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2016 Hyundai Tucson

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Tucson years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson are substantially higher than the model-year median of 180.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

832 reports with mileage · 785 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.

  • Power Train. Review the 516 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 423 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports24 fire reports6 injury reports

Engine complaints

423 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

BOUGHT CERTIFIED 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON TURBO LTD WITH ECO AND DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. I'VE HAD IT FOR 5 DAYS. I BOUGHT IT FOR MY SON AND DAUGHTER TO ATTEND HIGH SCHOOL. THE CAR KEPT ACTING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL AT EVERY STOP, IT KEPT STUTTERING, AND WHEN YOU ARE ACCELERATING AND TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE PEDAL THE RPMS KEEP RI…

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BOUGHT CERTIFIED 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON TURBO LTD WITH ECO AND DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. I'VE HAD IT FOR 5 DAYS. I BOUGHT IT FOR MY SON AND DAUGHTER TO ATTEND HIGH SCHOOL. THE CAR KEPT ACTING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL AT EVERY STOP, IT KEPT STUTTERING, AND WHEN YOU ARE ACCELERATING AND TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE PEDAL THE RPMS KEEP RISING, AND DOESN'T SWITCH GEARS. IT REFS AND RPM GOES UP BUT IT DOESN'T SWITCH GEARS UP OR DOWN SHIFT EITHER. THE ENGINE REVS HIGH AND WON'T SWITCH GEARS. IT'S LIKE IT WANTS TO ACCELERATE WHEN YOU WANT IT TO SLOW DOWN AND WHEN STOPPED IT WANTS TO STALL. TODAY IT HAPPENED. WE CAME TO A STOP SO WE COULD TURN LEFT ONTO AN ONRAMP ON HIGHWAY, (HAVE TO CROSS OVER OTHER LANE TO GO ON ON RAMP), AND IT STUTTERED AND STALLED ON OPPOSITE ONCOMING TRAFFIC SIDE, BEFORE WE COULD REACH THE RAMP. MY SON WAS DRIVING AND I WAS IN FRONT SEAT AND DAUGHTER WAS IN BACK SEAT, I GOT SCARED, AS YOU CAN'T SEE WHAT COMING OVER THE HILL ON SIDE WE STALLED (ONCOMING TRAFFIC). THE GUY SAW WE HAD STALLED AND RAN OUT AND STARTED WAVING SOMETHING DOWN. IT WAS AN ONCOMING SEMI. THANKFULLY HE WAS ABLE TO REDIRECT HIM OR WE WOULD HAVE BEEN STRUCK. WE GOT THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AND WERE ABLE TO GET HOME. I LOOKED UP WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND SAW THAT THERE WAS A MASS RECALL OF MY EXACT CAR MODEL, IN THE EXACT TIME FRAME OF VEHICLE BEING MADE. THE RECALL WAS FOR THE EXACT THINGS THAT ARE AND DID HAPPEN TO US. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND ASKED THEM WHY THEY NEVER DIVULGED THIS INFORMATION AND THEY SAID THE DIDN'T KNOW. I READ ON THE NHTSA SITE THAT MY EXACT SUV, MADE THE SAME DATE, HYUNDAI HAD RECALLED, BUT MINE FOR SOME REASON IS NOT. PROBLEM IS WHEN I PUT MY VIN IN, NOTHING COMES UP FOR A RECALL. I DON'T WANT TO PUT MY KIDS BACK IN THIS CAR. I JUST DROPPED $24,000 5 DAYS AGO IN A CAR LOAN. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ODI #11221918

57,000 miles · Apr 25, 2019
Engine

I GO TO START MY CAR IN THE MORNING AND IT IS MAKING A LOUD TAPPING NOISE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY. BUT AS IT WARMED UP IT WENT AWAY SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO WORK IT WAS FINE ALL DAY BUT I FIGURED I WOULD LET THE DEALERSHIP TAKE A LOOK AT IT SINCE IT'S WASNT A PLEASANT NOISE. I DROP THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEY SA…

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I GO TO START MY CAR IN THE MORNING AND IT IS MAKING A LOUD TAPPING NOISE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY. BUT AS IT WARMED UP IT WENT AWAY SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO WORK IT WAS FINE ALL DAY BUT I FIGURED I WOULD LET THE DEALERSHIP TAKE A LOOK AT IT SINCE IT'S WASNT A PLEASANT NOISE. I DROP THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEY SAID THE OIL IS EXTREMELY LOW (I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR ABOUT A MONTH) I HAD BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP SO I ASSUMES ALL THE FLUIDS WOULD BE FINE UNTIL I NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE. WELL THEY CONTINUED WITH THE OIL CHANGE AND FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL PAN THEY THEN DROPPED THE OIL PAN AND FOUND METAL CHUNKS. THEY TOLD ME THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I THEN ASKED AROUND ABOUT WHY A VEHICLE THIS NEW WOULD NEED THE ENGINE REPLACED AND THEY SAID THAT HYUNDAI HAS A RECALL OUT FOR THOSE ENGINES THAT THEY TEND TO FAIL BUT I CAN NOT FIND ANYWHERE THAT MY VEHICLE HAS A RECALL. THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST INCONVENIENT PROCESS THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND DO NOT EVEN HAVE A ETA FOR WHEN THE ENGINE WILL COME IN.

