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2015 Hyundai Tucson

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 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

88 reports with mileage · 138 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 118 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. 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.

7 crash reports8 fire reports6 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

20 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

I HAVE A HYUNDAI TUCSON THAT HAS A RECALL NOTICE. I LIVE IN JUNEAU ALASKA WHERE THERE ARE NO HYUNDAI DEALERS. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND SPOKE WITH SOME VERY NICE PEOPLE WHO COULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE OF A CASEMANAGER NAMED GRETCHEN. GRETCHEN WANTED ME TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SHIPPED TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER. THAT WOULD BE IMPOSSIB…

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I HAVE A HYUNDAI TUCSON THAT HAS A RECALL NOTICE. I LIVE IN JUNEAU ALASKA WHERE THERE ARE NO HYUNDAI DEALERS. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND SPOKE WITH SOME VERY NICE PEOPLE WHO COULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE OF A CASEMANAGER NAMED GRETCHEN. GRETCHEN WANTED ME TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SHIPPED TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER. THAT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE JUNEAU HAS NO ROAD NETWORK AND BARGE COSTS WOULD BE ABOUT FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS. I SPOKE WITH GRETCHEN ABOUT THE DILEMMA. SHE WAS RUDE AND DEMANDED I FIND A WAY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER. I EXPLAINED THIS IS NOT WHAT I WAS TOLD WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. I ASKED GRETCHEN FOR HER SUPERVISORS CONTACT INFORMATION. SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS OVER ALL ALASKA AND HAD NO SUPERVISION. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AND SPOKE WITH TABITHA WHO COULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE OF GRETCHEN AND GRETCHEN WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD GIVE HER SUPERVISORS NUMBER. AT THIS POINT I HAVE A RECALLED VEHICLE THAT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO SERVICE. CAN ANYONE HELP?

NHTSA ODI #11299980

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

FIRST TIME EVER MY VEHICLE QUIT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AFTER HAVING IT FOR 3 YEARS. I TOOK GREAT CARE OF MY VEHICLE. I HAD TO GET A TOW TRUCK TO TOW MY 2015 HYUNDAI TUSCON LIMITED TO DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD IT IS EXTERNAL COMPONENT WORN OUT AND IT WILL BE A WEEK BEFORE THEY CAN GIVE ME AN ANSWER. REALLY??? I ASKED IF THIS IS NOR…

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FIRST TIME EVER MY VEHICLE QUIT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AFTER HAVING IT FOR 3 YEARS. I TOOK GREAT CARE OF MY VEHICLE. I HAD TO GET A TOW TRUCK TO TOW MY 2015 HYUNDAI TUSCON LIMITED TO DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD IT IS EXTERNAL COMPONENT WORN OUT AND IT WILL BE A WEEK BEFORE THEY CAN GIVE ME AN ANSWER. REALLY??? I ASKED IF THIS IS NORMAL. WOULDN'T GIVE ME AN ANSWER. THEY CANNOT PROVIDE A LOANER CAR. I THINK I NEED TO GO WITH DEALERSHIP THAT PROVIDE A LOANER CAR. I AM DO MY RESEARCH TO SEE IF I SHOULD CONTINUE BUYING HYUNDAI OR GO WITH DIFFERENT FORD OR CHEVY

NHTSA ODI #11254656

70,000 miles · May 17, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFireInjury

HYUNDAI RECALL. I AM A 65 YEARS OLD, I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON NOV 2018 AND AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FLAMES CAME THROUGH THE FLOOR PANEL AND THROUGH THE VENTS. MY ENTIRE AREA WHERE THE GAS & BRAKE PEDAL ARE BURNED UP, THE RADIO AREA AND CONSOLE AREA IS CHARRED BEYOND RECOGNITION. BY TH…

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HYUNDAI RECALL. I AM A 65 YEARS OLD, I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON NOV 2018 AND AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FLAMES CAME THROUGH THE FLOOR PANEL AND THROUGH THE VENTS. MY ENTIRE AREA WHERE THE GAS & BRAKE PEDAL ARE BURNED UP, THE RADIO AREA AND CONSOLE AREA IS CHARRED BEYOND RECOGNITION. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS IN FLAMES.

