NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
22 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 23, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
I am writing regarding the diagnosis provided for my vehicle [XXX] . I was informed today that the engine failure is being attributed to a "water hose failure" rather than the engine defects covered under the active safety recall/settlement regarding Connecting Rod Bearing failure. As there were no coolant leaks before or after …
Read full complaint
I am writing regarding the diagnosis provided for my vehicle [XXX] . I was informed today that the engine failure is being attributed to a "water hose failure" rather than the engine defects covered under the active safety recall/settlement regarding Connecting Rod Bearing failure. As there were no coolant leaks before or after the vehicle was towed to your dealership. I am formally requesting a re-evaluation and more detailed evidence. Given the known history of these engines seizing, I need to ensure this diagnosis is absolutely correct and not a symptom of the internal defect. I request the following information be provided immediately: 1. Evidence of Overheating: Did the vehicle store any specific "overheating" codes in the ECU prior to the engine shutting off? 2. Oil Pan Inspection: Has the oil pan been removed to inspect for metal shavings or debris? If the connecting rod bearings failed (the recall issue), there will likely be metallic debris in the oil, regardless of the condition of the water hose. 3. Bearing Clearance Test (BCT): Was the mandated Bearing Clearance Test performed? If not, I request that this be done, or that a teardown be performed to inspect the rod bearings specifically. 4. Causal Link: Can you provide evidence that the water hose failed causing the engine to seize, rather than the engine seizing causing a pressure spike that damaged the cooling system? I have no transportation to work and school. They would not honor a loaner. This has happened since Decemeber of 2025. I await your written response with the requested photos and technical data. My case # with Hyundai Consumer Affairs # XXX Please provide: All relevant photographs Freeze-frame and ECU data Technician diagnostic notes Results of oil pan inspection and/or BCT (if performed) Any physical evidence supporting the stated cause of failure I request this information be sent in writing at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your attention to INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
NHTSA ODI #11726365
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2025
EngineSteeringVehicle Speed Control
I leased a 2016 hyundai tucson from Metcalf Auto Plaza [XXX]. Every week since then i have had to return the car for repairs. It got to a point where Neil suggested he can trade it for another but each and every vehicle i test drove to replace my car was NOT ready to be on the road but according to them every car had just …
Read full complaint
I leased a 2016 hyundai tucson from Metcalf Auto Plaza [XXX]. Every week since then i have had to return the car for repairs. It got to a point where Neil suggested he can trade it for another but each and every vehicle i test drove to replace my car was NOT ready to be on the road but according to them every car had just got out the shop. Instead of trying to have issues resolved the mechanics decide to make "jokes" as if your pain and suffering is a joke. Since i did not want a trade in and wanted my car fixed instead Neil tried to tell me that this was my final offer which i declined because why not just fix my car? I went to talk to Neil in person September 9, 2025 about getting my car fixed and the frustrations i am having because having to return the car weekly and i havent had it for a month is outrageous. [XXX] i was driving the hyundai on the highway with my children in the car and the electricity to the car completely cut off but came right back on, i got off the highway and the car did it again and this time the wheel locked up and i almost wrecked the car. I called metcalf and the only thing they could tell me was they can tow my car to metcalf but me and my children had to find our own means of transportation. Every time i called to have my car serviced and told them about what i would hear and feel they could NEVER make the car "do it again". I am beyond frustrated, upset and terrified because i have been telling them about smoking coming from the engine, rattling noise etc. My kids lives were put in danger and the only thing they could say was "i apologize and we can tow the car to the shop". Did not care if we had transportation and have never offered to give us any after continously getting stranded in the car. Now the car is towed to their shop once again and the car wouldnt even turn over for me to get it out of the middle of the street. I was blocking traffic and had to have the police block INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
NHTSA ODI #11686397
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2024
Steering
Purchased a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson, approx. 79,000 miles. A few weeks later I noticed a rattling in the steering column when driving over railroad tracks, rough roads, etc. When sitting stationary, I could rock the steering wheel back and forth and got a clunking sound. Took to the dealership, they wanted $250 just to diagno…
Read full complaint
Purchased a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson, approx. 79,000 miles. A few weeks later I noticed a rattling in the steering column when driving over railroad tracks, rough roads, etc. When sitting stationary, I could rock the steering wheel back and forth and got a clunking sound. Took to the dealership, they wanted $250 just to diagnose. Did my own investigating. With the car turned on I would hold the steering wheel with one hand and hold the steering shaft with the other and work them in opposite directions. This replicated the clunking and knocking noise I would hear while driving. I determined it was a faulty upper pinch bolt. Replaced the bold and all noise went away. Fast forward a few months later and the sound returned. Slightly at first, then the sound became very pronounced again. Tightened pinch bolt again, went away. Seems to either be a problem with the shaft itself or the upper pinch bolt. Either way, my fear is the steering shaft is going to loosen and fall off of the steering column resulting in a loss of steering and potential accident. Hyundai dealership seems to act clueless about issue.
