NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,617 reports30,000 miles · Feb 3, 2021
Electrical SystemStructure
THE DOORS ON THIS CAR KEEP FAILING TO OPEN. ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO I HAD TO REPLACE THE LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER FRONT DOOR. THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THEN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I HAD TO REPLACE THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER REAR DOOR. NOW I NEED TO REPLACE THE MECHANISM ON THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR. …
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THE DOORS ON THIS CAR KEEP FAILING TO OPEN. ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO I HAD TO REPLACE THE LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER FRONT DOOR. THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THEN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I HAD TO REPLACE THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER REAR DOOR. NOW I NEED TO REPLACE THE MECHANISM ON THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN IF WE ARE UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
NHTSA ODI #11394422
65,000 miles · Feb 2, 2021
Structure
LEFT REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE. IT WILL NOT OPEN WHEN TUCSON IS RUNNING OR IGNITION IS OFF. RIGHT REAR DOOR HAS ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM PERIODICALLY. THERE IS NO WAY TO GET OUT OF BACKSEAT. I HAVE GONE TO MULTIPLE WEBSITES AND THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM TUCSON OWNERS. I…
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LEFT REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE. IT WILL NOT OPEN WHEN TUCSON IS RUNNING OR IGNITION IS OFF. RIGHT REAR DOOR HAS ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM PERIODICALLY. THERE IS NO WAY TO GET OUT OF BACKSEAT. I HAVE GONE TO MULTIPLE WEBSITES AND THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM TUCSON OWNERS. I HAVE EVEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11394348
40,000 miles · Feb 2, 2021
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HUFFINES HYUNDAI PLANO (909 COIT RD, PLANO, TX 75075) WHERE THE DEALER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FAILURE AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CONTACT WAS PRO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HUFFINES HYUNDAI PLANO (909 COIT RD, PLANO, TX 75075) WHERE THE DEALER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FAILURE AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #11394346
65,000 miles · Feb 2, 2021
Engine
ON REGULAR OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC - TECHNICIAN SHOP COMMENTED TO ME ON 11/15/2020 THAT THE HYUNDAI TUCSON 2016 4FWD WAS 2 BOTTLE OF OIL LOW. THE MECHANICS INSPECTED FOR ANY LEAKS. THEY TOLD ME THAT COME BACK TWO WEEKS FOR FREE REFILLED THE OIL AGAIN. ON DECEMBER 20, 2020 AND JANUARY 20,2021. ON THE NEXT OIL REPLACEMENT, THE SA…
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ON REGULAR OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC - TECHNICIAN SHOP COMMENTED TO ME ON 11/15/2020 THAT THE HYUNDAI TUCSON 2016 4FWD WAS 2 BOTTLE OF OIL LOW. THE MECHANICS INSPECTED FOR ANY LEAKS. THEY TOLD ME THAT COME BACK TWO WEEKS FOR FREE REFILLED THE OIL AGAIN. ON DECEMBER 20, 2020 AND JANUARY 20,2021. ON THE NEXT OIL REPLACEMENT, THE SAME SHOP INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE FOR SURE OF MY HYUNDAI TUCSON 2016 4DFWD WAS BURNING OIL, FOR CONCERN THAT THEY THINK IN POTENTIAL FUTURE I WILL NEED TO REMPLACE GASKET OR HEAD GASKET BECAUSE THE QUANTITY OF OIL IS CURRENTLY BURNT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE VEHICLE IS BEEN MAINTAINED WELL AND INSPECTED EVERY MILES ACCORDING TO THE HYUNDAI RECOMMENDATION. PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME AND HELP ME OUT FOR THIS SOLUTION AND POTENTIAL HUNDREDS PEOPLE OUT THERE DUE TO IS NOT ANY RECALL BAN FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE YET.
NHTSA ODI #11394268
71,000 miles · Jan 30, 2021
Engine
TRAVELLED ABOUT ABOUT 150 MILES.OUT OF THE BLUECAR BEGAN LOSING ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING , WHILE GOING UPHILL ON A MOUNTAIN PASS. AS PEDAL WAS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF HIGHWAY ENOUGH TO BE OUT OF LANE OF TRAFFIC, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WOULD NOT RESTART. VEHICLE G…
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TRAVELLED ABOUT ABOUT 150 MILES.OUT OF THE BLUECAR BEGAN LOSING ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING , WHILE GOING UPHILL ON A MOUNTAIN PASS. AS PEDAL WAS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF HIGHWAY ENOUGH TO BE OUT OF LANE OF TRAFFIC, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WOULD NOT RESTART. VEHICLE GAVE NO WARNING- NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS. CAR HAD BEEN MAINTAINED. MECHENIC REPORTS ENGINE IS INOPERABLE. SIMILAR TO ALL REPORTS OF ENGINE FAILURE IN 2011 TO 2018 THETA ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #11390739
61,000 miles · Jan 26, 2021
Unknown Or Other
I WAS DRIVING APPROX 65-70MPH ON THE FREEWAY JUST AFTER 7PM AT NIGHT. IT WAS DARK, BUT NO RAIN. TUCSON STOPPED OUT OF NOWHERE. IT WAS LIKE I HIT AN INVISIBLE BRICK WALL AND THEN STARTED TO PUSH THROUGH IT. I THOUGHT MAYBE I'D HIT SOME UNSEEN ROAD DEBRIS. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I DID NOT GET OUT (IT WAS DARK AND TO…
