NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
395 reports60,000 miles · May 11, 2021
Engine
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE 10 SECONDS THEN A LOUD BOOM AND BLEW DARK SMOKE OUT THE BACK AND ENGINE STOPPED. I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED OFF THE FREEWAY. REAR WINDSHIELD AND TAILGATE WERE COVERED IN OIL, AT LEAST IT WAS CLEAN, I HAD CHANGED IT A FEW DAYS PRIOR. TO…
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WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE 10 SECONDS THEN A LOUD BOOM AND BLEW DARK SMOKE OUT THE BACK AND ENGINE STOPPED. I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED OFF THE FREEWAY. REAR WINDSHIELD AND TAILGATE WERE COVERED IN OIL, AT LEAST IT WAS CLEAN, I HAD CHANGED IT A FEW DAYS PRIOR. TOWED TO SHOP AND ONCE ON THE LIFT THE ROD STICKING OUT THROUGH THE BLOCK WAS A SHOCK TO SAY THE LEAST. 14 MONTHS AGO I REPLACED THE ENGINE AFTER SEVERE OIL LEAKS LED TO THE BLOCK WARPING. THAT WAS $6000 THAT HYUNDAI DECLINED TO COVER. PUT A USED THETA ENGINE IN AND EVERYTHING WAS GOOD UNTIL THIS. OBVIOUSLY HYUNDAI ISN'T GOING TO COVER THIS EITHER. HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR TWO YEARS AND STILL OWE OVER $10K ON LOAN. I'M ABOUT TO PAY FOR ANOTHER THETA ENGINE THAT IS COMING FROM THE SAME MODEL YEAR AS THE PREVIOUS TWO. I FEEL INSANE DOING THIS, LIKE I'M ASKING FOR IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN BUT NO OTHER OPTIONS.
NHTSA ODI #11416135
100,000 miles · May 7, 2021
EngineService BrakesUnknown Or Other
I HAVE BEEN REACHING OUT TO AUTO NATION WHERE I PURCHASED MY 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS A SWISHING NOISE AND SPUTTERING THE CAR JUST STOPPED I WAS HOWEVER ABLE TO GET ON THE OFF RAMP THE CAR WAS TOWED WHICH COST ME 528.00 TO GET OUT HAD HE RE-TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE ENGINE ROD BLEW OUT …
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I HAVE BEEN REACHING OUT TO AUTO NATION WHERE I PURCHASED MY 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS A SWISHING NOISE AND SPUTTERING THE CAR JUST STOPPED I WAS HOWEVER ABLE TO GET ON THE OFF RAMP THE CAR WAS TOWED WHICH COST ME 528.00 TO GET OUT HAD HE RE-TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE ENGINE ROD BLEW OUT AND UP MAKING A GOOD SIZE HOLE IN THE OIL PAN NOW I HAVE TO PAY 120.00 DIAGNOSTICS CHARGES BUT THEY DO NOT THINK HYUNDAI WILL PAY FOR REPAIRS SO I'M PAYING FOR A CAR THAT IS COMPLETELY INCAPACITATED. I WAS READING ON YOUR REPORTS CONCERNING HYUNDAI AND KIA THE LAW SUIT FOR THEIR SLOW RESPONSE BUT TO THIS DAY I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND REPORT ON THE ENGINE PROBLEM AND ROD IS EXACTLY WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY HYUNDAI EXCEPT IT HASN'T CAUGHT ON FIRE AS OF YET MY UNDERSTANDING IS PARK IT AWAY FROM EVERYTHING AS JUST BEING PARKED IT CAN STILL CATCH ON FIRE. I NEED HELP ON THIS MATTER... THANK YOU I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS RESOLVED SINCE MARCH 2021
NHTSA ODI #11415535
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRIENDSHIP HYUNDAI OF JOHNSON CITY (3408 N ROAN ST, JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRIENDSHIP HYUNDAI OF JOHNSON CITY (3408 N ROAN ST, JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11415094
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED BUD CLARY FORD (700 7TH AVE, LONGVIEW, WA 98632, (360) 423-4321) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED BUD CLARY FORD (700 7TH AVE, LONGVIEW, WA 98632, (360) 423-4321) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11414995
74,600 miles · Apr 30, 2021
Engine
I HAVE A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON WITH LESS THEN 75000 MILES THAT I HAVE JUST HAD FOR A YEAR THAT SUDDENLY STARTED KNOCKING AFTER HAVING IT CHECK AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THERE WAS BEARING MATERIAL IN MY OIL AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY REFUSED TO COVER AS I WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ALL MA…
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I HAVE A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON WITH LESS THEN 75000 MILES THAT I HAVE JUST HAD FOR A YEAR THAT SUDDENLY STARTED KNOCKING AFTER HAVING IT CHECK AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THERE WAS BEARING MATERIAL IN MY OIL AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY REFUSED TO COVER AS I WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS FOR THE LAST YEAR. THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO LOCATE A NEW OR REFURBISHED ENGINE AND CANNOT PROVIDE A PREDICTED DATE ONE WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I REACHED OUT TO AUTOZONE TO SEE IF I CAN PURCHASE AN ENGINE FROM THEM AND THEY STATED IT SAYS NA WHEN THEY ENTERED MY VIN SO THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE AN ENGINE AT ALL. SO I AM PAYING FOR A VEHICLE THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT NEEDS AN ENGINE BUT I ALSO CAN'T BUY AN ENGINE?!
