NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
15 reportsClear category filter108,398 miles · Dec 12, 2024
Air BagsExterior LightingUnknown Or Other
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The airbag system, brake system, and HVAC system (air conditioning and heating) appear to have malfunctioned. A dealer confirmed that the HVAC system is defective, identifying a broken evaporator assembly and a faulty temperature …
Read full complaint
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The airbag system, brake system, and HVAC system (air conditioning and heating) appear to have malfunctioned. A dealer confirmed that the HVAC system is defective, identifying a broken evaporator assembly and a faulty temperature door actuator. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The airbag safety light raises concerns about whether the airbags will deploy during an accident. The brake light error creates uncertainty about the reliability of the brake system. Additionally, the defective HVAC system is a significant safety hazard. The heater’s failure prevents the windshield from defogging, impairing visibility, particularly in cold or wet weather. This poses a serious risk while driving, especially in freezing temperatures. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the HVAC system defect has been confirmed by a dealer, who provided images and recommended replacing the evaporator assembly and temperature door actuator. Independent mechanics have also observed the airbag and brake light errors but were unable to identify the underlying causes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by independent mechanics and one dealership but has not been evaluated by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The airbag safety light and brake light errors have been present since I acquired the vehicle. The HVAC system began failing intermittently shortly thereafter, with the issue worsening over time.These unresolved issues continue to jeopardize the safety and reliability of the vehicle
NHTSA ODI #11630296
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2023
Air Bags
Air bag light is on. Hyundai dealer diagnosed problem as a faulty clock spring.
NHTSA ODI #11519629
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2023
Air Bags
Airbag light on dealer says it needs replaced.
NHTSA ODI #11515676
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2022
Air Bags
Air Bag light is staying on constantly. Took it to the dealer and said it is the Air bag control module. Not covered under extended warranty. Called Hyundai and they said not covered since vehicle is at 69,000 miles. Noticed Hyundai has recalls for air bag modules on other vehicles.
NHTSA ODI #11477387
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2021
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering
MAJOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED INCLUDING SPEEDOMOTER, TACHOMETER, DEACTIVATION OF AIRBAGS AND INABILITY TO INDICATE WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS IN. SITUATION WAS REMEDIED WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF A SECONDARY VACUUM PUMP. WATER ENTRY INTO THE PUMP IS CAUSE OF ISSUE TO MAJOR ELECTRONIC COMPON…
Read full complaint
MAJOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED INCLUDING SPEEDOMOTER, TACHOMETER, DEACTIVATION OF AIRBAGS AND INABILITY TO INDICATE WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS IN. SITUATION WAS REMEDIED WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF A SECONDARY VACUUM PUMP. WATER ENTRY INTO THE PUMP IS CAUSE OF ISSUE TO MAJOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
NHTSA ODI #11438031
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2021
Air Bags
PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG IS FAULTY. DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS NO OBVIOUS REASON WHY IT WOULD BE DAMAGED. THERE WAS A SIMILAR RECALL ON THESE PASSENGER AIRBAGS FOR A PREVIOUS MODEL.
NHTSA ODI #11416314
67,000 miles · Apr 29, 2021
Air BagsElectrical SystemService Brakes
MULTIPLE SENSORS AND LIGHTS ON THE DASH ARE ILLUMINATED, INCLUDING THE AIRBAGS, BRAKES, TRACTION CONTROL, HILL ASSIST, TIRE PRESSURE, ETC. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS RELATED TO A VACUUM PUMP ISSUE. OTHER HYUNDAIS ARE UNDER RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE, BUT MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW UP AS COVERED. THIS IS AN EXTREME HAZARD AS THE CAR I…
Read full complaint
MULTIPLE SENSORS AND LIGHTS ON THE DASH ARE ILLUMINATED, INCLUDING THE AIRBAGS, BRAKES, TRACTION CONTROL, HILL ASSIST, TIRE PRESSURE, ETC. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS RELATED TO A VACUUM PUMP ISSUE. OTHER HYUNDAIS ARE UNDER RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE, BUT MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW UP AS COVERED. THIS IS AN EXTREME HAZARD AS THE CAR IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, AND IF THE SENSOR ARE NOT FUNCTIONING, PROPERLY, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE AIRBAGS OR OTHER SAFETY SYSTEMS WILL FUNCTION AS INTENDED WITH THIS UNDERLYING PROBLEM. THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE 1.6 TUCSONS, AS IT'S OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE ACROSS THE MANUFACTURER AND MULTIPLE MODELS. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, AND THESE SYSTEMS ENGAGE RANDOMLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FUNCTION POORLY. ADDITIONALLY THIS AFFECTS EMISSIONS.
NHTSA ODI #11414393
86,000 miles · Oct 30, 2020
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
FIRST THE BACK BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WENT OUT AND I TRIED SEVERAL BULBS PUT IN BUT THEY DIDN'T WORK. NEXT THE DRIVERD DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THR OUTSIDE AFTER THR UNLOCK BUTTON WAS PUSHED. THEN THE AIRBAGS WENT OUT. LAST WEEK MY ENGINE WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11372438
76,000 miles · Sep 23, 2020
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHICH OF THE AIR BAGS WERE AFFECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RON CARTER HYUNDAI (18100 GULF FWY, FRIENDSWOOD, TX 77546) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAGS MODULE NEEDE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHICH OF THE AIR BAGS WERE AFFECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RON CARTER HYUNDAI (18100 GULF FWY, FRIENDSWOOD, TX 77546) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAGS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
NHTSA ODI #11360692
42,200 miles · Feb 8, 2020
Air BagsElectrical System
2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON ECO: VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND I NOTICED THE AIR BAG INDICATOR IS ILLUMINATED. I REMOVED KEYS FROM IGNITION AND RE-STARTED WITH SAME RESULTS. NOT SURE IF IT'S A MODULE OR A DEFECTIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #11307845
Official recalls
5Sep 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Nov 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Electrical System:wiring
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Aug 30, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
May 24, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, if the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 145.
Mar 10, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured May 26, 2015 to January 15, 2016 and equipped with an accessory trailer hitch harness either included with the accessory trailer hitch or sold as a service part. In the affected vehicles, when the vehicle's engine is running and the brake lights are illuminated, if the turn signal is activated, the trailer turn signal lights will either turn off or remain continuously illuminated (not flash). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 142.
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
1DP22003 · 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.
Illustration