2017 Hyundai Tucson

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.

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.  The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.  Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia.  The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio.  The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires.  In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension.  For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied.  Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates.  To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years.  In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires.  Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis.  Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023).  The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally, and the engine was making abnormal sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an oil change was performed as associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

NHTSA ID

11753739

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

Mileage

97,000 mi

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? **Transmission How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? **Car stalled, no warming. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? **Yes, J&M Transmission in Tracy, Ca Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? **Yes, car was taken in for repair where input shaft speed sensors were replaced. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? **No warning lights appeared at time of malfunction/ stall. J&M later reported check engine light was on when running tests.

NHTSA ID

11752960

Incident

Aug 12, 2024

Car was driving weird Consuming lots of oil Check engine light flashing Took to mechanic where they replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils, cleared light. Issue was resolved for about a month. Rough idling began car begin to shake while driving. Took back to shop was told rod bearring problem. Upon research found out this is a COMMKON problem among Hyundai vehicles however my vehicle was not apart of the ‘affected batch’. Took to Hyundai and got a diagnostic where it was confirmed that a new engine was needed, for $9000.

NHTSA ID

11752751

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The Core Symptoms: "The high-pressure fuel pump is leaking internally. Raw gasoline is flooding into the engine oil crankcase, causing severe fuel dilution. The engine air filter is physically soaked in raw fuel and smells strongly of gasoline." My engine is always extremely hot after I have only went 15 mins away from home. Sometimes takes over two hours to cool down. The Safety Risk: "When attempting to accelerate, the vehicle experiences severe fuel starvation, causing the engine to bog down and act like it is going to stall in the middle of traffic, creating a severe crash hazard. Additionally, there is a loud 'popping' sound/mini-backfire upon turning the vehicle off due to unburnt fuel vapors, presenting a high risk of an underhood engine fire. I have only 83,000 miles on my car.

NHTSA ID

11751381

Incident

May 10, 2021

Subject: Formal Safety Complaint Regarding Steering Failure – 2017 Hyundai Tucson To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate a potentially serious safety defect involving the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system in my 2017 Hyundai Tucson. I am the second owner of this vehicle. The vehicle currently has approximately 61,000 miles and remains within Hyundai's 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty period applicable to subsequent owners. Approximately two years ago, the vehicle's engine was replaced under a Hyundai safety recall. Recently, I began experiencing intermittent steering problems in which the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn and appears to momentarily jam or lock while driving. This condition significantly affects vehicle control and creates a serious safety hazard, particularly during turns, lane changes, or emergency maneuvers. I brought the vehicle to Advantage Hyundai in [XXX] for diagnosis. The dealership determined that the vehicle had a Motor Position Sensor Error (Diagnostic Trouble Code C2401) within the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system. The dealership informed me that the repair is not covered under the vehicle's warranty and declined to repair it. The dealer also submitted a request to Hyundai for goodwill assistance (Prior Authorization No. XXX), but Hyundai denied that request. I subsequently contacted Hyundai National Consumer Affairs (Case No. XXX) seeking assistance. Unfortunately, Hyundai also denied my request despite the relatively low mileage and the serious safety implications of the steering malfunction. My concern extends beyond the cost of repair. A malfunction in the electronic power steering system that causes steering to bind, jam, or become difficult to control presents a significant risk of a crash, injury, or loss of life. Steering is one of the most critical safety INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA ID

11750742

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal knocking sound was heard coming from under the hood, and the RPMs independently increased. The "Check Engine Oil" warning light illuminated. The contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local Midas shop, where it was diagnosed with total engine failure.The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil pan during diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired due to the high cost. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with an unknown NHTSA Campaign number. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11748995

Incident

Jul 15, 2024

Mileage

62,000 mi

#1. This vehicle uses a lot of oil !!! It burns through it like crazy I have to check the oil every other day. #2. When I come to a stop while driving and give it gas to take off IT WONT GO !!!!! It hesitates and when it does go it LUNGES FORWARD!! This is a huge manufacturer problem not a buyer problem. The engine is junk.! 3. I’ve called numerous places to get help. This car needs to be recalled. This is a huge safety violation. It doesn’t wanna go when you give it gas and when it does, it lunges forward that can cause a huge accident on the highways. This car was made in China. It is junk. I’ve called to get help with this issue and no one wants to help. Nobody returns my calls and I’ll Hyundai wants to do is it even more money out of me when this isn’t my fault the car is junk. For safety concerns I would like someone to call me at [XXX]. This car needs to be recalled and my daughter has one. It’s doing the same thing except hers is a lot worse. Hers is further advance where it’s actually stalling in the middle of the road while driving huge safety violation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11746594

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Hyundai vehicle after experiencing a sudden engine failure that appears consistent with known rod bearing and engine defects affecting certain Hyundai engines. While driving, my vehicle began making a knocking noise and shortly thereafter suffered catastrophic engine failure. The engine lost power and became inoperable, requiring the vehicle to be towed. This failure occurred without any prior indication that the engine was about to fail. My concern is that this type of engine failure creates a significant safety hazard because it can occur unexpectedly while driving, potentially causing a loss of power in traffic and increasing the risk of a crash. The dealership inspected the vehicle and engine but did not report excessive sludge buildup. I have provided available maintenance records showing that oil changes were performed during my ownership. Despite this, there appears to be disagreement regarding the cause of the failure. I am aware of reports involving rod bearing and engine failures in similar Hyundai vehicles and believe NHTSA should investigate whether this failure is related to a broader manufacturing or design defect. The cost of replacing the engine is substantial, and consumers may be placed at risk if these failures occur while vehicles are being operated on public roads. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue and determine whether additional investigation, recalls, or other corrective actions are warranted. Vehicle Information: Year: 2017 Make: Hyundai Model: Tucson Mileage at Failure: Approximately 72,000 miles Date of Failure: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11746127

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners. The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law.

Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.

This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.