NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
29 reportsClear category filter100,000 miles · Mar 29, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure
I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM OPENING UP MY DRIVER SIDE BACK DOOR SENSE SUMMER OF 2020 SO I'VE TAKEN THE BACK DOOR PANEL OFF AND I PULL ON THE WIRE FROM THE INSIDE TO OPEN IT UP. I'VE DEALT WITH THAT JUST FINE IT'S IRRITATING BUT NOW MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT IS NOT WANTING TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE DO I HAVE TO READ ACROSS AND OPEN UP THE …
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I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM OPENING UP MY DRIVER SIDE BACK DOOR SENSE SUMMER OF 2020 SO I'VE TAKEN THE BACK DOOR PANEL OFF AND I PULL ON THE WIRE FROM THE INSIDE TO OPEN IT UP. I'VE DEALT WITH THAT JUST FINE IT'S IRRITATING BUT NOW MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT IS NOT WANTING TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE DO I HAVE TO READ ACROSS AND OPEN UP THE DOOR IF ANYBODY IS GOING TO BE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. NOW THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HAS STARTED DOING IT. SO NOW I'M EXPECTED TO CLIMB IN TRUE THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR AND UP INTO THE FRONT SEAT OR OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE AND THEN WALK BACK AROUND MY CAR. THAT IS UNTIL THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR DECIDES TO START DOING THE SAME THING AND THEN I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO CLIMB IN THROUGH THE TRUNK? OR MAYBE THAT'LL BE THE NEXT ONE TO GO? ANOTHER ISSUE THAT HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE WITH IS THE FRONT INTERIOR DOME OR THE CONSOLE THE PASSENGER SIDE LIGHT DOESN'T LIKE TO COME ON MOST OF THE TIME, BUT OCCASIONALLY IT DOES. THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS. SO THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN NEEDING TO BE REPLACED MORE OFTEN THAN I EVER HEARD OF ANYBODY REPLACING THEM, LESS THAN 6 MONTH SOMETIMES. OTHER TIMES THAT HAD LIKE JUST GOES OUT AND THEN I HAVE TO GET UNDER THE HOOD AND HOPEFULLY GET THE CAP OFF SO THAT I CAN PLAY WITH THE FITTING AND HOPE THAT IT WILL COME BACK ON. BECAUSE I ACTUALLY DO MOST OF MY DRIVING IN THE DARK WHEN IT'S NIGHT TIME SO I KIND OF NEED MY LIGHTS. SOMETIMES THAT DOESN'T WORK BUT THE NEXT MORNING I WILL TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE LIGHT IS WORKING AGAIN?... I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THAT ISSUE FOR ABOUT A YEAR AS WELL. JUST RECENTLY WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS BEE TAIL LIGHT OR BRAKE LIGHT HAS STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. SPECIFICALLY THE PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT SO FAR. I COULD SENSE THERE WAS SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUE COMING ON BUT WOULDN'T HAVE EXPECTED ALL OF THIS, BACK TO BACK AT THE SAME TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11405289
71,082 miles · Mar 2, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train
ORIGINALLY WHEN I PURCHASED MY CAR I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT MY RADIO GOING BLACK AND THEY CLAIMED IT WAS DUE TO THE COLD AND BRUSHED IT OFF. NOW RECENTLY I HAD THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOW AS I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH KEEP FLICKERING ON AND OFF TELLING ME TO CHECK EVERY SYSTEM. MY CA…
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ORIGINALLY WHEN I PURCHASED MY CAR I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT MY RADIO GOING BLACK AND THEY CLAIMED IT WAS DUE TO THE COLD AND BRUSHED IT OFF. NOW RECENTLY I HAD THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOW AS I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH KEEP FLICKERING ON AND OFF TELLING ME TO CHECK EVERY SYSTEM. MY CAR SIGNALS/HAZARDS WILL NOT WORK. SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT WORK ALONG WITH BLIND SPOT RECOGNITION AND OTHER THINGS.
NHTSA ODI #11398815
40,000 miles · Feb 3, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
BLINKER STAYS ON EVEN AFTER IT IS SHUT OFF, BRAKE LIKE CONTINUOUSLY GOES OUT, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES (MAY BE A WIRING ISSUE).
NHTSA ODI #11394559
81,500 miles · Nov 14, 2020
Exterior LightingService BrakesStructure
BRAKE LIGHT (LEFT SIDE) DOES NOT WORK.REAR DOOR DRIVETS SIDE WILL NOT OPEN.BOTH HAPPENED IN THE CITY
NHTSA ODI #11374692
71,000 miles · Nov 5, 2020
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF AND ON ON THEIR OWN WHEN IT IS SET TO AUTO. I HAVE WORKED WITH HYUNDAI, AND ENGINEERING HAS CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL CASES WHERE THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS AND TURNED THE HEADLIGHTS OFF AND ON. IT IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AS THIS HAPPENS AT NIGHT AND DURING THE DAY.
