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2016 Hyundai Tucson

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Tucson years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson are substantially higher than the model-year median of 180.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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
99,282 miles · Jan 17, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineStructure

THE INCIDENT OCCURRED TO ME WHILE I WAS 7 HOURS FROM HOME. I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN ON A CURVE IN THE ROAD. WHEN CLEAR, I ACCELERATED AND AS I TURNED AND MERGED INTO THE ROAD, THE CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND LOST POWER AS I WAS GOING UP HILL. RIGHT BEFORE I LOST ALL POWER, THE OIL LIGHT FLASHED BRIEFLY AND …

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THE INCIDENT OCCURRED TO ME WHILE I WAS 7 HOURS FROM HOME. I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN ON A CURVE IN THE ROAD. WHEN CLEAR, I ACCELERATED AND AS I TURNED AND MERGED INTO THE ROAD, THE CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND LOST POWER AS I WAS GOING UP HILL. RIGHT BEFORE I LOST ALL POWER, THE OIL LIGHT FLASHED BRIEFLY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND AGAIN HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS SOON AS I SLOWED AND STOPPED IT DIED AGAIN. I ENDED UP GETTING TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER. THE NEXT DAY I CALLED AND THEY LET ME KNOW I HAD "THROWN A ROD AND HAD BEARING DAMAGE". THEY SAID I NEED A NEW ENGINE AND QUOTED ME $12,800. I HAVE PROVIDED ALL SERVICE RECORDS TO THEM WHICH PROVE THAT I HAVE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE WITH OIL CHANGES AND MAJOR SERVICES DONE AT HYUNDAI AS WELL AS VALVOLINE. THEIR INITIAL OFFER TO ME WAS THEY WOULD COVER 50% OF THE REPAIR. MY SERVICE ADVISOR COUNTERED THEM WITH 90% AND THEIR FINAL OFFER WAS TO COVER 60% AND NO RENTAL - EVEN BEING 7 HOURS FROM HOME. BEFORE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO OPEN MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR IN MONTHS DUE TO NEEDING A NEW ACTUATOR. I ALSO LET THEM KNOW THAT I BELIEVED THERE WAS ELECTRICAL ISSUES BECAUSE MY TAIL LIGHT WAS ALWAYS GOING OUT EVEN AFTER BEING REPLACED. I WAS DISMISSED AND TOLD THAT I HAD A FAULTY BULB. SAME DAY AFTER GETTING REPLACED, I WAS AGAIN GETTING THAT "CHECK BRAKE LIGHT" MESSAGE. I BELIEVE THERE IS A RECALL THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR FOR THIS ISSUE. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND ENGINE FAILURE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI WITH MANY PEOPLE ON THEIR 2ND AND 3RD ENGINES, INCLUDING 2 PEOPLE IN MY OWN FAMILY. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN THE WAY HYUNDAI IS HANDLING THIS SITUATION AND I WILL NO LONGER BE A HYUNDAI CUSTOMER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ODI #11388610

29,000 miles · Jan 17, 2021
Electrical SystemService Brakes

IN SEPTEMBER 2020 WE WERE ADVISED BY HYUNDAI NOT TO PARK OUR VEHICLE IN OUR GARAGE OR NEAR A BUILDING DUE TOO A FIRE HAZARD. IT IS NOW MID-JANUARY AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT COME UP WITH A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. SEE HTTPS://AUTOSERVICE.HYUNDAIUSA.COM/CAMPAIGNHOME/CAMPAIGN/INDEX AND ATTACHED.

NHTSA ODI #11388547

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2021
Structure

THE REAR BACK DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE, CREATING A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE CHILDREN/PEOPLE SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS IISSUE AND WANTS TO CHARGE OVER $1,000 WITH LABOR TO FIX IT. I PURCHASED THE CAR CERTIFIED PREOWNED IN 2018.

NHTSA ODI #11388268

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2021
Structure

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2016 TUCSON FROM THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER TWO YEARS THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES DIDN'T WORK PROPERLY. I HAVE TO PULL THE HANDLES 4-5 TIMES BEFORE THE DOOR WILL OPEN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS GIVEN AN ASTRONOMICAL PRICE TO FIX IT. I AM THE ONLY PERSON WHO DRIVES MY CAR. THERE SHOULD BE NO…

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I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2016 TUCSON FROM THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER TWO YEARS THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES DIDN'T WORK PROPERLY. I HAVE TO PULL THE HANDLES 4-5 TIMES BEFORE THE DOOR WILL OPEN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS GIVEN AN ASTRONOMICAL PRICE TO FIX IT. I AM THE ONLY PERSON WHO DRIVES MY CAR. THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON WHY THESE HANDLES ARE MALFUNCTIONING LIKE THIS. THEN LAST MONTH THE BACK DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. THIS IS RIDICULOUS! THIS IS DANGEROUS. IF I HAD SOMEONE IN THE BACK SEAT AND AN EMERGENCY HAPPENS THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT. I CAN'T BE THE ONLY CUSTOMER HAVING THIS ISSUE. IS THERE SOMETHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT THIS? THIS CAR WAS PAID IN FULL. I'VE ALREADY PAID ENOUGH FOR THIS CAR. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR MALFUNCTIONING DANGEROUS DOOR HANDLES. WHAT CAN I DO?

