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2013 Hyundai Tucson

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 180.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

159 reports with mileage · 107 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.

  • Engine. Review the 156 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports18 fire reports10 injury reports

Engine complaints

156 reports
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125,000 miles · Nov 14, 2018
Engine

WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED, VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOST A BIT OF POWER, AND ALLOWED ONLY 65 MPH TO BE ATTAINED AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO 75 MPH. THIS CONTINUED FOR AROUND FIVE TO TEN MINUTES. THEN ONCE AGAIN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER FROM 65 MPH TO AROUND 55 MPH, AND …

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WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED, VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOST A BIT OF POWER, AND ALLOWED ONLY 65 MPH TO BE ATTAINED AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO 75 MPH. THIS CONTINUED FOR AROUND FIVE TO TEN MINUTES. THEN ONCE AGAIN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER FROM 65 MPH TO AROUND 55 MPH, AND THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A "METALLIC CLANKING" SOUND. ONCE THIS HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO POWER DOWN, LOSING ALL REMAINING SPEED IN TRAFFIC, AND WAS GUIDED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, AWAITING A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT BACK TO OUR RESIDENCE. WE THEN HAD IT INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC GARAGE WHO TOLD US THAT A MAIN ROD BEARING HAD BEEN THROWN, AND THAT WHEN THEY CONTACTED HYUNDAI, THEY HAD BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE THETA II ENGINES, YET NO RECALL HAD BEEN PUT FORTH FOR 2011 - 2014 HYUNDAI TUCSONS. WE ARE CURRENTLY HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT A LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AWAITING THEIR VERDICT AND INSPECTION NOTES TO BE SENT TO HYUNDAI TO BEGIN BUILDING A CASE, WITH CASE NUMBER.

NHTSA ODI #11151618

53,000 miles · Oct 31, 2018
Engine

MY CAR WAS MAKING A CLICKING / KNOCKING NOISE SO I TOOK IT INTO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN LANCASTER, PA. MY CAR HAS 53,000 MILES AND NOW A DEAD ENGINE. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN IN A NEWER CAR WITH NOT THAT MANY MILES? THEY TOLD ME I CAN REPLACE IT WITH AN OLDER ENGINE THAT HAS 2X THE MILAGE THAN MY CAR FOR $6,000 OR GET A NEW CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11144476

75,000 miles · Oct 25, 2018
Engine

OUR 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON BEGAN SHUTTING OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION MULTIPLE TIMES RESULTING IN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. IT HAPPENED TWICE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MOTOR ON A CAR THAT IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ONLINE, I FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAD THE S…

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OUR 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON BEGAN SHUTTING OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION MULTIPLE TIMES RESULTING IN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. IT HAPPENED TWICE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MOTOR ON A CAR THAT IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ONLINE, I FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAD THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. I AM SHOCKED THERE IS NOT ALREADY A RECALL AND NOW I AM OUT $5800.00 TO REPLACE THE MOTOR AFTER ME AND MY HUSBAND WERE JUST LAID OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11142637

48,000 miles · Oct 24, 2018
Engine

ON 6/25/2018, MY HYUNDAI TUCSON FOR THE FIRST TIME BEGAN MAKING A STRANGE KNOCKING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED HYUNDAI TO BRING IT IN. WHILE ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP AT 12:30 PM, IT BROKE DOWN ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF LUNCH HOUR TRAFFIC ON ONE OF THE BUSIEST STREETS, WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT. (THANKFULLY IT WASN'T A HIGHWAY…

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ON 6/25/2018, MY HYUNDAI TUCSON FOR THE FIRST TIME BEGAN MAKING A STRANGE KNOCKING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED HYUNDAI TO BRING IT IN. WHILE ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP AT 12:30 PM, IT BROKE DOWN ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF LUNCH HOUR TRAFFIC ON ONE OF THE BUSIEST STREETS, WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT. (THANKFULLY IT WASN'T A HIGHWAY OR INTERSTATE!) TWO DAYS LATER, I FOUND OUT THAT MY ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL PAN, WHICH IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PRIOR RECALLS FOR SONATA AND SANTA FE ENGINE FAILURES, BUT THEY NEVER RECALLED THE TUCSONS. THANKFULLY, MY CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY (2013 - ONLY 48,000 MILES), BUT THE SITUATION WAS VERY SCARY. I AM SENDING THIS BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN READING MORE AND MORE THAT OTHER VEHICLES LIKE MINE HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE, YET HYUNDAI HAS STILL NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR OUR MODEL. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT HYUNDAI SINCE 6/25/2018 WAITING FOR THE NEW ENGINE TO ARRIVE, WHICH HAS NO ETA. IF I CAN PREVENT ANOTHER HYUNDAI TUCSON OWNER FROM HAVING TO GO THROUGH WHAT I CURRENTLY AM, THEN I WANT TO HELP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