NHTSA ODI #11373243
30,000 miles · Feb 8, 2020
Exterior Lighting
PASSENGER BRAKE LIGH REPEATEDLY GOES OUT, HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP HAS ADMITTED IT IS A RECURRING ISSUE ARISING FROM SUBPAR PARTS WITH KNOWN QUALITY PROBLEMS. OCCURS RANDOMLY; STATIONARY, IN MOTION. VEHICLE PRIMARILY USED FOR CITY DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11307901
45,000 miles · Dec 18, 2019
Exterior LightingService Brakes
THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE FAILING INTERMITTENTLY. HOWEVER THE BULBS ARE STILL WORKING. WHEN I SWITCH THE BRAKE LIGHTS BETWEEN THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT, THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS ON THE LEFT SIDE. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY AND ALL THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE WORKING FOR A WHILE. I HAVE NOT FIGURED OUT A PATTERN TO HOW LONG T…
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THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE FAILING INTERMITTENTLY. HOWEVER THE BULBS ARE STILL WORKING. WHEN I SWITCH THE BRAKE LIGHTS BETWEEN THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT, THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS ON THE LEFT SIDE. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY AND ALL THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE WORKING FOR A WHILE. I HAVE NOT FIGURED OUT A PATTERN TO HOW LONG THEY WORK TO HOW LONG THEY DON'T WORK. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE SWITCH SINCE 2 OUT OF 3 LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS WORKING. IT IS NOT A LIGHT BULB PROBLEM BECAUSE THE FAILURE DID NOT FOLLOW THE BULB AFTER SWITCHING THEM.
NHTSA ODI #11289848
60,500 miles · Nov 13, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingStructure
FIRST MY DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR GOT TO STICKING AT 60, 500 MILE AND NOW MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOING THE SAME THING. MY TAILLIGHT SAYS IT'S NOT WORK AND IT BE WORKING AND VIS VERSUS, AS IF THERE'S A SHORTAGE. NOW THE STEEP HILL LIGHTS COME ON ALONG WITH THE CAR TRACTION LIGHT. IT'S DOING IT MORE NOW THAN EVER. HAVING TO R…
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FIRST MY DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR GOT TO STICKING AT 60, 500 MILE AND NOW MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOING THE SAME THING. MY TAILLIGHT SAYS IT'S NOT WORK AND IT BE WORKING AND VIS VERSUS, AS IF THERE'S A SHORTAGE. NOW THE STEEP HILL LIGHTS COME ON ALONG WITH THE CAR TRACTION LIGHT. IT'S DOING IT MORE NOW THAN EVER. HAVING TO RESTART MY VEHICLE EVERYTIME NOW TO RESET IT. IT DOING IT AT RED LIGHT AND WHILE I'M DRIVING ALL ON IT OWN. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS MY DOORS STICKING AND THE DEALERSHIP IN TUPELO MS TOLD ME I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND TO ME I FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BECAUSE THAT DEALING WITH MY SAFETY. THERE HAVE NOT BE ANY THING DONE TO EITHER DOOR FOR THE TO BE THAT WAY ON MY BEHALF.
NHTSA ODI #11279820
60,000 miles · Sep 25, 2019
Exterior Lighting
THE RIGHT PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT SAYS IT IS OUT. WITHIN SAME DAY OR SOON AFTER WILL BE WORKING AGAIN. I REPLACE THE LIGHT BULB IT STOPS WORKING THE SAME DAY OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER. SOUNDS LIKE A WIRE ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY. IT WILL BE WORKING THE WHOLE DAY AND SUDDENLY WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKE IT GOES OUT.
NHTSA ODI #11258231
40,000 miles · Jul 27, 2019
Exterior LightingSteering
THE ISSUE I HAVE WITH MY HYUNDAI TUCSON 2016 1.6 TURBO HAPPENS ON AN EVERY OTHER DAILY BASIS. I RECENTLY STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE USING THE LEFT HAND SIGNAL/BLINKER AND IT NOT WORKING WHEN TURNING LEFT OR CHANGING TO LEFT LANE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE ONE-TOUCH TURN SIGNAL FEATURE ON WHERE YOU TAP THE SIGNAL LEVER AND THE TURN SI…
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
NHTSA ODI #11235281
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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