NHTSA ODI #11203826

128,676 miles · Apr 3, 2019
Engine

ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH NO WARNING STARTED KNOCKING STALLED OUT

NHTSA ODI #11193686

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2019
Engine

2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE ENGINE FAILURE. *AS *TR

NHTSA ODI #11190691

15,500 miles · Jan 20, 2019
EnginePower TrainFire

VEHICLE WAS IN DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION MULTIPLE TIMES THEN LAST WEEK A FUEL PUMP NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO THE FACT VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AS I WAS DRIVING IT AND PULLING UP T =O MY HOME

NHTSA ODI #11171030

67,000 miles · Dec 31, 2018
Engine

HYUNDAI TUCSON ENGINE THE VEHICLE IS BURNING EXCESS AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE RATE OF ENGINE OIL LOSS IS OVER ONE QUART PER 500 MILES. MY MECHANIC TELLS ME HIS EVALUATION IS THE VEHICLE'S TURBO UNIT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO RUN VERY HOT, AND THE INTERNAL SEALS ARE BREAKING DOWN, CAUSING OIL TO MIX WITH THE FUEL. THE SOLUTION IS AN ENGINE…

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HYUNDAI TUCSON ENGINE THE VEHICLE IS BURNING EXCESS AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE RATE OF ENGINE OIL LOSS IS OVER ONE QUART PER 500 MILES. MY MECHANIC TELLS ME HIS EVALUATION IS THE VEHICLE'S TURBO UNIT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO RUN VERY HOT, AND THE INTERNAL SEALS ARE BREAKING DOWN, CAUSING OIL TO MIX WITH THE FUEL. THE SOLUTION IS AN ENGINE REBUILD, WHICH WILL COST OVER $3,000. SUCH A REBUILD WILL RESULT IN THE SAME ISSUE ARISING AGAIN AFTER THE VEHICLE IS IN USE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, AS I HAVE CORRESPONDED WITH THEM ABOUT IT. THE ISSUE IS GENERIC TO ALL HYUNDAI TUCSONS WITH 1.6 LITRE TURBOCHARGED ENGINE. MY MECHANIC HAS RESEARCHED THE ISSUE, AND SAYS IT OCCURS IN ALL HYUNDAI TUCSON VEHICLES WITH THIS ENGINE CONFIGURATION. THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO BUILD QUALITY, TRANSMISSION, AND OTHER COMPONENTS, BUT THIS ISSUE OF THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE DESIGN IS OBVIOUSLY THE MOST IMPORTANT. THE DEALER THAT SOLD ME THIS VEHICLE KNEW OF THIS CONDITION AND DID NOT DISCLOSE IT AT THE TIME OF SALE, AND REPRESENTED THAT THE ENGINE WAS IN SOUND WORKING ORDER. *DT*JB

NHTSA ODI #11164324

9,000 miles · Dec 4, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

I HAVE A 2016 LIMITED EDITION TUCSON WITH 1.6 TURBO. THIS WAS NOT AN INITIAL ISSUE BUT AN ISSUE THAT BUILDS UP AND CONTINUES TO BECOME WORSE THE MORE MILES I PLACE ON THE CAR. THERE ARE HESITATIONS, STUTTERING AND FAILURE TO MOVE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES. THIS CAUSES FEAR AND DOUBTS OF SAFETY. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DRIVERS TES…

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I HAVE A 2016 LIMITED EDITION TUCSON WITH 1.6 TURBO. THIS WAS NOT AN INITIAL ISSUE BUT AN ISSUE THAT BUILDS UP AND CONTINUES TO BECOME WORSE THE MORE MILES I PLACE ON THE CAR. THERE ARE HESITATIONS, STUTTERING AND FAILURE TO MOVE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES. THIS CAUSES FEAR AND DOUBTS OF SAFETY. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DRIVERS TEST MY VEHICLE AS WELL AND COME TO THE SAME STARTLING RESULT. THERE IS ALSO UNUSUAL VIBRATIONS WHEN SLOWING DOWN IN SPEED, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARKING. I TAKE MY CAR INTO FREQUENT AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE YET THEY CANNOT FIND A FIX TO THE ISSUE BUT RATHER EXCUSES. I NO LONGER ENJOY DRIVING MY CAR AND DO NOT TRUST THE LINE OF VEHICLES ANY LONGER.

