upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was given an appointment to have the vehicle serviced but the dealer had not yet inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case manager. The vehicle had was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. The vehicle continues to have knock sensor problems as set forth in the recall. The AC no longer blows cool air as well.
NHTSA ODI #11441582
91,000 miles · May 8, 2021
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
DRIVING NORMALLY THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE AND CANT GET VEHICLE MOVING AT ATTEMPTED SPEED. VEHICLE SHAKES A BIT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THEN OIL LIGHT COMES ON.
NHTSA ODI #11415682
78,410 miles · Oct 15, 2020
EnginePower Train
ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AS MY DAUGHTER LEFT HIGHWAY FOR HER EXIT . WHEN HYUNDAI ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE ENGINE, DISCOVERED 4WD TRANSFER CASE SEIZED INTO TRANSMISSION PREVENTING REMOVAL OF ENGINE, REPLACED ENGINE ,TRANSMISSION, AND TRANSFER CASE. THIS IS THE SAME ENGINE IN THE SANTA FE , AND SONATA WH…
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ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AS MY DAUGHTER LEFT HIGHWAY FOR HER EXIT . WHEN HYUNDAI ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE ENGINE, DISCOVERED 4WD TRANSFER CASE SEIZED INTO TRANSMISSION PREVENTING REMOVAL OF ENGINE, REPLACED ENGINE ,TRANSMISSION, AND TRANSFER CASE. THIS IS THE SAME ENGINE IN THE SANTA FE , AND SONATA WHICH WAS RECALLED. HYUNDAI IS STILL REFUSING TO EXTEND THE RECALL TO THE TUCSON TOO. SO OWNERS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO THE EXTENSION ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. DUE TO THEM NOT WANTING ANYBODY TO KNOW ABOUT THIS DEFECT IN THE MOTORS THAT THE TUCSON SHARE WITH THEIR OTHER MODELS. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD OF STEPPED UP AND MADE HYUNDAI HONOR THE EXTENSION TO INCLUDE THE TUCSON MODEL TOO. FOR ALL TUCSON OWNERS ARE LEFT IN THE COLD WITH A VEHICLE WORTH [XXX] SINCE THEY ARE STILL HAVING MORE PROBLEMS WITH THIS 2.4L MOTOR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11364588
70,702 miles · Apr 11, 2019
EnginePower Train
PURCHASED AS SECOND OWNER ON 8/18/16, MILEAGE WAS 21,7946. ON 03/16/18, WAS DRIVING AT APPROX. 40 MPH WHEN ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, NO POWER. TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALER, WAS TOLD CRANKSHAFT SEIZED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACED. MILEAGE WAS 70,702 AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY BECAUSE …
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PURCHASED AS SECOND OWNER ON 8/18/16, MILEAGE WAS 21,7946. ON 03/16/18, WAS DRIVING AT APPROX. 40 MPH WHEN ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, NO POWER. TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALER, WAS TOLD CRANKSHAFT SEIZED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACED. MILEAGE WAS 70,702 AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS 702 MILES OVER. PAID $4000 FOR A USED MOTOR. GOT A LETTER RECENTLY TELLING ME THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE SOFTWARE, AND IN LOOKING I UP DISCOVERED THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THIS MOTOR.
NHTSA ODI #11195716
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.