NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
46 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 17, 2026
Electrical SystemEngine
The 2019 Tucson has 60,413 miles. My daughter drives it very low mileage - a couple of miles a day back and forth to school. Friday she was driving and the car lost engine power and it stopped driving. No warning lights. There was a cloud of smoke and it smelled like burning plastic. She was on a busy road but pulled over and…
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The 2019 Tucson has 60,413 miles. My daughter drives it very low mileage - a couple of miles a day back and forth to school. Friday she was driving and the car lost engine power and it stopped driving. No warning lights. There was a cloud of smoke and it smelled like burning plastic. She was on a busy road but pulled over and quickly exited the vehicle. I had it towed and the mechanic says the engine oil was empty and the engine has seized. We do regularly scheduled oil changes. No lights or warnings and the car just stopped in traffic.
NHTSA ODI #11744669
49,400 miles · May 15, 2026
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicVisibility
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the contact's husband was driving, the contact noticed an abnormal loud sound. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact noticed an unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The c…
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the contact's husband was driving, the contact noticed an abnormal loud sound. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact noticed an unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact's husband drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the engine seized. In addition, the contact stated that the smoke and the unusual odor subsided. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. In addition, the contact stated that when the failure occurred, the contact's minor children were occupants of the vehicle. The contact stated that the minor children were frightened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an open recall associated with the contact's VIN, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). In addition, the contact was informed that her contact information was not updated in the database. The failure mileage was approximately 49,400.
NHTSA ODI #11738088
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire
On March 21st, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I noticed the vehicle began making a ticking sound. After stopping the vehicle, it slowly began catching on fire. The fire ultimately spread and resulted in the vehicle becoming a total loss. This created a serious safety concern and placed me at risk. I later learned there was a…
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On March 21st, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I noticed the vehicle began making a ticking sound. After stopping the vehicle, it slowly began catching on fire. The fire ultimately spread and resulted in the vehicle becoming a total loss. This created a serious safety concern and placed me at risk. I later learned there was a recall associated with the vehicle. However, I never received any recall notices because Hyundai reportedly had the wrong address on file. Had I been properly notified of the recall and potential safety risks, I would have done everything in my power to ensure the vehicle was inspected, repaired, and safe to drive. Because I was unaware of the recall issue, the vehicle continued to be operated without my knowledge of the potential danger. The incident caused significant financial and transportation hardship, including loss of reliable transportation and additional financial strain. Hyundai later reached a determination regarding the matter, but I remain concerned about the serious safety risk and the fact that I did not receive proper recall notification before the incident occurred. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the recall notification process and handling of this matter should be reviewed further due to the serious safety risk involved.
NHTSA ODI #11737337
30,000 miles · Mar 6, 2026
Electrical SystemStructureVisibility
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, there was water overflowing from the front passenger's side floormat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the water entry point could not be determined. Additionally, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illumin…
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, there was water overflowing from the front passenger's side floormat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the water entry point could not be determined. Additionally, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a brake sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where another brake sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the wiring harness had sustained water damage and corrosion due to a clogged sunroof drain. The dealer determined that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the repair should be covered by the manufacturer because the failure was a factory defect. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA ODI #11722516
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2026
Electrical SystemSteering
On three occasions while the vehicle was idling, the dashboard screens and interior lights went completely black, and the steering wheel jerked abruptly in my hands. This sudden electrical failure creates a serious safety concern, particularly if it were to occur while driving at higher speeds. The dealer has not been able to re…
