2015 Hyundai Tucson Powertrain (other) Problems

While driving on a US highway, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost the ability to start/run normally, requiring the vehicle to be pulled off the road and towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership. Dealer diagnostic testing found the engine failed a bearing/performance test, consistent with connecting rod bearing wear. This failure mode — Check Engine light, DTC P1326, abnormal noise, or a no-crank/no-start condition caused by connecting rod bearing wear — is described in the manufacturer's own internal dealer service bulletin covering an engine warranty extension program for multiple engine families (Theta II MPI and Nu GDI engines) across several model years and vehicle lines. That bulletin acknowledges the failure as a known condition and extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles for original and subsequent owners. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning while the vehicle was in active use on a highway, creating a stall/loss-of-power hazard in moving traffic — the vehicle could not be restarted at the roadside. The dealership's own multi-point inspection performed shortly after intake confirmed engine fluid levels and oil grade were within normal range, indicating the failure was not attributable to a lack of lubrication at the time of failure. Despite this, the manufacturer denied warranty coverage for the repair, citing an inability to produce maintenance receipts for a prior period, even though the dealership's own inspection findings do not support a maintenance-related cause. This report is submitted because of the safety hazard posed by unwarned loss of engine power/starting capability while driving, and because this failure pattern appears consistent with a defect the manufacturer has already acknowledged for closely related engine platforms, raising the question of whether additional vehicles with this engine design should be included in that existing warranty/defect campaign.

NHTSA ID

11751791

Incident

Jun 21, 2026

On January 7, 2026, shortly after delivery of a used 2015 Hyundai Tucson (VIN [XXX] ), the vehicle experienced immediate mechanical failure while being driven, resulting in sudden loss of power and drivability. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard at the time of failure. The vehicle became disabled and left the occupants stranded roadside in Fairhope, Alabama. The exact component that failed is UNKNOWN at this time. The failure appears related to the engine, powertrain, fuel/propulsion, and/or electrical systems. The vehicle was not operable after the incident. On January 8, 2026, the selling dealership (Sandy Sansing Nissan, Pensacola, Florida) towed the vehicle back to their dealership. The vehicle has remained in the dealership’s possession since that date and is available for inspection upon request. This sudden failure created a significant safety risk due to loss of propulsion while in traffic and exposure to roadside hazards. The problem has not been independently repaired or evaluated by the consumer. No manufacturer inspection has occurred to the consumer’s knowledge. The dealer has not provided a diagnostic report or repair findings. No warning lights or symptoms were disclosed prior to delivery. The failure occurred almost immediately after delivery. The vehicle was sold and delivered by a licensed dealership. The sale is currently in dispute because the vehicle became disabled almost immediately after delivery due to this safety-related failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11714404

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

On [XXX], my husband and I were driving on [XXX] (Highway) in the slow lane, when the engine shutoff without any Service engine light warning. It was frightening because an tractor trailer was directly behind the car as we lost power. There was no sounds of engine parts knocking or pinging when the problem occurred. The only thing was observed was (two) 2 puffs of smoke seen from the tailpipe, witnessed by my son who was following behind in his vehicle. The vehicle was not able to start after shutdown and had to be towed to my home. We purchased a new battery after assuming battery failure--with no resolve. The vehicle was towed to(two) 2 repair shops with the same conclusion: Seized Engine After checking Open Recalls on my vehicle, I contacted Hyundai to check for assistance. The vehicle is now at the Hyundai dealership in McDonough, Georgia for inspection. I am thankful that my husband and I were not injured or laying in a Morgue after this frighten ordeal on the highway when the Engine suddenly shutoff/Seized. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11659451

Incident

Apr 26, 2025

The engine uses about 3 to 4 quarts of oil before a oil change the it will go in limp mode. I have to get it rest and then add oil for the engine to run right. Also transmission don't want to shift 3 to 4 gear it will be 35 mph to 65 before it shifts. When the car goes in limp mode I lose power going up a hill and almost got rear ended. They won't do anything do to its a used car. No lights came on the dash till it acts up.

