Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
Engine & cooling
Hyundai Tucson Engine problems by year
2,196 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Tucson's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
Engine complaints by model year
Engine recalls
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Latest Tucson engine complaints
My 2019 Hyundai Tucson Value AWD with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine has experienced repeated sudden loss of acceleration and limp mode, creating a serious safety concern. On August 11, 2026, the vehicle suddenly lost normal acceleration and the check-engine light flashed. The dealership found diagnostic code P1326. A Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) passed, the knock sensor was replaced, codes were cleared, and a short road test was performed. On October 10, 2026, the problem happened again while my daughter was driving on...
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I-270 in Maryland. The vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating in the middle lane. She activated the hazard lights and managed to move into a nearby parking lot. She was frightened and did not feel safe driving home. This exposed her and other motorists to a potentially dangerous situation. The October 29, 2026 dealership invoice documents a flashing check-engine light, limp mode, and inability to exceed approximately 35 mph. P1326 was recorded as pending. Another BCT under TSB 26-EM-014H passed, and a three-mile road test was performed. The code did not return during that test. However, the dealership did not identify the cause of the repeated loss of acceleration. Its request for engine replacement was declined because "no engine malfunction has been identified." Hyundai has confirmed the vehicle's TXXM warranty extension (15 years/150,000 miles, subject to terms) and completion of Service Campaign 966. Despite the repeated incidents, neither Hyundai nor the dealership has provided a satisfactory explanation of the underlying problem or a written, vehicle-specific safety determination. I am not claiming that an engine defect has been conclusively established. I am asking NHTSA to investigate the repeated sudden loss of propulsion and potential safety defect in 2019 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine.
While driving down the highway, the check engine light started to flash. Once the car was turned off and back on again, it shook violently. It was hard to keep it in the lane and I was worried it would cause an accident. It was driven off the highway while constantly shaking. Once it sat off for roughly 30 minutes, it would turn on, but wouldn't turn over and drive. It was towed to a dealership where it was diagnosed, though I was never given anything past a verbal "it stopped compressing". It turns on and over,...
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but makes a grinding noise. It will die and turn off the engine after roughly 45 minutes. This had never happened before. *I've been told a few different things by people who hear about the problem, but I've never received a real diagnosis by the Hyundai dealership it is located at. It has always had a oil consumption problem, adding roughly one quart of oil every 800-1000 miles. It has had oil changes every 5,000 miles. It also had a hard time when cold-started accelerating, but would work fine once heated up. It is available for inspection upon request.
My name is [[redacted]]. My husband, [[redacted]], and I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [[redacted]]) from a Hyundai dealership in 2023 with 53,920 miles for our daughter to commute to school. The vehicle now has approximately 77,940 miles, and she is still attending school. Since purchasing the vehicle, we have consistently returned to the same Hyundai dealership for regular maintenance, trusting its professionals to keep the vehicle safe and reliable. While driving on the freeway, our daughter suddenly...
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lost engine power. The vehicle slowed down and would no longer accelerate. Thankfully, she managed to exit the highway before it stopped completely. Highway patrol assisted her in moving the vehicle to the roadside. The Check Engine Light and oil-pressure warning light came on, the engine made a pronounced knocking sound, and it would no longer run. We believe these symptoms closely resemble the engine defect described in Hyundai's Recall 209 (NHTSA 21V-727), involving connecting-rod-bearing failure in certain 2017 Tucson vehicles. Hyundai Motor America denied our request for assistance, stating that our VIN is not included in the recall and that no warranty coverage applies. We respectfully question whether vehicles experiencing the same or substantially similar defect may have been excluded from the recall. We request a technical investigation into why our vehicle was excluded and whether its engine failure is related to the recalled defect. This was a serious safety concern, not merely a repair expense. Our daughter could have suffered a serious accident had she been unable to exit the freeway safely. We are grateful she escaped without injury. We respectfully request that Hyundai reconsider its decision, review the vehicle's maintenance and diagnostic records, and investigate the engine failure. If the failure is related to the recalled defect, we ask Hyundai to cover the cost of engine repair or replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On [[redacted]], I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Tucson from DriveTime, located at 6400 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32505. Within approximately nine days of purchase, the vehicle began experiencing serious mechanical problems, raising significant concerns about its safety and roadworthiness. On [[redacted]], the vehicle suffered a severe loss of acceleration and was unable to exceed approximately 30 mph. This sudden reduction in engine performance created a dangerous situation while driving, particularly when...