NHTSA ODI #11155829

5,000 miles · Nov 9, 2018
Engine

TRANSMISSION ISSUES. WHEN MERGING ON THE FREEWAY, VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. VIOLENT SHUTTERING DURING LOW SPEEDS AND VEHICLE SLIPS OUT OF GEAR BETWEEN 10-20 MPH. HYUNDAI HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. CAT HAD BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 50+ DAY FOR THE SAME ISSUES, 4 TIMES. HYUNDAI REPLACES TRANSMISSION AND I AM S…

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TRANSMISSION ISSUES. WHEN MERGING ON THE FREEWAY, VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. VIOLENT SHUTTERING DURING LOW SPEEDS AND VEHICLE SLIPS OUT OF GEAR BETWEEN 10-20 MPH. HYUNDAI HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. CAT HAD BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 50+ DAY FOR THE SAME ISSUES, 4 TIMES. HYUNDAI REPLACES TRANSMISSION AND I AM STILL HAVE ISSUES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS.

NHTSA ODI #11150288

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2018
Engine

I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO PULL OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT. THE ENGINE DIED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK AND I HAD TO STOP THE CAR PUT IT IN PARK. RESTART THE ENGINE .

NHTSA ODI #11145214

30,000 miles · Oct 21, 2018
EnginePower Train

I HAVE A 2016 HYUNDAI TUSCON LTD. 1.6 TURBO, WITH A DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT). I LOVE THIS VEHICLE'S DESIGN, FEATURES, AND SPECS. THIS CAR WOULD BE FANTASTIC IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE HAZARDOUS, DEFECTIVE, AND DYSFUNCTIONAL DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. OCTOBER OF 2016 NHTSA HAD HYUNDAI TO ISSUE A RECALL AND IN 2017 A COMPUTER SOF…

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I HAVE A 2016 HYUNDAI TUSCON LTD. 1.6 TURBO, WITH A DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT). I LOVE THIS VEHICLE'S DESIGN, FEATURES, AND SPECS. THIS CAR WOULD BE FANTASTIC IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE HAZARDOUS, DEFECTIVE, AND DYSFUNCTIONAL DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. OCTOBER OF 2016 NHTSA HAD HYUNDAI TO ISSUE A RECALL AND IN 2017 A COMPUTER SOFTWARE UPDATE. NEITHER HAS FIXED THE (DCT) ISSUE. FROM A COMPLETE STOP OR A SLOW ROLLING STOP,THE VEHICLES' TRANSMISSIONS LAG, SHUDDER, BUCK, HESITATE, AND LURCHES FORWARD SHIFTING BETWEEN THE FIRST COUPLE OF GEARS. AT ITS WORST IT SEEMS TO STALL THEN PROPEL FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY. AFTER THE 2ND GEAR THE TRANSMISSION TRANSITIONS SMOOTHLY. THIS SAFETY HAZARD COMES INTO PLAY WHEN DRIVERS ARE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY OR TRAFFIC. ESPICALLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TIME AND SHOOT A GAP IN THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE MAY OR MAY NOT ACCELERATE EFFECTIVELY OR AT ALL. THIS UNPREDICTABLE PERFORMANCE IS EXTREMLY DANGEROUS AND LIABLE TO CAUSE OR CONTINUE TO CAUSE ACCIDENTS. THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID THIS ISSUE IS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN "SPORT MODE!" THE DCT ISSUE SEEMS TO ONLY AFFECT "ECO" AND "REGULAR" DRIVING MODES. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS AND TESTIMONIES REVOLVING AROUND THE DCT PROBLEM. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CONSUMERS, DEALERSHIPS' SERVICE DEPARTMENTS, AND HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS. AFTER THE INTIAL RECALL AND SOFTWARE UPDATES ON THE DCT PROBLEMS, THE VEHICLES STILL DEMONSTRATE THE SAME POOR AND DEFECTIVE DCT PERFORMANCE. NOW THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS ARE NO LONGER ACKNOWLEDGING THE DCT DEFECT. THEY SIMPLY REPLY THAT THE ISSUE WAS RECALLED AND FIXED IN 2016 AND 2017 AND THAT "THE CAR IS PERFORMING THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO," DESPITE THE CLEAR AND APPARENT DESIGN FLAW! HYUNDAI IS MAKING IT CLEAR TO THE CONSUMERS THAT THEY WILL NOT REVISIT NOR TAKE ACCOUNTABILTY OF THE FAULTY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #11141662

Official recalls

5

20V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 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.

16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

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.

16V628000 · Electrical System:software; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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.

16V348000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

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.

16V147000 · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

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

1

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.

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