NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
55 reportsClear category filter4,000 miles · Dec 24, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
THIS VEHICLE, AS OTHER 2016 AND 2017 HYUNDAI TUCSONS, HAS A PROBLEM WITH SMOOTH AND SAFE ACCELERATION FROM A DEAD STOP. THERE IS A SPUTTER, HESITATION THAT HAPPENS EACH TIME, SOMETIMES STRONGER THAN OTHERS. IF YOU WERE MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC, THE SPUTTER IS ENOUGH TO PLACE YOU IN POTENTIAL DANGER. WE HAVE TAKEN THI…
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THIS VEHICLE, AS OTHER 2016 AND 2017 HYUNDAI TUCSONS, HAS A PROBLEM WITH SMOOTH AND SAFE ACCELERATION FROM A DEAD STOP. THERE IS A SPUTTER, HESITATION THAT HAPPENS EACH TIME, SOMETIMES STRONGER THAN OTHERS. IF YOU WERE MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC, THE SPUTTER IS ENOUGH TO PLACE YOU IN POTENTIAL DANGER. WE HAVE TAKEN THIS TO OUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER IN THE 86001 ZIP CODE. WE WERE TOLD THAT OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE 2016-17 HYUNDAI TUCSON HAVE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS NOR MADE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HAVE BEEN TOLD BASICALLY THAT THEY ARE SORRY THAT WE DON'T LIKE THE VEHICLE BUT THEY CAN'T SATISFY EVERYONE. I HAVE THOSE EMAILS TO FORWARD TO YOU WHEN NEEDED.
NHTSA ODI #11056298
30,000 miles · Nov 17, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP OR STATIONARY, THE CAR HESITATES, ALMOST SEEMS TO CHOKE, AND THEN LURCHES FORWARD WITH A BURST WHEN TRYING TO ENTER INTO TRAFFIC. IT IS HARD TO ANTICIPATE WHETHER IT WILL MOVE OR NOT WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP SIGN. ONCE MOVING THE CAR SEEMS TO OPERATE AND ACCELERATE WIT…
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WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP OR STATIONARY, THE CAR HESITATES, ALMOST SEEMS TO CHOKE, AND THEN LURCHES FORWARD WITH A BURST WHEN TRYING TO ENTER INTO TRAFFIC. IT IS HARD TO ANTICIPATE WHETHER IT WILL MOVE OR NOT WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP SIGN. ONCE MOVING THE CAR SEEMS TO OPERATE AND ACCELERATE WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE WAS NOTED IN AN EARLIER RECALL (AUGUST 2016). A SOFTWARE "FIX" WAS IMPLEMENTED. IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD, I FELT THERE WAS SOME SMALL NOTICEABLE POSITIVE CHANGE. HOWEVER, ANY EARLY INDICATION OF IMPROVEMENT HAS NOW BEEN LOST. IT IS DEEPLY CONCERNING THAT THE CAR MAY CHOOSE TO GO OR NOT WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENS EXTREMELY OFTEN - ALMOST DAILY. WHILE I SELECTED A DATE OF OCCURRENCE BELOW, IT WAS ONLY TO SATISFY THE FORM'S REQUIREMENTS.
NHTSA ODI #11046950
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I HAD TAKEN MY TUSCON IN 3 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR ALL THE SAME ISSUES EVERY TIME (1) DELAYED ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP WHILE CROSSING ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH MY 2 YR OLD SON IN THE CAR (2) NOT ACCELERATING AT ALL FROM A COMPLETE STOP BUT THE RPM'S REVVING HIGH BEFORE FINALLY JERKING INTO GEAR AND TAKING OFF AND (3) JERKING WH…
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I HAD TAKEN MY TUSCON IN 3 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR ALL THE SAME ISSUES EVERY TIME (1) DELAYED ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP WHILE CROSSING ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH MY 2 YR OLD SON IN THE CAR (2) NOT ACCELERATING AT ALL FROM A COMPLETE STOP BUT THE RPM'S REVVING HIGH BEFORE FINALLY JERKING INTO GEAR AND TAKING OFF AND (3) JERKING WHEN I AM IN TRAFFIC AND I PRESS THE GAS. ALL 3 TIMES, THE "REPAIR" WAS EXPLAINED TO ME AS A "COMPUTER UPDATE". THE CAR WOULD DRIVE FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK, THEN THE ISSUES WOULD RESUME. THE SERVICE DEPT TOLD ME THIS IS HOW THE DCT WORKS. THEN I SAW THAT THERE WAS FINALLY A RECALL BEING ISSUED AND I THOUGHT "OH YAY! THEY FINALLY FIGURED OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS SO I CAN TAKE IT IN THIS ONE LAST TIME AND I'LL BE GOOD TO GO!" AFTER ONLY ONE DAY WE WERE BACK TO THE SAME ISSUES. THE SERVICE DEPT ONCE AGAIN SAID THAT "UNFORTUNATELY, COMPUTER UPDATES WILL BE A NORMAL THING FOR THIS DCT SYSTEM" ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?! THIS IS NOT NORMAL! YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT EVERY TIME MY CAR STARTS STALLING WHILE I AM CROSSING ONCOMING TRAFFIC, POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD CAUSE MY SON, MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE SERIOUS INJURY, IF NOT DEATH, THAT I NEED TO BRING IT IN FOR A "COMPUTER UPDATE"?? THEY ALSO SUGGESTED THAT I TRY DRIVING IT IN SPORT MODE ALL THE TIME OR USING THE MANUAL SHIFTER TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP WITH THE HESITATION AND/OR STALLING AND JERKING. IF I WANTED TO SHIFT, I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT A MANUAL. WHEN I PRESS THE GAS, I WANT TO GO. I DON'T WANT TO WORRY THAT THIS MIGHT THE TIME THAT THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T QUITE ENGAGE IN TIME WHILE I'M CROSSING TRAFFIC AND SOMETHING SERIOUS/FATAL HAPPENS. I AM EXTREMELY UNHAPPY WITH THIS CAR, I AM EXTREMELY UNHAPPY WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THEIR PASSIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THIS ONGOING ISSUE BUT MOST OF ALL, I FEEL EXTREMELY UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE TAKING THAT SERIOUSLY.