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attempting to maintain normal traffic speeds. Following these issues, mechanical inspections revealed water inside the spark plug wells, a severely rusted ignition coil, and a failing catalytic converter. Firestone estimated the catalytic converter repair at approximately $5,000. The presence of water and corrosion raised concerns about possible pre-existing damage and whether the vehicle had been properly inspected before being sold. The vehicle remained in repair-related custody for approximately 29 days. Despite repeated communications with DriveTime, the mechanical problems were not satisfactorily resolved. DriveTime representatives informed me that a replacement vehicle had been approved. On [[redacted]], I returned to the dealership expecting a replacement but was informed that no suitable vehicle was available. I was left without transportation, and the dealership failed to provide a satisfactory resolution. As of October 21, 2026, I remain without a vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the sudden loss of engine power, possible electrical or ignition system damage caused by moisture intrusion, and any similar safety complaints involving the 2017 Hyundai Tucson. My primary concern is that these mechanical failures could cause another driver to experience a dangerous loss of power while operating the vehicle, potentially resulting in a serious collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA Safety Complaint - 2019 Hyundai Tucson Engine Failure I am reporting a serious engine safety concern involving my 2019 Hyundai Tucson AWD 2.0L (VIN: [[redacted]]). On [redacted], the red engine oil-pressure warning light suddenly illuminated while I was preparing to drive home. Concerned about possible engine failure, I stopped using the vehicle and had it towed to Pohanka Hyundai in [[redacted]]. On [redacted], the dealership provided a diagnostic video indicating that the engine was defective and needed...
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replacement. A written estimate dated [redacted] quoted $7,823.58 for an engine replacement. Despite this diagnosis, the dealership later declared the vehicle drivable and returned it after adding oil, without providing a satisfactory explanation for reversing its original findings. The engine problems continued, and the vehicle had to be returned to the dealership. This presents a serious potential safety hazard. An unresolved engine or oil-pressure problem could cause sudden engine failure, loss of propulsion, or a breakdown while driving on a highway or in heavy traffic, increasing the risk of a collision and injuries to occupants and other motorists. I am particularly concerned that a vehicle initially diagnosed as needing engine replacement was subsequently declared safe to drive without documented evidence that the underlying problem had been corrected. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this engine failure represents a broader safety defect affecting 2019 Hyundai Tucson vehicles and whether additional safety measures, including a recall investigation, are warranted. Vehicle: 2019 Hyundai Tucson AWD 2.0L VIN: [[redacted]] Mileage at diagnosis: Approximately 87,656 miles Incident Date: [redacted] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Excessive oil consumption. Mileage is 116.7K miles. Over 4 quarts used in approximately 3,500 miles. Car went into "limp" mode with no power. Top speed on level ground was 45 mph, on a hill 25 mph. Had to pull over to the side of the road so that other cars could pass. Drove to mechanic who saw about 1 quart remained in the car. Oil light didn't go on. Service engine light flashed when the car went into "limp" mode.
engine failure even though this car has always had oil changes at 110,000 miles. I would like the company to fix this since i am not the first to complain about this. I still have the car parked.
While driving on the highway 65 mph in our 2019 Hyundai Tucson AWD, the vehicle suddenly experienced a severe power loss, loud engine knocking, engine light flashing, and the car in limp mode. This caused a terrifying hazard. We exited to safety, the car was towed and is at a Hyundai dealership. It pulled a diagnostic engine trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System). The dealership confirmed the code, but is refusing to replace the engine under the Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement without an...
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out-of-pocket 'combustion cleaning' fee, which, as seniors, we cannot afford on a fixed income. The dealership service manager told us that he requested Goodwill from Hyundai Corporate for the combustion engine cleaning. And because of a past denial, corporate denied it a 2nd time. So, we contacted our Hyundai Corporate case manager, who said our request for "the engine replacement" was still pending and in review by their team. She saw no denials, except for a loaner, which would be approved, upon repair approval. We added the dealership service manager on this call to discuss confusion about goodwill be denied by Corporate for the "combustion cleaning". He said this case manager would not see the combustion cleaning requirement, because it was instructed by another department. His then pivoted the topic & said we received an estimate for combustion cleaning. My response "we never received an estimate & have no estimate in my email". His response "I hate to use this word, but you're a liar". My husband then took the call saying "we did not receive an estimate in writing, although we had asked the tech for an estimate but nothing was final." The service manager cut him off and said "we are done come pick up your car" & hung up. This dealership phone interaction needed to be included in this incident because now we are being put in grave danger as he is expecting us to pick up our un-drivable, unsafe & hazardous car with no concern for safety.
