Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
3990–25K
12925–50K
16050–75K
8375–100K
56100–150K
5150K+
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
95,000 miles · Jan 12, 2021
Electrical System
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE USED, FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP; THEREFORE, IT HAD BEEN SERVICED PRIOR TO PURCHASE. WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF PURCHASE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR QUIT OPERATING. THE CAR WAS PARKED WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING WHEN THE DOOR REFUSED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. I CHECKED MY WARRANTY. IT WAS STILL IN EFFEC…
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I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE USED, FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP; THEREFORE, IT HAD BEEN SERVICED PRIOR TO PURCHASE. WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF PURCHASE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR QUIT OPERATING. THE CAR WAS PARKED WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING WHEN THE DOOR REFUSED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. I CHECKED MY WARRANTY. IT WAS STILL IN EFFECT BUT I WAS OVER THE MILEAGE REQUIREMENT SO THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR. (I COMMUTE TO WORK) SIX MONTHS LATER, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR CEASED TO OPERATE. I TRANSPORTED A DISABLED INDIVIDUAL TO THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE. THE DOOR WORKED WHEN I LEFT FOR THE DOCTOR'S AS I PLACED A WALKER IN THE BACK. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AT THE TIME. WHEN I RETURNED FROM THE DOCTOR, I PARKED, SWITCHED THE ENGINE OFF, AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. THE DISABLED INDIVIDUAL WITH ME COULD NOT WALK WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF THE WALKER. I COULD NOT GET THE WALKER OUT. I HAD TO GO BORROW A WALKER, BRING TO THE INDIVIDUAL TO BE ABLE TO REMOVE HIM FROM THE CAR. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. CURRENTLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR IS BEGINNING TO BE DIFFICULT TO OPEN. IT SOMETIMES TAKES THREE ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE DOOR. I AM AFRAID IT WILL STOP WORKING AS WELL. AT THIS POINT I AM DRIVING AN SUV THAT CAN ONLY SAFELY TRANSPORT TWO INDIVIDUALS AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WON'T BE LONG BEFORE ONLY ONE PERSON CAN RIDE IN IT. MY TRUE FEAR IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DRIVER DOOR STOPS WORKING? I HAVE RESEARCHED FOR A RECALL AND THEIR ISN'T ONE DESPITE THE FACT THEIR ARE NUMEROUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS. I HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE ISSUE AS I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY IT WOULD TAKE AND FROM THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ IT WILL ONLY HAPPEN AGAIN. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS TRAPPED IN A CAR AND HURT.
NHTSA ODI #11387636
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2021
Service Brakes
I CALLED HYUNDAI ON SOUTH BOULEVARD THIS MORNING AND SPOKE TO A TECH WHO TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL REMEMDY IS NOT AVAILABLE YET. THIS IS SCARY. HE DID MENTION THAT I CAN RENT A VENHICLE AND HYUNDAI WOULD REIMBURSE ME, BUT I LIVE ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND CANNOT AFFORD A RENTAL. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE
NHTSA ODI #11387458
21,000 miles · Jan 10, 2021
Structure
WHILE A PASSENGER WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THE LATCH WAS NON-OPERATIONAL AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO EXIT USING THE INTERNAL LATCH. CHILD SAFETY MECHANISM WAS NOT ENGAGED. THE EXTERIOR LATCH ALSO DIDN'T FUNCTION. THE LOCKING MECHANISM IS IN THE UNLOCKED POSITION. THIS MADE EXITING FROM OR …
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WHILE A PASSENGER WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THE LATCH WAS NON-OPERATIONAL AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO EXIT USING THE INTERNAL LATCH. CHILD SAFETY MECHANISM WAS NOT ENGAGED. THE EXTERIOR LATCH ALSO DIDN'T FUNCTION. THE LOCKING MECHANISM IS IN THE UNLOCKED POSITION. THIS MADE EXITING FROM OR RETRIEVING A CHILD ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE DURING ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION. THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER CHECKING OWNERS' FORUMS, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON DANGEROUS FAILURE FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11387371
100,000 miles · Jan 7, 2021
Service Brakes
WHEN THE UNIT IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE IN ANY DRIVEWAY THE TRACKING LIGHTS TURNS ON UNEXPECTEDLY AND BLOCKS THE BRAKES AND IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE MOVED.