NHTSA ODI #11208255

39,000 miles · Dec 3, 2018
Electrical SystemStructureFire

THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FRIDAY 11/23/2018 AT ABOUT 3:30 PM. THE NEXT DAY, SAT, 11/24/2018 ABOUT 12:45, A BOY BANGED ON THE FRONT DOOR OF THE HOUSE AND TOLD WIFE THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. SHE CAME AND GOT ME FROM THE BACK YARD AND I RAN AROUND TO THE DRIVEWAY. I SEEN FLAMES AROUND THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR QUARTER, THE WHEEL …

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THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FRIDAY 11/23/2018 AT ABOUT 3:30 PM. THE NEXT DAY, SAT, 11/24/2018 ABOUT 12:45, A BOY BANGED ON THE FRONT DOOR OF THE HOUSE AND TOLD WIFE THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. SHE CAME AND GOT ME FROM THE BACK YARD AND I RAN AROUND TO THE DRIVEWAY. I SEEN FLAMES AROUND THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR QUARTER, THE WHEEL WELL,AND THE GAS CAP. I GRABBED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE GARAGE AND SPRAYED IT AT THE GAS CAP AREA. THE WIFE SAID THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON THEIR WAY. I USED THE EXTINGUISHER AND THE WIFE BROUGHT ME ANOTHER ONE. I USED THEM TO TRY AND KEEP THE GAS CAP COOL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND I MOVED MY TRUCK FROM PARKED NEXT TO THE TUCSON TO ACROSS THE STREET AND OUT OF THE WAY OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN STARTED OR EVEN UNLOCKED SINCE IT WAS PARKED THE DAY BEFORE.

NHTSA ODI #11155753

15,553 miles · Sep 27, 2018
Electrical SystemPower Train

AT TIMES ON THE ROAD THE CAR LOOSE POWER AND IN A HIGHWAY THAT YOU CAN GO 70 I CAN ONLY GO PROBABLY 45MPH BECAUSE IT SEEMS AS IT CAN NOT GO OVER THAT MILEAGE. I HAVE TO TRY HARD TO GO EVEN 55MPH. IT HAPPENED SINCE WHILE AGO AND I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE IT WAS BRAND NEW OUT OF THE BOX. I TOOK TO THE DEALER POTAMKIN IN MANHATTA…

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AT TIMES ON THE ROAD THE CAR LOOSE POWER AND IN A HIGHWAY THAT YOU CAN GO 70 I CAN ONLY GO PROBABLY 45MPH BECAUSE IT SEEMS AS IT CAN NOT GO OVER THAT MILEAGE. I HAVE TO TRY HARD TO GO EVEN 55MPH. IT HAPPENED SINCE WHILE AGO AND I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE IT WAS BRAND NEW OUT OF THE BOX. I TOOK TO THE DEALER POTAMKIN IN MANHATTAN, NY WHERE I PURCHASED AND THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE "ECONOMIC" BUTTON. A SEPARATE MECHANIC SAID IT IS INDEED NOT NORMAL. ALSO THE AIR CONDITIONING BROKE 7/2017 AND I HAD TO PAY TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. ALL BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO MISS WORK TO FILE COMPLAINT, ETC. I HAVE PAPERWORK FOR ALL THIS.

NHTSA ODI #11132043

30,000 miles · Sep 22, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I PURCHASED THIS CAR NOVEMBER 8 2014 WITH 99 MILES ON IT. WE'VE HAD SEVERE ISSUES WITH IT IN THE LAST YEAR. WE'VE HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY'VE BEEN IN COMMUNICATION WITH HYUNDAI IN ORDER TO FIX IT. THERE WAS NO SOLUTIONS, JUST "TRY THIS & SEE IF IT WORKS." IN JULY 2016 I STARTED HAVING MEDI…

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I PURCHASED THIS CAR NOVEMBER 8 2014 WITH 99 MILES ON IT. WE'VE HAD SEVERE ISSUES WITH IT IN THE LAST YEAR. WE'VE HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY'VE BEEN IN COMMUNICATION WITH HYUNDAI IN ORDER TO FIX IT. THERE WAS NO SOLUTIONS, JUST "TRY THIS & SEE IF IT WORKS." IN JULY 2016 I STARTED HAVING MEDICAL ISSUES, WE'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE NOT WANTING TO START. AT FIRST IT WASN'T WANTING TO START & THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT FOR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, THEY CLAIMED THAT WAS THE ISSUE. SO THAT RECALL WAS PREFORMED AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. LOW AND BEHOLD THE ISSUE WAS NOT CORRECTED, THE CAR STILL HAD EPISODES WHERE IT WOULD NOT START. THE ISSUE WAS NOT SOMETHING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD RE-CREATE. SECOND TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND THEY REPLACED THE INHIBITOR SWITCH, AND THAT ALSO HAS NOT WORKED. NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN BUT THE CODE IS COMING BACK AS THE PURGE VALVE. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS NO POWER AND FEELS AS IF THE MOTOR COULD DIE AT ANY SECOND. I TRAVEL AWAY ABOUT TWICE A MONTH FOR VARIOUS SPECIALIST DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS. MY VEHICLE HAS LEFT ME STRANDED THERE SEVERAL TIMES. I NO LONGER FEEL MY VEHICLE IS SAFE OR DEPENDABLE FOR MYSELF OR ANY OF MY 3 CHILDREN TO BE TRANSPORTED IN IT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI COMPANY DIRECTLY BUT NO RESPONSE FROM THEM AS OF YET. FOR A 2015 MODEL VEHICLE THIS MAY ISSUES IS RIDICULOUS!! MY HUSBAND AND I ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED AND WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLE!