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I WAS DRIVING APPROX 65-70MPH ON THE FREEWAY JUST AFTER 7PM AT NIGHT. IT WAS DARK, BUT NO RAIN. TUCSON STOPPED OUT OF NOWHERE. IT WAS LIKE I HIT AN INVISIBLE BRICK WALL AND THEN STARTED TO PUSH THROUGH IT. I THOUGHT MAYBE I'D HIT SOME UNSEEN ROAD DEBRIS. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I DID NOT GET OUT (IT WAS DARK AND TOO MANY CARS WERE WHIZZING BY.) NONE SEEMED TO BE SWERVING OR PULLING OVER FROM HITTING ROAD DEBRIS. MY SEATBELT LOCKED AND THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT MY SEATBELT DID LOCK UP. MY EARS WERE RINGING AND MY CHEST WAS SORE FROM THE SEATBELT. THERE WERE NO SENSOR WARNINGS ON MY CONSOLE, SO I PUT ON MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND DROVE OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT. WHEN I INSPECTED MY CAR, THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO BE FOUND. I CALLED POLICE NON EMERGENCY AND THEY PUT ME THROUGH TO HIGHWAY PATROL SO THAT I COULD NOTIFY THEM ABOUT DEBRIS (EVEN THOUGH I HADN'T SEEN IT.) THE NEXT MORNING MY NECK HURT AND I HAD A SLIGHT HEADACHE (THIS HAS CONTINUED FOR 5 OR 6 DAYS NOW). MY FACE MASK FLEW INTO THE FOOT AREA. WHEN I CALLED THE POLICE NON EMERGENCY NUMBER BACK A COUPLE DAYS LATER, THEY FORWARDED ME TO THE HIGHWAY PATROL AND THEY LOOKED UP THE CALL/REPORT. THE OFFICERS HAD NOT FOUND/COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY DEBRIS IN THE AREA. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THERE WAS DAMAGE UNDERNEATH THAT I COULDN'T SEE AND TO PULL THE ELECTRONIC RECORDS. THEY FOUND NOTHING. I FEEL LIKE THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM DEPLOYED FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT'S DONE IT. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS TURNING RIGHT AND WAS WELL INTO THE TURN, NOWHERE IN FRONT OF ME AND THE TUCSON BRAKED SUDDENLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. I KEPT ON THE GAS AND IT PICKED UP SPEED AGAIN. THANKFULLY BOTH TIMES NO ONE WAS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND ME. I DO NOT RECALL THE DATE OF THIS, BUT I CAN SUBMIT A SECOND REPORT IF NEEDED.
NHTSA ODI #11389990
40,000 miles · Jan 22, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System
SOMETIMES CAR DOES NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE COMPLETELY AFTER MAKING A COMPLETE STOP. IT MAKES OVER 5 SECONDS SOMETIMES TO START ACCELERATING. WHICH IS QUITE SCARY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS, THE CAR WILL SLIGHTLY MOVE (MAYBE 5MPH) THEN GET STUCK IN THAT GEAR FOR A LACK OF BETTER WORDS. MAKING YOU STUCK IN …
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SOMETIMES CAR DOES NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE COMPLETELY AFTER MAKING A COMPLETE STOP. IT MAKES OVER 5 SECONDS SOMETIMES TO START ACCELERATING. WHICH IS QUITE SCARY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS, THE CAR WILL SLIGHTLY MOVE (MAYBE 5MPH) THEN GET STUCK IN THAT GEAR FOR A LACK OF BETTER WORDS. MAKING YOU STUCK IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC SOMETIMES.
NHTSA ODI #11389418
40,000 miles · Jan 20, 2021
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR, IT FAILED TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #11389045
85,000 miles · Jan 19, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine
OUR VEHICLE HAS STARTED USING A LOT OF OIL AROUND 80,000. WE NOW NEED TO ADD A QUART OF OIL ABOUT EVERY 1000 MILES. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SWITCH WILL OCCASIONALLY NOT WORK. WE HAD THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK REPLACED BECAUSE IF STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA ODI #11388891
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2021
Structure
MY DOORS HAVE STOPPED OPENING FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED WITH MY REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR (LAST YEAR- HAS NOT OPENED SINCE) AND NOW HAS HAPPENED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR (STARTED LAST SUMMER 2020). CHILD LOCK IS NOT ON, NO OBSTRUCTION, HAVE TRIED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAR IS STAT…
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MY DOORS HAVE STOPPED OPENING FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED WITH MY REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR (LAST YEAR- HAS NOT OPENED SINCE) AND NOW HAS HAPPENED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR (STARTED LAST SUMMER 2020). CHILD LOCK IS NOT ON, NO OBSTRUCTION, HAVE TRIED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAR IS STATIONARY, IN PARK. AT FIRST IF I USE A LITTLE FORCE AND PUSH THE DOOR IT SOMETIMES WILL LET IT OPEN, BUT EVENTUALLY THIS STOPS WORKING AND THE DOOR IS TOTALLY SEALED SHUT. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE FOR MANY HYUNDAI OWNERS AND THERE IS NO REAL FIX. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE- IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT OR MY PASSENGERS NEED TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE QUICKLY, THEY ARE QUITE LITERALLY TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. I'M WORRIED IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS OCCURS WITH MY DRIVER DOOR AS WELL. THIS NEEDS TO BE A SAFETY RECALL AND IS ABSOLUTELY NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11388809
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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