NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
423 reportsClear category filter76,530 miles · Dec 3, 2020
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. ALSO, IT TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKE AND STEERING CONTROLS. FINALLY, TRANSMISSION GEAR SWITCH WITHOUT INPUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS SITUATIONS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING IN BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON 12/26/19; NO RESPONSE HA…
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THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. ALSO, IT TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKE AND STEERING CONTROLS. FINALLY, TRANSMISSION GEAR SWITCH WITHOUT INPUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS SITUATIONS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING IN BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON 12/26/19; NO RESPONSE HAS BEEN RECEIVED EITHER FROM DEALER OR MANUIFACTURER.
NHTSA ODI #11377712
120,000 miles · Nov 30, 2020
Engine
I HAVE A 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON WHICH HAS A 120K ON IT AND I THOUGHT I MIGHT HAVE NEEDED A TUNE WHICH I GOT PERFORMED. BUT IT TURNS OUT THAT THE ENGINE HAS COMPRESSION FAILURE ON CYLINDERS 2 AND 3. THE OIL WAS CHANGED REGULARLY SO I'M NOT SURE WHAT HAPPEN. SINCE I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE VEHICLE STARTED STALLING.
NHTSA ODI #11377186
118,000 miles · Nov 28, 2020
Engine
ON OCTOBER 30 2020, DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT 65 MPH, MY ENGINE WAS MAKING LOUD BANGING/KNOCKING NOISES. GOT IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO WAS NEARBY AND HE STATED MOTOR IS BAD. SOMETHING BROKE INSIDE TOPSIDE OF MOTOR. LOTS OF METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL, POSSIBLY LEADING TO TURBO DAMAGE TOO. I HAVE MY OIL CHANGED ABOUT 5 TIMES A YEAR. NO…
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ON OCTOBER 30 2020, DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT 65 MPH, MY ENGINE WAS MAKING LOUD BANGING/KNOCKING NOISES. GOT IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO WAS NEARBY AND HE STATED MOTOR IS BAD. SOMETHING BROKE INSIDE TOPSIDE OF MOTOR. LOTS OF METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL, POSSIBLY LEADING TO TURBO DAMAGE TOO. I HAVE MY OIL CHANGED ABOUT 5 TIMES A YEAR. NO REASON FOR PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE AT 118000 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. HYUNDAI WON'T HONOR FIX DUE TO OUTSIDE OF 100000 MILE WARRANTY. SAW CNBC NEWS REPORT ON RECENT FINES ON HYUNDAI AND KIA. I NEED MY ENGINE REPLACED!
NHTSA ODI #11376900
77,000 miles · Nov 27, 2020
Engine
I DO OIL CHANGE REGULARLY BUT, NOVEMBER OF 2020, WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY TO WORK, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC, HE DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS CYLINDER THAT FAILED, SO I CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER TO MAKE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE, BUT, AFTER CHECKING MY VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UN…
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I DO OIL CHANGE REGULARLY BUT, NOVEMBER OF 2020, WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY TO WORK, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC, HE DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS CYLINDER THAT FAILED, SO I CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER TO MAKE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE, BUT, AFTER CHECKING MY VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. IT HAD 77,000 MILES ON IT AND I WAS TOLD THAT MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY ONLY COVERS UP TO 60,000 MILES. I WONDER IF THAT'S TRUE.
NHTSA ODI #11376772
92,000 miles · Nov 27, 2020
Engine
DRIVING CAR ON HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON AND CAR SEIZED. WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. HAD CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALER TO BE INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURE WARRANTY WAITING ON WARRANTY TO APPROVE THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #11376513
20 miles · Nov 16, 2020
EnginePower Train
WHEN YOU PUT THE VECHICLE IN REVERSEL SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT MOVE THEN YOU HAVE TO PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND TRY IT AGAINAND IT WILL MOVE
NHTSA ODI #11374840
88,500 miles · Nov 15, 2020
Engine
MY VEHICLE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT ON OCTOBER 31, 2020, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND HAVE IT SERVICED. IT TOOK TWO WEEKS FOR HYUNDAI TO APPROVE THE ENGINE REPAIR. HYUNDAI AND THE DEALER DIDN'T SEE A NEED TO PROVIDE ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 14, 2929 AND THERE ARE LIMITED USES OF …
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MY VEHICLE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT ON OCTOBER 31, 2020, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND HAVE IT SERVICED. IT TOOK TWO WEEKS FOR HYUNDAI TO APPROVE THE ENGINE REPAIR. HYUNDAI AND THE DEALER DIDN'T SEE A NEED TO PROVIDE ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 14, 2929 AND THERE ARE LIMITED USES OF THE DEALER LOANER VEHICLE. I AM MAKING PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE THAT I DO NOT HAVE USE OF AND NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR HYUNDAI UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF THIS SITUATION WHICH IS NO FAULT OF MINE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT WILL TAKE A LONG TIME TO BUILD A NEW ENGINE FOR MY VEHICLE AND THEN INSTALL IT. THEY HAVE A BACKLOG OF ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURES CURRENTLY. WHY WAS THERE NOT A RECALL? I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRES AT 105,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11374731
