I HAD BEEN A PROBLEM WITH MY TWO BACK DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WITH MY CAR. I CANNO OPEN MY CAR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.
2016 Hyundai Tucson
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Tucson years
Owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson are substantially higher than the model-year median of 180.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tucson years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
832 reports with mileage · 785 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 516 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 423 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
261 reportsBACK DRIVER PASSENGER DOOR IS NOT OPENING FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. IT'S UNLOCKED AND DON'T SEEM TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE LOCK AND UNLOCK BUTTON. ALL OTHER DOORS WORK. I JUST USED THE DOOR EARLIER TODAY WITH NO ISSUES AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES UNTIL THIS EVENING. NO VISUAL OBJECTS TO BE BLOCKING THE DOOR. WENT ONLINE TO CHECK FOR RE…
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BACK DRIVER PASSENGER DOOR IS NOT OPENING FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. IT'S UNLOCKED AND DON'T SEEM TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE LOCK AND UNLOCK BUTTON. ALL OTHER DOORS WORK. I JUST USED THE DOOR EARLIER TODAY WITH NO ISSUES AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES UNTIL THIS EVENING. NO VISUAL OBJECTS TO BE BLOCKING THE DOOR. WENT ONLINE TO CHECK FOR RECALL AND SEEMS MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING SAME ISSUES.
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2016. UNTIL NOW, THE ONLY ISSUE HAS BEEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. NOW, THE DOORS ARE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. IN MARCH 2019, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR STOPPED OPENING FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT WOULD UNLOCK/LOCK, BUT THE OUTSIDE HANDLE WOULD NOT OPERATE AND OPEN THE DOOR THE INSID…
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2016. UNTIL NOW, THE ONLY ISSUE HAS BEEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. NOW, THE DOORS ARE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. IN MARCH 2019, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR STOPPED OPENING FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT WOULD UNLOCK/LOCK, BUT THE OUTSIDE HANDLE WOULD NOT OPERATE AND OPEN THE DOOR THE INSIDE HANDLE DID OPERATE. HYUNDAI REPAIRED/REPLACED THE PART UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR $50. IN APRIL 2019, THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR FAILED. THIS TIME IT WOULD NOT OPERATE FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE DEALER TRIED TO MAKE ME WAIT WKS FROM AN APPT, BUT THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH PASSENGERS/CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT. WHAT IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT? I INQUIRED ABOUT RECALLS, ESPECIALLY WITH PASSENGERS NOT BEING ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR, BUT WAS SHUT DOWN BY THE MECHANIC. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SUGGESTS I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE.
'TAKATA RECALL' BOTH BACK DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE NOR BE OUTSIDE. INITIALLY STARTED WITH THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND WITHIN 2 WEEKS THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR WPULD NOT OPEN EITHER. WHEN I I HIT THE LOCK AND UNLOCK BUTTON FROM INSIDE THE CAR AND ON MY KEY FOB THE LOCKS MOVE, THEREFORE IT IS NOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLE…
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'TAKATA RECALL' BOTH BACK DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE NOR BE OUTSIDE. INITIALLY STARTED WITH THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND WITHIN 2 WEEKS THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR WPULD NOT OPEN EITHER. WHEN I I HIT THE LOCK AND UNLOCK BUTTON FROM INSIDE THE CAR AND ON MY KEY FOB THE LOCKS MOVE, THEREFORE IT IS NOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I FOUND THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND APPARENTLY THE 'CLIP' FALLS OF INSIDE THE DOOR PANEL THEREFORE THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THIS IS TRULY A SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE IF MY CAR WERE TO CATCH ON FIRE OR WERE IN AN ACCIDENT AND I HAD A PASSENGERS IN THE BACKSEAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE! NOR AM I ABLE TO GET MY CHILD IN AND OUT OF THE BACKSEAT WITH THE CAR SEAT.
RECENTLY, WE'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE INVOLVING THE REAR DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM ON OUR DAUGHTER'S 2016 TUCSON. THE DOORS CAN'T BE OPENED, DESPITE THE CHILD LOCKS BEING DISABLED, THE AUTO AND MANUAL LOCKS BEING UNLOCKED, OR THE MANUAL HANDLES BEING USED FROM INSIDE OR OUT. THE IS A MOST UNSAFE SITUATION, ESPECIALLY IN THE EVE…
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RECENTLY, WE'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE INVOLVING THE REAR DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM ON OUR DAUGHTER'S 2016 TUCSON. THE DOORS CAN'T BE OPENED, DESPITE THE CHILD LOCKS BEING DISABLED, THE AUTO AND MANUAL LOCKS BEING UNLOCKED, OR THE MANUAL HANDLES BEING USED FROM INSIDE OR OUT. THE IS A MOST UNSAFE SITUATION, ESPECIALLY IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. WE HAVE SCHEDULED A MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT WITH OUR LOCAL DEALER (TAMERON HYUNDAI, HOOVER) AT OUR EXPENSE.
MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN 2016, SHORTLY AFTER I LEASED IT, FOR A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. PRIOR TO MY RECALL APPOINTMENT, I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PRESSED THE GAS AND THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. WHEN IT FINALLY DID, IT SURGED FORWARD INTO AN INTERSECTION. WHILE VERY SCARY, NO…
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MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN 2016, SHORTLY AFTER I LEASED IT, FOR A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. PRIOR TO MY RECALL APPOINTMENT, I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PRESSED THE GAS AND THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. WHEN IT FINALLY DID, IT SURGED FORWARD INTO AN INTERSECTION. WHILE VERY SCARY, NO ONE WAS HURT. THE RECALL ISSUE WAS "ADDRESSED" BY THE DEALER. IN FEBRUARY 2019, THE CAR AGAIN HAD AN ISSUE WHERE IT FAILED TO ACCELERATE. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, IT BACKED UP. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND HIT THE GAS. NOT ONLY DID THE CAR FAIL TO ACCELERATE FORWARD BUT THE BRAKE WAS STUCK. WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR, IT REVERSED UNTIL IT HIT A DUMPSTER, BUSTING MY TAIL LIGHT AND PUTTING A DENT IN MY TRUNK. AGAIN, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED THAT THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVE HAD THE ISSUE THAT I AM DESCRIBING. THERE HAVE BEEN SUITS UNDER THE LEMON LAW. MOREOVER, THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAVE BEEN LESS THAN HELPFUL. IT TOOK MULTIPLE CALLS TO GET A NATIONAL CASEWORKER ASSIGNED. WHEN I FINALLY RECEIVED A CALL, INWAS TOLD TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. MY CAR HAS BEEN WITH THE DEALER FOR 5 DAYS WITH NO ANSWERS AND AND NO LOANER VEHICLE. AT THIS POINT I FEEL IT IS NECESSARY TO WRITE TO YOU TO TAKE ACTION. SAFETY SHOULD BE PARAMOUNT TO ANY CAR MANUFACTURER. IGNORING THE WELL-DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF THIS CAR'S SAFETY ISSUES, CANNOT BE TOLERATED. FAILURE TO ACT, AND WORSE, ATTEMPTS TO SOMEHOW PLACE ONUS ON THE LESSEE IS AN ETHICAL ISSUE AND AN ATTEMPT FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO SAVE FACE. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. THE ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT AND CANNOT BE PREDICTED. ANY ATTEMPT TO PUT ME BACK IN A FAULTY VEHICLE TO COLLECT MY LAST 4 MONTHLY PAYMENTS IS A DISGUSTING DISPLAY OF A LACK OF CONCERN FOR DRIVER'S SAFETY.
MY CAR STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS AND WILL NOT TAKE OFF QUICK ENOUGH TO GET ME OUT OF PEOPLES WAY AND FROM EVERYTHING I AM READING IT IS DUE TO THE DUAL CLUTCH IN MY ECO. I HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS YET BUT GETTING REALLY WORRIED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS INCLUDING SOMEONE WHO MIGHT HIT ME AS I AM MAKING A TURN WHEN CAR …
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MY CAR STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS AND WILL NOT TAKE OFF QUICK ENOUGH TO GET ME OUT OF PEOPLES WAY AND FROM EVERYTHING I AM READING IT IS DUE TO THE DUAL CLUTCH IN MY ECO. I HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS YET BUT GETTING REALLY WORRIED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS INCLUDING SOMEONE WHO MIGHT HIT ME AS I AM MAKING A TURN WHEN CAR WILL NOT MOVE AHEAD QUICKLY ENOUGH.
THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM IS ACTING UP. THE ANSWER AND HANG UP BOTTOM ON STEER STOP WORKING FOR MONTHS,THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WANT GO DOWN.AND THE KEY IN THE CAR.IT SAY THAT KEY NOT DETECTED
I HAVE A 2016 LIMITED EDITION TUCSON WITH 1.6 TURBO. THIS WAS NOT AN INITIAL ISSUE BUT AN ISSUE THAT BUILDS UP AND CONTINUES TO BECOME WORSE THE MORE MILES I PLACE ON THE CAR. THERE ARE HESITATIONS, STUTTERING AND FAILURE TO MOVE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES. THIS CAUSES FEAR AND DOUBTS OF SAFETY. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DRIVERS TES…
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I HAVE A 2016 LIMITED EDITION TUCSON WITH 1.6 TURBO. THIS WAS NOT AN INITIAL ISSUE BUT AN ISSUE THAT BUILDS UP AND CONTINUES TO BECOME WORSE THE MORE MILES I PLACE ON THE CAR. THERE ARE HESITATIONS, STUTTERING AND FAILURE TO MOVE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES. THIS CAUSES FEAR AND DOUBTS OF SAFETY. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DRIVERS TEST MY VEHICLE AS WELL AND COME TO THE SAME STARTLING RESULT. THERE IS ALSO UNUSUAL VIBRATIONS WHEN SLOWING DOWN IN SPEED, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARKING. I TAKE MY CAR INTO FREQUENT AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE YET THEY CANNOT FIND A FIX TO THE ISSUE BUT RATHER EXCUSES. I NO LONGER ENJOY DRIVING MY CAR AND DO NOT TRUST THE LINE OF VEHICLES ANY LONGER.
"TAKATA RECALL": FRONT LIGHT SIGNATURES FOR THE "LEFT-SIDE" SWICH ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. WHEN THE INITIAL CAR TURNS ON, THE DASHBOARD ON OCCASIONS, GOES BLACK! THE CAR WHEN GOES ON TO HIGHWAYS, THE ENGINE (RPM) GOES UP TO 7000 RPM FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND GEAR! THS WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURN ON. LASTLY, THE TRUNK AUTO…
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"TAKATA RECALL": FRONT LIGHT SIGNATURES FOR THE "LEFT-SIDE" SWICH ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. WHEN THE INITIAL CAR TURNS ON, THE DASHBOARD ON OCCASIONS, GOES BLACK! THE CAR WHEN GOES ON TO HIGHWAYS, THE ENGINE (RPM) GOES UP TO 7000 RPM FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND GEAR! THS WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURN ON. LASTLY, THE TRUNK AUTOMATICALLY STARTED OPENING EVEN WHEN THE KEYS ARE AWAY OR IN MY JACKET OR POCKET ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNED OFF THE CAR.
Official recalls
520V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Sep 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.
16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches
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.
16V628000 · Electrical System:software; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
16V348000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
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.
16V147000 · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
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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