2023 Hyundai Tucson Owner Complaints

Under Hyundai Recall 290, the dealership permanently removed the functional trailer light wiring harness and replaced it with a nonfunctional rubber dust cap. A Hyundai case manager informed me that a replacement harness is "in development," but official NHTSA remedy filings show the cap is the final remedy, resulting in the permanent loss of a factory feature I paid for. The removal of towing functionality without a clear timeline for a safe replacement parts remedy constitutes a failure to properly correct the vehicle defect.

NHTSA ID

11755583

Incident

Jul 18, 2026

Emergency Brake applied while driving. Had been driving with vehicle in front, on each side and one at rear with issues and all of sudden the emergency brake was applied causing the vehicle in back to get very close to my car. This is has happened multiple times and reported to dealership multiple times. This was the second occurence on this day.

NHTSA ID

11755482

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

While backing out of driveway, with parked vehicle along side and one moving vehicle in the road, I was applying the break and the Emergency Stop feature activated. My speed was 2-3 MPH and slowing.

NHTSA ID

11755478

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

My client lost her right eye and suffered a brain injury when an aftermarket rhinestone emblem decal from her steering wheel shot into her face during a low-impact crash with a deer. The crash left minimal damage to the front end of the vehicle, but caused the airbags to deploy, shooting the decal into my client’s head. She purchased this dangerous decoration on Amazon, and despite NHTSA notices in 2023 and 2024 telling consumers to “avoid purchasing these steering wheel decals for all vehicle makes and models” and to “remove any such decals that they have already applied to their steering wheels,” this warning was not passed on to my client, even though records are kept of individual customer purchases, and these warnings could have been easily shared. A recent check of Amazon’s Safety Recalls and Alerts webpage did not turn up the 2024 NHTSA notice. I am sure there are other Amazon customers out there, who, like my client, have no idea just how dangerous these things are.

NHTSA ID

11754571

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the fuel filler door failed to open as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA ID

11752477

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

Mileage

76,000 mi

The vehicle developed an intermittent but potentially dangerous engine control malfunction. After the engine reached normal operating temperature, the engine speed (RPM) would repeatedly surge while the vehicle was stopped in Park and Neutral, fluctuating from approximately 1,000 RPM to over 3,000 RPM without any throttle input from the driver. The condition occurred with the air conditioning turned off and could be reproduced multiple times. At approximately the same time, the Auto Start/Stop system stopped functioning and displayed a warning indicator. A malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light) also appeared during the incident. The warning light later turned off, but the engine surging continued. This unexpected increase in engine speed raises concerns about unintended vehicle movement or loss of driver control if the condition were to occur while shifting into gear or while driving. The unpredictable nature of the malfunction presents a potential safety risk to the occupants of the vehicle and to others on the road. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Hyundai dealership for diagnosis and repair and remains under inspection. The problem is available for inspection. During my research, I found numerous reports from other Hyundai owners describing similar engine surging, idle fluctuation, and Auto Start/Stop malfunctions involving comparable vehicles. Because similar complaints appear to have been reported by multiple owners, I am submitting this report so the issue can be evaluated for a possible broader safety defect. I have videos of the incident

NHTSA ID

11752416

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

2023 Hyundai Tuscon XRT has a dangerous and alarming issue. The Emergency Braking engages at highway speeds where no risk is present. The car groans and pulls dangerously. In addition, the Forward Collision Warning engages on surface streets every 10-15 seconds and there are no risks present. The emergency braking issue has occurred on several occasions. The Forward Collision Warning issue occurs every time the car is driven.

NHTSA ID

11751880

Incident

May 30, 2026

I was on the highway on the way to work when my car started stalling. Every time I pressed the gas to give it some power, it would not go anyway where. after getting it towed to get looked at some of the fuel injectors failed and were misfiring. The warning message about ‘check engine’ popped up 2 minutes before it happened. this is the third time now in less than 6 months.

NHTSA ID

11749034

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

The contact's son owns a 2023 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, various warning lights illuminated, and various messages were displayed on the instrument panel; however, the warning lights disappeared upon restarting the engine. The contact stated that her son was forced to restart the vehicle after the vehicle failed to accelerate from a complete stop on one occasion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis; however, the dealer was unable to diagnose or duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed unless the warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact later received a letter from the manufacturer confirming the dealer's information. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 21,000.

