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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.

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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
44,000 miles · Dec 17, 2020
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT DOORS HOWEVER, THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK. ADDITIONALLY, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR WAS INOPERABLE AND UNABLE TO UNLOCK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HYU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT DOORS HOWEVER, THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK. ADDITIONALLY, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR WAS INOPERABLE AND UNABLE TO UNLOCK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI OF LAS VEGAS (7150 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89117) AND HAD THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT DOORS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RETURNED LATER TO HAVE THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK REPAIRED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A COST FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

NHTSA ODI #11383965

55,000 miles · Dec 13, 2020
Structure

THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ON MY DAUGHTER'S 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE CAR DOOR COULD HAVE LED TO SO MANY HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION. PLEASE IMAGINE IF THE DRIVER'S D…

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THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ON MY DAUGHTER'S 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE CAR DOOR COULD HAVE LED TO SO MANY HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION. PLEASE IMAGINE IF THE DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED DURING A VEHICLE FIRE, A SUBMERGED SITUATION, A CAR CRASH, ETC. THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF YOUR CHILD DRIVER BEING TRAPPED IN THE CAR DURING A SITUATION LIKE I JUST MENTIONED. AS YOU CAN EXPECT, I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE DEFECT AND I'M SHOCKED THERE IS NO RECALL OR FREE REPAIR AVAILABLE FOR THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I'VE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BASED ON THE EXCELLENT RATINGS OF QUALITY AND SAFETY. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, EACH OF THE DOOR LATCHES COULD SUBSEQUENTLY FAIL AS WELL AS THE NEW LATCH RECENTLY INSTALLED. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I'M NEARLY 60 YEARS OLD AND HAVE OWNED OVER A DOZEN CARS IN MY LIFE. THIS IS THE VERY FIRST FAILED DOOR LATCH I'VE HAD AND HAVE EVER HEARD OF.

NHTSA ODI #11383232

16,000 miles · Dec 10, 2020
Structure

REAR DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK EITHER FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. YOU CAN HEAR THE REMAINING DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK BUT NOT THE REAR DRIVER. I TRANSPORT MY GRAND CHILDREN AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CARS HAS 16K MILES ON IT AND IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER SAID IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 1 TO 2 WEEKS TO GET THE PART IN. I WA…

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REAR DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK EITHER FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. YOU CAN HEAR THE REMAINING DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK BUT NOT THE REAR DRIVER. I TRANSPORT MY GRAND CHILDREN AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CARS HAS 16K MILES ON IT AND IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER SAID IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 1 TO 2 WEEKS TO GET THE PART IN. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ALOT OF THE HYUNDAI TUCSONS.

NHTSA ODI #11382876

57,000 miles · Dec 8, 2020
Structure

REAR PASSENGER DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THIS STARTED INTERMITTENTLY THEN ULTIMATELY TRAPPED PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SEATS OF THE VEHICLE. NOTHING WORKED TO RELEASE THE DOORS, CAUSING PASSENGERS TO HAVE CRAWL THROUGH FRONT SEATS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. INVESTIGATING OF ANY RECALLS WE FOUND THAT THIS IS W…

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REAR PASSENGER DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THIS STARTED INTERMITTENTLY THEN ULTIMATELY TRAPPED PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SEATS OF THE VEHICLE. NOTHING WORKED TO RELEASE THE DOORS, CAUSING PASSENGERS TO HAVE CRAWL THROUGH FRONT SEATS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. INVESTIGATING OF ANY RECALLS WE FOUND THAT THIS IS WIDE SPREAD OVER SEVERAL YEARS, AND CHARGES RANGE FROM $400 TO $2K. WHEN CLEARLY THIS IS DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS OR DESIGN, USED IN AND FOR LOCKING SYSTEM, FAIR EXPECTATION THAT OCCUPANTS CAN EXIT THE VEHICLE IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. HYUNDAI SERVICE CONSIDERS THIS A MALFUNCTIONING PART AND NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY OR BY AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DOORS LOCKING ACTUATORS ARE MALFUNCTIONING THERE IS NO OPTION TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOORS, AGAIN CAUSING A PERSON TO BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. PEOPLE ARE REPORTING FROM 1 DOOR TO ALL 4 DOORS FAILING TO OPEN. OUR CAR THE REAR DOORS DO NOT OPEN. HYUNDAI SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THIS DEFECTIVE PART/DESIGN AND NOT AT THE CAR OWNERS EXPENSE.

