NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
516 reportsClear category filter40,000 miles · Mar 31, 2021
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
MY 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON WAS FAILING TO ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP, AND SHUDDERING / SLOWING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS VERY ALARMING ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY ROADS IN WHICH YOU COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BY NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK MY CAR TO HYUNDAI TO FIND OUT IT IS AN ISSUE WITH THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISS…
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MY 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON WAS FAILING TO ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP, AND SHUDDERING / SLOWING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS VERY ALARMING ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY ROADS IN WHICH YOU COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BY NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK MY CAR TO HYUNDAI TO FIND OUT IT IS AN ISSUE WITH THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (AGAIN, IN 2021) - WHILE I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND FOUND THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL IN 2016 FOR THIS ISSUE I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND THAT HYUNDAI WOULD NOT COVER THE COSTS OF REPAIR. I HAVE FILED A CLAIM WITH HYUNDAI BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY CONTACT BACK. MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND I AM BEING TOLD I WILL BE CHARGED STORAGE FEES IF I LEAVE IT AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER WITHOUT REPAIR WHILE I WAIT TO SETTLE MY CLAIM. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, DUE TO AN ISSUE THAT HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN RECALLED.
NHTSA ODI #11405738
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
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2021
Power Train
WHEN PULLING OUT OF PARKING AREA, OR STARTING UP FROM A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, WHEN I PRESS THE GAS OF THE VEHICLE , IT HESITATES . IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE IT’S GOING TO CUT OUT AND THEN IT CATCHES AND LOUNGES FORWARD. I NOTICED IT FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED IT.
NHTSA ODI #11397375
73,000 miles · Jan 12, 2021
EnginePower Train
WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD RATTLING NOISE AND LIGHTS ON THE DASH SHOW UP CAR STARTS SMOKING AND LOSES POWER I WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR AFTER THAT AND HAD TO WAIT ON THE SIDE OFF A BUSY HIGHWAY FOR 3 HOURS WAITING ON A TOW TRUCK.. FAST FORWARD TO THE MECHANIC AND TH…
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WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD RATTLING NOISE AND LIGHTS ON THE DASH SHOW UP CAR STARTS SMOKING AND LOSES POWER I WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR AFTER THAT AND HAD TO WAIT ON THE SIDE OFF A BUSY HIGHWAY FOR 3 HOURS WAITING ON A TOW TRUCK.. FAST FORWARD TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT MY ENGINE FELL APART INTERNALLY WITH NO ROOT CAUSE...ENGINE ONLY HAD 73,000...THAT WAS ON THE FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING. FAST FORWARD TO NOW AND I STILL DON'T HAVE MY CAR WITH NO KNOWN TIME FRAME OF WHEN I'LL GET MY CAR BACK(IT'S NOW 1/12/2021). MY CAR HAS BEEN REGULARLY MAINTAINED WITH ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE. MY ENGINE WAS THE 2.0 4 CYLINDER AGAIN WITH ONLY 73,000 MILES
NHTSA ODI #11387788
54,000 miles · Jan 3, 2021
Power Train
THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS AND WHEN YOU'RE SITTING ON A HILL FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME IN TRAFFIC TO TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS AND ALMOST STALLS THE CAR
NHTSA ODI #11386276
55,000 miles · Jan 2, 2021
Power Train
AT LOWER SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH. SOMETIMES GOES THROUGH 6 GEARS BEFORE REACHING 30 MPH. INCONSISTENT RESPONSE TO GAS PEDAL AT SLOWER SPEEDS. DIFFICULTY WHEN STARTING OUT FROM STOPPED POSITION, OR SLOWER SPEEDS. SHIFTING DOES NOT ALWAYS OCCUR AT CONSISTENT RPM. HAVE CHECK W/DEALER ARE TOLD THAT TRA…
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AT LOWER SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH. SOMETIMES GOES THROUGH 6 GEARS BEFORE REACHING 30 MPH. INCONSISTENT RESPONSE TO GAS PEDAL AT SLOWER SPEEDS. DIFFICULTY WHEN STARTING OUT FROM STOPPED POSITION, OR SLOWER SPEEDS. SHIFTING DOES NOT ALWAYS OCCUR AT CONSISTENT RPM. HAVE CHECK W/DEALER ARE TOLD THAT TRANSMISSION IS WORKING ACCORDING TO SPEC.