NHTSA ID

11748996

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

21,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the panoramic sunroof exploded while driving at approximately 40-50 MPH. The rear section of the sunroof glass had shattered into several pieces without impact. The contact closed the shade, and the glass fell inward. There was glass inside the shade and the roof. There were no injuries. There was an abnormally loud sound like a handgun or several balloons popping. The vehicle was previously inspected, and there were no issues found with the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the dealer stated that a rock might have caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the insurance company for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled with the local dealer. Additionally, the manufacturer provided a loaner vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 24,038.

NHTSA ID

11746494

Incident

Jun 21, 2026

Mileage

24,038 mi

I received a letter in March that there is a problem with The Tow Hitch Harness Accessory which could lead to a fire etc. They said they will come out with a repair. I contacted the Victory Hyundai dealership in Jefferson Ohio where I got the car in April and they said they have a repair but the trailer electrical/ lights will not work. I got a second letter saying they have a solution for repair in May I contacted Classic Hyundai twice to make sure the repair now will allow the lights and brakes on the trailer work. Julie and Jesica there said all would be fixed and the lights and break lights will work. I brought the car there June 5th 2026 and asked again if all would work. Lyna there said no. I left. I called U-hall Streetsboro Ohio and talked to Bill who handles the hitch repairs and they said they could fix totally and have for some dealerships. I called Hyundai customer service Kyre and asked if Hyundai in Streetsboro Ohio can be set up to have it repaired. He said no. He would not document his response to me. I bought this car with their factory installed hitch because I needed one to pull my boat and move other stuff. My lawn tractor broke down and I have to pay $135 to have it towed for repair. I am unable to fish in my boat since I can not pull it. There is a repair that will work at U-haul and they are ignoring it.They want to make the hitch unusable. Uhaul will fix for $250-$350. If they disconnect the hitch electrical and the car is sold the new owner can get into an accident since they would have no lights and break lights, turn signal. This is a high risk for an accident. They intend to eliminate the fire risk and create an accident risk for the trailer now not working. What kind of engineers they have?? They should be contacted about this situation. It has been several months with no solution when one exists. I have had multiple Hyundais and will no longer purchase another vehicle from them. You should communicate with them on this issue.

NHTSA ID

11745677

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

While driving on a highway shortly after taking delivery of this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned purchase from an authorized Hyundai dealership, I experienced sudden and total brake failure. The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light illuminated and an audible warning chime sounded. The brake pedal did not respond normally. I was unable to slow the vehicle with the brakes and was forced to make an emergency maneuver to exit the highway and come to a safe stop. Upon inspecting the vehicle after stopping, I discovered that the rear left brake caliper had completely detached from its mounting bracket. The caliper was on the ground beneath the rear of the vehicle. Brake fluid had leaked onto the road surface. The vehicle had been in my possession for less than one full drive since purchase. As part of the CPO certification, the selling dealer performed a multi-point inspection and documented installation of new brake pads and certified the brake system as in good working order. The detachment of the caliper is consistent with mounting bolts that were either not reinstalled or not properly torqued following the dealer's brake service during CPO preparation. I have photographic evidence of the detached caliper and brake fluid loss. INJURIES: None, but significant risk to myself and other highway drivers. FIRES: No. MEDICAL ATTENTION: Not required. CONTACT WITH DEALER/MANUFACTURER: Yes — Hyundai corporate complaint filed. I am requesting this complaint be investigated as a potential safety defect related to brake service practices during Hyundai CPO vehicle preparation.

NHTSA ID

11745559

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

Horn on vehicle consistently goes out. Either goes out entirely or the volume of the horn is below a safe level. This is a known Hyundai issue and Hyundai refuses to acknowledge it on this specific model, but has acknowledged it on different models. I Have had multiple repairs by Hyundai directly, and the horn consistently keeps going out. There are sometimes in dangerous situations where I need to utilize the horn to avoid an accident and warn other drivers of danger, and I am unable to do so, and it causes dangerous driving situations. This is a known defect on multiple Hyundai vehicles in this year, but the Tucson is one of the few vehicles they will not call a voluntary recall on and NHTSA needs to be notified about this and act accordingly as a regulatory body to protect consumers and people on the road.

