NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,617 reports7,000 miles · Apr 12, 2017
EngineVehicle Speed Control
THERE ARE SEVERAL PROBLEMS. THE DUAL CLUTCH AN AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON MY 1.6-LITER TURBO VERSION HESITATES UP TO SEVERAL SECONDS WHEN ACCELERATING, THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN TURNING, ACCELERATING FROM A FULL STOP, MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED 1-5MPH. THE TACHOMETER REVS UP BUT THE CAR STAYS STATIONARY. THIS HAPPENS MULTIPLE TI…
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THERE ARE SEVERAL PROBLEMS. THE DUAL CLUTCH AN AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON MY 1.6-LITER TURBO VERSION HESITATES UP TO SEVERAL SECONDS WHEN ACCELERATING, THIS CAN OCCUR WHEN TURNING, ACCELERATING FROM A FULL STOP, MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED 1-5MPH. THE TACHOMETER REVS UP BUT THE CAR STAYS STATIONARY. THIS HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK. THE SCARIEST TIME WAS WHEN I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE AND CARS HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING ME.. ADDITIONALLY IF YOU ARE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC INCHING ALONG, IT HESITATES TO ACCELERATE AND WHEN IT FINALLY DOES, YOU'RE AFRAID YOU WILL HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. I HAVE FOUND WHEN INCHING ALONG 1-5 MPH DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THAT I MUST LEAVE 1-2 CAR LENGTHS IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO THE LURCHING AND HESITATION. SUPPOSEDLY THE RECALL IN SEPTEMBER 2016 FIXED THIS ISSUE BUT IT DID NOT. WHEN I CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY HEADQUARTERS, THEY TOLD ME THE CAR IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. SO THEY DESIGNED IT TO LURCH AND NOT ACCELERATE? DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT TO ME. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF MY CONTACTS WITH THE LOCAL DEALER AND CORPORATE, BUT NOT WITH ME TODAY.
NHTSA ODI #10972043
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2017
Power Train
VEHICLE HESITATES, JERKS, JUMPS WHEN STARTING UP FROM A SLOW OR STOPPED POSITION. WHEN CROSSING TRAFFIC, TURNING LEFT, I HAVE TO BE CERTAIN I HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM IN CASE THE CAR HESITATES. EXTREMELY UNSAFE! I PURCHASED THE CAR 7/29/2016 AND I HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE THEN. THE …
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VEHICLE HESITATES, JERKS, JUMPS WHEN STARTING UP FROM A SLOW OR STOPPED POSITION. WHEN CROSSING TRAFFIC, TURNING LEFT, I HAVE TO BE CERTAIN I HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM IN CASE THE CAR HESITATES. EXTREMELY UNSAFE! I PURCHASED THE CAR 7/29/2016 AND I HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE THEN. THE FIRST 4 TIMES I HAD THE CAR IN THEY UPDATED THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE. ON ONE OCCASION THERE HAD BEEN AN ACTUAL RECALL, HOWEVER IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. ON THE LAST TIME I HAD THE CAR IN, I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER TO RIDE WITH ME. THE CAR DID HESITATE, JERK COMING OUT OF A STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND HE TOLD ME THAT WAS HOW THE TRANSMISSION WAS SUPPOSED TO ACT AND THAT I NEEDED TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE THE CAR. IT WOULD PREFORM BETTER IN THE SPORT MODE. THE CAR CONTINUES TO REPEAT THE SAME HESITATION ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASIS. I WILL BE CONTACTING HYUNDAI CORPORATE TO SEE IF VEHICLE IS COVERED UNDER LEMON LAW.