NHTSA ODI #11414668
61,000 miles · Apr 30, 2021
Engine
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED KNOCKING LOUDLY THEN A LOUD BOOM AND ALL THIS BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM THE BACK END. THE VEHICLE ENGINE SEIZED AND I WAS ALMOST KILLED BY A SEMI TRUCK TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AS THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMEN…
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DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED KNOCKING LOUDLY THEN A LOUD BOOM AND ALL THIS BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM THE BACK END. THE VEHICLE ENGINE SEIZED AND I WAS ALMOST KILLED BY A SEMI TRUCK TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AS THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE ROD BLEW A HUGE HOLE IN MY ENGINE AND IT WAS NO GOOD. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 61K MILES PRACTICALLY BRAND NEW. OPENED A CASE WITH HYUNDAI AND THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME I HAD NO WARRANTY. THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE. ALSO THERE ARE TWO OTHER SAME MAKE MODEL AND YEAR THAT WERE ALSO UP AT THE SERVICE STATION FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND WITH LOW MILES AND HYUNDAI REFUSED TO MAKE THE MATTER RIGHT BY REPLACING THE MOTORS. THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND RIPPING OFF THE AMERICAN CONSUMER. 7300$ FOR A REPLACEMENT MOTOR AND THE VEHICLE IS PRACTICALLY NEW WITH THE LOW MILES I HAVE.
NHTSA ODI #11414615
38,900 miles · Apr 24, 2021
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes
WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD BOARD GOES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY INDICATING REAR BRAKE LIGHT NEEDS ATTENTION. WHEN WARNING LIGHT IS ON, BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK. WHEN WARNING LIGHT TURNS OFF, BRAKE LIGHT WORKS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS ON AND CONSTANTLY AT RANDOM TIMES EVEN WHEN I'M STATIONARY. ALSO, WHEN I'M STOPPED, CAR TUGS LIK…
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WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD BOARD GOES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY INDICATING REAR BRAKE LIGHT NEEDS ATTENTION. WHEN WARNING LIGHT IS ON, BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK. WHEN WARNING LIGHT TURNS OFF, BRAKE LIGHT WORKS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS ON AND CONSTANTLY AT RANDOM TIMES EVEN WHEN I'M STATIONARY. ALSO, WHEN I'M STOPPED, CAR TUGS LIKE IT WANTS TO ACCELERATE.
NHTSA ODI #11413638
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOYALTY USED CAR SUPER CENTER (2833 S CRATER RD, PETERSBURG, VA 23805) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE P…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOYALTY USED CAR SUPER CENTER (2833 S CRATER RD, PETERSBURG, VA 23805) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11408452
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. GREG MAY HYUNDAI (1501 TX-340 LOOP, WACO, TX 76712) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. GREG MAY HYUNDAI (1501 TX-340 LOOP, WACO, TX 76712) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11408394
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED JENKINS HYUNDAI OF LEESBURG (9145 US-441, LEESBURG, FL 34788, (352) 815-2516) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED JENKINS HYUNDAI OF LEESBURG (9145 US-441, LEESBURG, FL 34788, (352) 815-2516) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11406658
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.