10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 4
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 35,457 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
While driving down an interstate I accelerated to pass a semi truck. Immediately after passing the truck I took an exit and about halfway off the ramp my car lost all power...no noises or notifications. Had to coast to side of road. Once car was off thr road the engine light oil light and battery light were all lit. I bought a new battery and it did not fix my car. I had a mechanic look at my car and they believe the engine siezed up. The dealership said there is 3 recalls now on my car but engine is not one of them though is probably should be. Was told it would take 3-4 months to get my car in due so many needing repaired. I do not understand how this hasn't been recalled yet. I had my 1 yr old and 2 yr old in the car with me. If my car had quit just 10 seconds earlier we would have likely died. This is not ok for them to keep selling these cars with engine problems. Someone needs to open a lawsuit against hyundai.
- Morehead, KY, USA
My husband had taken my vehicle to work one day. He called me and told me that the car had shut off and wouldn-??t restart. He had just turned onto a major highway and was able to pull off to the side of the road. We thought it might have been the key fob, so I brought the other fob with me. Still nothing. The brakes were stiff and the dash would light up, but the engine wouldn-??t turn over. We had the car towed back to our home. We replaced the battery and starter, and after doing research, have come to the conclusion there is something in the engine that is causing the engine to not turn over. We believe we-??ve narrowed it to the timing chain. Our next step is to take it to the dealership and have it evaluated, but possibly looking to upgrade.
- Alvin, TX, USA
After inspection by the mechanic it was determined that the engine seized. The vehicle is currently at the garage and is available. At the time the engine seized we were on the highway with a speed limit of 70 mph. The vehicle shut off but luckily I was able to pull over safely onto the shoulder. I had my entire family in the vehicle so I definitely feel our safety was at risk. The vehicle has only been inspected by my mechanic. The oil was changed less than two months ago and was changed at regular intervals. There was no warning lights or messages prior to the vehicle losing power. Once it lost power the oil light and engine light came on.
- Annville, PA, USA
Our 2015 Tucson has the G4NC DOHC GDI engine, which unfortunately isn-??t listed in any current engine settlement as of the writing of this complaint. Our engine started to rev at considerably high rpms while driving up hill, followed by a subsequent loss of power and speed. We managed to make it to the top of the hill and pull over, traversing over multiple lanes in front of on-coming semi trucks and other fast moving traffic with our hazards on. Upon pulling over, our engine died. There were no red or amber warning/caution lights on the dash, nor did the check engine light illuminate during the incident. After a few attempts at restarting the engine, we finally got it started and drove it home and brought it to the dealer the next day. They diagnosed it as a -??clogged catalytic converter.-?? Although seemingly a secondary issue, and no further information as to what actually caused the clog in the vehicle inspection report, we reluctantly dished out the $3,200 for the repair of the vehicle we so desperately needed for work. They also installed a -??knock-sensor-?? update. A couple months later-?? When driving the vehicle to work, the check engine light illuminates and flashes on and off continually. After pulling the vehicle over to a stop and consulting a Hyundai mechanic, I had the vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealership for diagnostics. Turns out the knock sensor update is what caused the engine light to illuminate to -??prevent severe engine damage, -?? and I-??m left with a large bill for engine repairs. Will the G4NC engine be investigated by the NHTSA" Will Hyundai honor my drive train warranty? Will Hyundai Corporate ever call me back" Tune in next week-??
- New Albany, IN, USA
Driving down the street and the vehicle suddenly shut off in the middle of the roadway. Vehicle would not restart. Engine oil leaking out of tail pipe was noticed when vehicle was being placed on tow truck. Towed to Hyundai. They say seized engine and not covered under warranty due to low oil. No lights came on dash to include low oil or check engine. Only 66,000 miles. Oil last changed less than 4,000 miles. If there was no oil then how is it possible oil leaking from tail pipe. Looked at similar complaints. Appears rods and bearings are braking in these motors. 55 mph road when car suddenly shut off. Could have seriously injured driver. Could have caused serious accident. Hyundai does not stand by their product and warranty.
- New Hampton , NY, USA
My engine ceased while driving, leaving me stranded on the road. I had it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer that was supposed to do any warranty repairs. Prior to this, I was needing to replace the oil, about 1 quart per week. I did my routine service maintenance and they tried replacing a seal or gasket but that did not stop the problem from reoccurring. When the car was brought to the dealer, the oil was low but there still was some oil in the engine. My engine light never came on to warn me about any issues. The car was sluggish and sputter which was when I would check the oil and put more oil in. I know there was a lawsuit which was settled with engine problems for the same make, year and model as mine but I have not received any recall notice for engine problems for my vehicle.
