Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
3990–25K
12925–50K
16050–75K
8375–100K
56100–150K
5150K+
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.
14 crash reports24 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,617 reports
95,000 miles · Jun 3, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUSCON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD FLAMES WERE DISCOVERED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUSCON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD FLAMES WERE DISCOVERED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE HOME. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH WAS INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA ODI #11327051
85,000 miles · Jun 1, 2020
Electrical System
ABOUT A WEEK AGO THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR OCCASIONALLY BEGAN TO REMAIN LOCKED ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF, INSTEAD OF UNLOCKING AUTOMATICALLY. NOW, THIS HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS STARTED TO DO THE SAME. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN THAT ARE BOTH IN CAR SEATS AND I AM CONCERNED THAT I W…
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ABOUT A WEEK AGO THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR OCCASIONALLY BEGAN TO REMAIN LOCKED ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF, INSTEAD OF UNLOCKING AUTOMATICALLY. NOW, THIS HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS STARTED TO DO THE SAME. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN THAT ARE BOTH IN CAR SEATS AND I AM CONCERNED THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THEM OUT OF THE CAR. ESPECIALLY WITH THE WEATHER GETTING WARMER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11326875
60,000 miles · Jun 1, 2020
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY CAR KEEPS HAVING ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION. IT STRUGGLES TO MANUALLY SHIFT GEARS WHEN I TRY TO GO TO 40 MPH. I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY ESPECIALLY GETTING INTO HIGHWAYS SINCE I STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC UPON ENTERING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ALREADY AND PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11326736
80,000 miles · Jun 1, 2020
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT CHANGING GEARS, DRAGGING. THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT HAS GONE OUT LIKE 3 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. I SEE A RECALL ON TRANSMISSIONS ON TUCSON MY YEAR MODEL BUT WHEN I ENTER THE VIN IT SAYS NO ACTIVE RECALLS NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? *TR
NHTSA ODI #11326727
92,000 miles · May 28, 2020
SeatsStructureUnknown Or OtherFire
I'M THE OWNER OF A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE THAT THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD CAR WAS ON FIRE I LOOKED LIKE A MOVIE CAR BLOW UP BURSTING GLASS EVERYWHERE I ALMOST DIED IF I DIDN'T STOP TO LOOK AT IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11326426
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2020
Structure
ABOUT A YEAR AGO, MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR STARTED MALFUNCTIONING WHEN TRYING TO OPEN IT. I HAVE TO PULL THE HANDLE 2-3 TIMES BEFORE THE DOOR WILL SUCCESSFULLY OPEN. TWO DAYS AGO, MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR WON'T OPEN AT ALL FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS I BABYSIT MY 3 AND 8 YEAR OLD NIECE AND NEPH…
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ABOUT A YEAR AGO, MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR STARTED MALFUNCTIONING WHEN TRYING TO OPEN IT. I HAVE TO PULL THE HANDLE 2-3 TIMES BEFORE THE DOOR WILL SUCCESSFULLY OPEN. TWO DAYS AGO, MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR WON'T OPEN AT ALL FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS I BABYSIT MY 3 AND 8 YEAR OLD NIECE AND NEPHEW FREQUENTLY. I'VE NOTICED ON FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON THING AND I FEEL AS THOUGH IT SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11325689
86,000 miles · May 11, 2020
Engine
HYUNDAI TUCSON WAS BEING DRIVEN ALONG US 290 IN BRENHAM TEXAS WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DRIVER PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO RESTART. SUV WOULD NOT RESTART. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALER WHO SAID THE ENGINE WAS PERFORATED AND "BLOWN" AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *** MORE INFORMATION DEALER SAYS ENGINE IS PERFORA…
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HYUNDAI TUCSON WAS BEING DRIVEN ALONG US 290 IN BRENHAM TEXAS WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DRIVER PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO RESTART. SUV WOULD NOT RESTART. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALER WHO SAID THE ENGINE WAS PERFORATED AND "BLOWN" AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *** MORE INFORMATION DEALER SAYS ENGINE IS PERFORATED. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED AS IT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AS DETAILED AT CONSUMER REPORTS. HTTPS://WWW.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CARS/HYUNDAI/TUCSON/2016/RELIABILITY/ FULL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED AT HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS. MY NIECE, [XXX] , WAS DRIVING SUV IN BRENHAM TEXAS WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. SHE PULLED OFF US 290 AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HYUNDAI OF BRENHAM WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGONOSED IT AS A PERFORATED ENGINE THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. HYUNDAI OR BRENHAM SERVICE: 979-337-8447 PARTS: 979-277-7580 1710 HIGHWAY 290 WBRENHAM, TX 77833 I HAVE ALSO TALKED TO HYUNDAI USA VIA PHONE AND FILLED ANOTHER CASE WITH MORE DETAILS HYUNDAI CASE #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324213
70,000 miles · May 10, 2020
Structure
REAR DOOR LOCK IS INTERMITTENTLY UNLOCKING DOOR. DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS AND HYUNDAI IS SAYING NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR FOR THE DOOR AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE IT EVALUATED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324029
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2020
Structure
DRIVER DOOR SUDDENLY STOPPED OPENING. THERE IS NO WAY TO ENTER THE VEHICLE USING THE DRIVER DOOR. THE CAR WAS UNLOCKED USING THE KEY FOB AND LOCKS WERE NOT A FACTOR. 2 DAYS LATER THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR SUDDENLY WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. CHILD SAFETY LOCK WAS NOT IN USE AND THE CAR WAS UNLOCKED USING THE KE…
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DRIVER DOOR SUDDENLY STOPPED OPENING. THERE IS NO WAY TO ENTER THE VEHICLE USING THE DRIVER DOOR. THE CAR WAS UNLOCKED USING THE KEY FOB AND LOCKS WERE NOT A FACTOR. 2 DAYS LATER THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR SUDDENLY WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. CHILD SAFETY LOCK WAS NOT IN USE AND THE CAR WAS UNLOCKED USING THE KEY FOB. THERE IS NO WAY FOR A PERSON TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THAT DOOR. VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IN AN EMERGENCY RIDERS WOULD BE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND COULD BECOME TRAPPED INSIDE. THE DRIVER ALSO NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO QUICKLY ENTER THE VEHICLE. HYUNDAI DEALER IDENTIFIED FAILED LATCH ASSEMBLY AS THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11323798
30,000 miles · Apr 28, 2020
Structure
REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THE PROBLEM BEGAN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION ONLINE IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THE ACTUATOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE DOOR IS SHUT AND THERE IS NOT WAY TO OPEN IT WITHOUT UNHINGING THE DOOR AND GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT…
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REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THE PROBLEM BEGAN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION ONLINE IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THE ACTUATOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE DOOR IS SHUT AND THERE IS NOT WAY TO OPEN IT WITHOUT UNHINGING THE DOOR AND GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT AND NOT FROM A RESULT OF WEAR AND TEAR.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1
DP22003 · 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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