101,123 miles · Nov 2, 2020
Engine
WHILE DRIVING ON OCTOBER 31ST OUR CAR STARTING MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON SO WE THOUGHT MAYBE SOMETHING GOT STUCK ON THE BOTTOM BUT NOTHING WAS THERE. ON NOV 1ST THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO WE WENT TO GET THE OIL CHANGED. ON THE WAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SHORTLY AFTER THE KNOCKING…
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WHILE DRIVING ON OCTOBER 31ST OUR CAR STARTING MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON SO WE THOUGHT MAYBE SOMETHING GOT STUCK ON THE BOTTOM BUT NOTHING WAS THERE. ON NOV 1ST THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO WE WENT TO GET THE OIL CHANGED. ON THE WAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SHORTLY AFTER THE KNOCKING SOUND GOT WORSE. WHEN THE SOUND GOT WORSE THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE NO MATTER HOW HARD I PRESSED THE PEDDLE. WE ASSUMED IT WAS THE BATTERY AND GOT A REPLACEMENT BUT THE ISSUE DIDN'T GO AWAY. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A PLACE FOR AN OIL CHANGE BUT AFTER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS EVEN WORSE. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN THE CAR COMPLETELY GAVE OUT, IT WOULD NO LONGER START. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY YOU CAN HEAR THE ENGINE WANTING TO TURN ON BIT IT NEVER DOES. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC THE SAME DAY AND HE WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT IT TODAY (NOV 1ST). HE SAID THE MOTOR WAS COMPLETELY SHOT AND THE CAR WAS UNUSABLE. WE ARE ABOUT 1200 OVER THE WARRANTY SO THE DEALSHIP WILL NOT HELP US. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR THE CAR TO GIVE OUT ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT NOTICE. NOW WE ARE STUCK WITH THE EXPENSE WHILE HYU YOUNDAI DOES NOTHING ABOUT CHECKING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT ARE WAY TOO SIMILAR TO MINE, THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO.
NHTSA ODI #11372731
86,000 miles · Oct 30, 2020
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
FIRST THE BACK BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WENT OUT AND I TRIED SEVERAL BULBS PUT IN BUT THEY DIDN'T WORK. NEXT THE DRIVERD DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THR OUTSIDE AFTER THR UNLOCK BUTTON WAS PUSHED. THEN THE AIRBAGS WENT OUT. LAST WEEK MY ENGINE WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11372438
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2020
EnginePower Train
FOR A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE CAR HESITATED SLIGHTLY FROM A DEAD STOP WHILE WE ACCELERATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS FROM THE CAR INDICATING ANY ISSUE. BECAUSE IT SEEMED ODD, WE MADE A APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. WHILE WAITING FOR OUR APPOINTMENT ON JULY 12TH, 2020, MERGI…
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FOR A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE CAR HESITATED SLIGHTLY FROM A DEAD STOP WHILE WE ACCELERATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS FROM THE CAR INDICATING ANY ISSUE. BECAUSE IT SEEMED ODD, WE MADE A APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. WHILE WAITING FOR OUR APPOINTMENT ON JULY 12TH, 2020, MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE, THERE WAS A FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION, SUCH THAT THE ENGINE WOULD JUST SPIN WITH NO POWER GOING TO THE WHEELS AT HIGHER RPM'S. FEATHERING THE THROTTLE, A SPEED OF ABOUT 45 MPH COULD BE ATTAINED ON FLAT GROUND AND SIGNIFICANTLY SLOWER ON HILLS. AFTER LIMPING IT ALONG TO A LOCAL SHOP, WERE WERE TOLD THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS CLOGGED, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER, WHICH HAD FAILED SENDING SHRAPNEL THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION. THEY ONLY KNEW THIS BECAUSE THEY HAD TO TAKE THE CAR APART, SINCE EVEN AFTER THE FAILURE, NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. WE ENDED UP NEEDING A FULL TRANSMISSION REBUILD, A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER AND A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THERE WAS NO INDICATION FROM THE CARS WARNING SYSTEMS THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG, EVEN AFTER THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS COULD HAVE LEAD TO A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE.
NHTSA ODI #11363390
Official recalls
5Sep 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Nov 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Electrical System:wiring
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Aug 30, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
May 24, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, if the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 145.
Mar 10, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured May 26, 2015 to January 15, 2016 and equipped with an accessory trailer hitch harness either included with the accessory trailer hitch or sold as a service part. In the affected vehicles, when the vehicle's engine is running and the brake lights are illuminated, if the turn signal is activated, the trailer turn signal lights will either turn off or remain continuously illuminated (not flash). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 142.
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
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.
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