NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
516 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 28, 2023
Power Train
Has been happening for the last few years, but recently got worse: very difficult to get car to move forward from a dead stop, car would shudder like it was going to stall out. Took car to a Hyundai dealership on October 4, 2022, who were able to replicate the problem. Issue was for transmission to be replaced under drivetrai…
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Has been happening for the last few years, but recently got worse: very difficult to get car to move forward from a dead stop, car would shudder like it was going to stall out. Took car to a Hyundai dealership on October 4, 2022, who were able to replicate the problem. Issue was for transmission to be replaced under drivetrain warranty. Once transmission had been replaced, there were no more problems with moving into first gear from a stop.
NHTSA ODI #11504184
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2023
Power Train
When driving the vehicle is slow to accelerate hence posing a risk of being rear ended. It makes loud noises when going down hill and it tends to slow down even when you're foot is on the gas pedal. This is a concern for me since I have a small child that rides with me to and from school. The passenger a d driver doors jam on mu…
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When driving the vehicle is slow to accelerate hence posing a risk of being rear ended. It makes loud noises when going down hill and it tends to slow down even when you're foot is on the gas pedal. This is a concern for me since I have a small child that rides with me to and from school. The passenger a d driver doors jam on multiple occasions. The non acceleration especially when merging on highways or after traffic light stops is very dangerous since the person behind has no idea what's happening. When you stop the vehicle on a hill at a traffic stop and it's time to go on green the vehicle tends to pull back abit before accelerating, making the person behind wary of being hit. The loud noises made by the vehicle especially driving down a hill are just annoying, if you break to go slower, the noise is even louder. The lack of acceleration and jamming that the vehicle has me very worried for my safety and that of my young child, since we use the vehicle everyday for school drop offs and pickups and work. I am wary of driving it for any other reason that that which isn't fair because I pay for the car each month!!
NHTSA ODI #11503493
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2023
Power Train
Put the car in Drive and car failed to move with motor revving. Car finally moved about 20 mph max. Attempted to shift the car in and out of gear as well as shut it off and problem still existed. Got it home and made arrangements for tow truck to haul to dealer. In moving it the next day to prepare for tow truck the transmission…
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Put the car in Drive and car failed to move with motor revving. Car finally moved about 20 mph max. Attempted to shift the car in and out of gear as well as shut it off and problem still existed. Got it home and made arrangements for tow truck to haul to dealer. In moving it the next day to prepare for tow truck the transmission worked normally and drove it to the dealer. Dealer could not duplicate the problem so they said there hands were essentially tied. Did and internet search on 2016 Tuscon DCT transmission problems and found the problem is very common. Hyundai attempted to address it with a computer update which this car has had. Many people have been placed in very dangerous situations with this problem. No warning lights were displayed despite the car being essentially undriveable . This is a known safety issue which should be addressed by the manufacturer. A car that suddenly becomes undriveable in traffic or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere is definitely a safety issue.
NHTSA ODI #11502060
Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2022
EnginePower Train
Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic, other 2016 Hyundai Tucsons have a recall for this problem. However, mine does not under my VIN, and the same exact thing is happening as described in 2016 Hyundai Tucson powertrain recall. (16V628000). My car doesn’t want to go when I stop at stoplights right away, leading to a ri…
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Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic, other 2016 Hyundai Tucsons have a recall for this problem. However, mine does not under my VIN, and the same exact thing is happening as described in 2016 Hyundai Tucson powertrain recall. (16V628000). My car doesn’t want to go when I stop at stoplights right away, leading to a risk of an accident. No warning signs prior to problem. Noticed a few weeks after purchasing my car in October of 2021.others in car have noticed as long with maintenance people have driven it.
