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
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2022
Unknown Or Other
The passenger side door will not unlock from the outside. You can hear when you press the unlock button but nothing happens you have to physically open the door from the inside to let the person in to the core. Also we have had to replace the driver side and passenger side front window gears or whole panel in the door do you to …
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The passenger side door will not unlock from the outside. You can hear when you press the unlock button but nothing happens you have to physically open the door from the inside to let the person in to the core. Also we have had to replace the driver side and passenger side front window gears or whole panel in the door do you to the gears rotting out because they are cheap plastic pieces. We are now having to replace the third window which is the rear driver side for the same issue. When you open the door the gears look likeThey have eaten each other. It is due to cheek horrible product being used in the door. I see multiple complaints about these two issues and they both should be recall issues. It is also a safety hazard because the windows can fall at any moment and shatter and if the rest of the door handle goes out there is no way to let anyone out of the car from the outside
NHTSA ODI #11468859
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2022
Power Train
Transmission can lurch forward or hesitate, shudder when accelerating from a stop. More problematic is the extreme vibration/shuddering of the car when in stop and go traffic. It is so severe passengers are actually thrusting back and forth in their seats. First occurrence was at 23,000 miles when a warning light came on saying,…
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Transmission can lurch forward or hesitate, shudder when accelerating from a stop. More problematic is the extreme vibration/shuddering of the car when in stop and go traffic. It is so severe passengers are actually thrusting back and forth in their seats. First occurrence was at 23,000 miles when a warning light came on saying, "transmission running high, pull over while driving in traffic." At the time I was driving in moderately heavy city traffic for about 20 minutes. Hyundai service reported they could not duplicate the problem, and no codes found in any system, so no repairs performed. Was informed service mechanic that this can happen in extended traffic. However, I had not been in extended traffic. I continued to experience other issues as noted above and when complained about them was told there was nothing wrong with the car, it just had some quirks with the transmission, nothing that needed repair. Recently my driving has changed from city to interstate driving and starting about 5,000 miles ago, the severe shuddering/vibrating happens when traffic is tied up on interstates. The car has not been overheated by hot weather or extended driving as suggested by the service center. When I took it back in for servicing I was informed there was a "dry and wet" type of transmission in the 2016 Tucson's, and I had the dry one which is problematic. Again, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the problem, and said there was nothing they could do to fix the car as it was inherent in this transmission. They suggested I contact Hyundai and ask for the transmission to be replaced as it was still under warranty. Current mileage is 39,000. I have contacted hyundai but they insist, I must take it back to the dealer so they can "duplicate the problem and repair it. It has been and continues to be very frustrating trying to deal with hyundai. I do not feel safe driving long distances in the car and consider it to be a safety concern. Please advise. Thank you, Ellen
NHTSA ODI #11467862
Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages
My 2016 Hyundai Tucson has repeatedly had a major safety issue when one of the doors will suddenly completely stop working. One day a door will work fine, and after no accidents, impact, or any other known factor, the door is completely unable to be opened. The handle operates as intended, but the door itself does open. In the …
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My 2016 Hyundai Tucson has repeatedly had a major safety issue when one of the doors will suddenly completely stop working. One day a door will work fine, and after no accidents, impact, or any other known factor, the door is completely unable to be opened. The handle operates as intended, but the door itself does open. In the 4 years I have owned my car, I have had to repair 6 instances of this problem (2 of the doors having this issue again after initial repair). This issue includes my driver side door, where I have had to crawl through the car to get out. Apparently this is a known issue impacting a large amount of Hyundai Tucsons. This is obviously a major safety issue. If these doors cease operation for seemingly no reason due to some poorly designed / manufactured component, I can’t imagine they could withstand any sort of vehicle collision / accident. I hesitate to imagine a situation where someone is in some sort of collision and need to escape a burning vehicle / pull a child out of a vehicle and their doors do not work.
NHTSA ODI #11467476
Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages
Driver Side door no longer opens from the outside after it has been locked. Rear Driver Side door no longer opens from the inside or outside handle. Seen numerous reports and accounts online report this same issue. I have a 6 month old child and cannot have the doors on my car not opening.
NHTSA ODI #11466894
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages
Both back doors will not open from inside or outside. Very dangerous safety concern
NHTSA ODI #11466638
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2022
Electrical System
Driver side window will not go down. It’s stuck.
NHTSA ODI #11466501
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2022
Structure
Rear right door stopped opening from inside and outside just over a month ago. Two weeks ago front passenger door started to not be able to be opened. To not be able to safely exit a vehicle is a tremendous safety concern....in an accident , in another emergency situation, if vehicle caught fire, etc. Which door will not be oper…
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Rear right door stopped opening from inside and outside just over a month ago. Two weeks ago front passenger door started to not be able to be opened. To not be able to safely exit a vehicle is a tremendous safety concern....in an accident , in another emergency situation, if vehicle caught fire, etc. Which door will not be operable next? How can my elderly, disabled family member safely ride in this vehicle and get safely out? Will I need to drive to a fire department to get doors cut open? (this actually is my go-to safety plan at this point) We took to our Auto repair, they also could not open these doors. There are no dash warnings of doors being compromised. The vehicle was not in any accident incident. Internet searching reveals this to be a widespread problem with the Hyundai vehicles
NHTSA ODI #11466185
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2022
Unknown Or Other
The driver door makes clicking sound but does not unlock with the rest of the car doors using my automated lock/unlock feature on my key. In searching online, this is a huge/broad issue among Hyundai Tucson 2016/17 owners.
NHTSA ODI #11465989
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages
2016 Tucson rear doors wouldn’t open
NHTSA ODI #11465612
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2022
Electrical System
When I unlock all doors from the driver side inside you cannot enter the vehicle on the passenger side front door from the outside handle, you have to manually reach over and pull from the inside
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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