NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,617 reports94,000 miles · May 17, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER’S AND PASSENGER’S SIDE DOORS ALONG WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER’S DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE USING THE DOOR HANDLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED…
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THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER’S AND PASSENGER’S SIDE DOORS ALONG WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER’S DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE USING THE DOOR HANDLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AT AN AUTHORIZED HYUNDAI DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #11417469
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2021
Power Train
CAR FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD FROM STOPPED POSITION. WHEN GAS PEDDLE IS APPLIED PRESSURE, CAR DOES NOT MOVE, ENGINE REVS UP AND THEN CAR LUNGES FORWARD. IN SLOW TRAFFIC, CAR LUNGES FORWARD WITH NO ACCELERATION ON THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, CAR WILL CEASE TO MOVE FOR A COUPLE SECONDS AND THEN TAKE OFF. WE ARE EXTREMEL…
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CAR FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD FROM STOPPED POSITION. WHEN GAS PEDDLE IS APPLIED PRESSURE, CAR DOES NOT MOVE, ENGINE REVS UP AND THEN CAR LUNGES FORWARD. IN SLOW TRAFFIC, CAR LUNGES FORWARD WITH NO ACCELERATION ON THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, CAR WILL CEASE TO MOVE FOR A COUPLE SECONDS AND THEN TAKE OFF. WE ARE EXTREMELY WORRIED ABOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11416816
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2021
Structure
BOTH REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN NEITHER FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE, THE DOOR ACTUATORS FAILED 3 MONTHS APART. I'M VERY CONCERN CHILDERN ARE INVOLVED, AND I AM NOT SAFETY CONFIDENT WITH THE OTHER TWO FRONT DOORS! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER - HYUNDAI HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE ISSUE EXCEPT REPLACE THE ACTUATORS WIT…
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BOTH REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN NEITHER FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE, THE DOOR ACTUATORS FAILED 3 MONTHS APART. I'M VERY CONCERN CHILDERN ARE INVOLVED, AND I AM NOT SAFETY CONFIDENT WITH THE OTHER TWO FRONT DOORS! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER - HYUNDAI HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE ISSUE EXCEPT REPLACE THE ACTUATORS WITH THE SAME STYLE FAULTY ACTUATORS THAT WILL FAIL AGAIN - THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR SAFETY OF MY FAMILY
NHTSA ODI #11416526
28,110 miles · May 13, 2021
Structure
DOORS WON'T OPEN. DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAULTY. CURRENT REPLACEMENT DOES NOT FIX... AND PROBLEM REPEATS. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO FIX AND RECALL. THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR AND A CRAZY SAFETY ISSUE!
NHTSA ODI #11416445
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2021
Air Bags
PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG IS FAULTY. DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS NO OBVIOUS REASON WHY IT WOULD BE DAMAGED. THERE WAS A SIMILAR RECALL ON THESE PASSENGER AIRBAGS FOR A PREVIOUS MODEL.
NHTSA ODI #11416314
22,651 miles · May 9, 2021
Electrical System
WHILE STOPPED,, WITH CAR POWERED BOTH ON AND OFF, REAR LEFT DOOR LOCK MECHANISM WORKING BUT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE.
NHTSA ODI #11415733
82,000 miles · May 8, 2021
Structure
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CHILD LOCK WAS DISENGAGED, AND NO AMOUNT OF LOCKING/UNLOCKING WOULD FIX IT. WE WERE IN THE CAR AND IT WORKED NORMALLY, THEN WHEN WE ARRIVED TO OUR DESTINATION COULD NOT GET MY KIDS OUT. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE OR OU…
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THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CHILD LOCK WAS DISENGAGED, AND NO AMOUNT OF LOCKING/UNLOCKING WOULD FIX IT. WE WERE IN THE CAR AND IT WORKED NORMALLY, THEN WHEN WE ARRIVED TO OUR DESTINATION COULD NOT GET MY KIDS OUT. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. IT HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS, AS NOT ONLY COULD I BIT GET MY KIDS OUT QUICKLY IN AN EMERGENCY, I ALSO CAN'T LET THEM OUT CURBSIDE, AND AM FORCED TO PULL THEM OUT OF THE BACK SEAT WITH CARS FLYING BY. I HAVE MAJOR CONCERNS WITH ALL OF THE REMAINING DOORS FAILING, AND IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A CHRONIC WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI VEHICLES, AND TUCSONS IN PARTICULAR. I'M FEARFUL THAT THE DOORS WILL JUST SEIZE UP AND WE WON'T BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11415640
70,000 miles · May 6, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE HIS DAUGHTER FROM OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CLIMBED OVER THE PASSENGER'S SEAT TO REACH BACK AND REMOVE HIS DAUGHTER FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE HIS DAUGHTER FROM OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CLIMBED OVER THE PASSENGER'S SEAT TO REACH BACK AND REMOVE HIS DAUGHTER FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HYUNDAI OF PARAMUS (234 E STATE RT 4, PARAMUS, NJ 07652, (201) 488-3322) WHERE THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR WAS INSPECTED AND THE LATCH WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED 10 MILES LATER WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILING TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR LATCH WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #11415449
104,000 miles · May 6, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING MOTIVE POWER WITH A LOUD CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED FOR A MOMENT BEFORE DRIVING TO HER DESTINATION. NAPLETON HYUNDAI (649 DUNN RD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING MOTIVE POWER WITH A LOUD CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED FOR A MOMENT BEFORE DRIVING TO HER DESTINATION. NAPLETON HYUNDAI (649 DUNN RD, HAZELWOOD, MO 63042, (314) 548-0956) WAS CONTACTED AND ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE PICKED UP AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL VALVES HAD CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A MONTH AFTER THE REPAIR THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED WITH A REBUILT ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
NHTSA ODI #11415438
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. JIM ELLIS HYUNDAI …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. JIM ELLIS HYUNDAI ATLANTA (5785 PEACHTREE BLVD, ATLANTA, GA 30341) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11415398
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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