NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,617 reports38,000 miles · Jul 22, 2019
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEACOCK HYUNDAI HILTON HEAD (LOCATED AT 51 AUTO MALL BLVD, SUITE A, HARDEEVILLE, SC 29927, (843) 208-1234) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEACOCK HYUNDAI HILTON HEAD (LOCATED AT 51 AUTO MALL BLVD, SUITE A, HARDEEVILLE, SC 29927, (843) 208-1234) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 15950425. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
NHTSA ODI #11233837
50 miles · Jul 20, 2019
EnginePower Train
IN AUGUST 2016 I PURCHASED A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED. SINCE DAY ONE, WHILE IN TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO SHUDDER UNTIL NEAR STALL. THE SHUDDERING OCCURS WHEN EITHER ROLLING FORWARD, ACCELERATING THE GAS, OR SITTING IDLE, AS A RESULT MY CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATION AT ALL TIMES. DURING MY FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSH…
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IN AUGUST 2016 I PURCHASED A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED. SINCE DAY ONE, WHILE IN TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO SHUDDER UNTIL NEAR STALL. THE SHUDDERING OCCURS WHEN EITHER ROLLING FORWARD, ACCELERATING THE GAS, OR SITTING IDLE, AS A RESULT MY CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATION AT ALL TIMES. DURING MY FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP THE DEALER DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DANGEROUS, MY WIFE'S IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER AND SHE IS RELUCTANT TO DRIVE IT FOR FEAR THAT SHE WILL BE INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES AND GET NO REAL ANSWERS EXCEPT THAT THE CAR CHECKS OUT FINE AND THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THEY DO, HOWEVER, ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE PROBLEM IS A DESIGN ISSUE IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS PROBLEM PERSISTS NO MATTER WHAT DRIVE MODE I AM IN. I HAVE TRIED TURNING OFF THE AC BUT THAT HAS NO AFFECT. I HAD ONE INSTANCE WHERE, WHILE MOVING FROM STOP TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR STUMBLED AND STALLED IN THE INTERSECTION AND WE NARROWLY MISSED BEING HIT BY THE CAR BEHIND ME. WE HELP WITH TRANSPORTATION FOR THE GRANDKIDS AND WE CANNOT DRIVE THE 10 YEAR OLD IN THIS CAR, SHE GETS CAR SICK FROM THE SHUDDERING/HESITATION. AS A RESULT, WE HAVE TO SUBSTITUTE ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DAYS WE DRIVE HER.
NHTSA ODI #11233567
60,000 miles · Jul 19, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
LIGHTS OF STOP DO NOT HAVE NORMAL FUNCTION. SOMETIMES, TURN ON AND MOST OF TIME, NOT.
NHTSA ODI #11233282
85,000 miles · Jul 18, 2019
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY OPEN WHEN PULLING THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PRESENT ON ALL FOUR DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WINNER AUTO GROUP (591 S. DUPONT HWY, DOVER, DE) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INDOOR LO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY OPEN WHEN PULLING THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PRESENT ON ALL FOUR DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WINNER AUTO GROUP (591 S. DUPONT HWY, DOVER, DE) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INDOOR LOCKING MECHANISM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *BF *TR
NHTSA ODI #11232989
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2019
Electrical System
RIGHT DOOR ARE NOT WORKING FROM IN OR OUT SIDE FRONT AND BACK
NHTSA ODI #11232924
45,000 miles · Jul 11, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT OPERATE IF THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ONLY WORKED WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE OFF. IN ADDITION, "BRAKE LIGHT OUT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT OPERATE IF THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ONLY WORKED WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE OFF. IN ADDITION, "BRAKE LIGHT OUT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #11231082
44,000 miles · Jul 10, 2019
Power Train
SINCE TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE, I'VE EXPERIENCED CONCERNS WITH THE VEHICLE BUCKING WHEN MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS SUCH AS IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. THE CAR HESITATES TO DRIVE AFTER A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION AND MAKES A WINDING NOISE WHEN IT FINALLY DOES ACCELERATE. ONE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I WAS IN THE DRIVE-THRU LANE A…
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SINCE TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE, I'VE EXPERIENCED CONCERNS WITH THE VEHICLE BUCKING WHEN MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS SUCH AS IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. THE CAR HESITATES TO DRIVE AFTER A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION AND MAKES A WINDING NOISE WHEN IT FINALLY DOES ACCELERATE. ONE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I WAS IN THE DRIVE-THRU LANE AT MCDONALD'S AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND ALLOW THE CAR TO COOL DOWN FOR 30 MINUTES. ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING IN A PARKING MALL STRUCTURE WITH AN INCLINED ROAD, THERE SEVERAL CARS BEHIND ME AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, I HAD TO PULL OVER IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION PUTTING FAMILY AND ME IN DANGER BY VEHICLES PASSING BY IN A VERY NARROW LANE AND ALLOW THE VEHICLE TIME TO COOL OFF AGAIN. LAST WEEK WHILE AT A SHOPPING CENTER I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND IT JOLTED FORWARD ALMOST STRIKING A PEDESTRIAN. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER COUNTLESS TIMES (SERVICE RECORDS ARE ATTACHED). THE LAST DIAGNOSIS THERE WAS AN INTERNAL OIL LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION. THEY EVENTUALLY ENDED UP REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION, BUT THE ISSUE IS STILL OCCURRING. I HAVE SINCE PARKED THE VEHICLE AS I REFUSE TO CONTINUE DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR. I REACHED OUT TO HYUNDAI AND EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS, BUT NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN REACHED. PLEASE PROVIDE SOME SUPPORT IN GETTING THIS MATTER RESOLVED.
NHTSA ODI #11230799
63,000 miles · Jul 9, 2019
Structure
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORS OF MY VEHICLE WILL NOT OPEN PROPERLY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE ONLY OPENS FROM THE INSIDE ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN MOTION. THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI #11230357
117,000 miles · Jul 5, 2019
EnginePower Train
ENGINE FAILER,HYUNDIA WANTS ENGINE RETURNED NOT ALLOWING DEALER TO DISASEMBLE ENGINE IN ORDER TO FIND OUT THE CAUSE.CAR REVS UP WHEN ECLERATING FAST IN TRAFFIC EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CAR WILL NOT MOVE UNTIL LETTING OFF ACCELERATOR.
NHTSA ODI #11229637
26,000 miles · Jul 5, 2019
Power Train
VEHICLE HAS THE 1.6 LITER TURBO ENGINE W/ DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE HESITATES TO ACCELERATE AND THEN TAKES OFF. TRIED BEING MORE AGGRESSIVE ON GAS PEDAL BUT STILL HESITATES, THEN IT REALLY SHOOTS OFF. VEHICLE HAS 3 MODES OF DRIVING- NORMAL, ECO, SPORT. TRIED ALL 3 AND PROBLEM REMAINS. ALTHOUGH I CAN'T DUP…
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VEHICLE HAS THE 1.6 LITER TURBO ENGINE W/ DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE HESITATES TO ACCELERATE AND THEN TAKES OFF. TRIED BEING MORE AGGRESSIVE ON GAS PEDAL BUT STILL HESITATES, THEN IT REALLY SHOOTS OFF. VEHICLE HAS 3 MODES OF DRIVING- NORMAL, ECO, SPORT. TRIED ALL 3 AND PROBLEM REMAINS. ALTHOUGH I CAN'T DUPLICATE/CONFIRM RESULTS IT SEEMS TO OPERATE [SLIGHTLY] BETTER IN LOWER TEMPS (50-70F DEGREES) VS HOT TEMPS (85-95F). DISCONCERTING OR DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI #11229595
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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