NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,617 reports50,000 miles · Aug 23, 2020
Structure
REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. IT IS UNLOCKED AND THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ARE NOT ENGAGED. NO AMOUNT OF PUSHING FROM INSIDE NOR PULLING FROM OUTSIDE WILL MOVE THE DOOR. THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR 3 DAYS WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. THERE HAVE BEEN NO IMPACTS, ETC. TO THE VEHICLE WHATSOVER. WE…
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REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. IT IS UNLOCKED AND THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ARE NOT ENGAGED. NO AMOUNT OF PUSHING FROM INSIDE NOR PULLING FROM OUTSIDE WILL MOVE THE DOOR. THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR 3 DAYS WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. THERE HAVE BEEN NO IMPACTS, ETC. TO THE VEHICLE WHATSOVER. WE WENT OUT TO GO FOR A DRIVE AND COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR FOR MY TODDLER TO GET IN.
NHTSA ODI #11350808
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2020
Structure
MY RIGHT SIDE REAR DOOR, AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES BOTH STOPPED WORKING AND WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR. MY CAR DOOR WILL NOT BUDGE FROM THE INSIDE NOR OUTSIDE NO MATTER HOW MUCH FORCE I PUT INTO IT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS, IF I EVER HAD TO GET THEM OUT IN AN EMERGENCY I'D HAVE TO GET THEM …
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MY RIGHT SIDE REAR DOOR, AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES BOTH STOPPED WORKING AND WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR. MY CAR DOOR WILL NOT BUDGE FROM THE INSIDE NOR OUTSIDE NO MATTER HOW MUCH FORCE I PUT INTO IT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS, IF I EVER HAD TO GET THEM OUT IN AN EMERGENCY I'D HAVE TO GET THEM OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW! THIS IS NOT A CHEAP FIX, AND I SEE IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG OWNERS OF THIS SAME MODEL. PLEASE WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED YET
NHTSA ODI #11350774
40,000 miles · Aug 20, 2020
Structure
I WENT TO GET MY 1 YR OLD OUT OF HIS CAR SEAT LAST NIGHT AND THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE. IT WAS UNLOCKED. I'VE READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS SO THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY AND I HAD TO GET HIM OUT QUICKLY. I HAD TO CRAWL IN THE BACK SEAT AND DRAG …
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I WENT TO GET MY 1 YR OLD OUT OF HIS CAR SEAT LAST NIGHT AND THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE. IT WAS UNLOCKED. I'VE READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS SO THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY AND I HAD TO GET HIM OUT QUICKLY. I HAD TO CRAWL IN THE BACK SEAT AND DRAG MY 30 LB 1 YEAR OLD OUT UP OVER HIS CAR SEAT AND THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR OUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER DOOR.
NHTSA ODI #11350379
80,000 miles · Aug 19, 2020
EngineLatches/locks/linkagesVisibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN AND CLOSE WITHOUT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERABLE. THE ENGINE SPLASH COVER DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. THE CLEAN FRONT RADAR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED, AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE DE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN AND CLOSE WITHOUT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS INOPERABLE. THE ENGINE SPLASH COVER DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. THE CLEAN FRONT RADAR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED, AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE DETECTED FROM THE MUFFLER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WOODHOUSE HYUNDAI OF OMAHA (8410 S 145TH ST, OMAHA, NE 68138, (402) 592-1007) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DOOR ACTUATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11350251
48,000 miles · Aug 19, 2020
Structure
BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE REAR DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. NO CHILD LOCK IS ON, AND THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON WORKS FINE, BUT NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. I HAVE MY CHILDREN SITTING IN THE REAR SEATS AND IT IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE, BEING UNABLE TO OPEN THE …
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BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE REAR DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. NO CHILD LOCK IS ON, AND THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON WORKS FINE, BUT NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. I HAVE MY CHILDREN SITTING IN THE REAR SEATS AND IT IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE, BEING UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM EITHER SIDE. I FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO THIS PARTICULAR YEAR MODEL 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, AND THERE ARE MANY CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, IN KOREA, THE ORIGINAL COUNTRY OF HYUNDAI, THE NATIONAL CONSUMER REPORT AGENCY ANNOUNCED, IN DECEMBER 2019, OF THIS ISSUE AND REQUESTED HYUNDAI MOTORS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AND HYUNDAI HAS ACCEPTED TO REPAIR THIS KNOWN ISSUE TO THE CONSUMERS. HYUNDAI HAS FAILED TO IMPLEMENT THIS FIX IN US AND IT IS A VERY BIG EXPENSE THAT THE CUSTOMER HAS TO BEAR FOR A SAFETY ISSUE. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THE REAR DOOR-LOCK LATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY IS THE PROBLEM COMPONENT THAT HAS SOME SORT OF CHEAP PLASTIC CAUSING THE ISSUE AND THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE UPLOADED THE PICTURES OF THE LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT REQUIRES A REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #11350212
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2020
Engine
THE VEHICLE I PURCHASE AT THE DEALERSHIP IS LOOSING OR FLASHING OIL. IN 3 MONTHS TIME, GIVE OR TAKE, OIL IS LOW LOW AND THE CAR HESITATE TO ON TAKE OFF UNTIL OIL PRESSURE INCREASES.
