2019 Hyundai Tucson

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

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.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. A Forward Collision Avoidance message was displayed. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The failure mileage was approximately 135,700.

NHTSA ID

11764716

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

Mileage

135,700 mi

I had bought my car in May of 2025 and within 12 hours of owning it. The check engine light came on. They replaced the sensor well. A couple days later, the check engine light came on again, and they had to rebuild my whole engine had the car for a month at this time. When they rebuilt the engine, they had the car for over a month. And ever since I got it back, it's always something the same thing has to get repaired. Well, I took it to the shop. Yesterday because it was misfiring, and I needed to have some spark plugs replaced, and they said that the Ignition coil needed to be replaced, but there was a recall on that not too long ago. And they fixed that on the recall. There's no reason that should have already went a few months later. Well, the problem is when I bought my car, I bought it from tar. Hyundai, it's now rusty, while it's Hyundai. They charged me $200 just to get my car out of their lot. Because I refused service because they were trying to charge me. $2500 to fix my car. Now mind you, I've already put over $4000 extra into this car. After purchasing it for over 21000 now they're not wanting to honor any work that Tara. Hyundai done because they don't be responsible. They don't want to honor the tar. Hyundai warranty or anything I've had it with this Hyundai company. I've been driving this lemon. It is yet again in the shop. Being fixed, although the engine was rebuilt a year ago, there is no reason. This car should keep having engine failure. They don't want to honor it. They don't want to give me a new car, they don't want to, they're acting like they don't care like, 00 well, it's your fault, but I did not buy the car, as is it came with a warranty. When they reserved my engine and had to rebuild it. They extended my warranty 2 hundred and fifty thousand miles

NHTSA ID

11763305

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

My 2019 Hyundai Tucson repeatedly shuts off while driving , without any warning. It rolls backwards while in park. The car could easily hit me taking things out of the trunk or hit my neighbors walking past my drive. The car has no power. It can’t get up to speed. It shakes and I have to get someone to add oil to it frequently. The first time this happened was in April of 2023. The engine seized up and it was towed to Driver’s Village in Cicero, NY. They replaced the engine block. But not the converter. Now, it is happening again. I have had 2 diagnostic tests done. One by my mechanic and the other by Advanced Auto Parts. Both tests say that the problem is the catalytic converter, but Hyundai refuses to fix the problem and will not honor my extended warranty. I have written and called them numerous times for almost 2 years now, about this and they say they will call me back, but they do not. None of the dealerships will even look at my car. I need someone to look at my vehicle. This vehicle is not safe. Other Tucson owners have the same problems with their cars, that I am complaining about. There is a federal emissions warranty that Hyundai claim they have never heard of, that would fix my car and make it safe to drive. I just want Hyundai to stand behind their warranty and fix my car before it kills someone.

NHTSA ID

11762256

Incident

Apr 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and turned off, the vehicle rolled backwards and occasionally ended up in the street in front of the residence. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic and other vehicles to go around the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and was pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was ice built up underneath the tires, and an unknown ring was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the vehicle reversed inadvertently while parked and stalled while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle was shaking abnormally on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the contact was notified that the failure might be associated with the catalytic converter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11761675

Incident

Apr 2, 2023

Mileage

60,000 mi

While traveling northbound on [XXX] in Florida traffic came to a stop, and when I stopped, my engine seized, I attempted to restart, but was unable to get a restart. My attempts to restart caused the starter to start burning smoke was coming from under the hood this put me at serious risk being on an interstate highway in the left lane at [XXX]. It was very difficult for me to push the car to the side of the road in this dangerous situation, recalling how Harry Chapin died in New York, because his car failed, and was struck by another vehicle. I was able to get the car onto the shoulder away from the moving traffic. The engine that seized is a 2.0 GDI engine and that engine has been identified to have multiple failures and being replaced after failing . Hyundai sent a letter. I believe this engine should be recalled and replaced before others are put in the same dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11761578

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

OnXXX my car experienced sudden knocking in the engine. I pulled over to the service station on the [XXX] and had my car towed to Empire Hyundai in [XXX]. I had just changed oil on XXXand upon inspection oil level was fine. Problem is the theta 2 engine and though the car is under extended warranty Hyundai is requesting maintenance records before repairing this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11760673

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

ABS light on dash is illuminated due to no known cause. Mechanic explained that the ABS system will not work when the light is illuminated which, I believe, contributed to a "fender bender" my vehicle was involved in due to the ABS system failure.

NHTSA ID

11760202

Incident

Jan 4, 2026

When the vehicle in front of me stopped quickly, I braked quickly but did not hit the car. At that time, all the lights on my dashboard went off and were still on when I took the car to dealer for a diagnosis.

NHTSA ID

11758362

Incident

Sep 18, 2025

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.

Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed Federal and California standards.

Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.

Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.

Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.