NHTSA ODI #11386086
68,000 miles · Dec 29, 2020
Power Train
WHEN PULLING OUT OF PARKING AREA, OR STARTING UP FROM A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, WHEN I PRESS THE GAS OF THE VEHICLE , IT HESITATES . IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE IT'S GOING TO CUT OUT, OR BOGS DOWNS, AND THEN CATCHES. I MAKE SURE IF THERE IS AN ONCOMING VEHICLE COMING , I DON'T PULL OUT IN FEAR THIS WILL HAPPEN , AND I'LL…
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WHEN PULLING OUT OF PARKING AREA, OR STARTING UP FROM A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, WHEN I PRESS THE GAS OF THE VEHICLE , IT HESITATES . IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE IT'S GOING TO CUT OUT, OR BOGS DOWNS, AND THEN CATCHES. I MAKE SURE IF THERE IS AN ONCOMING VEHICLE COMING , I DON'T PULL OUT IN FEAR THIS WILL HAPPEN , AND I'LL GET HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME IT'S DRIVEN
NHTSA ODI #11385516
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2020
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION AT STARTING FROM A STOP HAS HESITATION AND SKIPS WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE CAR HAS NO OPEN RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAS BEEN FIXED OR UPDATED FROM THE 2016 RECALL. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND TRULY FIXED.
NHTSA ODI #11385087
89,000 miles · Dec 7, 2020
EnginePower Train
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN MY STREET WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. RIGHT BEFORE IT DIED, I HEARD A BRUSHING NOISE AND THEN ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THERE WERE NO OTHER WARNING NOISES OR LIGHTS PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. I CHECKED THE OIL DIPSTICK AND THERE WAS NO OIL REGISTERING ON IT. THE SMEAR THAT WAS ON THE STICK W…
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I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN MY STREET WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. RIGHT BEFORE IT DIED, I HEARD A BRUSHING NOISE AND THEN ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THERE WERE NO OTHER WARNING NOISES OR LIGHTS PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. I CHECKED THE OIL DIPSTICK AND THERE WAS NO OIL REGISTERING ON IT. THE SMEAR THAT WAS ON THE STICK WAS BLACK. THE CHECK ENGINE OR LOW OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON TO WARN ME OF A POTENTIAL PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO NO OIL ON MY DRIVEWAY WHICH WOULD INDICATE A SLOW LEAK. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY TOLD MY THE ENGINE WAS DEAD AND I NEEDED A NEW ONE. THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE 10YR./100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY SINCE I BOUGHT THIS (A YEAR AGO) FROM A FRIEND WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000 MILES ON IT NOW. I'M THANKFUL I WAS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED AND NOT ON THE INTERSTATE WHERE I HAD BEEN MOMENTS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. IT IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAVE BEEN QUOTED $7-9K FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THEY HAVE OFFERED $2,800 FOR A TRADE-IN TOWARDS ANOTHER VEHICLE AS AN OPTION.
NHTSA ODI #11378354
67,000 miles · Nov 16, 2020
Power Train
SINCE DAY ONE I HAVE TROUBLE WHIT THE TRANSMISSION , THEY RESET IT LIKE 15 TIMES AND EVERY NOW AND THEN THE DUAL CLUTCH ACT CRAZY, TODAY THE REVERSE WONT ENGAGE AND DRIVES SUPER SLOW, I COMPLAIN EVERY SINGLE TIME TO THE DEALER BUT THEY JUST REFUSE TO DO FIX THE TRANSMISSION , , THEY SAID THAT THEY WILL RESET THE TRANSMISSION EV…
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SINCE DAY ONE I HAVE TROUBLE WHIT THE TRANSMISSION , THEY RESET IT LIKE 15 TIMES AND EVERY NOW AND THEN THE DUAL CLUTCH ACT CRAZY, TODAY THE REVERSE WONT ENGAGE AND DRIVES SUPER SLOW, I COMPLAIN EVERY SINGLE TIME TO THE DEALER BUT THEY JUST REFUSE TO DO FIX THE TRANSMISSION , , THEY SAID THAT THEY WILL RESET THE TRANSMISSION EVERY TIME THAT GOES WRONG , BUT WHAT IF PASS THE WARRANTY ? ITS NORMAL TO HAVE SUCH A BAD OR A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION /OR DUAL CLUTCH ISSUE?
NHTSA ODI #11374947
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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