2015 Hyundai Tucson

While driving on a US highway, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost the ability to start/run normally, requiring the vehicle to be pulled off the road and towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership. Dealer diagnostic testing found the engine failed a bearing/performance test, consistent with connecting rod bearing wear. This failure mode — Check Engine light, DTC P1326, abnormal noise, or a no-crank/no-start condition caused by connecting rod bearing wear — is described in the manufacturer's own internal dealer service bulletin covering an engine warranty extension program for multiple engine families (Theta II MPI and Nu GDI engines) across several model years and vehicle lines. That bulletin acknowledges the failure as a known condition and extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles for original and subsequent owners. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning while the vehicle was in active use on a highway, creating a stall/loss-of-power hazard in moving traffic — the vehicle could not be restarted at the roadside. The dealership's own multi-point inspection performed shortly after intake confirmed engine fluid levels and oil grade were within normal range, indicating the failure was not attributable to a lack of lubrication at the time of failure. Despite this, the manufacturer denied warranty coverage for the repair, citing an inability to produce maintenance receipts for a prior period, even though the dealership's own inspection findings do not support a maintenance-related cause. This report is submitted because of the safety hazard posed by unwarned loss of engine power/starting capability while driving, and because this failure pattern appears consistent with a defect the manufacturer has already acknowledged for closely related engine platforms, raising the question of whether additional vehicles with this engine design should be included in that existing warranty/defect campaign.

On January 7, 2026, shortly after delivery of a used 2015 Hyundai Tucson (VIN [XXX] ), the vehicle experienced immediate mechanical failure while being driven, resulting in sudden loss of power and drivability. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard at the time of failure. The vehicle became disabled and left the occupants stranded roadside in Fairhope, Alabama. The exact component that failed is UNKNOWN at this time. The failure appears related to the engine, powertrain, fuel/propulsion, and/or electrical systems. The vehicle was not operable after the incident. On January 8, 2026, the selling dealership (Sandy Sansing Nissan, Pensacola, Florida) towed the vehicle back to their dealership. The vehicle has remained in the dealership’s possession since that date and is available for inspection upon request. This sudden failure created a significant safety risk due to loss of propulsion while in traffic and exposure to roadside hazards. The problem has not been independently repaired or evaluated by the consumer. No manufacturer inspection has occurred to the consumer’s knowledge. The dealer has not provided a diagnostic report or repair findings. No warning lights or symptoms were disclosed prior to delivery. The failure occurred almost immediately after delivery. The vehicle was sold and delivered by a licensed dealership. The sale is currently in dispute because the vehicle became disabled almost immediately after delivery due to this safety-related failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On [XXX], my husband and I were driving on [XXX] (Highway) in the slow lane, when the engine shutoff without any Service engine light warning. It was frightening because an tractor trailer was directly behind the car as we lost power. There was no sounds of engine parts knocking or pinging when the problem occurred. The only thing was observed was (two) 2 puffs of smoke seen from the tailpipe, witnessed by my son who was following behind in his vehicle. The vehicle was not able to start after shutdown and had to be towed to my home. We purchased a new battery after assuming battery failure--with no resolve. The vehicle was towed to(two) 2 repair shops with the same conclusion: Seized Engine After checking Open Recalls on my vehicle, I contacted Hyundai to check for assistance. The vehicle is now at the Hyundai dealership in McDonough, Georgia for inspection. I am thankful that my husband and I were not injured or laying in a Morgue after this frighten ordeal on the highway when the Engine suddenly shutoff/Seized. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The engine uses about 3 to 4 quarts of oil before a oil change the it will go in limp mode. I have to get it rest and then add oil for the engine to run right. Also transmission don't want to shift 3 to 4 gear it will be 35 mph to 65 before it shifts. When the car goes in limp mode I lose power going up a hill and almost got rear ended. They won't do anything do to its a used car. No lights came on the dash till it acts up.

