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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

266 reports
42,000 miles · Apr 16, 2019
Engine

2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON BOUGHT 10/30/17 WITH 31,000 MILES ON IT. IN 06/0?/18 THE ENGINE THREW A ROD. MY SISTER WAS DRIVING ON THE WAY TO WORK WHEN THE CAR STARTED MAKING A LOT OF NOISE AND SHAKING RAPIDLY SHE HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL THE POLICE. THE COP TOLD HER THE ENGINE THREW A ROD. ONLY 46,000 SOMETHING …

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2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON BOUGHT 10/30/17 WITH 31,000 MILES ON IT. IN 06/0?/18 THE ENGINE THREW A ROD. MY SISTER WAS DRIVING ON THE WAY TO WORK WHEN THE CAR STARTED MAKING A LOT OF NOISE AND SHAKING RAPIDLY SHE HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL THE POLICE. THE COP TOLD HER THE ENGINE THREW A ROD. ONLY 46,000 SOMETHING MILES ON IT. WE CHANGE THE OIL OURSELVES BECAUSE THAT WAS SIMPLE MAINTENANCE, AND WE DO THIS WITH ALL OUR VEHICLES. BUT FAILURE TO SHOW OUR OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS HAS VOIDED THE WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINE THETTA II HAS BEEN RECALLED BUT ON ONLY CERTAIN TYPES OF HYUNDAI AND KIA MODELS. EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINES ARE THE SAME, AND THE COMPLAINTS ARE THE SAME, AND THE FAILURES ARE THE SAME, THE TUCSON NEEDS TO BE ADDED. WE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN LITHONIA GEORGIA AND THEY TOOK ONE LOOK AT THE OIL DIPSTICK AND SAID THE REASON FOR THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OIL. NOW WE HAVE THE VEHICLE SITTING IN OUR GARAGE AND WE DID FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND FOUND A BIG HOLE ON THE ENGINE BLOCK ITSELF, THAT EXPLAINS WHY HYUNDAI'S DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS WOULD REPORT NO OIL BECAUSE ALL THE OIL DRAINED OUT THROUGH THE GAPING HOLE IN THE ENGINE. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE US ANOTHER $7,000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE MANY MEMBERS ( HYUNDAI THETA II ENGINE FAILURE FACEBOOK GROUP) WHO HAVE BEEN WAITING 6 MONTHS AND ONGOING FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THEY KEEP POSTPONING BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO ENGINES BECAUSE THE ENGINES HAVE MANUFACTURER DEFECTS CAUSING A BEARING TO PREMATURELY FAIL RESULTING IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. NOW OUR 2013 TUCSON SITS IN OUR GARAGE WHILE STILL MAKING PAYMENTS $16,000! THEY RECENTLY ADDED 2011-2013 TUCSON TO THE RECALL. FOR SOME REASON OUR 2013 IS NOT.?!!

NHTSA ODI #11196712

43,000 miles · Apr 15, 2019
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK PAIN. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BODY ACHES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFANT CHILD LOC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK PAIN. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BODY ACHES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFANT CHILD LOCATED IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN INJURED. THE CONTACT WAS CURRENTLY EN ROUTE TO THE HOSPITAL TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ODI #11196436

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. SUPERIOR HYUNDAI NORTH (5565 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014) AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V063000 (ENGINE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. SUPERIOR HYUNDAI NORTH (5565 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014) AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11195854

66,715 miles · Apr 10, 2019
Service BrakesCrashInjury

WHILE ON A CITY STREET IN SLOW MOTION COMING TO A FULL-STOP INTERSECTION, ATTEMPTS TO SAFELY SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE BY DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL FAILED WITH NO FEEDBACK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THE BRAKE MASTER BOOSTER HAD WORN AND WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING.…

