2016 Hyundai Tucson

While driving on the highway at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power and shut off without warning. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the loss of power. I was able to safely pull over, but the engine would not restart at that time and the vehicle required towing. The sudden engine shutdown occurred in active traffic and created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion. The vehicle later restarted, but I brought it to an authorized Hyundai dealership for inspection. The dealership diagnosed internal engine damage, including piston ring failure and cylinder wall scoring, and advised that the engine would need to be replaced. Since the incident, the vehicle has shown intermittent oil pressure warning lights and reduced performance. The issue has been confirmed by a dealer inspection. The vehicle is currently not considered reliable or safe for regular driving.

My motor has a knocking/tapping noise that is obnoxiously loud. My oil level is always changed on time every 3k miles. I have 146,257 miles on my vehicle. I was informed from my mechanic shop that many of the 1.6L motors have issues. I have never had an engine noise then boom its knocking. I was informed not to drive my car to further damage the vehicle. I do not drive it but now am stuck in a loan for a vehicle I cannot drive. I had zero warning for this matter.

Vehicle is showing KSDS-related engine warning behavior and the Hyundai dealership performed a diagnostic scan. The service manager told me, “I don’t recommend you driving it,” due to a potential engine safety issue. However, Hyundai Motor America’s National Consumer Affairs team is refusing to authorize towing or a loaner/rental until after a full diagnosis is completed. The dealership cannot complete the diagnosis unless the vehicle stays on-site, but I am unable to safely leave it because Hyundai is refusing transportation assistance and I was told not to drive it. This forces me to drive a vehicle they identified as unsafe in order to complete the required inspection. This involves KSDS/engine failure risk, which has been associated with stalling, loss of power, and possible fire hazards. Being advised not to drive while being denied towing or transportation creates a serious safety concern for myself and my children. I am requesting NHTSA document this incident because Hyundai is creating a safety hazard by refusing support for a vehicle they identified as unsafe to operate.

Part(s) Affected: Engine / Engine Control / Stall / Loss of Power Summary: My 2016 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [XXX] ) has an active P1326 – Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) code, which indicates rod bearing wear and imminent engine failure. The vehicle experiences: •loss of power •inability to accelerate •engine hesitation •risk of stalling while driving These are serious safety risks. This issue is part of the Hyundai/Kia engine defect settlement XXX), yet Hyundai refuses to provide towing or address the safety risk despite the P1326 code being a known precursor to engine seizure. The vehicle is currently unsafe to drive, and Hyundai Customer Care has refused to escalate my case according to settlement requirements. This is a safety hazard that can cause engine seizure and sudden loss of power while driving. Details: •Hyundai Case #: XXX •Engine settlement code P1326 confirmed •Hyundai refusing proper support •Vehicle should not be driven NHTSA intervention is needed due to Hyundai’s failure to address a known safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Brought vehicle in on 07/10/25 to dealership with very low oil, it was determined vehicle was burning oil and combustion cleaning was recommended. Hyundai Corp. denied claim due to 2nd owner. We are not 2nd owner had to transfer title upon my father's death, vehicle owned by family. Hyundai then approved claim and combustion cleaning was done. We were then told by dealership to bring in vehicle every 1000 to check oil. On 2nd 1000 check it was determined to be burning oil and needed engine replacement. Hyundai Corp. denied claim this time stating gross maintenance neglect from 01/2018-06/2019 period but only 3084 miles were put on between oil change. This was not brought up during combustion denial. Also Hyundai stating out of warranty which expired 08/24/25 but issues started in 07/2025. I have asked Hyundai Case Manager to provide written proof in owner's manual where it shows we did not maintain vehicle in accordance to manual.

My 2016 Hyundai Tucson has a severe engine defect that causes excessive oil consumption and poses a safety risk while driving. It constantly throws the P1326 engine issue, which is the knock sensor.The issue is not due to any misuse or neglect on my part. The vehicle consumes approximately one quart of oil per week, and I have been advised by two different Hyundai dealerships not to invest any money into repairs because the engine should be replaced under Hyundai’s extended engine warranty (15 years/150,000 miles).Despite multiple attempts to get the issue resolved over the past year, Hyundai continues to deny the engine replacement, leaving me with no resolution and forcing me to drive an unsafe vehicle.The engine burns an excessive amount of oil and needs frequent refilling to prevent damage.The vehicle has stalled and runs rough at times, creating a safety concern.Both Hyundai dealerships I’ve visited confirmed that this is a known issue and advised me not to spend money on repairs since the engine qualifies for replacement under the extended warranty.Hyundai corporate continues to deny coverage and has not repaired or replaced the engine despite the clear warranty terms.The issue has persisted for nearly a year, and the vehicle continues to deteriorate.I believe this defect poses a serious safety hazard because the engine can fail without warning while driving. The excessive oil consumption also increases the risk of engine seizure, stalling, or fire. I am currently forced to operate the vehicle in unsafe conditions due to Hyundai’s inaction. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this ongoing engine defect and Hyundai’s repeated denial of warranty coverage for affected Tucson models. Owners should not be forced to drive unsafe vehicles or pay for repairs that should be covered under Hyundai’s extended