NHTSA ODI #10971252
Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2017
Power Train
I PURCHASED THE CAR IN NOVEMBER 2015. I ALWAYS HAD A SLIGHT JERKING OF THE CAR WHILE IN TRAFFIC OR TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN. I WOULD SAY TOWARDS THE END OF THE SUMMER OF 2016 IT GOT MUCH WORSE. TO THE POINT WHERE I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT IN TRAFFIC. I COMMUTE ALMOST 40 MILES EACH WAY TO WORK EVERY DAY AND MY HEART IS IN MY T…
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I PURCHASED THE CAR IN NOVEMBER 2015. I ALWAYS HAD A SLIGHT JERKING OF THE CAR WHILE IN TRAFFIC OR TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN. I WOULD SAY TOWARDS THE END OF THE SUMMER OF 2016 IT GOT MUCH WORSE. TO THE POINT WHERE I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT IN TRAFFIC. I COMMUTE ALMOST 40 MILES EACH WAY TO WORK EVERY DAY AND MY HEART IS IN MY THROAT EVERY TIME I'M BEHIND THE WHEEL IN TRAFFIC AFRAID I'M GOING TO GET REAR ENDED. HYUNDAI CAME OUT WITH THE RECALL ON THE DCT (DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION) THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAD MY CAR SERVICED FOR THE RECALL IN OCTOBER 2016 AND IT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT IT IN TO GET SERVICED AGAIN ON APRIL 1, 2017 FOR THE SAME EXACT RECALL AND HERE I AM AGAIN STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE A INFANT AND I AM TERRIFIED TO HAVE MY FAMILY IN THIS CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10970487
1,800 miles · Apr 2, 2017
Service BrakesStructureCrash
WE PURCHASED A 2016 TUCSON LIMITED ON BLACK FRIDAY OF 2016. THIS VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) SAFETY OPTION, AS IS ADVERTISED AND DEMONSTRATED ON THE HYUNDAI WEBSITE WITH VIDEO. WE EXPERIENCED A MINOR FRONT-END COLLISION AT APPROXIMATELY 8-10 MPH WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AT A YIELD FROM HIGH…
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WE PURCHASED A 2016 TUCSON LIMITED ON BLACK FRIDAY OF 2016. THIS VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) SAFETY OPTION, AS IS ADVERTISED AND DEMONSTRATED ON THE HYUNDAI WEBSITE WITH VIDEO. WE EXPERIENCED A MINOR FRONT-END COLLISION AT APPROXIMATELY 8-10 MPH WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AT A YIELD FROM HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP. BASED ON THE ADVERTISED FUNCTION AND VIDEO, SHOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY THE AEB. SUBSEQUENT TO THIS COLLISION, WE BEGAN SEEING INTERMITTENT WARNING NOTIFICATIONS TO CLEAN THE FRONT RADAR EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO DIRT OR ANY OBSTRUCTION. THESE MESSAGES WOULD SPONTANEOUSLY CLEAR AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30-60 SECONDS. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE EVALUATED. THE VEHICLE WAS WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS AND AFTER EXTENSIVE TESTING - WHICH INCLUDED MULTIPLE ROAD TESTS, MULTIPLE SIMULATED OBSTRUCTION DETECTION, A PEDESTRIAN CHALLENGE BY THE SERVICE MANAGER, LITERATURE REVIEWS, AND AN ONSITE EVALUATION FROM HYUNDAI ENGINEERING ' AND AFTER ALL OF THESE EVALUATIONS, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO UNABLE TO TRIGGER THE AEB UNDER ANY CONDITIONS ALTHOUGH THE ELECTRONIC SCAN INDICATES THAT THE RADAR IS OPERATIVE. THEY HAVE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO US WITH THE STATEMENT THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS INTENDED. THE AEB IS NOT DEMONSTRABLY FUNCTIONING, REGARDLESS OF RADAR OPERATION.
NHTSA ODI #10970019
6,954 miles · Mar 27, 2017
Power Train
AFTER A STOP AND WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS TO GO, THE CAR WILL HESITATE ,SOMETIMES FOR 3 TO 4 SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPEN ABOUT 7 OR 8 TIMES. IT IS A BAD FEELING WHEN THIS HAPPEN WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER AND SERVICE MANGER HAS RODE WITH ME, BUT WE CAN NOT DUPLICATE WHEN HE IS IN THE CAR. I HAVE ABOUT 7,…
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AFTER A STOP AND WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS TO GO, THE CAR WILL HESITATE ,SOMETIMES FOR 3 TO 4 SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPEN ABOUT 7 OR 8 TIMES. IT IS A BAD FEELING WHEN THIS HAPPEN WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER AND SERVICE MANGER HAS RODE WITH ME, BUT WE CAN NOT DUPLICATE WHEN HE IS IN THE CAR. I HAVE ABOUT 7,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE CAR'S COMPUTER HAS BEEN RESET TWICE SO FAR, NO HELP YET.