NHTSA ODI #11025041

36,000 miles · Sep 19, 2017
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I TOOK MY CAR TO JIFFY LUBE ON JULY 8TH TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED ON AUGUST 27TH THAT VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING I FOUND OUT THIS WAS BECAUSE OF LACK OF OIL NEVER AT ANY TIME THAT A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON OR CHECK OIL LIGHT COME ON. AND THEY ARE STILL NOT TO THIS DAY. THERE HAS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSORS. I WAS DRIVING THE C…

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I TOOK MY CAR TO JIFFY LUBE ON JULY 8TH TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED ON AUGUST 27TH THAT VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING I FOUND OUT THIS WAS BECAUSE OF LACK OF OIL NEVER AT ANY TIME THAT A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON OR CHECK OIL LIGHT COME ON. AND THEY ARE STILL NOT TO THIS DAY. THERE HAS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSORS. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT THAT TIME AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME.

NHTSA ODI #11024174

35,000 miles · Sep 9, 2017
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP AT NO TIME DID ANY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT OR OIL LIGHT APPEARED UPON HAVING MY CAR TOWED HOME I FELT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE OIL WAS JUST CHANGED JULY 8TH OF 2017. MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING AUGUST 27TH A 2017. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I NEVER GOT A SERVICE ENGINE SOON OR DON'T U…

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WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP AT NO TIME DID ANY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT OR OIL LIGHT APPEARED UPON HAVING MY CAR TOWED HOME I FELT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE OIL WAS JUST CHANGED JULY 8TH OF 2017. MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING AUGUST 27TH A 2017. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I NEVER GOT A SERVICE ENGINE SOON OR DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE OIL LIGHT DID NOT APPEAR.

NHTSA ODI #11022425

30 miles · Nov 22, 2015
Electrical System

WITH THE 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON, WITHIN 12 HOURS OF OWNING THE CAR AND DRIVING IT OFF THE DEALERSHIP LOT, WE EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE KEY INDICATOR BLINKING WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR AND CAR WOULD NOT START AT WORK. IT STARTED FINE AT HOME AN MOSTLY ANYWHERE ELSE. ONLY BY PRESSING THE FOB ITSELF ON PUSH BUTTON START, …

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WITH THE 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON, WITHIN 12 HOURS OF OWNING THE CAR AND DRIVING IT OFF THE DEALERSHIP LOT, WE EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE KEY INDICATOR BLINKING WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR AND CAR WOULD NOT START AT WORK. IT STARTED FINE AT HOME AN MOSTLY ANYWHERE ELSE. ONLY BY PRESSING THE FOB ITSELF ON PUSH BUTTON START, DID CAR START AT WORK PARKING LOT. IF FOB NOT PRESSED ONTO PUSH BUTTON, WOULD NOT START. DEALERSHIP REPLACED KEY FOB AND BATTERIES, DID NOT FIX PROBLEM. SERVICE DEPARTMENT MEMBER ACCOMPANIED US TO PARKING LOT, EXPERIENCED SAME ISSUE IN WORK PARKING LOT. WITH ASSISTANCE FROM SECURITY GUARDS AT WORK, REALIZED THIS ISSUE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN PARKING NEXT TO A SOLAR PANEL ON A SUNNY DAY AT WORK PARKING LOT. TO COMPENSATE FOR ISSUE NOW, CAR IS PARKED FARTHER AWAY FROM OFFICE BUILDING AS IT WAS DISCOVERED SOLAR PANELS ON LIGHT POLE INTERFERED WITH ANTENNA FOR KEY. SERVICE DEPT MEMBER FROM HYUNDAI SAID THEY BELIEVE THEY SAW AN EMAIL/SERVICE BULLETIN REFERENCING SUCH AN ISSUE, AND DID NOT SUGGEST ANY REMEDIATION EXCEPT TP PARK AWAY FROM THE LIGHT POLE. OUR WORKAROUND HAS BEEN TO PARK AWAY FROM SOLAR PANEL LIGHT POLES OR COVER THE SENSOR ON THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD. THIS HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP'S SOLUTION WAS TO SEND AN EMAIL WITH THE HYUNDAI CORPORATE PHONE NUMBER FOR FURTHER ESCALATION. THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN FOR US AS MORE HOUSES AND COMPANIES ARE ERECTING SOLAR PANELS, AND NOW WILL WE HAVE TO PICK WHERE WE PARK OUR TUCSON BASED ON IF A SOLAR PANEL IS NEARBY. IF YOU LIVE NEAR SOLAR PANELS, DON'T BUY A TUCSON WITH A PUSH BUTTON STAR.