NHTSA ID

11745447

Incident

Jun 21, 2026

I received a Recall notice around January 2026 for the trailer hitch wiring harness on my 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. For 6 months the local dealer told me there was no fix available from Hyundai. I finally received a notice informing me that parts were now available and to bring it in to dealer for repairs. I took the vehicle in for recall repairs on May 27, 2026. Instead of repairing/replacing the wiring harness, Hyundai removed the entire wiring harness making the trailer hitch which I use for my business inoperable legally. When I noticed the wiring harness missing several days later, the dealer said that was Hyundai's "fix" for the recall issue. I contacted Hyundai USA Customer Service who also told me that removing the wiring harness and replacing it with an inexpensive dust cover was the fix. They told me that sometime in the future there will be another recall to have the wiring harness replaced. In the meantime, they have taken my vehicle VIN off the open recall list, since it has been "fixed". Hyundai sold me a vehicle with a trailer hitch and now they have without my permission or prior knowledge disabled it.

NHTSA ID

11743550

Incident

May 27, 2026

I was driving on the freeway no where near an overpass going about 65mph when the front panel on my panaromaic sunroof exploded and glass went everywhere. There is no signs that a rock could have possibly hit it. My safety was at risk because I could have crashed and broken glass rained down on me. There were no warning signs and the vehicle has not been inspected yet, but it will be.

NHTSA ID

11739695

Incident

May 22, 2026

I am writing regarding a serious vehicle safety issue involving my 2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited purchased from on [XXX] with approximately 61,000 miles. About one month after purchase, during a drive from Pennsylvania to Florida in October 2025, the vehicle experienced multiple dangerous steering and collision-assist malfunctions in clear highway conditions. The first incident occurred in Virginia while adaptive cruise control and steering assist were active at approximately 70 mph. Within seconds, the steering wheel aggressively turned left and right, causing the vehicle to tip and nearly roll until the driver manually regained control. Later during the same trip, while making a normal lane change with the right turn signal activated, the vehicle falsely detected a collision despite no vehicle being present. The vehicle then veered left toward traffic and unexpectedly slammed on the brakes. Following these incidents, all assist sensors and automated driving features were manually disabled for safety reasons. However, the vehicle has continued intermittently triggering false collision warnings and emergency braking events with no vehicles present, creating additional near-accident situations involving surrounding traffic. I recently had the vehicle inspected by Hyundai after initially believing this may only be a calibration issue. Due to financial and scheduling limitations, I delayed service until this month, but I now understand this issue is far more serious and systemic. Two separate mechanics have advised me the vehicle has major safety-system malfunctions making it unsafe to drive. There are no reported accidents or braking issues on Carfax. I am also concerned this appears to be a widespread issue affecting this vehicle model, yet I received no notification regarding related safety concerns or recalls until conducting my own research. One mechanic stated“I’m surprised this car hasn’t killed you yet. I wouldn’t put my own kids in this vehicle." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID

11739331

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

The reverse beeping is just too loud for an Hybrid and many people online agree. I fully agree with having mandates for electric vehicles for safety concerns however they should not be so loud that they are louder or near as loud as a commercial truck and disturb residents. In fact Hyundai responded to the complaints by re-designing it for 2025 and newer facelifts but won't give any services to upgrade it to newer versions. I fully believe that Hyundai should and must offer services to use the new updated VESS.

NHTSA ID

11738659

Incident

May 18, 2026

The car has 57,000miles and needed a new transmission. Safety concern of the transmission failing while driving. There was a persistent and worsening rubbing noise once the car ran for 20 minutes or so. 4 visits to the dealer later, they confirmed the issue and Hyundai issued a warranty to replace the transmission with a remanufactured transmission. When I asked the dealer what happened, he said this was there 4th one in a few weeks. There were no indicator lights or anything besides the noise to indicate there was a problem.

NHTSA ID

11737934

Incident

May 13, 2026

The automatic emergency braking system has activated on four separate occasions for unknown reasons or warning. Tapped the brakes and it disengaged. In three of the situations no vehicles or pedestrians nearby. One incident I was driving along a sidewalk when the braking system activated causing an abrupt stop

NHTSA ID

11735952

Incident

May 4, 2026

Sitting at a red light the vehicle seemed to almost stalled then lunged forward about eight feet almost colliding with the vehicle in front of me. To my knowledge the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer nor has the problem been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. To my knowledge there were no warning lights, messages or symptoms. I am somewhat unfamiliar with this vehicle since I've only owned it for 5 days. I picked it up on 4-25-26.

