NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
516 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 13, 2021
Power Train
The transmission on this vehicle has always functioned erratically. There has been a recall on the transmission control module. On June 12th, as I was driving the vehicle in traffic, I heard an odd clanking noise and felt a loss of power. I was driving up a hill with traffic behind me. The car stalled for several seconds, and I …
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The transmission on this vehicle has always functioned erratically. There has been a recall on the transmission control module. On June 12th, as I was driving the vehicle in traffic, I heard an odd clanking noise and felt a loss of power. I was driving up a hill with traffic behind me. The car stalled for several seconds, and I was unable to make it move. It then reengaged and lurched forward. It drove normally for several seconds and then did the same thing two more times, all while climbing this hill with traffic behind me. I was able to make it to a friend's house close by, but when I went to leave, it turned out that the transmission was non-functional. I was unable to put the car in reverse, or move it in any direction. It had to be towed to a Hyundai dealer and a new transmission installed. The vehicle had 81K on it when this happened.
NHTSA ODI #11432770
Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2021
Power Train
I have been having problems with the oil burning very quickly in-between oil changes. This last time, I was driving the car and it started shaking really bad. I was at a stop and when the light turned green, my car would barely accelerate. Once it did start going, it felt as though it did not want to go into the correct gear. Hy…
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I have been having problems with the oil burning very quickly in-between oil changes. This last time, I was driving the car and it started shaking really bad. I was at a stop and when the light turned green, my car would barely accelerate. Once it did start going, it felt as though it did not want to go into the correct gear. Hyundai states that it will take about 2 weeks to fix as they have 15 other cars in with the same complaints.
NHTSA ODI #11431140
69,000 miles · Aug 6, 2021
Electrical SystemPower Train
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact's husband stated that while coming out of a complete stop, the vehicle would jerk and not upshift properly. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Elect…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact's husband stated that while coming out of a complete stop, the vehicle would jerk and not upshift properly. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer agreed to cover 75% of the costs of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
NHTSA ODI #11428093
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train
My transmission gears shift keeps on sticking in the park position and also I’ve been having to replace my left side parking lights I believe it’s an electric problem or fuse and the dealership seems to can’t fixed this issue with my vehicle each time I take it there
NHTSA ODI #11427339
Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2021
Power Train
88000 mile Tucson SE with 2.0L DOHC GDI motor, has had all regular preventative maintenance intervals, last oil change + other maintenance at 84400 miles by Hyundai. Check engine light came on for intake camshaft timing over-advanced (P0011); noted increasing engine noise and performance loss while driving. Made appointment with…
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88000 mile Tucson SE with 2.0L DOHC GDI motor, has had all regular preventative maintenance intervals, last oil change + other maintenance at 84400 miles by Hyundai. Check engine light came on for intake camshaft timing over-advanced (P0011); noted increasing engine noise and performance loss while driving. Made appointment with dealership immediately. Hyundai dealership inspected and claimed "almost no oil left and sludge present in oil". Service manager advised possible cause could be piston ring failure. No indication of low oil pressure on vehicle. Safety concern is engine failure without warning due to seizing if the oil level and sludge are as bad as dealership claimed, especially at the rate of oil consumption over the mileage interval.
NHTSA ODI #11427064
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
On May 17th my engine locked up as I was pulling out of a driveway. Check Oil light came on a split second before the car locked up. It was not even enough time for me to safely turn off the engine. Upon my own inspection there was no oil on my oil stick even though car receives regular maintenance. Car is now at the closest d…
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On May 17th my engine locked up as I was pulling out of a driveway. Check Oil light came on a split second before the car locked up. It was not even enough time for me to safely turn off the engine. Upon my own inspection there was no oil on my oil stick even though car receives regular maintenance. Car is now at the closest dealership for TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. Problem was confirmed to be an issue with the bearings. Communication with the dealership has been poor but I believe inspection is available. They have not completed the repair as they are waiting on a back ordered part. I was about 1.5 hours away from home about to head over a very dangerous 2 lane bridge with no shoulder. I think I would have lost it if I broke down on the bridge.
NHTSA ODI #11425688
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2021
Power Train
CAR FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD FROM STOPPED POSITION. WHEN GAS PEDDLE IS APPLIED PRESSURE, CAR DOES NOT MOVE, ENGINE REVS UP AND THEN CAR LUNGES FORWARD. IN SLOW TRAFFIC, CAR LUNGES FORWARD WITH NO ACCELERATION ON THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, CAR WILL CEASE TO MOVE FOR A COUPLE SECONDS AND THEN TAKE OFF. WE ARE EXTREMEL…
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CAR FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD FROM STOPPED POSITION. WHEN GAS PEDDLE IS APPLIED PRESSURE, CAR DOES NOT MOVE, ENGINE REVS UP AND THEN CAR LUNGES FORWARD. IN SLOW TRAFFIC, CAR LUNGES FORWARD WITH NO ACCELERATION ON THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, CAR WILL CEASE TO MOVE FOR A COUPLE SECONDS AND THEN TAKE OFF. WE ARE EXTREMELY WORRIED ABOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11416816
58,900 miles · May 5, 2021
Power TrainStructure
REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES PAUSES WHEN YOU START TO PULL OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11415221
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
102,000 miles · Apr 6, 2021
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDERED, SHOOK, AND VIBRATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CARSON CITY HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 3659 S CAR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDERED, SHOOK, AND VIBRATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CARSON CITY HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 3659 S CARSON ST, CARSON CITY, NV 89701 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V628000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #11406736
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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