- Cleveland, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. A few days later the contact was driving to take the vehicle to an independent mechanic when the vehicle loss motive power and stalled. The contact was able to get the vehicle to restart and get the vehicle slowly into a neighborhood where the vehicle stalled again. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
- Waterford, NY, USA
Twice in the last nine months (roughly December 14, 2020 at 67,000 miles & 9/7/21 at 84,300 miles) I have been left stranded on the side of the highway due to what two different Hyundai dealerships call "complete engine failure", which requires the replacement of the entire engine. Ultimately, when I asked what a "complete engine failure" entailed, the dealerships both told me there were metal flakes throughout my engine and that the engine had to be replaced. Both times the symptoms were as follows: loss of acceleration and a horrible ticking noise. The gas pedal is pushed to the floor and the car will not move forward. "Pop" or "Knock" and the engine starts smoking. No check engine light. No check oil pressure light. This is all within about 2 minutes. Moving from 65mph to 0 in a matter of 90 seconds without braking, when you have a semi truck behind you is terrifying. You put your hazards on immediately, pull over as soon as possible, and pray that nobody hits you. You try to stop and your brakes don't seem to be doing their job but you are finally able to stop. Once you've pulled over and the car stops smoking, you pop the hood. Immediately you notice the dipstick for the oil is about halfway out of the engine and oil has exploded everywhere under the hood. I purchased the car 14 months ago and so far, four of those months it has been undriveable due to complete engine failure, requiring replacement and fighting with Hyundai to do the right thing and repair it, which they refuse to do. Even when there is an active campaign (Campaign 966) to update the software to trigger a warning light. The campaign was issued 3/30/21 & I just received notification via first class presorted mail to have the software updated on 9/11/21. They say they won't make the repairs because it is out of warranty. I call lies. This is a direct result of failing to notify me in a timely manner to get the software update that would have at least supposedly triggered a warning light.
- Massillon, OH, USA
My car Tucson is 2015 model. Since early 2018, RPM has risen while driving, cars have been shaken, and engine check lights have continued to come in. When I went to the car repair shop and checked, my car said it was an engine piston defect. And engine oil also disappears 500 to 1,000 miles after replenishment. So I have to make up for it regularly. I'm very nervous about the car, so I have to turn on the engine before departure and leave after 5 minutes, and I have a lot of inconvenience due to this and that problems. I want to know more about what my car is like and I desperately need your help.
- Glenview, IL, USA
On April 16, 2021 my husband was driving our 2015 Hyundai Tucson home from work at 10:30pm. Upon entering Interstate 77 S the Tucson suddenly came to a complete stop. He was able to get it off the side of the interstate. There were no dash lights that came on or noises to give warning this was about to happen. We had not had any issues with the vehicle till then. We had the Tucson towed to the car lot where we had purchased it on 12.26.2020. This could have caused accidents that could have harmed not only my husband but others traveling that interstate that night. Other than the mechanics that replaced the engine and an individual from Warranty Solutions no one else inspected the blown engine. We spent $6948.55 for a rebuilt engine and labor. We were without our vehicle from 04.16.2021 until 08.28.2021. Hyundai had a recall on engine components but for some reason ours was NOT included. I strongly feel it should have been. Not only did this failure put my husband in danger but also anyone traveling that interstate that night.
- West Lafayette, OH, USA
At 40,000 miles with no warning engine stalled while driving Upon inspection by dealership Bore Scope Scarring on all cyl walls predominate on 1 and 2 rf suspects lower engine issue Oil change records were provided
- Waterford, NY, USA
Driving down the road and suddenly the check engine light came one and the engine started producing a knocking sound. I called several dealerships and had a couple of them run the VIN, which they said there are no recalls. However one dealer had mentioned that Hyundai vehicles, including Tucsons are starting to come in at astonishing rates with the same problem I have. I called Hyundai USA and they said there have been some known issues with engine failure describing the same problems mine has along with some known to have increased oil consumption, but they do not know why. They even said that sometimes the owners would not know of the increase in oil consumption and it could in turn cause engine fires. Any dealership I have contacted said due to the increase of vehicles brought in with the same problem, they are unable to even look at my vehicle for a month and to repair is possibly several months out.
- Dayton, OH, USA
Engine failure. I changed car oil and filter every 3,000 miles. A strong noise came from the engine and Pep Boys mechanic say I needs oil. I changed oil, drove one mile and the car stop.
