Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
3990–25K
12925–50K
16050–75K
8375–100K
56100–150K
5150K+
832 reports with mileage · 785 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.
Power Train. Review the 516 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 423 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports24 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,617 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2023
Latches/locks/linkages
Driver's side passenger door sounds like it is unlocking when I use the key fob or the interior power lock on the driver's door, but the passenger door can only be opened if I reach from the driver's seat across the center console to manually open the door using the handle. No way to open the door from the outside using the out…
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Driver's side passenger door sounds like it is unlocking when I use the key fob or the interior power lock on the driver's door, but the passenger door can only be opened if I reach from the driver's seat across the center console to manually open the door using the handle. No way to open the door from the outside using the outer handle, even if it looks like the lock is fully open from the inside. No dashboard warning symbols. This appears to be the subject of a technical service bulletin, Hyundai TSB 21-BD-006H, so I will be contacting my local Hyundai dealer next week to set up an appointment for diagnostics and repair, hopefully covered under the extended warranty described in the TSB.
NHTSA ODI #11504187
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2023
Visibility
Unable to roll passenger window down using the power control on the driver's door. Took it to a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis and repair. It cost $506.67 to fix, driver front main window switch was replaced.
NHTSA ODI #11504186
Mileage 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
78,000 miles · Jan 26, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was app…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
NHTSA ODI #11503809
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2023
Engine
The car started to shake while driving on the highway and it lost power causing it to slow down dramatically, the car driving behind almost hit my car. The issue started with the engine losing motor oil, the dealership said there were no oil leaks and maybe the head gasket needed to be replaced. After the incident one the highw…
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The car started to shake while driving on the highway and it lost power causing it to slow down dramatically, the car driving behind almost hit my car. The issue started with the engine losing motor oil, the dealership said there were no oil leaks and maybe the head gasket needed to be replaced. After the incident one the highway, the car was towed to the closes dealership for service, after diagnosing it was determine that cylinders 1 and 2 are miss-firing and the piston were stuck making it loose compression. Dealer said that they have seen this before, but my VIN does not take part of a recall campaign with other cars having the same symptoms.
NHTSA ODI #11503736
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 23, 2023
Unknown Or OtherVisibility
The automatic windows broke in all 4 windows and I am unable to roll down my windows in the case of an emergency. The dealer confirmed this is an issue. This is a known issue on the 2016 Tucson.
NHTSA ODI #11503283
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2023
Unknown Or Other
Earlier last year (a few months after purchase), I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change and was informed there was barely any oil in the vehicle. The prior oil change occurred less than 3500 miles before, plus there were no warning lights. After this occurred a second time (only 2600 miles between changes), the dealership…
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Earlier last year (a few months after purchase), I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change and was informed there was barely any oil in the vehicle. The prior oil change occurred less than 3500 miles before, plus there were no warning lights. After this occurred a second time (only 2600 miles between changes), the dealership recommended a series of oil consumption tests. I was informed the vehicle failed and the information would be provided to corporate. HMA (corporate) declined to address the issue as I was the 2nd owner and purchased the vehicle outside of warranty mileage, 60k. Vehicle was purchased with under 61k miles. With a recent oil change, I was informed that it is a matter of time before my engine fails. I do not know when this will occur and the vehicle gives me NO warning that the oil is low.
NHTSA ODI #11502714
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2023
Engine
I heard a knocking sound on the morning on 1/6/22, immediately took it to a Hyundai (Capital Hyundai) dealership who informed me it was a known issue they are having to rebuild tons of engines. They would not be able to even look at my car for a few weeks, but I needed to leave it because the engine could seize at any moment. Wh…
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I heard a knocking sound on the morning on 1/6/22, immediately took it to a Hyundai (Capital Hyundai) dealership who informed me it was a known issue they are having to rebuild tons of engines. They would not be able to even look at my car for a few weeks, but I needed to leave it because the engine could seize at any moment. While thy offer loaner vehicles, I wasn't eligible because of the time before they even could look at my car. After paying to rentals out of pocket for two weeks, I received a call today to tell me that because I'm not the original owner (I'm the 2nd owner) they are not honoring the rebuild and I could pay them $8300 plus and additional $2500 to repair their known issue that their Service manager acknowledged. Not to mention Hyundai recent class action lawsuit in 2021. If that wasn't enough, I just received a call from Hyundai corporate office to say sorry if you were the original owner, we could help. I asked the representative if it was a company practice to use that as a deterrent from acknowledging their design/mechanical fault to save cost and she said I'll make a note of that. Is there anything I can do? My vehicle has been serviced every 3000 miles and I have my records. Considering contacting my attorney as well
NHTSA ODI #11502442
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2023
EngineStructure
Engine failure while going 70mph on the highway - huge safety issue! Spark plugs totally covered in oil and the engine has major known oil consumption issues. Also 3 of our 4 door actuators broke - huge safety issues as we have kids in our back seats in car seats. This form doesn't have enough room for the letter I have compo…
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Engine failure while going 70mph on the highway - huge safety issue! Spark plugs totally covered in oil and the engine has major known oil consumption issues. Also 3 of our 4 door actuators broke - huge safety issues as we have kids in our back seats in car seats. This form doesn't have enough room for the letter I have composed about the specifics of the situations. Hyundai has known issues with their engines and some are under recall. We were told ours is not under recall and they will not fix it or help at all to fix it even though many of their engines have/had the same issues as ours and those engines are under recall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1
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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