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.

I am reporting a suspected safety defect involving my daughter's 2017 Hyundai Tucson, VIN [XXX], with approximately 77,940 miles. The vehicle experienced an engine failure beginning with the illumination of the oil-pressure warning light and Check Engine Light, followed by a pronounced engine knocking noise. The vehicle subsequently could not continue running. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership, which diagnosed an engine failure. I am aware of Hyundai Safety Recall 209 / NHTSA Recall 21V-727 involving certain 2017 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine. Hyundai's recall documentation identifies premature connecting-rod-bearing wear and specifically identifies abnormal engine knocking and illumination of the oil-pressure warning light as symptoms that can precede engine damage and stalling. My daughter's vehicle experienced these same symptoms. Hyundai has informed us that this particular VIN is not included in Recall 209 and Hyundai Motor America has denied our request for assistance. I am therefore asking NHTSA to review this complaint as a potential safety defect and determine whether there may be additional 2017 Tucson vehicles outside the current Recall 209 population experiencing the same or substantially similar engine failure. I am not claiming that the vehicle is definitively covered by Recall 209. Rather, I am asking NHTSA to investigate whether the exclusion of this vehicle is appropriate given the similarity between the actual failure symptoms and the defect identified in Recall 209. I can provide the dealership's diagnostic documentation, Hyundai Motor America's denial, photographs, maintenance records, and other supporting information upon request. Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Tucson, VIN: [XXX], Mileage: Approximately 77,940 miles Failure: Engine knocking, oil-pressure warning light, Check Engine Light, engine failure/stalling Related Recall: Hyundai Recall 209 / NHTSA 21V-727. I INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

NHTSA ID

11765992

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine replacement due to a separate issue; however, during the service, the dealer discovered that the front axle was leaking and noted that the steering was becoming stiff. The contact had not experienced any issues prior to the vehicle being taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer had damaged the vehicle during the engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the dealer would be contacted about a courtesy repair for the axle. The dealer confirmed the failure.

NHTSA ID

11765392

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

Vehicle is losing a lot of oil. But there is no oil leaking on the ground. Upon looking at the safety recall, it says it might be fire hazardous. I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Vehicle run rough and also hear sounds.

NHTSA ID

11762626

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

I have a 2017 Hyundai Tucson with a 1.6 turbo engine, and I have been experiencing massive oil consumption. Oil is coming out of the tail pipe with occasional big puff of smoke out of the tailpipe. Skipping and hesitation during acceleration, rough cold start, I have previously had the check engine light on with a multiple misfire code. I changed the plugs and the coils, and it did not resolve the problems. I then took it to the mechanic, and he told me that the car has to go to Hyundai because these are known problems with my particular motor. I took it to Balise Hyundai in Hyannis Mass. and was told that they know about these motor issues but could not help me because the engine light was not on.' If the light comes on, then bring it back and we will check it out'.I was then told that any work performed would be my responsibility to pay for it out of my pocket. If it a known problem by Hyundai, then I think that a recall or something should be posted so customers are not stuck with a very big service bill. Any help to get my vehicle running the way it was designed to would be greatly appreciated. Apparently, there are no recalls or campaigns about these issues on my vehicle even though they are well known to Hyundai

NHTSA ID

11759212

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Franchise dealer Preson Hyundai is actively obstructing a court-ordered settlement tracking test for an engine burning 2.0 qts internally, forcing a young driver with child to operate an oil starving vehicle at risk of highway engine seizure and fire.

NHTSA ID

11759112

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

My transmission warning light is currently on. I’ve had problems with the transmission and the dual clutch. My car falls on the cusp of 2016-2017 dual clutch problems. The 2016 was recalled although 2017 has not. Hyundai has received numerous complaints just like this and nothing has been resolved.

NHTSA ID

11757281

Incident

Sep 22, 2022

I keep having to add oil but there is no puddle from a leak on the ground. There is also no smoke coming out of the exhaust. It is using an excessive amount of oil.

NHTSA ID

11757176

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

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

Some Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine may exhibit a continued DTC P132600 after an ECM logic update has been performed per TSB 24-01-068H, Engine Monitoring Logic (Service Campaign 966). This bulletin provides instructions to inspect and resolve other engine mechanical issues and if DTC P132600 remains, then a procedure and manual mode passwords are given to perform the update again in manual mode to resolve this condition.

Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain white paint colors under these conditions from 3 years and 36,000 miles, to 10 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

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.

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.

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.