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On three occasions while the vehicle was idling, the dashboard screens and interior lights went completely black, and the steering wheel jerked abruptly in my hands. This sudden electrical failure creates a serious safety concern, particularly if it were to occur while driving at higher speeds. The dealer has not been able to reproduce the problem. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. There were no warning lamps after the problem occurred. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by a Hyundai dealership. On one occasion, the dealership retained the vehicle for approximately two months but reported no definitive findings despite error codes being present. On a later visit following another failure, no error codes were recorded. The dealership replaced the head/stereo unit and confirmed no active recalls, yet the issue continues. This problem first occurred while the vehicle was covered under an extended warranty, but due to its intermittent nature, it was not resolved before the warranty mileage threshold was exceeded. I have since found numerous similar complaints online from owners of the same model year describing electrical blackouts and steering-related concerns. A Hyundai service manager advised me to dispose of the vehicle, which further reinforces my concern that the defect may be known but unresolved. I believe this issue represents a potential safety defect and warrants documentation and review. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
NHTSA ODI #11712796
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2025
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
While driving to work this morning, at approximately 04:25, on a mountain road both my low beams failed out of nowhere. I pullover in to a turn out as my high beams still worked. I go look and my passenger low beam comes back on. I make the decision to get back on the road and drive slower to try and get down the mountain. A mom…
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While driving to work this morning, at approximately 04:25, on a mountain road both my low beams failed out of nowhere. I pullover in to a turn out as my high beams still worked. I go look and my passenger low beam comes back on. I make the decision to get back on the road and drive slower to try and get down the mountain. A moment later the passenger low beam turns off as do my high beams. I do not get any warning lamps for my high beams, just my low beams. I had to drive in pitch black with my hazards on trying to find a turn out or a safe place to pull over. I was not far too from home and drove back with my hazards on. I take my low beam bulb out of the housing and see that the coil blew. I purchase two new halogen bulbs when I went to go and replace them,I found that both low beam sockets had burned. It has not been reported to the dealer as my headlights are out of warrenty by a few years nor was it reported to the police or insurance because I thought maybe all the lights died at once. I have yet to replace my high beams and i'm the only owner of it.
NHTSA ODI #11681479
52,000 miles · Jul 10, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while at a red light, the missing key warning light illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The hazard lights were independently deactivated. The contact became aware of an abnormal odor and smoke on the interior of the vehicle and the exterior of t…
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while at a red light, the missing key warning light illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The hazard lights were independently deactivated. The contact became aware of an abnormal odor and smoke on the interior of the vehicle and the exterior of the vehicle. The contact stated that all the door latches were independently locked, and the engine seized. The contact stated that her minor child was also an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the failure. The contact stated that a nearby Police Officer and other bystanders assisted with removing the contact and the minor child from the vehicle. The contact stated that it was a very traumatic experience, and the contact was very fearful for the lives of her minor child and herself. The contact had a doctor's appointment scheduled; however, because of the failure, the appointment had to be rescheduled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was offered a Trade-in option. The contact declined the Trade-in option. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
NHTSA ODI #11672567
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2025
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other
Our Tucson was stolen in Charlotte, NC on [XXX]. The pax rear window was broken and the thieves broke open the steering column to start the car. It appears they used the well-known "Tik-Tok" method. I have record that our Tucson had the "software update" installed, at a local dealership, a year ago. This update (which should've…
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Our Tucson was stolen in Charlotte, NC on [XXX]. The pax rear window was broken and the thieves broke open the steering column to start the car. It appears they used the well-known "Tik-Tok" method. I have record that our Tucson had the "software update" installed, at a local dealership, a year ago. This update (which should've been a recall) was supposed to address this issue. Despite this update, the car was stolen in less than 2 minutes (I have Ring camera pictures with timestamps). I have doubts now that the dealership actually did the update. Part of the update includes a specific window sticker that is to be applied to the driver's door window. That decal is missing. There is no evidence that it was ever there (I have pictures). The car was recovered but cannot be driven. It must be towed due to the damage. Another concern is the engine and drive train. Criminals were out joy riding in our stolen car on an almost full tank of gas. Because the car cannot be driven, I don't know if there is any damage to any part(s) of the drive train. We are now waiting for our insurance company to arrange to have the car repaired. I am very concerned now about the long term viability and reliability of this car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11666457
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
Unknown
NHTSA ODI #11635378
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2025
Electrical SystemSteering
The MDPS sensor is faulty and the electronic power steering shut down on my wife while she was driving on the highway.
NHTSA ODI #11633900
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
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.