NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,617 reports83,000 miles · Nov 30, 2020
Structure
AFTER PARKING THE CAR, I WENT AROUND TO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TO GET ONE OF MY CHILDREN OUT OF THE CARSEAT WHEN THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN. CHILD LOCKS WERE NOT ENGAGED BUT THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. AFTER USING THE KEYLESS ENTRY AND INSIDE DRIVER SIDE SWITCHES TO UNLOCK THE CAR NUMEROUS TIMES, T…
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AFTER PARKING THE CAR, I WENT AROUND TO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TO GET ONE OF MY CHILDREN OUT OF THE CARSEAT WHEN THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN. CHILD LOCKS WERE NOT ENGAGED BUT THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. AFTER USING THE KEYLESS ENTRY AND INSIDE DRIVER SIDE SWITCHES TO UNLOCK THE CAR NUMEROUS TIMES, THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN. THE OTHER 3 DOORS WERE UNLOCKING AND LOCKING JUST FINE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AS MY 8 MONTH OLD WAS LOCATED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT.
NHTSA ODI #11377066
118,000 miles · Nov 28, 2020
Engine
ON OCTOBER 30 2020, DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT 65 MPH, MY ENGINE WAS MAKING LOUD BANGING/KNOCKING NOISES. GOT IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO WAS NEARBY AND HE STATED MOTOR IS BAD. SOMETHING BROKE INSIDE TOPSIDE OF MOTOR. LOTS OF METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL, POSSIBLY LEADING TO TURBO DAMAGE TOO. I HAVE MY OIL CHANGED ABOUT 5 TIMES A YEAR. NO…
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ON OCTOBER 30 2020, DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT 65 MPH, MY ENGINE WAS MAKING LOUD BANGING/KNOCKING NOISES. GOT IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO WAS NEARBY AND HE STATED MOTOR IS BAD. SOMETHING BROKE INSIDE TOPSIDE OF MOTOR. LOTS OF METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL, POSSIBLY LEADING TO TURBO DAMAGE TOO. I HAVE MY OIL CHANGED ABOUT 5 TIMES A YEAR. NO REASON FOR PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE AT 118000 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. HYUNDAI WON'T HONOR FIX DUE TO OUTSIDE OF 100000 MILE WARRANTY. SAW CNBC NEWS REPORT ON RECENT FINES ON HYUNDAI AND KIA. I NEED MY ENGINE REPLACED!
NHTSA ODI #11376900
47,000 miles · Nov 28, 2020
Structure
MY DOORS HAVE BEEN NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND THEY SAY IT'S BECAUSE THE DOOR LATCH IS BAD. THIS IS A TOTAL SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE IF I WERE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND MY ONLY WAY OUT WAS THE DOOR I WOULD BE LOCKED IN AND POTENTIALLY DIE. THE FACT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISS…
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MY DOORS HAVE BEEN NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND THEY SAY IT'S BECAUSE THE DOOR LATCH IS BAD. THIS IS A TOTAL SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE IF I WERE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND MY ONLY WAY OUT WAS THE DOOR I WOULD BE LOCKED IN AND POTENTIALLY DIE. THE FACT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR PEOPLE FOR OVER A YEAR AND STILL NOT A RECALL AND FOR IT TO HAPPEN TO ME TWICE IS RIDICULOUS. MY DAD IS A FIRST RESPONDER AND SAYS THAT THIS ISN'T A RECALL IS UNACCEPTABLE. AND THE FACT THAT THE ONLY WAY IT WILL BE A RECALL IS FOR SOMEONE TO DIE IN THE ACCIDENT AND FOR THEM TO SUE HYUNDAI TO BE A RECALL IS RIDICULOUS. PLEASE CONSIDER THE DOOR LATCH ISSUE TO BE A RECALL YOU CAN SEE ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE BY TYPING IN GOOGLE. MY DOOR WILL RANDOMLY JUST STOP OPENING ONE DAY ONCE YOU CLOSE AND YOU CANNOT OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ON BOTH REAR DOORS.
NHTSA ODI #11376819
77,000 miles · Nov 27, 2020
Engine
I DO OIL CHANGE REGULARLY BUT, NOVEMBER OF 2020, WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY TO WORK, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC, HE DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS CYLINDER THAT FAILED, SO I CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER TO MAKE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE, BUT, AFTER CHECKING MY VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UN…
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I DO OIL CHANGE REGULARLY BUT, NOVEMBER OF 2020, WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY TO WORK, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC, HE DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS CYLINDER THAT FAILED, SO I CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER TO MAKE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE, BUT, AFTER CHECKING MY VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. IT HAD 77,000 MILES ON IT AND I WAS TOLD THAT MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY ONLY COVERS UP TO 60,000 MILES. I WONDER IF THAT'S TRUE.
