NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
41 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jul 10, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
On a busy highway, my car broke down. It was due to the rod bearings, specifically, the Hyundai Theta "extended warranty"/recall issue, or "recall" issue. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Hyundai. I had the car towed to Hallmark Hyundai in Nashville, TN. I, however, live in Louisville, KY and I was making a r…
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On a busy highway, my car broke down. It was due to the rod bearings, specifically, the Hyundai Theta "extended warranty"/recall issue, or "recall" issue. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Hyundai. I had the car towed to Hallmark Hyundai in Nashville, TN. I, however, live in Louisville, KY and I was making a road trip to Nashville, TN. I was told by the Service Rep in Nashville that they couldn't provide me with a loaner vehicle because I would be driving it, back home, out of state to Louisville, KY. I paid for a rental car out-of-pocket. Hyundai Corporate told me it would take 60 days to get reimbursed. I picked up the car at the beginning of July, 2025, after the engine was replaced by Hallmark Hyundai. I was told by Hallmark Hyundai that a service employee performed a test drive but it was immediately noticeable to me that there were still issues. I noticed the gears shifting abnormally and problems with acceleration once I first started driving it, post repairs, but assumed I would be told to give it time. Today, [XXX], the car began to have difficulty accelerating once again, and the engine light illuminated. I couldn't accelerate beyond 45 mph. I phoned Hyundai Corporate Customer Care, relayed the issues, and said I needed a rental car the following morning for a job pre-hire meeting and couldn't pay for one since my credit card was already maxed out due to the first out-of-pocket rental. They refused. They told me to work it out with my local Hyundai dealership. The problem with all of this is that the consumer still incurs many hardships even though the car manufacturer is at fault and the dealerships don't always follow the settlement requirements of providing alternate transportation, a loaner or rental. The manufacturer and dealers are not held accountable and settlements that purport consumer recourse are more geared towards the manufacturer staying in business than the consumer being compensated fairly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F
NHTSA ODI #11672628
Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2025
EnginePower Train
There is a significant issue for engine oil consumption that may cause the engines to seize up and require repairs and or replacement. To that end the vehicle purchased has a 15 year 150,000 mile extended warranty included. The vehicle is now in for additional repairs related to the same issues and verification if a new engine w…
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There is a significant issue for engine oil consumption that may cause the engines to seize up and require repairs and or replacement. To that end the vehicle purchased has a 15 year 150,000 mile extended warranty included. The vehicle is now in for additional repairs related to the same issues and verification if a new engine will be required.
NHTSA ODI #11650302
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2025
EnginePower Train
My catalytic converter failed at roughly 70k miles (confirmed by mechanic and replaced). I have now been having transmission issues ever since, starting with the rpms jumping up on their own when trying to downshift (reproduced by mechanic) and ending with the car fully going into limp mode while in the middle of driving on the …
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My catalytic converter failed at roughly 70k miles (confirmed by mechanic and replaced). I have now been having transmission issues ever since, starting with the rpms jumping up on their own when trying to downshift (reproduced by mechanic) and ending with the car fully going into limp mode while in the middle of driving on the highway at speed. The former never triggered a light or produced codes, and with the latter the CEL flashed three times at the very start of the breakdown, and then went off and never came back on, despite the obvious problems the car was having.
NHTSA ODI #11644068
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2025
EnginePower Train
I took my vehicle to my mechanic for inspection check up. My mechanic told me and supplied paperwork from their scans that the P0420 sensor in the cat converter was shot again (3x in 5 years) and needed to be replaced. The engine light had come on 3 weeks beforehand and I had it read and knew what it was. They sent me to Hyundai…
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I took my vehicle to my mechanic for inspection check up. My mechanic told me and supplied paperwork from their scans that the P0420 sensor in the cat converter was shot again (3x in 5 years) and needed to be replaced. The engine light had come on 3 weeks beforehand and I had it read and knew what it was. They sent me to Hyundai dealer as it was under warranty with documentation. I get to Hyundai dealer tell them it needs the sensor for inspection and an investigation for oil leaking from back of the engine. I also told them I was adding 2-3 quarts of oil between oil changes. They told me my mechanic over filled oil by .5 quarts and that's why the engine leaked. They investigated after I disputed by saying an oil change had been performed the day I brought it to them and found a bad head gasket, fuel pump seal, and oil pan seal. They charged my extended warranty for those repairs, shut off engine light for cat converter sensor without replacing it, and made me do an oil consumption test of 1000 miles. Car was still not inspected at this point. After 35 miles check engine light comes back on. Cat converter sensor P0420. I take it back in. They tell me they won't replace it until the oil consumption test is done because they need to know if oil is coming through the exhaust pipes (it was). I complete the test and go in. They tell me engine is burning .5 quarts of oil/1000 miles which is acceptable and as long as I complete oil changes every 5000 miles I will be fine. They then tell me if I want sensor replaced I'm 800 miles over warranty so I have to pay $2400 to replace. Called corporate they're only willing to cover half the repair as "good will" for the cat converter and was quoted $1300 by the dealer in question. Almost a month and still not fixed and still can't get car inspected because the check engine light is tripped by the P0420 sensor in the cat converter. It's the only vehicle my family has. I'm forced to pay to have transportation.