NHTSA ODI #11498089
Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2022
Power Train
Transmission is defective. Car wanted to override my foot braking at lights & stop signs. The potential for the car to force me into traffic or a vehicle or wall in front of me made for a hazardous situation. Coconut Creek Hyundai Service Department (via [XXX]) stated the transmission had an internal failure & must be replaced. …
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Transmission is defective. Car wanted to override my foot braking at lights & stop signs. The potential for the car to force me into traffic or a vehicle or wall in front of me made for a hazardous situation. Coconut Creek Hyundai Service Department (via [XXX]) stated the transmission had an internal failure & must be replaced. I do not know if the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others have inspected the transmission -- I am only aware that Coconut Creek Hyundai Service Department has inspected it. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It first appeared in early November 2022. I tried to make an appointment & could not so I took it to the dealership on November 8, 2022. I bought this car from Coconut Creel Hyundai as Certified Used on September 6, 2019. Coconut Creek Hyundai in Coconut Creek, FL 33073 has had my car since Nov. 8, 2022. They replaced the defective transmission with another defective transmission the 1st week of December. I have had to pay out of my pocket for a rental car. Today is December 14, 2022. The least Hyundai can do is provide a car for me. The dealership has not done so. Hyundai USA (Case #: [XXX]) has not. My warranty only covers 10 days at $35.00 per day. A rental that I can use cost $40/day. I waited until December 1, 2022 to rent hoping my car would be fixed within a reasonable amount of time. My 10 days & my patience with this corporate pass the buck attitude has ended. I have no idea if the dealership got another new transmission or if they have installed it. This dealership has major communication issues. HyundaiUSA has lost a 3-time Hyundai owner. I just hung up with supervisor [XXX] from HyundaiUSA & she cannot authorize payment for a rental car nor speak to my case manager ([XXX]) about rental car payment/reimbursement. I have been without my car since Nov. 8, 2022. I stopped using my car Nov. 3, 2022 because it was too dangerous to do so. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC
NHTSA ODI #11497451
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2022
EnginePower Train
Similar to the recall for Hyundai's newest vehicles with its dual clutch system, and to its recall for the 2016 Tucson my vehicle will be unresponsive when we accelerate, delayed or no acceleration, jerking, shuddering, shaking, and stalling. Not sure if this issue was covered under [XXX] et al, v. Hyundai Motor America. We ha…
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Similar to the recall for Hyundai's newest vehicles with its dual clutch system, and to its recall for the 2016 Tucson my vehicle will be unresponsive when we accelerate, delayed or no acceleration, jerking, shuddering, shaking, and stalling. Not sure if this issue was covered under [XXX] et al, v. Hyundai Motor America. We had been complaining of the way my 2016 Hyundai Tucson ([XXX]) was driving since Apr 2019 (32,299 miles), and again Mar 2021 (44,857 miles), and on both instances we were told that was normal operation because of the car's dual clutch system. Now that the car has passed the warranty period (5 year/60,000 miles), Hyundai is telling us we have to replace the dual clutch, and that they're not covering it because the vehicle is now outside of the warranty period. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11497280
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2022
Power Train
Car having issues accelerating, switching gears and will not move when gear is in reverse.
NHTSA ODI #11493548
2,400 miles · Oct 31, 2022
Power Train
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The contact stated that after several seconds the vehicle continued to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the fai…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The contact stated that after several seconds the vehicle continued to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 2,400.
NHTSA ODI #11491563
Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
Car is burning engine oil at the rate of one quart a week after normal city driving. Usual and frquent oil changes and almost dry when going in for every 3000 miles oil change. Took to a private (non-Hyndai) mechanic shop Christian brothers in Colorado and told that perhaps that my car had some engine damage or problems due to…
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Car is burning engine oil at the rate of one quart a week after normal city driving. Usual and frquent oil changes and almost dry when going in for every 3000 miles oil change. Took to a private (non-Hyndai) mechanic shop Christian brothers in Colorado and told that perhaps that my car had some engine damage or problems due to burn of engine oil and not leaking. Next car began to have engine check light go on and off with never staying on for more than one day. Called Hyundai dealership and told that light had to be on solid and complete for inspection. This week car starting misfiring and dragging when acclerating. Black smoke coming out of exhaust and check engine light illuminated and stayed on. Could not get into delaership until November of 2022 and currently September of 2022. Once again took car to Christian Brothers for diagnostics and told car was full of carbon and misfiring and told unsafe to drive and would not work on car as they believed that engine was damaged/defective and needed to be replaced. Made appointment with PLanet Hyundai in Golden, Colorado where I purchased the car brand new. October 20th is my appointment and car will need to be towed. Undriveable and needing car to work to see my autistic clients in their homes. Final event with engine and misfiring happened at 104,000 just past the warranty time even though no one would look at the car despite my former complaints and concerns prior to the warranty expiration.
NHTSA ODI #11487228
5,000 miles · Sep 7, 2022
Electrical SystemPower Train
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. There was an update performed on the transmission control module before; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the d…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. There was an update performed on the transmission control module before; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA ODI #11483281
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.