NHTSA ODI #11376772
92,000 miles · Nov 27, 2020
Engine
DRIVING CAR ON HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON AND CAR SEIZED. WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. HAD CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALER TO BE INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURE WARRANTY WAITING ON WARRANTY TO APPROVE THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #11376513
85,600 miles · Nov 20, 2020
Structure
THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAILING AND DOESN'T ALWAYS FUNCTION RESULTING IN THE DOOR BEING UN-OPENABLE. WHEN ACTUATED, THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB SOUNDS AS IF THE LOCK IS OPENED, BUT WHEN I PULL ON THE HANDLE, THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS AT PULLING ON THE HANDLE, THE DOOR WILL OPEN. THIS IS IMPACTIN…
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THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAILING AND DOESN'T ALWAYS FUNCTION RESULTING IN THE DOOR BEING UN-OPENABLE. WHEN ACTUATED, THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB SOUNDS AS IF THE LOCK IS OPENED, BUT WHEN I PULL ON THE HANDLE, THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS AT PULLING ON THE HANDLE, THE DOOR WILL OPEN. THIS IS IMPACTING MY LEFT PASSENGER DOOR. AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET, THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11375622
Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2020
Structure
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. DOES NOT OPEN AT ALL WHEN IN MOTION OR STATIONARY.
NHTSA ODI #11375117
67,000 miles · Nov 16, 2020
Power Train
SINCE DAY ONE I HAVE TROUBLE WHIT THE TRANSMISSION , THEY RESET IT LIKE 15 TIMES AND EVERY NOW AND THEN THE DUAL CLUTCH ACT CRAZY, TODAY THE REVERSE WONT ENGAGE AND DRIVES SUPER SLOW, I COMPLAIN EVERY SINGLE TIME TO THE DEALER BUT THEY JUST REFUSE TO DO FIX THE TRANSMISSION , , THEY SAID THAT THEY WILL RESET THE TRANSMISSION EV…
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SINCE DAY ONE I HAVE TROUBLE WHIT THE TRANSMISSION , THEY RESET IT LIKE 15 TIMES AND EVERY NOW AND THEN THE DUAL CLUTCH ACT CRAZY, TODAY THE REVERSE WONT ENGAGE AND DRIVES SUPER SLOW, I COMPLAIN EVERY SINGLE TIME TO THE DEALER BUT THEY JUST REFUSE TO DO FIX THE TRANSMISSION , , THEY SAID THAT THEY WILL RESET THE TRANSMISSION EVERY TIME THAT GOES WRONG , BUT WHAT IF PASS THE WARRANTY ? ITS NORMAL TO HAVE SUCH A BAD OR A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION /OR DUAL CLUTCH ISSUE?
NHTSA ODI #11374947
20 miles · Nov 16, 2020
EnginePower Train
WHEN YOU PUT THE VECHICLE IN REVERSEL SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT MOVE THEN YOU HAVE TO PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND TRY IT AGAINAND IT WILL MOVE
NHTSA ODI #11374840
88,500 miles · Nov 15, 2020
Engine
MY VEHICLE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT ON OCTOBER 31, 2020, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND HAVE IT SERVICED. IT TOOK TWO WEEKS FOR HYUNDAI TO APPROVE THE ENGINE REPAIR. HYUNDAI AND THE DEALER DIDN'T SEE A NEED TO PROVIDE ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 14, 2929 AND THERE ARE LIMITED USES OF …
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MY VEHICLE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT ON OCTOBER 31, 2020, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND HAVE IT SERVICED. IT TOOK TWO WEEKS FOR HYUNDAI TO APPROVE THE ENGINE REPAIR. HYUNDAI AND THE DEALER DIDN'T SEE A NEED TO PROVIDE ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 14, 2929 AND THERE ARE LIMITED USES OF THE DEALER LOANER VEHICLE. I AM MAKING PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE THAT I DO NOT HAVE USE OF AND NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR HYUNDAI UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF THIS SITUATION WHICH IS NO FAULT OF MINE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT WILL TAKE A LONG TIME TO BUILD A NEW ENGINE FOR MY VEHICLE AND THEN INSTALL IT. THEY HAVE A BACKLOG OF ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURES CURRENTLY. WHY WAS THERE NOT A RECALL? I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRES AT 105,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11374731
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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