NHTSA ID

11652974

Incident

Mar 25, 2025

While driving our 2015 Hyundai Tucson on [XXX] outside of Sanford, Florida, [XXX], at 70mph, the car unexplainably lost all power and my husband had to veer into the right lane while avoiding traffic at high speeds, and pull onto the shoulder until the the car came to rest. This affected his safety, the cars in the right lane, the cars behind him, and his safety on the shoulder. When he tried to restart it, the engine light came on and he immediately drove home. The following day, we took it to our regular mechanic. After inspecting the vehicle, he told us our engine was completely “shot”. We called the Hyundai dealership in Daytona Beach, Florida. The engine light was on, so we paid to have it towed. The dealership called a couple of days later and after INSPECTION, stated the engine was seized, but it was under warranty. Later, we received a call saying it wasn’t under warranty because a KDSD “RECALL” was never completed. We had no idea what he was referring to, as we never received a RECALL notice regarding the KDSD. THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL ON A KSDS SYSTEM. ONLY A SERVICE CAMPAIGN THAT WE WERE NOT INFORMED OF. Therefore, the engine was a total loss and would not be replaced. THERE WAS NEVER A PRIOR INDICATION FROM ANY WARNING LIGHTS OR SYMPTOMS. Upon investigation, I learned that Hyundai was aware of this problem in 2018. Our vehicle was in for regular service on [XXX]. After reading many of the TSB Memos, Their Service Campaign began on [XXX]. We never received notice regarding this campaign. Nonetheless, as our car was in for service IN SEPTEMBER OF 2018, they should have made us aware, and performed the software update then and there. The software only warns the driver that there may be a problem. This update doesn’t improve THE ENGINE which is defective. It is abhorrent to me that they are still putting lives at risk. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL THIS ENGINE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED OR IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

NHTSA ID

11581161

Incident

Mar 28, 2024

Part 43777-1G100 Pin-Snap is Part Code 43777B does not keep linkage attached to transmission shifter, it broke/snapped off due to wear and tear on a vehicle that only has 65,000 miles on it causing the vehicle to be stuck in drive.

NHTSA ID

11514720

Incident

Mar 30, 2023

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recall repair performed on my 2015 Hyundai Tucson on October 5th, 2022. I have received numerous letters from Hyundai regarding an open recall and finally received a notice stating the remedy was ready. I scheduled an appointment with Matthews Hyundai of Syracuse and took the vehicle for the recall. Unfortunately, after taking the vehicle back to the dealership, I was advised that the check engine light was on and the issue was a result of a faulty knock sensor and purge valve. I was asked to pay more than $100 for the repairs. However, after further discussion, it was concluded that I wouldn't be charged. However, after only two days, the engine check light came on again, and the speed reduced to 45 MPH on the highway. I was then told that the problem was from the ignition coil and was charged $232.72 for the repairs. Despite paying the full price, the same problem occurred again, and I had to take the vehicle back to the dealership seven times, paying a total of $1,160.67. Throughout this recall repair failure, the vehicle's check engine light would come on, or it would randomly lose power, making a knocking sound and reducing speed even while driving. I no longer feel safe in this vehicle, and it has resulted in thousands of lost wages as it is the only vehicle I use for my work and personal use. On December 1st, I wrote a complaint to the New York division of vehicle safety and was advised to take the vehicle to a different Hyundai authorized dealership for diagnostics. I took the vehicle to Burdick Hyundai of Cicero, and after a week, they stated they were able to find the problem. However, Hyundai denied the claim for repairs on the vehicle. Since then the vehicle inspection has expired, and I took the vehicle to a shop for inspection. They stated they could not pass the inspection as the vehicle speed would not exceed 45MPH.

NHTSA ID

11511011

Incident

Oct 5, 2022

Previous History: Vehicle already required an engine replacement - short block assembly. Current Details: DTC P01326 - While driving - Check Engine Light blinks & vehicle's acceleration is immediately reduced, causing dangerous disruption to the flow of traffic while merging into traffic from exit ramps, at traffic lights, stop signs, turns etc. Has been to dealer 3x for diagnosis and repair. Jan 2022 - 1st attempt - Knock Sensor replaced (Recall 966 was performed in Nov 2021) 2nd attempt - Knock Sensor software updated - 3rd attempt - Knock Sensor disconnected and reconnected. After each repair attempt the vehicle continued to suffer reduced acceleration and blinking check engine light while driving within a day or two. 4th time - DTC P0087 - Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low & DTC P2191 System too Lean at Higher Load (Multiple) (Bank 1). These are "new" codes discovered by subsequent Hyundai dealership after the 3rd repair attempt unresolved by the original selling dealership. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The warning check engine lights did appear at the same time as the reduced acceleration and occurred each time spontaneously while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There are additional complaints involving 2015 Hyundai Tucsons listed on the NHTSA website which I do not see connected to a current or previous recall. However, I do see Hyundai issued a recall # 207 in 09/2021. Please note the similarities of referenced complaints show the first 8 characters KM8JT3AF of the VIN show a direct correlation to manufacturer and engine types. Also note, there is an open unresolved recall # 218 with the potential to cause fires and currently has NO REMEDY available. Recommendations from Hyundai are to park vehicle away from buildings and continue driving even with fire hazard?

NHTSA ID

11456866

Incident

Jan 9, 2022

I was driving and there was a knocking noise from the engine and loss of power. I opened the hood and noticed a pulley on the belt that looked loose and had the car towed to the dealership. According to them they know this particular engine Theta model has been an issue for fires and engine failure with components breaking internally but no recalls have been addressed for my VIN number even though there are hundreds of thousands of customers with the same issues and only some recalls have been made. Ultimately leaving the customer with the bill. This is a very dangerous situation and reading hundreds of comments on various sites and these incidents happening in other countries as well with this engine, there should be a huge investigation and something being done about this.