NHTSA ODI #11386923
70,000 miles · Jan 5, 2021
Structure
THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL, FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENED OUTSIDE OF THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD, SO HYUNDAI REFUSED TO VOLUNTARILY FIX THE ISSUE. THE LATCHING MECHANISM SHOULD NOT BE WORN DOWN SO QUICKLY, WITHIN 4 YEARS OF MANUFACTURE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AS POTENTIALLY ALL CAR …
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THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL, FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENED OUTSIDE OF THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD, SO HYUNDAI REFUSED TO VOLUNTARILY FIX THE ISSUE. THE LATCHING MECHANISM SHOULD NOT BE WORN DOWN SO QUICKLY, WITHIN 4 YEARS OF MANUFACTURE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AS POTENTIALLY ALL CAR DOORS COULD FAIL, LEAVING PASSENGERS STUCK INSIDE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. I HAVE EMAILED AND CALLED HYUNDAI USA AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE ISSUE, BUT HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A REPLY.
NHTSA ODI #11386637
80,000 miles · Jan 5, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE INITIALLY TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE INITIALLY TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT THE ENGINE CEASED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BOB ROHRMAN'S INDY HYUNDAI (7101 E WASHINGTON ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46219) AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ENGINE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11386631
133,350 miles · Jan 3, 2021
Structure
DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR ON 3 OF 4 DOORS HAS FAILED. THIS MEANS THAT THE DOOR CANNOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OUR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, I PARKED AND WHEN I RETURNED, I COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS (IN ALL 3 INSTANCES). FRONT PASSENGER AND BOTH REAR DOORS. REAR DOORS FAILED WITHIN A WEEK OF EACH OTHER AND ALL THREE…
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DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR ON 3 OF 4 DOORS HAS FAILED. THIS MEANS THAT THE DOOR CANNOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OUR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, I PARKED AND WHEN I RETURNED, I COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS (IN ALL 3 INSTANCES). FRONT PASSENGER AND BOTH REAR DOORS. REAR DOORS FAILED WITHIN A WEEK OF EACH OTHER AND ALL THREE INSTANCES OF FAILURE HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN A YEAR (FRONT IN JANUARY, REAR IN OCTOBER). I CONTACTED HYUNDAI ABOUT THE PROBLEM WHEN IT OCCURRED WITH THE REAR DOORS, CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS (I.E. PEOPLE TRAPPED IN CARS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY). THE HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE I TALKED WITH AGREED THAT IT WAS A HUGE SAFETY RISK/ISSUE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT WITHOUT THE DIRECTION OF THE NHTSA (SUCH AS A RECALL OF THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR).
NHTSA ODI #11386325
28,000 miles · Jan 3, 2021
Structure
REAR PASSAGE SIDE DOOR WILL BOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR THE OUT. CALLED HYUNDAI NOTHING WAS DONE.
NHTSA ODI #11386305
54,000 miles · Jan 3, 2021
Power Train
THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS AND WHEN YOU'RE SITTING ON A HILL FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME IN TRAFFIC TO TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS AND ALMOST STALLS THE CAR
NHTSA ODI #11386276
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineService BrakesFire
ESTAVA COM MINHA FAMILIA A CAMINHO DA FISIOTERAPIA QUANDO COMECOU A PEGAR FOGO NO CARRO NA PARTE DA FRENTE! A SORTE FOI QUE UMA OFICINA QUE ESTAVA PERTO ME MIM TINHA EXTINTOR E ME AJUDOU A APAGAR O FOGO!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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