NHTSA ODI #11633642
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2024
EnginePower Train
Knock sensor keeps throwing codes, the car will not accelerate over 20mph and under 2000 rpms
NHTSA ODI #11628075
Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2024
EnginePower Train
- replaced catalytic convertor twice - Check engine light on , needs another catalytic convertor - Exhaust fumes are coming back into my car through the AC vents , I’ve had to pull over due to being nauseas and extremely dizzy. - The dealership will not answer my phone calls , but will answer another phone because I have call…
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- replaced catalytic convertor twice - Check engine light on , needs another catalytic convertor - Exhaust fumes are coming back into my car through the AC vents , I’ve had to pull over due to being nauseas and extremely dizzy. - The dealership will not answer my phone calls , but will answer another phone because I have called from another phone and they picked up immediately - Was told from a service advisor that they would not help me “ unless the car blew up “ - My car did recently ,8/8/24, shake aggressively, the check engine light flicked rapidly and a strong puff of fumes came through my car - They will not help me because they stated that my rod bearings are not rotted therefore I do not qualify for assistance and everything would come out of pocket , the engine replacement , the catalytic convertor due to me being a few thousand miles outside of my 100,000 warranty. - I have the invoice stating oil is leaking profusely out of my engine - I was told within the last 2 weeks that if my car was to actually seize , Hyundai is not responsible bc when they kept telling me to bring my car in , they kept diagnosing it so they quoted me at about $5k to fix everything.
NHTSA ODI #11616535
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2024
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
’ve replaced the catalytic converter two times , the check engine light is on so it says I need another catalytic converter, that was in June 2024. The car was at the shop yesterday, needs catalytic converter and oil is pooling all throughout the car , fumes from the exhaust are coming back into the car which makes me physically…
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’ve replaced the catalytic converter two times , the check engine light is on so it says I need another catalytic converter, that was in June 2024. The car was at the shop yesterday, needs catalytic converter and oil is pooling all throughout the car , fumes from the exhaust are coming back into the car which makes me physically ill. The engine revs and slows down by itself, it goes through oil on such a regular basis that I have to carry a full size jug of oil with me at all times because I need to put it in before I leave work and when I am on my way back home , the dipstick will be dry.
NHTSA ODI #11606361
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2024
Power Train
When u try and pull out in traffic the Car hesitates and kicks to pick up and go . Had a few mechanics look at it and was told it is the Torque Converter With the Vehicle only having 19,000 miles on it .it is a huge safety issue and Hyundai is saying my Tucson has no warranty on it. So what I till crash and sue Hyundai?
NHTSA ODI #11605480
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2024
Electrical SystemEnginePower TrainFire
I was driving approx 55mph on [XXX] in my 2019 hyundai tucson when the check engine light came on and the engine started to stall. I felt the acceleration dying down in the middle of busy highway traffic. Gray smoke started coming from the hood cracks. I luckily was in the right lane already, so when I could I veered off to the …
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I was driving approx 55mph on [XXX] in my 2019 hyundai tucson when the check engine light came on and the engine started to stall. I felt the acceleration dying down in the middle of busy highway traffic. Gray smoke started coming from the hood cracks. I luckily was in the right lane already, so when I could I veered off to the shoulder and the car quit. The smoke was increasing badly. Ppl from the highway were yelling its going to blow up get away from it! I was so scared. I grabbed my phone and keys and ran as far as I could while dialing 911. Within a couple minutes flames were swallowing the entire engine and front of the car. I am furious. I researched online and hyundai has had many similar incidents with this car and other with this engine ! These need to be banned and taken off the road before they kill anyone else. Ppl have been injured and killed from similar situations just like mine. I thank God I made it out of this horrific situation alive. But now I have no car and am at risk of losing my job and then housing . I thought I would have this car for years. Now I'm traumatized and without transportation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11594075
Mileage unknown · May 29, 2024
EnginePower Train
I was driving on the highway when my vehicle started decelerating and shutting down completely. I ended up safely pulling over because it could’ve been a serious accident and called FHP they tested my car code p1326 came up I had it towed to the dealership where they assured me I had the extended warranty and that the car should…
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I was driving on the highway when my vehicle started decelerating and shutting down completely. I ended up safely pulling over because it could’ve been a serious accident and called FHP they tested my car code p1326 came up I had it towed to the dealership where they assured me I had the extended warranty and that the car should be covered and I don’t have to pay out of pocket. What the dealership told me would take 2 days has now been almost a month and still counting. I’ve had 3 denials for engine replacement due to being outside of warranty with Hyundai even though I have the extended warranty. The dealership has sent pictures and spoke with my case manager at Hyundai to confirm that the engine failure was due to the bent connecting rod bearing that is again covered under warranty. They came back and said other codes populated showing the cause was not the rod bearing but that has to be false. One of the other codes was regarding coolant and I’ve never had any issues with my car overheating or anything prior to my engine shutting down on the highway. I never had any flashing lights or warning signals on my dashboard. This was very unexpected and I refuse to pay for a repair that I didn’t cause especially when this is consistent with Hyundai and their engines. This is a 2019 I should not have any issues. I need a solution quick
NHTSA ODI #11591378
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.