2016 Hyundai Tucson

While driving under normal conditions, my engine experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure. The check-engine light illuminated, the vehicle began shaking violently, and I was forced to pull over immediately due to safety concerns. There was no prior warning and no oil pressure or oil warning light activated at any time before or during the failure. After stopping safely, I checked the oil level and found it lower than expected. I added oil as a precaution, but the condition did not improve and the vehicle became inoperable and required towing. The engine assembly remains intact and available for inspection upon request. This failure posed a serious safety risk, as the loss of engine function occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, creating the risk of stalling or loss of control. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership. Hyundai Motor America denied warranty and goodwill assistance, citing mileage and alleged insufficient maintenance documentation, despite the vehicle being within the 10-year powertrain period and despite the nature of the failure. Routine maintenance was performed throughout ownership; however, some historical service records are unavailable due to the age of the vehicle and changes in service locations over time. Multiple facilities no longer retain records from that period. Notably, no oil warning indicators never activated, which raises concern regarding the failure mechanism. Hyundai has acknowledged widespread engine issues in this engine family involving oil consumption, bearing failure, and sudden engine seizure. The symptoms and progression of this failure closely align with those known defect patterns. This complaint is submitted to document a sudden engine failure presenting a clear safety concern and to assist in identifying potential defect trends. This car has undergone previous engine repair, AC condenser and entire turbo by their service department previously 2022 & 2024 respectively.

Car died/lost power while driving in traffic 11/28/25. Good Samaritan was kind enough to push me off the road out of traffic. Car was towed to Hyundai dealer that day, then 12/1 told engine failure, required engine replacement. Class action lawsuit settlement for engine replacement, but denied by Hyundai because of "neglect", since I am not able to locate all of the service records that they request. Known faulty rotating assembly, and Hyundai has implemented concerted practice of denying warranty coverage for failed engine. Now having to pay almost $8K to replace with new engine, but concern that new engine will have same issue. (multiple posts about this). There was high potential for significant traffic collision, injury due to sudden, catastrophic engine failure. Traumatic experience.

While driving on the highway at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power and shut off without warning. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the loss of power. I was able to safely pull over, but the engine would not restart at that time and the vehicle required towing. The sudden engine shutdown occurred in active traffic and created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion. The vehicle later restarted, but I brought it to an authorized Hyundai dealership for inspection. The dealership diagnosed internal engine damage, including piston ring failure and cylinder wall scoring, and advised that the engine would need to be replaced. Since the incident, the vehicle has shown intermittent oil pressure warning lights and reduced performance. The issue has been confirmed by a dealer inspection. The vehicle is currently not considered reliable or safe for regular driving.

My motor has a knocking/tapping noise that is obnoxiously loud. My oil level is always changed on time every 3k miles. I have 146,257 miles on my vehicle. I was informed from my mechanic shop that many of the 1.6L motors have issues. I have never had an engine noise then boom its knocking. I was informed not to drive my car to further damage the vehicle. I do not drive it but now am stuck in a loan for a vehicle I cannot drive. I had zero warning for this matter.

Vehicle is showing KSDS-related engine warning behavior and the Hyundai dealership performed a diagnostic scan. The service manager told me, “I don’t recommend you driving it,” due to a potential engine safety issue. However, Hyundai Motor America’s National Consumer Affairs team is refusing to authorize towing or a loaner/rental until after a full diagnosis is completed. The dealership cannot complete the diagnosis unless the vehicle stays on-site, but I am unable to safely leave it because Hyundai is refusing transportation assistance and I was told not to drive it. This forces me to drive a vehicle they identified as unsafe in order to complete the required inspection. This involves KSDS/engine failure risk, which has been associated with stalling, loss of power, and possible fire hazards. Being advised not to drive while being denied towing or transportation creates a serious safety concern for myself and my children. I am requesting NHTSA document this incident because Hyundai is creating a safety hazard by refusing support for a vehicle they identified as unsafe to operate.

Part(s) Affected: Engine / Engine Control / Stall / Loss of Power Summary: My 2016 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [XXX] ) has an active P1326 – Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) code, which indicates rod bearing wear and imminent engine failure. The vehicle experiences: •loss of power •inability to accelerate •engine hesitation •risk of stalling while driving These are serious safety risks. This issue is part of the Hyundai/Kia engine defect settlement XXX), yet Hyundai refuses to provide towing or address the safety risk despite the P1326 code being a known precursor to engine seizure. The vehicle is currently unsafe to drive, and Hyundai Customer Care has refused to escalate my case according to settlement requirements. This is a safety hazard that can cause engine seizure and sudden loss of power while driving. Details: •Hyundai Case #: XXX •Engine settlement code P1326 confirmed •Hyundai refusing proper support •Vehicle should not be driven NHTSA intervention is needed due to Hyundai’s failure to address a known safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone, and a scanner was used to diagnose the vehicle. And it was determined that the catalytic converter had failed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with oil intrusion into the catalytic converter. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, and an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled again. The contact was adding seven quarts of oil for every 3,000 miles driven. In addition, the catalytic converter failed to function as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned that the engine could fail. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Brought vehicle in on 07/10/25 to dealership with very low oil, it was determined vehicle was burning oil and combustion cleaning was recommended. Hyundai Corp. denied claim due to 2nd owner. We are not 2nd owner had to transfer title upon my father's death, vehicle owned by family. Hyundai then approved claim and combustion cleaning was done. We were then told by dealership to bring in vehicle every 1000 to check oil. On 2nd 1000 check it was determined to be burning oil and needed engine replacement. Hyundai Corp. denied claim this time stating gross maintenance neglect from 01/2018-06/2019 period but only 3084 miles were put on between oil change. This was not brought up during combustion denial. Also Hyundai stating out of warranty which expired 08/24/25 but issues started in 07/2025. I have asked Hyundai Case Manager to provide written proof in owner's manual where it shows we did not maintain vehicle in accordance to manual.