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WHILE ON A CITY STREET IN SLOW MOTION COMING TO A FULL-STOP INTERSECTION, ATTEMPTS TO SAFELY SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE BY DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL FAILED WITH NO FEEDBACK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THE BRAKE MASTER BOOSTER HAD WORN AND WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. COLLISION CENTER RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS HAS STATED THE FOLLOWING: "OUR FINDINGS ARE THAT THE BRAKE MASTER BOOSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. YOUR VEHICLE CAME TO OUR SHOP FOR COLLISION REPAIRS FROM AN ACCIDENT <DATE REDACTED> AND DURING OUR REVIEWS TO THE COLLISION DAMAGES WE FOUND THE POOR BRAKING CONDITION. THIS IS NOT PART OF THE ACCIDENT AND IS A MAINTENANCE WEAR ITEM. AS AN UNDERSTANDING TO THIS FAILURE THERE IS LITTLE OR NO WARNING WHEN THE BRAKES FAIL AND CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. I FEEL THAT THE BRAKING CONDITION MAY OF HAD SOME SIGNIFICANT RELATION TO THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT." VERBALLY THE SAME COLLISION CENTER REPRESENTATIVE SAID, THAT IT WOULD TAKE A VERY STRONG PERSON TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN PARTICULAR PART MALFUNCTIONS. AND THAT EVEN ON THE COLLISION CENTER LOT PRIOR TO REPAIRS USING BRAKES WAS CHALLENGING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED IN HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDATIONS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11195498

88,600 miles · Mar 24, 2019
Engine

MARCH 20,2019 MY SUV SHUT DOWN, WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, BUT WASN'T SUCCESSFUL. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS, HORN, AND RADIO WAS STILL WORKING, AND I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS. LUCKILY, I WASN'T IN REAL TRAFFIC OR ON THE HIGHWAY, BECAUSE IT COULD'VE BEEN WORSE. I HAD MY VEHICLE T…

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MARCH 20,2019 MY SUV SHUT DOWN, WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, BUT WASN'T SUCCESSFUL. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS, HORN, AND RADIO WAS STILL WORKING, AND I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS. LUCKILY, I WASN'T IN REAL TRAFFIC OR ON THE HIGHWAY, BECAUSE IT COULD'VE BEEN WORSE. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED, AND IT ARRIVED AT FENTON HYUNDAI OF MESQUITE, IN MESQUITE TX, AT APPROXIMATELY 6:54 A.M. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, AROUND 9 A.M., AND NO ONE IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD TELL ME WHAT WAS GOING ON OR WHAT THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD TO "GIVE THEM A CALL BACK IN A FEW HOUR". AT APPROXIMATELY 3:56 PM, I CALLED AND SPOKE THE SUPERVISOR OVER THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND WAS TOLD THAT "I MAY NEED A NEW ENGINE AND YOUR WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 60,000 MILES AND YOU HAVE 88,000 + MILES ON YOUR SUV". I INFORMED THE SUPERVISOR THAT I HAD GAP AND WAS COVER ROOF TO ROAD, BUMPER TO BUMPER, FOR 10 YEARS OR 100,000, WHICHEVER COMES 1ST. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THAT WARRANTY WASN'T IN THEIR SYSTEM. ON MARCH 21, 2019, AT APPROXIMATELY 9:20 A.M., I ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP, WITH MY CONTRACTS AND ASKED FOR THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR AND ATTEMPTED TO SHOW HIM MY CONTRACT AND HE STATED "THIS ISN'T A GAP ISSUE. I STILL WAITING ON ANSWER FROM HYUNDAI, ON HOW WE SHOULD HANDLE IT". AT THAT POUINT, I ASKED FOR A LOANER CAR, UNTIL MINE WAS FIXED AND READY FOR PICK UP, BUT WAS TOLD THAT ALL 23 LOANER CARS WERE IN USE. NO OTHER OPTION WAS OFFERED. FAST FORWARD, TO TODAY, MARCH 24,2019, STILL NO LOANER OR RENTAL, AND NO ANSWERS REGARDING MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AND IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD.

