NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,617 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 18, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
This safety problem has now occurred twice. The passenger door is sticking and takes 5 or 6 times to pull on the handle to open the door. The door opens from the inside but not the outside. This same problem occurred in 2020 on the drivers door. The safety of others are put at risk because I have elderly parents that need to be …
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This safety problem has now occurred twice. The passenger door is sticking and takes 5 or 6 times to pull on the handle to open the door. The door opens from the inside but not the outside. This same problem occurred in 2020 on the drivers door. The safety of others are put at risk because I have elderly parents that need to be transported and the door can not be open. This problem was reported to the dealer about a year ago since it occured on the other door(drivers door) of the car. The vehicle has only been inspected by the service department at the dealership. There were no warnings or messages prior to the problem failure.
NHTSA ODI #11429598
Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2021
Unknown Or Other
While driving home from work, we were stopped at a four way intersection. My boyfriend asked me if I heard this knocking noise. I said he did and we were trying to figure out if it was the vehicle in front of us because I didn't have any warning lights on my dash indicating any kind of issue. The Jeep in front of us pulled away …
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While driving home from work, we were stopped at a four way intersection. My boyfriend asked me if I heard this knocking noise. I said he did and we were trying to figure out if it was the vehicle in front of us because I didn't have any warning lights on my dash indicating any kind of issue. The Jeep in front of us pulled away and we immediately could tell it was my vehicle. When accelerating through the intersection the vehicle was very slow to pick up speed and the knocking sound got louder and more frequent. As we were pulling into our driveway the car again had issues picking up speed, we live up a steep hill and I was worried we weren't going to make it. The oil light came on for a split second and went back off. I was not at my mileage for an oil change but my boyfriend said he was going to check it. He pulled the dipstick out and it was completely dry. He put two and a half quarts of oil in and it barely showed on the dipstick. He put another two quarts in and we let it sit. We turned it back on hoping it wouldn't make the knocking noise but it did. We took it to my mechanic who does my oil changes and he inspected the vehicle and took photos to show that there was no oil leak so he could only conclude that the engine was burning the oil for some reason. We took the car to a Hyundai dealer where they informed me that the engine was ruined and it would need to be completely replaced. They told me that it could be covered under the warranty and they would turn it in. After a week of hearing nothing, Hyundai offered to pay for 50% of the repair costs. I think this is absolutely ridiculous since there was no indication letting me know that my vehicle needed oil and it is clearly a problem with their engine that caused it to burn up all the oil when I was faithful about my oil changes. My mechanic printed all of the records of oil changes being completed on time and now they expect me to pay for this.
NHTSA ODI #11429466
81,000 miles · Aug 13, 2021
EngineLatches/locks/linkages
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to accelerate, there was a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Additionally, if the accelerator pedal was not depressed a certain way, the vehicle would stall. The oil light would illuminate upon starting the vehi…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to accelerate, there was a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Additionally, if the accelerator pedal was not depressed a certain way, the vehicle would stall. The oil light would illuminate upon starting the vehicle and would disappear after a while. The contact would restart the vehicle 3-4 times before the vehicle would regain proper functionality. The failure occurred again while driving 50 mph. The doors failed to open from the inside or the outside except for the driver side door. However, for the driver’s door the contact had to lift the handle twice before the door would open. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
NHTSA ODI #11429009
95,000 miles · Aug 11, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the driver’s side rear and passenger’s side front door would not open from inside or outside the vehicle. The dealer repaired the front driver’s side door latch a year ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware o…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the driver’s side rear and passenger’s side front door would not open from inside or outside the vehicle. The dealer repaired the front driver’s side door latch a year ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
NHTSA ODI #11428734
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
Hyundai Tucson door latch failure. Unable to open rear passenger door from the inside or the outside. If I were to be involved in an accident with passengers in the vehicle there would be no way for the passengers to exit the vehicle, which could result in someone dying. This vehicle has only 55,000 miles on it and Hyundai is…
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Hyundai Tucson door latch failure. Unable to open rear passenger door from the inside or the outside. If I were to be involved in an accident with passengers in the vehicle there would be no way for the passengers to exit the vehicle, which could result in someone dying. This vehicle has only 55,000 miles on it and Hyundai is aware that this is an issue on their vehicles but is failing to address it. Would like Hyundai to address this issue before it does result in a fatality.
NHTSA ODI #11428118
69,000 miles · Aug 6, 2021
Electrical SystemPower Train
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact's husband stated that while coming out of a complete stop, the vehicle would jerk and not upshift properly. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Elect…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact's husband stated that while coming out of a complete stop, the vehicle would jerk and not upshift properly. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer agreed to cover 75% of the costs of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
NHTSA ODI #11428093
70,000 miles · Aug 6, 2021
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle experienced slow acceleration. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter, sparks plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replac…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle experienced slow acceleration. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter, sparks plugs, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The local dealer requested additionally testing on the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #11428075
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
1. Back passenger door won’t open from inside or outside 2. AEB AND BDS sensor light stays on on the dashboard. No wreck and cleaned all sensors but warning lights remains on.
NHTSA ODI #11428049
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2021
Structure
Brakes feel like ABS is always on. Feel unsafe to drive. Was told by Hyundai dealer that I need a new Steering Column and no explanation on how something like this can just break. Less than 60K miles when this issue started with brakes. I'm the first and only owner of this vehicle. The other safety issue is the doors not openin…
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Brakes feel like ABS is always on. Feel unsafe to drive. Was told by Hyundai dealer that I need a new Steering Column and no explanation on how something like this can just break. Less than 60K miles when this issue started with brakes. I'm the first and only owner of this vehicle. The other safety issue is the doors not opening. 3 out of 4 doors have problems opening from inside and outside. This forum explains exactly what is happening to my doors. https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/rear-passenger-door-wont-open.603329/
NHTSA ODI #11427896
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
Rear Passenger and Driver door handles do not open from the outside OR the inside. I can hear the locks clicking but the handle just will not open the door from either side. Also, after unlocking my driver door handle, I have to pull it twice for it to open. This is a huge safety issue. I cannot have anyone ride in my backseat. …
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Rear Passenger and Driver door handles do not open from the outside OR the inside. I can hear the locks clicking but the handle just will not open the door from either side. Also, after unlocking my driver door handle, I have to pull it twice for it to open. This is a huge safety issue. I cannot have anyone ride in my backseat. It is essentially useless and it seems it is just a matter of time that my driver door handle go out also and I get stuck or cannot enter through my door. This is not normal wear and tear.. this is a malfunction and from what I have read is very widespread.
NHTSA ODI #11427693
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.