While driving our 2015 Hyundai Tucson on [XXX] outside of Sanford, Florida, [XXX], at 70mph, the car unexplainably lost all power and my husband had to veer into the right lane while avoiding traffic at high speeds, and pull onto the shoulder until the the car came to rest. This affected his safety, the cars in the right lane, the cars behind him, and his safety on the shoulder. When he tried to restart it, the engine light came on and he immediately drove home. The following day, we took it to our regular mechanic. After inspecting the vehicle, he told us our engine was completely “shot”. We called the Hyundai dealership in Daytona Beach, Florida. The engine light was on, so we paid to have it towed. The dealership called a couple of days later and after INSPECTION, stated the engine was seized, but it was under warranty. Later, we received a call saying it wasn’t under warranty because a KDSD “RECALL” was never completed. We had no idea what he was referring to, as we never received a RECALL notice regarding the KDSD. THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL ON A KSDS SYSTEM. ONLY A SERVICE CAMPAIGN THAT WE WERE NOT INFORMED OF. Therefore, the engine was a total loss and would not be replaced. THERE WAS NEVER A PRIOR INDICATION FROM ANY WARNING LIGHTS OR SYMPTOMS. Upon investigation, I learned that Hyundai was aware of this problem in 2018. Our vehicle was in for regular service on [XXX]. After reading many of the TSB Memos, Their Service Campaign began on [XXX]. We never received notice regarding this campaign. Nonetheless, as our car was in for service IN SEPTEMBER OF 2018, they should have made us aware, and performed the software update then and there. The software only warns the driver that there may be a problem. This update doesn’t improve THE ENGINE which is defective. It is abhorrent to me that they are still putting lives at risk. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL THIS ENGINE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED OR IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recall repair performed on my 2015 Hyundai Tucson on October 5th, 2022. I have received numerous letters from Hyundai regarding an open recall and finally received a notice stating the remedy was ready. I scheduled an appointment with Matthews Hyundai of Syracuse and took the vehicle for the recall. Unfortunately, after taking the vehicle back to the dealership, I was advised that the check engine light was on and the issue was a result of a faulty knock sensor and purge valve. I was asked to pay more than $100 for the repairs. However, after further discussion, it was concluded that I wouldn't be charged. However, after only two days, the engine check light came on again, and the speed reduced to 45 MPH on the highway. I was then told that the problem was from the ignition coil and was charged $232.72 for the repairs. Despite paying the full price, the same problem occurred again, and I had to take the vehicle back to the dealership seven times, paying a total of $1,160.67. Throughout this recall repair failure, the vehicle's check engine light would come on, or it would randomly lose power, making a knocking sound and reducing speed even while driving. I no longer feel safe in this vehicle, and it has resulted in thousands of lost wages as it is the only vehicle I use for my work and personal use. On December 1st, I wrote a complaint to the New York division of vehicle safety and was advised to take the vehicle to a different Hyundai authorized dealership for diagnostics. I took the vehicle to Burdick Hyundai of Cicero, and after a week, they stated they were able to find the problem. However, Hyundai denied the claim for repairs on the vehicle. Since then the vehicle inspection has expired, and I took the vehicle to a shop for inspection. They stated they could not pass the inspection as the vehicle speed would not exceed 45MPH.

Previous History: Vehicle already required an engine replacement - short block assembly. Current Details: DTC P01326 - While driving - Check Engine Light blinks & vehicle's acceleration is immediately reduced, causing dangerous disruption to the flow of traffic while merging into traffic from exit ramps, at traffic lights, stop signs, turns etc. Has been to dealer 3x for diagnosis and repair. Jan 2022 - 1st attempt - Knock Sensor replaced (Recall 966 was performed in Nov 2021) 2nd attempt - Knock Sensor software updated - 3rd attempt - Knock Sensor disconnected and reconnected. After each repair attempt the vehicle continued to suffer reduced acceleration and blinking check engine light while driving within a day or two. 4th time - DTC P0087 - Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low & DTC P2191 System too Lean at Higher Load (Multiple) (Bank 1). These are "new" codes discovered by subsequent Hyundai dealership after the 3rd repair attempt unresolved by the original selling dealership. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The warning check engine lights did appear at the same time as the reduced acceleration and occurred each time spontaneously while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There are additional complaints involving 2015 Hyundai Tucsons listed on the NHTSA website which I do not see connected to a current or previous recall. However, I do see Hyundai issued a recall # 207 in 09/2021. Please note the similarities of referenced complaints show the first 8 characters KM8JT3AF of the VIN show a direct correlation to manufacturer and engine types. Also note, there is an open unresolved recall # 218 with the potential to cause fires and currently has NO REMEDY available. Recommendations from Hyundai are to park vehicle away from buildings and continue driving even with fire hazard?

I was driving and there was a knocking noise from the engine and loss of power. I opened the hood and noticed a pulley on the belt that looked loose and had the car towed to the dealership. According to them they know this particular engine Theta model has been an issue for fires and engine failure with components breaking internally but no recalls have been addressed for my VIN number even though there are hundreds of thousands of customers with the same issues and only some recalls have been made. Ultimately leaving the customer with the bill. This is a very dangerous situation and reading hundreds of comments on various sites and these incidents happening in other countries as well with this engine, there should be a huge investigation and something being done about this.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE RPM'S REVVED UP HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PERFORM AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 90,200.