NHTSA ODI #10968797
6,300 miles · Mar 23, 2017
Engine
SPORADICALLY WHEN YOU STEP ON GAS TO ACCELERATE, IT WILL JUST "BOG DOWN" AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES BOTH AT AROUND 20 MPH OR AROUND 55 MPH. IT WILL NOT RECOVER UNLESS YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR COMPLETELY AND WAIT FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. I TRIED ONCE WHEN IT DID THIS, TO JUST KEEP THE ACCE…
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SPORADICALLY WHEN YOU STEP ON GAS TO ACCELERATE, IT WILL JUST "BOG DOWN" AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES BOTH AT AROUND 20 MPH OR AROUND 55 MPH. IT WILL NOT RECOVER UNLESS YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR COMPLETELY AND WAIT FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. I TRIED ONCE WHEN IT DID THIS, TO JUST KEEP THE ACCELERATOR DOWN TO SEE IF IT WOULD RECOVER. IT DID NOT, IT JUST SLOWED DOWN TILL IT STOPPED.
NHTSA ODI #10968133
18,700 miles · Mar 23, 2017
Power Train
I HAVE ENTERED A COMPLAINT HERE A FEW MONTH AGO. I HAD MY HYUDAI IN THE SHOP FOR 2 MONTHS WAITING FOR COMPUTER UPDATES TO THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER HAVING THE UPDATES, THE CAR SEEMED TO RUN FINE FOR A WHILE. I AM NOW AGAIN HAVING ISSUES WITH HESITATION. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED AGAIN PULLING AWAY FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I WAS TOLD BY…
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I HAVE ENTERED A COMPLAINT HERE A FEW MONTH AGO. I HAD MY HYUDAI IN THE SHOP FOR 2 MONTHS WAITING FOR COMPUTER UPDATES TO THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER HAVING THE UPDATES, THE CAR SEEMED TO RUN FINE FOR A WHILE. I AM NOW AGAIN HAVING ISSUES WITH HESITATION. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED AGAIN PULLING AWAY FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THEY ARE SEEING WHEN YOU DRIVE WITH THE CAR IN ECO MODE THAT THERE IS HESITATION. PROBLEM IS, I NEVER USE ANY OF THE MODES.... THEIR ANSWER WELL EITHER CALL HYUDAI, OR DEAL WITH IT............... THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW.
NHTSA ODI #10967925
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2017
Power Train
1.6T TRANSMISSION NOT PERFORMING PROPERLY. CAR JERKS, PAUSES, AND QUITS. HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED WHEN VEHICLE PAUSED. NEARLY MISSED HITTING ANOTHER CAR WHEN MINE ACCELERATED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT 60 MILES PER HOUR CAR JUST QUIT. HAD TO COAST TO SHOULDER. THEN RESTARTED CAR. HAVE HAD TO DEAL…
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1.6T TRANSMISSION NOT PERFORMING PROPERLY. CAR JERKS, PAUSES, AND QUITS. HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED WHEN VEHICLE PAUSED. NEARLY MISSED HITTING ANOTHER CAR WHEN MINE ACCELERATED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT 60 MILES PER HOUR CAR JUST QUIT. HAD TO COAST TO SHOULDER. THEN RESTARTED CAR. HAVE HAD TO DEALERSHIP EIGHT DIFFERENT TIMES. EVEN TOOK TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP. BOTH SAY, "OPERATING AS DESIGNED". ONE SERVICE MANAGER EVEN SAID, "IT'S A POOR DESIGN". MY WIFE WILL NO LONGER DRIVE VEHICLE, AND I AM AFRAID TO MYSELF.
NHTSA ODI #10967689
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2017
Electrical SystemPower Train
2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STILL PERIODICALLY HESITATES AND ACCELERATES AFTER RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD
NHTSA ODI #10965493
9,204 miles · Mar 9, 2017
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,204. UPDATED 07/11/17*LJ *CN
NHTSA ODI #10959820
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.