NHTSA ID

11734716

Incident

Apr 26, 2026

4/16/2026 at 1:35pm I was traveling north on Hwy 69 traveling +-45mph. Vehicle on my right in his lane and one vehicle in from of me about 50yrds. My vehicle auto applied the brakes and alarm indicating emergency collision to happen. A new minutes later (5 minutes) traveling in same direction same speed but NO cars on either side but one care approximately 100 yds in from and again the emergency collision brake and alarm took place

NHTSA ID

11732659

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

While driving on April 11, 2026 at approximately 1:30 PM on [XXX] , the vehicle experienced a loss of steering response while the roadway curved to the right. The driver turned the steering wheel normally in order to follow the curve. The steering wheel moved freely and felt normal. However, the vehicle did not respond to the steering input and instead continued traveling straight. As a result, the vehicle struck the curb on the driver’s side. The impact with the curb slightly redirected the vehicle, but steering response was not restored. The driver continued attempting to steer the vehicle, and although the steering wheel continued to turn normally, the vehicle did not change direction. The vehicle did not appear to lose traction and was not described as sliding. Instead, it failed to respond to steering input. There were no warning indicators, messages, or prior signs of a problem before the incident. The driver was able to bring the vehicle to a stop in a nearby turn area and arranged for it to be towed. After the incident, the vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership for inspection. The dealership reported no diagnostic codes and did not identify any issue with the steering system. No corrective action has been taken. 1)Steering system malfunction (column, shaft, rack, and/or EPS). Steering input was not transmitted to vehicle direction. Vehicle available for inspection. 2)Loss of steering control caused curb impact and risk of collision with vehicles, pedestrians, or objects. Could have resulted in serious injury at higher speed or in traffic. 3)No. Dealer could not reproduce. 4)Inspected by Hyundai dealer. No steering-related codes found. No cause identified. No repair performed. Hyundai Consumer Affairs case opened. 5)No warning lights or prior symptoms. Failure was sudden and without warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11731406

Incident

Apr 11, 2026

Component that is unsafe: Moonroof Glass Taking in for inspection tomorrow. Safety risk: While driving on highway, Glass Spontaneously Popped and fully shattered. Glass fell down onto myself and into the car as I was driving. This put my driving at risk. Major distraction as well as potentially being a harm to my physical self. Problem reproduced? I know that there are other reports on moonroof glass on a Hyundai Tucson cars that have been shattered with the same predisposing factors. Hyundai has also been reported to not take accountability claiming that foreign objects were the cause. No this vehicle has not been inspected, but I will be taking it in on Sunday. There were zero warnings before this.

NHTSA ID

11724438

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

All systems warning lights came on

NHTSA ID

11719137

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

Dear Commissioner and DMV Officials: I am writing to formally address a serious financial and safety concern affecting vehicle owners in Connecticut. As a driver with over 50 years of experience—32 of those in CT—I have never experienced rodent damage to any vehicle until purchasing my 2023 Hyundai Tucson. Since acquiring this vehicle, I have suffered thousands of dollars in damage from rodents chewing through the wiring and wire housing. Multiple mechanics have confirmed this is due to manufacturers switching to soy-based and plant-derived biodegradable materials in wiring insulation. These materials are effectively edible, attracting rodents year-round—not just in cold months. This is not owner negligence. The root cause is a material deficiency in the vehicle's manufacturing. Consumers should not bear the financial burden of a known design choice made by the automaker. Repairs are costly, often excluded from warranties, and frequently not covered by insurance. I respectfully request the Department: Investigate the scope of rodent damage complaints linked to bio-based wiring in newer vehicles. Coordinate with NHTSA to evaluate whether this constitutes a safety defect warranting a recall. Advocate for regulatory standards requiring rodent-resistant wiring materials. Urge manufacturers like Hyundai to offer warranty coverage, reimbursement, or retrofits for affected vehicles. I am prepared to provide documentation of my repair expenses upon request. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Respectfully submitted, [XXX] cc: NHTSA, CT Attorney General, CT Consumer Protection, Hyundai Consumer Affairs INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11718460

Incident

Feb 17, 2026