Warning lamp included oil for several months prior. I added oil often. No oil was ever seen under car or leaking in any way. Car had been serviced several times during the oil warning lamp warning. Nothing was ever found. I continued adding oil on a regular basis. Engine completely stopped in the middle of a busy street.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and was unable to exceed 30 MPH. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and oil contaminated the catalytic converter, causing the catalytic converter to fail and require replacement. The transmission was repaired by the dealer, and the catalytic...
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converter was replaced by an independent repair facility. The contact subsequently observed continued oil loss following the repairs. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold headers failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact requested and received a complete diagnostic report from the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 90,502.
While driving at highway speeds, my 2019 Hyundai Tucson SE suddenly loses acceleration and drops into a 30 mph 'limp mode' while the engine overheats. This creates an immediate highway safety hazard with an imminent risk of a rear-end collision. The vehicle also suffers from excessive oil consumption, requiring manual top-offs twice a week. The servicing dealership diagnosed a fuel system failure, quoting $5,847 to replace the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and oil gasket. Hyundai Corporate (Case #43358088) officially...
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denied warranty coverage on October 12, 2026, falsely claiming wear and tear despite active TXXM 150,000-mile extended warranty framework protections. Furthermore, there is a data discrepancy: the dealership pulled diagnostic trouble code P0172, but corporate claims the vehicle threw code P0173 and is withholding the physical diagnostic printout behind a fee paywall.
While going down the highway at around 72 mph , my car went into limp mode. I was unable to accelerate, the brake and wheel locked. And then the engine light began flashing. The limp mode , non acceleration, and flashing engine light have happened twice before this instance. The first two times the pulled the P1326 knock sensor code and replaced it. Did the update, and sent me on my way saying it was fine. Now this most recent time (the 3rd time), the engine has failed. A CARFAX report says my car already had the...
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engine replaced at 52k miles, meaning there's 1 something internally wrong and 2 it's still well within mileage warranty for another engine replacement. This car is extremely dangerous as it can literally stop in the middle of the highway. I went from 72 to about 15 mph in seconds, I was unable to get over or accelerate. It was terrifying. Now dealing with Hyundai - they don't want to take fault.
The new 2019 Hyundai Tucson equipped with the Nu2.0L GDI engine, I purchased in 1/2020 as the original owner to this day has been diagnosed with a burnt exhaust valve due to heavy oil consumption that has been an uncorrected documented manufacturer's defect within Hyundai motor corporation. The excessive engine oil consumption has poisoned and destroyed the first catalytic converter, has fouled the combustion chamber which has consequently choked and burnt the exhaust valve with the excess oil ash and carbon...
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buildup. The car was approved for a second catalytic converter install last week which my car currently sits at 125,000 miles and the dealership through the authority of approval with Hyundai motor America has replaced under warranty however subsequently running the excess consumption test, the car now has a burnt exhaust valve which Hyundai motor America is extending a "good faith" proposal which they are willing to replace 60% of the burnt valve and I'm responsible for the 40% even though I have complied fully with the dealership's recommended preventive maintenance schedule which has been solely performed at the same dealership since the day I bought the car and drove off the lot up until the 100K mile warranty. And now discovering my particular motor has been extended to the 15/150,000 warranty due to the lawsuit settlement. I have continued with my diligence with keeping up with the oil, instead of ignoring the issue that the car burns excessive oil to potentially has the engine fail while driving to be fully covered on the rod bearing failure settlement. Help in my concerns would be greatly appreciated through NHTSA.
I have had 2 catalytic converters the original and a 2nd one. Now I need a 3rd due to excessive oil consumption. Corporate did a good will for a combustion cleaning and that did nothing. The dealership checked my oil and said there was excessive oil consumption and submitted for an engine replacement and it was rejected. Absolutely ridiculous.
Unknown believe it engine was replaced due to engine knock
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data