NHTSA ODI #11046158
18,904 miles · Oct 18, 2016
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AS IF IT WOULD STALL. AFTER APPROXIMATELY THIRTY SECONDS, THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAILY. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED USING A DIFFERENT TYPE OF FUEL. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AS IF IT WOULD STALL. AFTER APPROXIMATELY THIRTY SECONDS, THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAILY. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED USING A DIFFERENT TYPE OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,904.
NHTSA ODI #10917180
2,000 miles · Oct 3, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
TRANSMISSION HAS A HARSH DELAYED SHIFT ON ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED POSITION.
NHTSA ODI #10911319
12,000 miles · Sep 11, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion System
THE DUAL CLUTCH MANUAL TRANSMISSION "FREEZES" IN NEUTRAL EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS IN DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WON'T MOVE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT HAPPENS SPORADICALLY. THE ENGINE IS ALSO VERY BALKY AND SLUGGISH ON ACCELERATION.
NHTSA ODI #10905665
2,800 miles · Aug 25, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AT AT A SLOW SPEED THIS CAR HAS EXTREME LAG. SOMETIMES IT CAN TAKE UP TO 3 SECONDS FOR THE ENGINE TO RESPOND AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUMPS AND ACCELERATES TOO QUICKLY. THIS PROBLEM HAS MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO JUDGE WHEN I CAN CROSS TRAFFIC BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL ACT…
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WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AT AT A SLOW SPEED THIS CAR HAS EXTREME LAG. SOMETIMES IT CAN TAKE UP TO 3 SECONDS FOR THE ENGINE TO RESPOND AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUMPS AND ACCELERATES TOO QUICKLY. THIS PROBLEM HAS MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO JUDGE WHEN I CAN CROSS TRAFFIC BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL ACTUALLY ACCELERATE.
NHTSA ODI #10898523
3,000 miles · Jul 25, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
AT STOPS ON CITY STREETS THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE AND MOVE FORWARD. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS ROLLED BACKWARDS UP TO 3 FT. BEFORE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED AND MOVES FORWARD. ADDITIONALLY THE CAR ATTEMPTS TO STALL AFTER BACKING OUT AND SHIFTING TO DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI #10888230
4,300 miles · Jul 25, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
FROM A STATIONARY START THE VEHICLE RPMS RISE BUT DOES NOT ALWAYS MOVE FORWARD. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE TUCSON HAS ROLLED BACKWARDS UP TO SEVERAL FEET FROM A STOP BEFORE ENGAGING AND MOVING FORWARD. CAN'T RELY ON IT WHEN TURNING LEFT ACROSS TRAFFIC. NO ISSUES ON FREEWAYS, ONLY FROM STOPS ON CITY STREETS.
NHTSA ODI #10888224
9,600 miles · Jul 24, 2016
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
STANDING AT RED LIGHT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN LIGHT CHANGE TO GREEN, I TOK FOOT OF BRAKE AND STEPT ON GAS PEDAL. THE ENGEN STARTED TO RACE BUT CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER SEVEREL SECONDS AND CARS BEHIND ME HONKING THEIR HORN, CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD AND SLOWELY GAIN SPEED. I WAS GOING STRAIT FORWARD SO I DID NOT CUT ANYONE …
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STANDING AT RED LIGHT WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN LIGHT CHANGE TO GREEN, I TOK FOOT OF BRAKE AND STEPT ON GAS PEDAL. THE ENGEN STARTED TO RACE BUT CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER SEVEREL SECONDS AND CARS BEHIND ME HONKING THEIR HORN, CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD AND SLOWELY GAIN SPEED. I WAS GOING STRAIT FORWARD SO I DID NOT CUT ANYONE OFF. IF I HAD BEEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ON THIS TWO WAY STREET, I MOSTLIKELY WOULD HAVE HIT SOMEONE OR THEY WOULD HAVE HIT ME. BRINGING CAR TO ISLAND HYUNDAI ON STATEN ISLAND N.Y. TOMORROW .
NHTSA ODI #10888063
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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