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
64,000 miles · Jan 2, 2021
Structure
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK REGARDLESS OF HOW OR WHEN IT IS TRIED. THE DEALER SAYS THE DOOR ACTUATOR IS FAULTY. NO ONE CAN ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THAT SIDE, EVEN IN AN EMERGENCY. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS IN HUNDREDS OF POSTS ABOUT THIS MODEL OF HYUNDAI TUSCON. ONLY A DEALER CAN REPAIR AND REPLACE THE PROBLEM AT A…
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THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK REGARDLESS OF HOW OR WHEN IT IS TRIED. THE DEALER SAYS THE DOOR ACTUATOR IS FAULTY. NO ONE CAN ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THAT SIDE, EVEN IN AN EMERGENCY. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS IN HUNDREDS OF POSTS ABOUT THIS MODEL OF HYUNDAI TUSCON. ONLY A DEALER CAN REPAIR AND REPLACE THE PROBLEM AT A COST OF $1600. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11386101
55,000 miles · Jan 2, 2021
Power Train
AT LOWER SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH. SOMETIMES GOES THROUGH 6 GEARS BEFORE REACHING 30 MPH. INCONSISTENT RESPONSE TO GAS PEDAL AT SLOWER SPEEDS. DIFFICULTY WHEN STARTING OUT FROM STOPPED POSITION, OR SLOWER SPEEDS. SHIFTING DOES NOT ALWAYS OCCUR AT CONSISTENT RPM. HAVE CHECK W/DEALER ARE TOLD THAT TRA…
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AT LOWER SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH. SOMETIMES GOES THROUGH 6 GEARS BEFORE REACHING 30 MPH. INCONSISTENT RESPONSE TO GAS PEDAL AT SLOWER SPEEDS. DIFFICULTY WHEN STARTING OUT FROM STOPPED POSITION, OR SLOWER SPEEDS. SHIFTING DOES NOT ALWAYS OCCUR AT CONSISTENT RPM. HAVE CHECK W/DEALER ARE TOLD THAT TRANSMISSION IS WORKING ACCORDING TO SPEC.
NHTSA ODI #11386086
63,000 miles · Jan 2, 2021
Structure
MILEAGE IS AT 63K AND MY FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THE REAR PASSENGER WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE FRONT PASSENGER WILL TAKE 5 TRIES TO OPEN AND WILL OPEN.
NHTSA ODI #11386077
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2021
Unknown Or Other
BOTH REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO UTILIZE FOR 1 YEAR NOW. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE AND NO ISSUES PRIOR TO ONSET. UNABLE TO OPEN FORM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. DRIVER DOOR IS STARTING TO NOT OPEN INCONSISTENTLY NOW FOR THE PAST WEEK. SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY FAMILY.
NHTSA ODI #11386054
68,000 miles · Dec 29, 2020
Power Train
WHEN PULLING OUT OF PARKING AREA, OR STARTING UP FROM A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, WHEN I PRESS THE GAS OF THE VEHICLE , IT HESITATES . IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE IT'S GOING TO CUT OUT, OR BOGS DOWNS, AND THEN CATCHES. I MAKE SURE IF THERE IS AN ONCOMING VEHICLE COMING , I DON'T PULL OUT IN FEAR THIS WILL HAPPEN , AND I'LL…
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WHEN PULLING OUT OF PARKING AREA, OR STARTING UP FROM A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, WHEN I PRESS THE GAS OF THE VEHICLE , IT HESITATES . IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE IT'S GOING TO CUT OUT, OR BOGS DOWNS, AND THEN CATCHES. I MAKE SURE IF THERE IS AN ONCOMING VEHICLE COMING , I DON'T PULL OUT IN FEAR THIS WILL HAPPEN , AND I'LL GET HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME IT'S DRIVEN
NHTSA ODI #11385516
Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2020
Unknown Or Other
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WON'T UNLOCK TO OPEN. THIS IS CREATING A SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY CHILDREN.
NHTSA ODI #11385405
Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2020
Structure
THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THE LOCK DOES CLICK BACK AND FORTH BUT THE DOOR REMAINS STUCK. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYONE TRAVELING IN THE BACKSEAT OF THE CAR AS THEY WOULD BE TRAPPED IN THE CAR AND UNABLE TO EXIT FROM THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11385269
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2020
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION AT STARTING FROM A STOP HAS HESITATION AND SKIPS WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE CAR HAS NO OPEN RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. IT HAS BEEN FIXED OR UPDATED FROM THE 2016 RECALL. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND TRULY FIXED.
NHTSA ODI #11385087
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2020
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other
VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING BULB IS NOT BLOWN LIGHT WILL COME ON WHEN LIGHT HOUSING IS OUT. DOORS STUCK WILL NOT OPEN WINDOW OFF TRACK
NHTSA ODI #11384409
110,000 miles · Dec 20, 2020
Structure
A REAR DOOR LOCK IS 'FROZEN" IN A LOCKED POSITION. IT REJECTS PHYSICAL AND ELECTRONIC ATTEMPTS TO OPEN. IT REMAINS WHEN ENGINE IS OFF OR ON. IT IS NOT LOCKED BY CHILD PROTECTION. IT CLEARLY IS A DANGER TO OCCUPANTS IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT FIRE. A WEB SEARCH FOR HYUNDAI TUCSON 2016 (AND SOME SIMILAR) DOOR LOCKS SHOWS THIS …
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A REAR DOOR LOCK IS 'FROZEN" IN A LOCKED POSITION. IT REJECTS PHYSICAL AND ELECTRONIC ATTEMPTS TO OPEN. IT REMAINS WHEN ENGINE IS OFF OR ON. IT IS NOT LOCKED BY CHILD PROTECTION. IT CLEARLY IS A DANGER TO OCCUPANTS IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT FIRE. A WEB SEARCH FOR HYUNDAI TUCSON 2016 (AND SOME SIMILAR) DOOR LOCKS SHOWS THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON. NEITHER THE DOOR NOR LOCK NOR HANDLE HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. THERE IS NO COMPANY RECALL OR OFFER FOR DEALERS TO REPAIR.
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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