NHTSA ODI #10795296

70 miles · Oct 1, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

LEASED JUNE 25, 2015 CAR ENGINE QUIT WHILE DRIVING WITHIN TWO TO THREE DAYS. KEY IN LOCKED POSITION DEALER ARRIVED-ABLE TO START CAR. EXPLANATION -PERHAPS KEY FOB TOO HEAVY. CHANGED KEY FOB. LAST WEEK CAR STOPPED AGAIN, ENGINE OFF/KEY IN LOCKED POSITION. PAST THREE MONTHS- MULTIPLE INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAR TAKEN I…

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LEASED JUNE 25, 2015 CAR ENGINE QUIT WHILE DRIVING WITHIN TWO TO THREE DAYS. KEY IN LOCKED POSITION DEALER ARRIVED-ABLE TO START CAR. EXPLANATION -PERHAPS KEY FOB TOO HEAVY. CHANGED KEY FOB. LAST WEEK CAR STOPPED AGAIN, ENGINE OFF/KEY IN LOCKED POSITION. PAST THREE MONTHS- MULTIPLE INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAR TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE- COULD NOT DUPLICATE.UNDERSTAND INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DIFFICULT TO FIND. I ASKED AFTER FIRST EVENT TO EXCHANGE THE CAR. HEATED PASSENGER SEAT CAME ON -PASSENGER NOTED . DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK WITHOUT BEING LOCKED/UNLOCKED BY OWNER. HATCH DOES NOT OPEN AT TIMES, OVERHEAD PASSENGER LIGHT ON WHILE DRIVING. ENGINE RUNS ROUGH. A FRIEND DROVE X1 DAY UNAWARE OF ISSUES. LET ME KNOW IT RAN ROUGH/DID NOT APPEAR TO ENGAGE THE GEARS PROPERLY.THE AUTO HEAD LIGHT ON. AFTER GOING INTO THE HOUSE NOTICED LIGHTS STILL ON HAD TO TURN OFF MANUALLY. HAVE PICS.- RADIO ON BY ITSELF - TOLD PLUGGING IN MOBILE PHONE ACTIVATES RADIO YET RADIO CAME ON/PHONE NOT PLUGGED IN. VIDEOED. WITH IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS - DID NOT LOCK CAR RETURNED TO UNLOAD.DRIVER DOOR LOCKED, ALL OTHERS OPEN, HATCH WOULD NOT OPEN. VIDEOED. HAD TO OPEN DRIVER DOOR MANUALLY TO OPEN-VIDEOED. PICKING UP A FRIEND -UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR USING ARM LOCK RELEASE- TRIED KEY-NO LUCK. HAD TO OPEN MANUALLY.4 WITNESSES OF EVENTS. CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH ENGINE TURNING OFF IN DRIVE/ON HIGHWAY. SERVICE MANAGER HELPFUL UNTIL TOLD LEMON LAW TO BE INVOKED- NO FURTHER CONTACT. CASE # 8112192 FILED WITH HYUNDAI/JULY-NO RESPONSE. CALLED AUG./SEPT. DID RECEIVE A CALL BACK LAST WEEK WITH A MESSAGE INDICATING THE SITUATION MOST LIKELY NOT RESOLVED THUS THIS EMAIL.. I AM IN SEATTLE DUE TO A FAMILY ILLNESS- NO ACCESS TO THE VIDEO'S-CAN SEND IF PROVIDED A REFERENCE NUMBER TO ASSOCIATE COMPLAINT WITH PICTURES/VIDEOS. I DO NOT WANT THE CAR AND DID OFFER TO EXCHANGE IN THE FIRST WEEK .

NHTSA ODI #10779152

Official recalls

1

22V056000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 3, 2022

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

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 multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.

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.

Go deeper into Hyundai Tucson problems