NHTSA ODI #11142334

87,588 miles · Oct 23, 2018
Engine

MAY 10TH, 2018 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A STRANGE NOISE AND MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I MANAGED TO MAKE IT HOME AND MY HUSBAND SAID TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, ENGINE WAS KNOCKING. THE SAFETY RISK WOULD BE THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT WAS ENGINE FA…

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MAY 10TH, 2018 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A STRANGE NOISE AND MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I MANAGED TO MAKE IT HOME AND MY HUSBAND SAID TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, ENGINE WAS KNOCKING. THE SAFETY RISK WOULD BE THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT WAS ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #11142129

54,000 miles · Oct 13, 2018
Engine

HELLO, I AM PART OF A GROUP ON FACEBOOK FOR THIS MATTER CONCERNING HYUANDAI TUCSON ENGINE FAILURE WHICH HAS OVER 200 PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME OR SIMILAR ISSUE WITH THE THETHA II ENGINE IN THE HYUANDAI TUCSON.. MY 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON ENGINE FAILED JULY 4, 2018 WITH APPROXIMATELY 54 THOUSAND MILES. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM …

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HELLO, I AM PART OF A GROUP ON FACEBOOK FOR THIS MATTER CONCERNING HYUANDAI TUCSON ENGINE FAILURE WHICH HAS OVER 200 PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME OR SIMILAR ISSUE WITH THE THETHA II ENGINE IN THE HYUANDAI TUCSON.. MY 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON ENGINE FAILED JULY 4, 2018 WITH APPROXIMATELY 54 THOUSAND MILES. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH MY DAUGHTER WHEN THE CAR JUST LOST POWER ON A BUSY ROAD WITH NO WARNING. IT JUST WOULD NOT DRIVE ANYMORE. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL IT OVER TO THE SIDE SAFELY AND A NICE GENTLEMAN HELPED PUSH THE CAR FURTHER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD TO SIT IN OVER 90 DEGREES WITH MY DAUGHTER FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS WITH NO AIR CONDITIONING OR ANYTHING BECAUSE THE CAR SIMPLY WOULDN'T START BACK UP. HYUNDAI OF CENTEREACH IT'S THE DEALERSHIP I AM DEALING WITH. THEY SAID THERE WAS GOING TO BE A RECALL ON THIS ENGINE SOON SO THEY WOULD REPLACE IT AT THEIR EXPENSE. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT'S CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN WHICH IS NOT COMFORTING AT ALL SINCE THEY'RE PUTTING THE SAME MODEL ENGINE INTO MY CAR. I'VE BEEN WAITING OVER 3 MONTHS NOW AND THEY HAVE SAID THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THE ENGINE WILL ARRIVE AND I HAVE BEEN PAYING CAR PAYMENTS AND ENSURANCE ON A DEAD CAR FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS. THEY ARE SUPPLYING ME A RENTAL HOWEVER I DON'T FEEL THIS IS ENOUGH COMPENSATION FOR THE HEADACHE I AM DEALING WITH. I AM A STRUGGLING SINGLE MOTHER WHO NOW HAS A CAR I WILL NEVER TRUST TO DRIVE MY 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AROUND IN. I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT I AM LOSING HOPE. PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT ACTIONS I CAN TAKE. I'VE ALREADY SPOKE TO HYUNDAI MOTOR FINANCE AND THEY REFUSED TO HELP ME OUT AT ALL WITH EVEN POSTPONING PAYMENT UNTIL I RECEIVE MY VEHICLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

NHTSA ODI #11140112

103,000 miles · Sep 27, 2018
Engine

A WEEK BEFORE GOING ON VACATION, I JUST HAD AN INSPECTION AND OIL CHANGE DONE. THE CAR PASSED INSPECTION WITHOUT ISSUE. I'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE SERVICED ON TIME SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN 2015. I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR PRIOR TO THIS. I WAS REACHING THE END OF AN 8 HOUR DRIVE WITH THE CAR. WE JUST CROSSED THE PA STATE LINE. I …

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A WEEK BEFORE GOING ON VACATION, I JUST HAD AN INSPECTION AND OIL CHANGE DONE. THE CAR PASSED INSPECTION WITHOUT ISSUE. I'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE SERVICED ON TIME SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN 2015. I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR PRIOR TO THIS. I WAS REACHING THE END OF AN 8 HOUR DRIVE WITH THE CAR. WE JUST CROSSED THE PA STATE LINE. I WAS DRIVING IN THE PASSING LANE ON THE INTERSTATE, GETTING UP TO SPEED, AND I JUST HIT 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR MADE A RATTLING NOISE AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE PAST 60 MPH. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE PROCEEDED TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND CHECK THE OIL WHICH WAS FINE. THERE WAS NO SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR BUT THE ENGINE JUST KEPT TURNING OVER. WE WAITED AN HOUR FOR A TOW TRUCK AND DURING THE SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY PROCEEDED TO TELL US THE CAR ENGINE WAS BLOWN AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO EXISTING REFURBISHED ENGINES IN THE COUNTY WE WERE IN OR WHERE WE LIVE. MY CAR NOW CONTINUES TO SIT AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS AWAITING TILL I HAVE THE MEANS TO TOW IT UP TO WHERE I LIVE. NOW I AM STUCK WITH NO CAR AND STILL MONEY TO OWE ON THE LOAN.