NHTSA ID

11423547

Incident

Jul 6, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE RPM'S REVVED UP HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PERFORM AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 90,200.

NHTSA ID

11415852

Incident

Mar 29, 2021

Mileage

90,200 mi

THE VEHICLE LOSSES POWER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. IT WILL ALSO NOT SHIFT IN GEAR WHEN SUPPOSE TO. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND SERVICED. OUT OF NOWHERE ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHEN TRAVELING HOME FROM A TRIP. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT EVEN MAKE IT UP A HILL BECAUSE THE POWER WAS COMPLETELY LOST.

NHTSA ID

11412997

Incident

Apr 18, 2021

Mileage

113,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE A LACK OF POWER WHEN ACCELERATING WAS NOTED. HIGHEST CAR WOULD TRAVEL WAS AROUND 60 MPH. ENGINE WAS REVVING BUT NO SPEED COULD BE GAINED. HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD THIS ISSUE WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY SAID VEHICLE IS FINE AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON VEHICLE. CALLED HYUNDAI TO COMPLAIN AND VOICED THAT MANY OTHER HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE. THEY STATED VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY SO THERE IS NOTHING THEY ARE WILLING TO DO AND THAT THE VEHICLE ISN'T CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11323218

Incident

Apr 18, 2020

Mileage

90,000 mi

BOUGHT NEW 2015 2017 PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR AN EXHAUST REPLACEMENT $1,500 APRIL 2019 WENT THROUGH OIL CONSUMPTION TESTING. CAR ENGINE WAS REPLACED JUNE 2019 TRANSMISSION WENT OUT MILEAGE 105K CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN ALL OF THIS WENT UP HAVE COPIES OF RECEIPTS

NHTSA ID

11228557

Incident

Jun 25, 2019

Mileage

104,000 mi

I HAD MY OIL CHANGED ON OCTOBER 6, 2018. ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018, WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE MOTOR SEIZED UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING. OIL CHANGE COMPANY PROVIDED VIDEO PROOF TO MY INSURANCE THAT OIL WAS PLACED IN ENGINE. HYUNDAI REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID

11156626

Incident

Nov 5, 2018

Mileage

80,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. SHE HAD TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD START. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO DANBURY HYUNDAI (LOCATED AT 102 FEDERAL RD, DANBURY, CT 06810, (203) 730-4700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INHIBITOR SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11142674

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

Mileage

90,000 mi

AT TIMES ON THE ROAD THE CAR LOOSE POWER AND IN A HIGHWAY THAT YOU CAN GO 70 I CAN ONLY GO PROBABLY 45MPH BECAUSE IT SEEMS AS IT CAN NOT GO OVER THAT MILEAGE. I HAVE TO TRY HARD TO GO EVEN 55MPH. IT HAPPENED SINCE WHILE AGO AND I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE IT WAS BRAND NEW OUT OF THE BOX. I TOOK TO THE DEALER POTAMKIN IN MANHATTAN, NY WHERE I PURCHASED AND THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE "ECONOMIC" BUTTON. A SEPARATE MECHANIC SAID IT IS INDEED NOT NORMAL. ALSO THE AIR CONDITIONING BROKE 7/2017 AND I HAD TO PAY TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. ALL BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO MISS WORK TO FILE COMPLAINT, ETC. I HAVE PAPERWORK FOR ALL THIS.

NHTSA ID

11132043

Incident

May 9, 2017

Mileage

15,553 mi

ENGINE FAILED AT 19000 MILES.METAL SHAVING IN PAN COMPLETE ENGINE SIEZE

NHTSA ID

11118881

Incident

Jul 26, 2018

Mileage

19,000 mi

I WAS TAKING LEFT INTO MY DRIVE, IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS REVVING, BUT I HAD ABSOLUTE NO POWER. LUCKILY I GOT ENOUGH POWER EVENTUALLY TO GET INTO THE DRIVEWAY WITHOUT GETTING HIT. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN REPEATEDLY IN THIS CAR. IT HAS BEEN INTO THE DEAL ONCE AND THEY SAID THEY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE BUT IT HAS STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS. I NEVER KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I'M GOING TO GET WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS. THE DUAL ACTION CLUTCH IS AWFUL AND I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT IT EVEN HAVING THIS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. OTHERWISE, I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT.

NHTSA ID

11101446

Incident

Jun 10, 2018

Mileage

9,500 mi

CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD SUDDENLY CAUSING CRASH INTO RETAINING WALL. WHILE PARKING.

NHTSA ID

11030703

Incident

Sep 12, 2017

Mileage

30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A BRIEF LOSS OF POWER AND THE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE IT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,800.

NHTSA ID

10761659

Incident

Jul 30, 2015

Mileage

1,800 mi