NHTSA ODI #11378497

89,000 miles · Dec 7, 2020
EnginePower Train

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN MY STREET WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. RIGHT BEFORE IT DIED, I HEARD A BRUSHING NOISE AND THEN ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THERE WERE NO OTHER WARNING NOISES OR LIGHTS PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. I CHECKED THE OIL DIPSTICK AND THERE WAS NO OIL REGISTERING ON IT. THE SMEAR THAT WAS ON THE STICK W…

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I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN MY STREET WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. RIGHT BEFORE IT DIED, I HEARD A BRUSHING NOISE AND THEN ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THERE WERE NO OTHER WARNING NOISES OR LIGHTS PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. I CHECKED THE OIL DIPSTICK AND THERE WAS NO OIL REGISTERING ON IT. THE SMEAR THAT WAS ON THE STICK WAS BLACK. THE CHECK ENGINE OR LOW OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON TO WARN ME OF A POTENTIAL PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO NO OIL ON MY DRIVEWAY WHICH WOULD INDICATE A SLOW LEAK. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY TOLD MY THE ENGINE WAS DEAD AND I NEEDED A NEW ONE. THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE 10YR./100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY SINCE I BOUGHT THIS (A YEAR AGO) FROM A FRIEND WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000 MILES ON IT NOW. I'M THANKFUL I WAS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED AND NOT ON THE INTERSTATE WHERE I HAD BEEN MOMENTS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. IT IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAVE BEEN QUOTED $7-9K FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THEY HAVE OFFERED $2,800 FOR A TRADE-IN TOWARDS ANOTHER VEHICLE AS AN OPTION.

NHTSA ODI #11378354

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2020
Unknown Or Other

I'M HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS TO WHERE THEY ARE HARD TO OPEN. I UNLOCK THE DOORS AND I HAVE TO PULL THE DOOR LATCH SEVERAL TIMES SO THEY CAN OPEN.

NHTSA ODI #11378210

76,530 miles · Dec 3, 2020
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. ALSO, IT TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKE AND STEERING CONTROLS. FINALLY, TRANSMISSION GEAR SWITCH WITHOUT INPUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS SITUATIONS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING IN BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON 12/26/19; NO RESPONSE HA…

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THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. ALSO, IT TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKE AND STEERING CONTROLS. FINALLY, TRANSMISSION GEAR SWITCH WITHOUT INPUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS SITUATIONS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING IN BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON 12/26/19; NO RESPONSE HAS BEEN RECEIVED EITHER FROM DEALER OR MANUIFACTURER.

NHTSA ODI #11377712

108,000 miles · Dec 2, 2020
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR, THE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN AUTOMATICALLY BY THE KEYFOB OR MANUALLY BY THE DOOR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT BOTH PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN A YEAR LATER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR, THE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN AUTOMATICALLY BY THE KEYFOB OR MANUALLY BY THE DOOR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT BOTH PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN A YEAR LATER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT THE VEHICLE WAS FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO GO TO THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ODI #11377544

120,000 miles · Nov 30, 2020
Engine

I HAVE A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON WHICH HAS A 120K ON IT AND I THOUGHT I MIGHT HAVE NEEDED A TUNE WHICH I GOT PERFORMED. BUT IT TURNS OUT THAT THE ENGINE HAS COMPRESSION FAILURE ON CYLINDERS 2 AND 3. THE OIL WAS CHANGED REGULARLY SO I'M NOT SURE WHAT HAPPEN. SINCE I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE VEHICLE STARTED STALLING.

NHTSA ODI #11377186

98,000 miles · Nov 30, 2020
Unknown Or Other

THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR HAS STOPPED OPENING. IT WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL ALSO NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE UNLESS THE HANDLE HAS BEEN PULLED MULTIPLE TIMES. EVIDENTLY THIS IS A PROBLEM HAPPENING TO LOTS OF 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON DRIVERS. DOORS ARE THE MOST BASIC THING THAT S…

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THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR HAS STOPPED OPENING. IT WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL ALSO NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE UNLESS THE HANDLE HAS BEEN PULLED MULTIPLE TIMES. EVIDENTLY THIS IS A PROBLEM HAPPENING TO LOTS OF 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON DRIVERS. DOORS ARE THE MOST BASIC THING THAT SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO WORK. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THERE'S NO REASON FOR THEM TO STOP WORKING. THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND CAN BE ON OR OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

NHTSA ODI #11377081

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.

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