NHTSA ODI #11132037

75,000 miles · Sep 21, 2018
Engine

MY CAR STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION AT AROUND 75,000 MILES. TOOK IT IN JUNE 11, 2018 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, AND IT IS ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HYUNDAI IS COVERING THE REPAIR, BUT STILL, AS OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2018 DOES NOT HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE AND HAS NO ETA. AT LEAST HUNDREDS OF OTHERS ON THE…

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MY CAR STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION AT AROUND 75,000 MILES. TOOK IT IN JUNE 11, 2018 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, AND IT IS ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HYUNDAI IS COVERING THE REPAIR, BUT STILL, AS OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2018 DOES NOT HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE AND HAS NO ETA. AT LEAST HUNDREDS OF OTHERS ON THE INTERNET ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEAR, AND SOME HAVE BEEN WAITING ON PARTS FOR 4 MONTHS OR LONGER. NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED.

NHTSA ODI #11130628

72,000 miles · Aug 27, 2018
Engine

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (AT HIGHWAY SPEED), THE ENGINE SUDDENLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY LOSE ACCELERATION AND OPERATION. THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE WAS INSTANT; NO CRANK OR RESPONSE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESTART VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PROFESSIONAL AUTO GARAGE, A…

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (AT HIGHWAY SPEED), THE ENGINE SUDDENLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY LOSE ACCELERATION AND OPERATION. THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE WAS INSTANT; NO CRANK OR RESPONSE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESTART VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PROFESSIONAL AUTO GARAGE, AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS PROMPT: COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO BACK DESIGN. THE OIL WAS GOOD, AND ALL THE COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE WERE IN GREAT SHAPE ACCORDING TO THE MECHANICS. THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS 72,000, AND I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE SINCE JUNE 2013. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED FROM THIS AUTO GARAGE TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER, WHERE THE SAME DIAGNOSIS WAS CONFIRMED. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL TO INCLUDE THE HYUNDAI TUCSON MODELS FROM THIS SAME YEAR, SINCE THE KIA SPORTAGE, SORENTO, AND HYUNDAI SANTA FE ARE ALREADY PROMPTED AS 'RECALL ELIGIBLE' VEHICLES. THE SAME SYMPTOMS THAT PLAGUE THESE OTHER MODELS APPLY TO THE TUCSON AS WELL. THIS ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE, AND MY CONFIDENCE IN THIS AUTO MAKER IS COMPLETELY ABSENT AFTER THIS INCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11122472

122,000 miles · Aug 25, 2018
Engine

GOOD AFTERNOON, I'M SENDING THIS E-MAIL IN REFERENCE TO MY 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. ON THURSDAY THE 23TH OF AUGUST , I WAS IN MY VEHICLE WITH MY FAMILY COMING HOME FROM DINNER IN ATLANTIC CITY NEW JERSEY. WE WERE TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE NJ PARKWAY IN THE OUTSIDE LANE. AT APPROX.9:15 PM AT MILE MARKER 48, I HEARD A SMALL POP , MY V…

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GOOD AFTERNOON, I'M SENDING THIS E-MAIL IN REFERENCE TO MY 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. ON THURSDAY THE 23TH OF AUGUST , I WAS IN MY VEHICLE WITH MY FAMILY COMING HOME FROM DINNER IN ATLANTIC CITY NEW JERSEY. WE WERE TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE NJ PARKWAY IN THE OUTSIDE LANE. AT APPROX.9:15 PM AT MILE MARKER 48, I HEARD A SMALL POP , MY VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND STOPPED RUNNING. THE MOMENTUM CARRIED ME OFF TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO GET TOWED HOME. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND HE SAW OIL LEAKING AND PIECES ON THE ENGINE BLOCK. HE ADVISED THAT I POPPED A ROD ON THE ENGINE. AFTER DOING SOME INQUIRES ON THE NET , I FOUND THAT HYUNDAI HAD RECALLS ON THEIR SONATAS FOR ENGINE PROBLEMS.... ALSO TUCSON OWNERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I CHECKED TO SEE WHAT KIND OF ENGINE I HAD. I DID SO BY VIN NUMBER. ON THE VIN NUMBER POSITION 8 IS THE CODE FOR ENGINE. I HAVE CODE C . THIS ENGINE WAS USED IN SONATAS . IS IT POSSIBLE THAT MY ENGINE WAS ONE OF THE RECALLED ONES. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAD 122,000. MAINTENANCE WAS DONE. THERE WAS NO WARNINGS '.ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME OR OIL PRESSURE LIGHT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN THIS MATTER.....

NHTSA ODI #11122320

Official recalls

3

23V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 22, 2023

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

19V063000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Feb 5, 2019

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

14V245000 · Air Bags

May 13, 2014

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

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

2

AQ23002 · 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.

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