NHTSA ODI #11191174

122,356 miles · Feb 28, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVVED, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT INCREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, BUT THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVVED, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT INCREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,356. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ODI #11183133

37,125 miles · Feb 21, 2019
Electrical SystemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS AND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHAPMEN PAYSON (100 N. BEELINE HIGHWAY, PAYSON, AZ) BEFORE BECOMING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY WORKERS AT THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS AND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHAPMEN PAYSON (100 N. BEELINE HIGHWAY, PAYSON, AZ) BEFORE BECOMING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY WORKERS AT THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,125. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. *TT CONSUMER STATED CHECK FINALLY ARRIVED ON 4/9/19. LOAN FINALLY PAID OFF. *JB

NHTSA ODI #11181565

105,000 miles · Feb 13, 2019
EngineCrash

105,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE ON MY (JUST PAID OFF) HYUNDAI TUCSON GLS 2.4L THREW A MAIN ROD BEARING.THE ENGINE IS BLOWN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MILES PER HOUR IN THE CENTER LANE TRAVELING FROM LAS VEGAS TO CALIFORNIA. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE THEN A LOUD TICKING SOUND WAS PRODUC…

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105,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE ON MY (JUST PAID OFF) HYUNDAI TUCSON GLS 2.4L THREW A MAIN ROD BEARING.THE ENGINE IS BLOWN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MILES PER HOUR IN THE CENTER LANE TRAVELING FROM LAS VEGAS TO CALIFORNIA. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE THEN A LOUD TICKING SOUND WAS PRODUCED THEN THE TICK GREW INTO A VERY LOUD (ENGINE COMING APART FROM THE INSIDE SOUND) AT THAT MOMENT I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRYING TO MANEUVER THROUGH TRAFFIC AT SPEED. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. "FIX IT" I'VE NEVER MISSED AN OIL CHANGE I HAPPEN TO BE MECHANIC. THIS SAME ENGINE IN TWO OTHER HYUNDAI'S FOR THE SAME YEAR HAVE BEEN RECALLED EXCEPT FOR THE TUCSON? WHY NOT? ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIRS IS IN THE RANGE OF 5,000.00 -6,500.00 I CAN BUY A USED HONDA ACCORD THAT WILL RUN FOREVER AT THAT PRICE.. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN HYUNDAI AT THIS POINT. THEY DO NOT TAKE PROPER CARE OF THEIR REPUTATION OR PRODUCTS LET ALONE THE CONSUMER.

NHTSA ODI #11179771

75,009 miles · Jan 22, 2019
Power Train

5 YEAR OLD TUCSON WITH ONLY 75,000 MILES EXPERIENCING ROD KNOCK AND REQUIRING AN ENTIRE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND HAVE KEPT UP ON REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY BECUSE I AM THE SECOND OWNER. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I SEE THIS IS A …

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5 YEAR OLD TUCSON WITH ONLY 75,000 MILES EXPERIENCING ROD KNOCK AND REQUIRING AN ENTIRE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND HAVE KEPT UP ON REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY BECUSE I AM THE SECOND OWNER. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I SEE THIS IS A RECURRENT PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI TUCSON'S AS WELL OTHER MODELS IN THEIR LINE UP. NO RECALL OR SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD. MY CAR STARTED KNOCKING WHILE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH CARS GOING 75MPH. I LUCKILY GOT IT OFF AN EXIT AND DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING THE CARS BEHIND ME.

NHTSA ODI #11171402

78,500 miles · Jan 13, 2019
Engine

THE ENGINE WAS MAKING AN INTERNAL KNOCKING NOISE. AT FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS. ACCORDING TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER, THE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 78,500 MILES AND WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2017. THE CAR HAS BEEN WE…

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THE ENGINE WAS MAKING AN INTERNAL KNOCKING NOISE. AT FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS. ACCORDING TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER, THE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 78,500 MILES AND WAS PURCHASED USED IN MARCH 2017. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES AS RECOMMENDED. THIS SEEMS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM WHERE METAL DEBRIS, LEFT OVER FROM THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS PLUGS UP INTERNAL LUBRICATION HOLES AND THE BEARINGS DO NOT RECEIVE PROPER LUBRICATION.

NHTSA ODI #11166726

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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