- Orlando, FL, USA
I purchased this vehicle after it had been leased. I purchased it with 48K miles in December 2018. I have maintained the vehicle, per the manufacturer's guidelines. In July 2021, at 69K miles, a high-pitched whirring sound came from engine when gas was applied. The noise did not occur when vehicle is in idle. The noise came suddenly when I was accelerating getting on a highway (on ramp). I took to my trusted mechanic immediately and they haven't been able to diagnose the issue at this time. However, they found busted metal pieces in the pan and have ruled out more common issues, like serpentine belt, timing belts, and exhaust. My mechanic was so far into the engine trying to find the clearly broken part (or parts), that it will be more cost effective to just replace the engine. I contacted my local Hyundai dealership, and they ignored my emails (until this point). A safety concern is that the car could still be driven, even though there was clearly something wrong with the engine. There were no warning lights of any kind in the dash, before or after the engine sound came on. Also, a qualified mechanic could not find/replace the broken part, and Hyundai is ignoring my engine issue requests. I also contacted Hyundai USA and am waiting for a response. The vehicle's engine, if defective, is out of warranty because I am second owner. The second owner warranty only lasts to 60K miles.
- Chesterfield, MI, USA
I was driving and there was a knocking noise from the engine and loss of power. I opened the hood and noticed a pulley on the belt that looked loose and had the car towed to the dealership. According to them they know this particular engine Theta model has been an issue for fires and engine failure with components breaking internally but no recalls have been addressed for my VIN number even though there are hundreds of thousands of customers with the same issues and only some recalls have been made. Ultimately leaving the customer with the bill. This is a very dangerous situation and reading hundreds of comments on various sites and these incidents happening in other countries as well with this engine, there should be a huge investigation and something being done about this.
- Springfield, MA, USA
Engine seized, yes available for inspection, no prior warning lamps, messages or symptoms, car just stopped. Fortunately this happened on a backroad and not on interstate 95 between home and school. Manufacture said they would not help, seized engine determined by mechanic, no oil. Car maintained as recommended by manufacturer. I'm now finding out this is a common problem with this make and model, it burns oil and engines seize. Who allows cars to be on the road that seize up!!!
- Rehoboth, MA, USA
Vehicle was being driven and was alerted that smoke was emerging from the engine and then a pop was heard, car was pulled to the side and shut off. Opened hood and engine was on fire and wouldnt stop. Bystanders tried helping but fire couldnt be contained and the entire Tucson engulfed in flames. Hyundai claimed no recalls for that model and couldnt help in any way. Vehicle was completly factory with 0 aftermarket modifications. 2015 Hyundai Tucson.
- AñAsco, PR, USA
The vehicle suddenly reduced power on 05/27/2021 while my 82-year old mother was driving home. When I checked the car, the check engine light was blinking. I Immediately took to a service center and noticed the same low power 'limping' performance and a knocking sound (previously unheard). On Friday, 05/28/2021, the service manager provided an update: that they found Diagnostic trouble code p1326 related to engine inspection. Performed oil change. Cleared the diagnostic code. Ran the engine. Could hear an internal knock at higher RPMs. Will need engine replaced or rebuilt. No parts are available to replace or rebuild at this time. They contacted Hyundai with the VIN who said the vehicle was out of warranty (110,000 miles). Drove the vehicle home (two blocks) at low RPMs with no issue. There was no previous indication there was any potential issue with the engine. Maintenance and oil changes have been completed on a regular basis. There were 600+ miles before the next 5,000-mile oil change was due. Drove the car the next morning, Saturday, 05/29/2021, to see about trading the car in at the local Hyundai dealer (5.1 miles away) before the situation got worse and purchase a new vehicle. I was expecting the car would be drivable - at least at lower RPMs. The car immediately began to lose power, the check engine light began blinking and stalled three times in traffic before crawling onto the dealer's lot. They had a mechanic look at the vehicle, said the engine was shot and offered $250 as all they could do was junk it since engine parts were scarce and it would not be cost-effective to replace the engine even though the body was in good shape. I felt I had no choice but to accept as it was now clear the vehicle was unsafe to drive. For the engine to die within about 15 miles of the initial onset without warning and the sudden loss of power, is a dangerous situation is this is waiting to happen to other vehicles.
- Southampton, PA, USA
I was driving down the road when suddenly the car started rattling. The oil light blinked on then off. The engine then made a squealing noise, the battery light came on, and then the engine froze. The accelerator pedal and the steering wheel were stuck. I turned the car off, but it wouldn-??t restart. Thankfully, I was on a quiet neighborhood street and not in the middle of a busy highway when this happened. I had it towed to the dealer, who inspected it and stated that I needed to have the entire engine replaced. I then had it towed to another dealer for a second opinion, but they also said the engine needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, since I am not the original owner, Hyundai claims the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty does not apply, even though the car only has 85k miles.
- Brookhaven , GA, USA
- Burlington, NJ, USA