NHTSA ODI #11387963

95,000 miles · Jan 13, 2021
Unknown Or Other

THE DOOR LATCHES FOR THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND ALL 3 PASSENGER DOORS HAVE FAILED. IN THE CASE OF THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS (BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE) THIS HAS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THEM FROM EIRHER THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. IN THE CASE OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, THE ABILITY TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE HAS B…

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THE DOOR LATCHES FOR THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND ALL 3 PASSENGER DOORS HAVE FAILED. IN THE CASE OF THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS (BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE) THIS HAS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THEM FROM EIRHER THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. IN THE CASE OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, THE ABILITY TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE HAS BECOME INCONSISTENT AND IRREGULAR; OFTEN, THE DOOR HANDLE MUST BE PULLED MULRIPLE TIMES FOR RHE DOOR TO OPEN. FINALLY, IN THE CASE OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE ONCE THE DOOR HAS BEEN LOCKED AND SUBSEQUENTLY UNLOCKED, MEANING THAT IF I LOCK MY CAR, THE ONLY WAY TO ENTER IT IS THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, ITSELF AN UNRELIABLE METHOD. CURRENTLY, I CANNOT EXIT FROM THE REAR SEATS AT ALL, NOR CAN I RELY ON THE FRONT DOORS TO CONTINUE TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE BASED ON THE CURRENT BEHAVIOR. ALL 4 OF THE DOOE LATCHES BEGAN EXIBITING THESE FAILURES WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF EACH OTHER

NHTSA ODI #11387903

70,500 miles · Jan 13, 2021
Electrical SystemStructure

IN MY 2016 HYUNDAI TUSCON THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. IT LOCKS AND UNLOCKS VIA KEYLESS ENTRY, INDOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON AND KEY FOB UNLOCK/LOCK BUTTON, HOWEVER THE DOOR DOES NOT PHYSICALLY OPEN. IT SPONTANEOUS OCCURRED WHEN TRYING TO GET INTO MY CAR. THIS IS A HUGE SAFELY CONCERN IF SOMEONE …

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IN MY 2016 HYUNDAI TUSCON THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. IT LOCKS AND UNLOCKS VIA KEYLESS ENTRY, INDOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON AND KEY FOB UNLOCK/LOCK BUTTON, HOWEVER THE DOOR DOES NOT PHYSICALLY OPEN. IT SPONTANEOUS OCCURRED WHEN TRYING TO GET INTO MY CAR. THIS IS A HUGE SAFELY CONCERN IF SOMEONE NEEDED TO LEAVE MY CAR IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. UPON RESEARCH THIS APPEARS TO BE A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF 2016 MODELS, SOME HAVING ISSUES WITH MULTIPLE DOORS. IT APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE LOCK ACTUATOR THAT WAS INSTALLED IS MOST OF THE 2016-2017 TUSCONS. HYUNDAI IS NOT WILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON ALL OF THESE MODELS.

NHTSA ODI #11387856

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2021
Seats

WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, MY SEAT CAME FORWARD BRINGING ME TO THE STEERING WHEEL. NOW WHEN I DRIVE I AM ALWAYS ADJUSTING MY SEAT BECAUSE IT STILL MOVE FORWARD ON ITS OWN.

NHTSA ODI #11387808

39,000 miles · Jan 12, 2021
StructureUnknown Or Other

ONCE LOCKED AND THEN UNLOCKED, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR IS UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS IS DUE TO FAILING DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR. THIS PREVENTS PASSENGERS FROM EXITING THE CAR AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. THE SAME DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR IS ON ALL DOORS AND IS A KNOWN ISSUES WITH HYUNDAI.

NHTSA ODI #11387799

73,000 miles · Jan 12, 2021
EnginePower Train

WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD RATTLING NOISE AND LIGHTS ON THE DASH SHOW UP CAR STARTS SMOKING AND LOSES POWER I WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR AFTER THAT AND HAD TO WAIT ON THE SIDE OFF A BUSY HIGHWAY FOR 3 HOURS WAITING ON A TOW TRUCK.. FAST FORWARD TO THE MECHANIC AND TH…

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WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD RATTLING NOISE AND LIGHTS ON THE DASH SHOW UP CAR STARTS SMOKING AND LOSES POWER I WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR AFTER THAT AND HAD TO WAIT ON THE SIDE OFF A BUSY HIGHWAY FOR 3 HOURS WAITING ON A TOW TRUCK.. FAST FORWARD TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT MY ENGINE FELL APART INTERNALLY WITH NO ROOT CAUSE...ENGINE ONLY HAD 73,000...THAT WAS ON THE FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING. FAST FORWARD TO NOW AND I STILL DON'T HAVE MY CAR WITH NO KNOWN TIME FRAME OF WHEN I'LL GET MY CAR BACK(IT'S NOW 1/12/2021). MY CAR HAS BEEN REGULARLY MAINTAINED WITH ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE. MY ENGINE WAS THE 2.0 4 CYLINDER AGAIN WITH ONLY 73,000 MILES

NHTSA ODI #11387788

56,723 miles · Jan 12, 2021
Structure

THE PASANGER SIDE DOOR AND REAR LEFT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE CAR IS STATIONARY. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY 6 MONTHS BOUGHT USED 42,305 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #11387682

Official recalls

5

20V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 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.

16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

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.

16V628000 · Electrical System:software; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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.

16V348000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

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.

16V147000 · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

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

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.

Go deeper into Hyundai Tucson problems