NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
423 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 25, 2021
Engine
When driving uphill on Vasco Rd between Brentwood, Ca & Livermore, CA started slowing down the more gas I gave the slower it went then suddenly there was a clattering sound all panel lights came on and engine died and would not restart. Tow truck driver said my engine blew. I usually get my oil changed between 5k & 7k . I just h…
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When driving uphill on Vasco Rd between Brentwood, Ca & Livermore, CA started slowing down the more gas I gave the slower it went then suddenly there was a clattering sound all panel lights came on and engine died and would not restart. Tow truck driver said my engine blew. I usually get my oil changed between 5k & 7k . I just had my oil changed 600 miles ago. It is a 2.0 Hyundai 2016 Tucson. I read the NHTSA fined Hyundai for failure to recall engine failures on their 4 cyn and wondered if my car should have been included in any recalls.
NHTSA ODI #11418421
104,000 miles · May 6, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING MOTIVE POWER WITH A LOUD CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED FOR A MOMENT BEFORE DRIVING TO HER DESTINATION. NAPLETON HYUNDAI (649 DUNN RD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING MOTIVE POWER WITH A LOUD CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED FOR A MOMENT BEFORE DRIVING TO HER DESTINATION. NAPLETON HYUNDAI (649 DUNN RD, HAZELWOOD, MO 63042, (314) 548-0956) WAS CONTACTED AND ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE PICKED UP AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL VALVES HAD CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A MONTH AFTER THE REPAIR THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED WITH A REBUILT ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
NHTSA ODI #11415438
73,600 miles · Apr 28, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED BEFORE IT COULD BE DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CMA'S COLONIAL HYUNDAI (2200 WALTHALL CENTER DR, CHESTE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED BEFORE IT COULD BE DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CMA'S COLONIAL HYUNDAI (2200 WALTHALL CENTER DR, CHESTER, VA 23836) AND DIAGNOSED AS ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A CASE MANAGER. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,600.
NHTSA ODI #11414268
26,000 miles · Apr 12, 2021
EnginePower Train
WHEN DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, SUCH AS IN A LINE OF CARS GOING THROUGH A DRIVE THRU, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO SKIP. ALMOST HOPPING ALONG RATHER THAN SLOWLY MOVING. I HAVE OBSERVED IT HAPPENING IN BOTH ECO MODE AND REGULAR DRIVING MODE. THIS IS NOT A CONSTANT BUT FREQUENT. I ALSO HAVE INSTANCES OF WHERE IT DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED AND T…
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WHEN DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, SUCH AS IN A LINE OF CARS GOING THROUGH A DRIVE THRU, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO SKIP. ALMOST HOPPING ALONG RATHER THAN SLOWLY MOVING. I HAVE OBSERVED IT HAPPENING IN BOTH ECO MODE AND REGULAR DRIVING MODE. THIS IS NOT A CONSTANT BUT FREQUENT. I ALSO HAVE INSTANCES OF WHERE IT DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED AND TAKES TIME TO SHIFT GEARS. I THINK IT MAY BE THE TRANSMISSION SKIPPING AND NOT SHIFTING GEARS APPROPRIATELY CAUSING IT TO HOP OR JUMP. AT ALL TIME THE CARE WAS IN MOTION AND ON CITY STREETS NEVER ON A HIGHWAYS.