NHTSA ODI #11350055
68,000 miles · Aug 16, 2020
Structure
MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WOULD ONLY OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE AFTER 3+ PULLS ON THE HANDLE. NOW THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. LOCK STILL ENGAGES AND DISENGAGES, BUT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THIS COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF MY REAR PASSENGERS.
NHTSA ODI #11349654
24,000 miles · Aug 15, 2020
Electrical System
POWER WINDOWS FAIL TO OPERATE,LEFT TURN SIGNAL FAILS TO ENGAGE, BRAKE LIGHT OUT INDICATOR SHOWS LIGHT OUT WHEN ITS NOT.DEALER NOTIFIED AND PROBLEM RESOLVED BUT RE OCCURS
NHTSA ODI #11349602
105,000 miles · Aug 13, 2020
Structure
IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, 3 OF MY 4 DOORS OPEN UNRELIABLY AND ONE WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. IT STARTED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. YOU ALWAYS MUST PULL THE HANDLE 2 TO 4 TIMES TO GET IT TO OPEN. IT SEEMED ONLY AN INCONVENIENCE, AND IT WAS QUOTED AS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX, SO I JUST IGNORED IT. THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE SA…
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IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, 3 OF MY 4 DOORS OPEN UNRELIABLY AND ONE WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. IT STARTED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. YOU ALWAYS MUST PULL THE HANDLE 2 TO 4 TIMES TO GET IT TO OPEN. IT SEEMED ONLY AN INCONVENIENCE, AND IT WAS QUOTED AS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX, SO I JUST IGNORED IT. THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. IT ALWAS TAKES 2 TO 4 ATTEMPTS AT PULLING THE HANDLE TO OPEN. AGAIN, I CHALKED IT UP TO AN INCONVENIENCE, BUT IT WAS STARTING TO BECOME VERY CONCERNING. THE REASON I WRITE IS THAT NOW (JUST WEEKS AFTER THE SECOND DOOR'S RELIABILITY ISSUE STARTED), MY REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, NO MATTER HOW MANY ATTEMPTS YOU MAKE. THE TWO FRONT DOORS DO OPEN ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT FROM THE INSIDE AS THEY SHOULD. HOWEVER, THE REAR RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NEVER OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS NOT A CHILD LOCK ISSUE AS I'VE NEVER USED THEM. IT SIMPLY STOPPED WORKING. THE DOOR IS USELESS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF SOMEONE IN THE BACK SEAT NEEDED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN A HURRY. I RESEARCHED ONLINE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM, AND IT APPEARS TO BE QUITE COMMON ON HYUNDAI TUCSONS - I SAW MANY PEOPLE DESCRIBING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP IS ASKING ANYWHERE FROM $400 TO $1000 TO FIX EACH DOOR! AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, I FEEL THAT IT STRONGLY WARRANTS CONSIDERATION FOR A RECALL THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER.
NHTSA ODI #11349123
42,000 miles · Aug 11, 2020
Electrical SystemStructure
REAR DOOR BEHIND DRIVER SIDE, DOES NOT OPEN WHEN UNLOCKED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE CAR
NHTSA ODI #11348674
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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