NHTSA ODI #11620740
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2024
Steering
Pronounced rattle from the steering column (not the wheel) when going over a rough surface. Vehicle has only 49,000 miles on it. Hyundai dealer checked and determined the rattle was not a safety issue and said a small plastic piece in the steering mechanism had broken and quoted a repair cost of over $1,000. I do not believe t…
Read full complaint
Pronounced rattle from the steering column (not the wheel) when going over a rough surface. Vehicle has only 49,000 miles on it. Hyundai dealer checked and determined the rattle was not a safety issue and said a small plastic piece in the steering mechanism had broken and quoted a repair cost of over $1,000. I do not believe the dealership's diagnosis, nor its' safety assessment and believe they are simply avoiding a repair that should be covered under the vehicle's soon to expire warranty!
NHTSA ODI #11594881
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2024
EngineService BrakesSteering
Internal engine failure; no compression cylinder. My vehicle was affected by the Tucson Dual Clutch Transmission Reprogramming recall. In higher ambient temperatures and specific operating conditions, the transmission clutch application logic can result in a delayed engagement when accelerating from a stop, and the vehicle would…
Read full complaint
Internal engine failure; no compression cylinder. My vehicle was affected by the Tucson Dual Clutch Transmission Reprogramming recall. In higher ambient temperatures and specific operating conditions, the transmission clutch application logic can result in a delayed engagement when accelerating from a stop, and the vehicle would not accelerate. Inability to move the vehicle in traffic. The car is well maintained and in excellent shape. They estimated the cost to replace the engine at $14,000! and Hyundai Dealer Larry Miller denied any help with the repair cost.
NHTSA ODI #11591106
233,147 miles · May 8, 2024
Exterior LightingSteering
When driving All the warning light is on. Also when you reduce speed or stop at the light the steering wheel turn hard to turn or move. The battery seem to be low voltage, because when you lock the car the sound of the horn sound weak. And wouldn't start.
NHTSA ODI #11587590
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2024
Steering
Hi, I am an owner of 4 Hyundai vehicles and all had the steering wheel coupler failed before 100,000 miles. 2 sonata and 1 Elantra coupler was replaced under the 100,000 miles extended warranty but my 2016 Tucson with 80,000 miles is not covered. All Hyundai and Kia vehicles have this problem. Why only some models are covered an…
Read full complaint
Hi, I am an owner of 4 Hyundai vehicles and all had the steering wheel coupler failed before 100,000 miles. 2 sonata and 1 Elantra coupler was replaced under the 100,000 miles extended warranty but my 2016 Tucson with 80,000 miles is not covered. All Hyundai and Kia vehicles have this problem. Why only some models are covered and not others? The problem is the same across the board. I think Hyundai should be compel to honor repairs on all models for this common steering wheel coupler problem and not on selected model.
NHTSA ODI #11581508
Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2023
EngineSteering
The engine is consuming more than 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. This began around 100000 miles at 1 quart per thousand miles and has since progressed to 1 quart every 500--800 miles. I found this problem when my oil pressure light came on as I was going around a curve. I checked my oil level and it was not visible on the stic…
Read full complaint
The engine is consuming more than 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. This began around 100000 miles at 1 quart per thousand miles and has since progressed to 1 quart every 500--800 miles. I found this problem when my oil pressure light came on as I was going around a curve. I checked my oil level and it was not visible on the stick. My engine was 3 quarts low 3000 miles since the last oil change. This has been going on since April of 2021. My steering column makes a significant rattling noise and jiggles up and down when going over bumps. This has been going on since about the 80000 mile mark which was around April 2020. My local shop confirmed there was something likely worn out and needing replacement, perhaps the entire steering column.
NHTSA ODI #11527308
14,037 miles · Aug 4, 2022
Steering
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a clicking noise was present coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated the ticking noise was caused by loosened steering column bolts. Th…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a clicking noise was present coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated the ticking noise was caused by loosened steering column bolts. The bolts were re-torqued and the failure was remedied. The contact indicated that approximately 40,000 miles later the ticking noise reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering column bolts had loosened again. The bolts were again re-torqued and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,037. The consumer stated the 2nd occurrence happened on 07/20/2022 at 55,053 miles.
NHTSA ODI #11477601
64,000 miles · Jul 20, 2022
Steering
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a rattling noise and vibration coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while parking and turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a clicking noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a rattling noise and vibration coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while parking and turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a clicking noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the intermediate steering shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #11474942
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.