NHTSA ODI #11407785
78,000 miles · Apr 9, 2021
Engine
UNEXPECTED CHECK ENGINE AND ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS CAME. THERE WAS A SUDDEN KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT/ENGINE AREA SO I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO TURN OFF. TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON AND WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS…
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UNEXPECTED CHECK ENGINE AND ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS CAME. THERE WAS A SUDDEN KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT/ENGINE AREA SO I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO TURN OFF. TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON AND WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11407304
104,400 miles · Mar 31, 2021
Engine
I HAD MY VEHICLES OIL CHANGE COMPLETED 3/17/21. ON 3/31/21 MY VEHICLES OIL LIGHT DISPLAYED AS HAVING NO OIL. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED AND WENT BACK TO THE OIL CHANGE CENTER I'VE GONE TO FOR THE 3 YEARS I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THEY ASSURED ME THERE WAS NO LEAK. I LOOKED UP THE ISSUE ON THE INTERNET ONLY TO FIND I AM ONE OF MANY WITH…
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I HAD MY VEHICLES OIL CHANGE COMPLETED 3/17/21. ON 3/31/21 MY VEHICLES OIL LIGHT DISPLAYED AS HAVING NO OIL. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED AND WENT BACK TO THE OIL CHANGE CENTER I'VE GONE TO FOR THE 3 YEARS I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THEY ASSURED ME THERE WAS NO LEAK. I LOOKED UP THE ISSUE ON THE INTERNET ONLY TO FIND I AM ONE OF MANY WITH THIS ISSUE. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR ENGINE REPAIRS ESPECIALLY WHEN I'VE BEEN CONSISTENT WITH MY OIL CHANGE MAINTENANCE. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND MAKE THESE REPAIRS OR BUY BACK THE VEHICLES LIKE VOLKSWAGEN HAD TO DO A FEW YEARS AGO.
NHTSA ODI #11405880
74,287 miles · Mar 30, 2021
Engine
WHILE DRIVE MY CAR STARTED MARKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND JUMPING BACK AND FORTH AND THE OIL CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED MY SON. HE CAME AND CHECKED IT OUT, THERE WAS NO OIL IN IT. HE PUT OIL IN AND AND I TRIED TO DRIVE HOME. THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND SHUT DOWN ON ME AND MY SON HAD TO TOW ME HOME. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS …
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WHILE DRIVE MY CAR STARTED MARKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND JUMPING BACK AND FORTH AND THE OIL CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED MY SON. HE CAME AND CHECKED IT OUT, THERE WAS NO OIL IN IT. HE PUT OIL IN AND AND I TRIED TO DRIVE HOME. THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND SHUT DOWN ON ME AND MY SON HAD TO TOW ME HOME. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS CAME ON 50 TIMES AND IN THE LAST YEAR AND THEM GOES OFF. I TOOK IT TO DEALER SHIP 10 DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE THE LIGHT WAS ON, USUALLY IT GOES OFF BEFORE I GET THERE. THEY ALWAYS CLAIMED THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM AND SAID I GOT BAD GAS IN IT.
NHTSA ODI #11405686
105,016 miles · Mar 29, 2021
Engine
OIL IN THE CAR CANNOT REACH PARTS OF THE ENGINE, AND IS BEING CONSUMED ABNORMALLY QUICKLY. IT HAS CAUSE MY ENGINE TO TEMPORARLY SIEZE, AND RELEASE, AND NOW WILL NOT EVEN START.
NHTSA ODI #11405462
73,000 miles · Mar 17, 2021
Engine
BOUGHT CAR AT 690000 MILES , HAD OIL CHANGED AT DEALER NEVER USED A DROP. AFTER OIL CHANGE STARTED USING OIL, A QUART ABOUT EVERY 250 MILES, STARTED OIL CONSUMPTION TEST TODAY AT 75667 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11403596
128,000 miles · Mar 17, 2021
Engine
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE WITH OUT WARNING LIGHTS APPEARING. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, BATTERY, OIL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS APPEARED. THE CAR ROLLED TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CAR THEN WOULD NOT RESTART, BUT HAD POWER AND BATTERY LIFE LEFT DUE TO THE BATTER…
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EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE WITH OUT WARNING LIGHTS APPEARING. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, BATTERY, OIL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS APPEARED. THE CAR ROLLED TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CAR THEN WOULD NOT RESTART, BUT HAD POWER AND BATTERY LIFE LEFT DUE TO THE BATTERY BEING 1 YR OLD. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CITED ENGINE FAILURE AND SAID IT WAS DUE TO OIL CONSUMPTION. THE OIL HAD LARGE AMOUNT OF METAL IN IT DESPITE IT HAVING 128K MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11403530
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.
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