What 37 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Equus

While driving at approximately 70MPH on the highway, my 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited suddenly locked up with no warning lights, no noise and no prior symptoms. The engine completely seized, causing immediate loss of power. I was barely able to coast off the highway exit to a final stop on the feeder shoulder, in a desolate area. The vehicle has always been properly maintained and is in excellent condition. Upon research, I learned that Hyundai has known of internal engine defects caused by metallic debris left from manufacturing since 2010, which can cause bearing failure and engine seizure. My Tucson's failure matches the same pattern described in Hyundai's Theta II engine recall and warranty extension campaigns. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous situation at highway speed and possibility of injury while being stranded on an open road. Many owners, myself included, were never properly notified of the risks. I am filing this report because this incident represents a serious safety defect and potential recurrence among similar vehicles that may not yet be covered by recall. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this issue and ensure Hyundai expands its recall and warranty coverage to include affected 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited vehicles exhibiting this defect that was well-known to the Hyundai Corporation. Date of Incident: October 23,2025 in Houston Texas. Vehicle towed to Hyundai dealer which diagnosed Engine Seized and currently awaiting Warranty Extension Approval (TXXC/TXXI)

NHTSA ODI 11697541

Engine failure/thrown rod in engine while drive. 90k miles.

NHTSA ODI 11547515

ENGINE FAILURE - CAR HAS 32K MILES; NEVER HAD ANY WARNING LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASH; OUT OF NO WHERE DEVELOPED A KNOCKING NOISE. THE CAR WAS SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS AND ONCE STARTED AND DRIVING A KNOCKING NOISE STARTED APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE; THEREFORE I BROUGHT IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER. NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED DUE TO EXCESSIVE SLUDGE BUILD UP AND OIL BLEEDING INTO THE ENGINE AND TIMING CHAIN. MANUFACTURER STATED IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP TOLD ME THIS HAS BEEN NOTED IN A COUPLE OTHER SAME MODELS THAT CAME THROUGH THEIR SHOP ALTHOUGH THOSE OWNERS TRADED THE CAR IN TO GET OUT OF THE SITUATION THEY WERE IN. OIL WAS CHANGED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATION ALTHOUGH NOT THROUGH A DEALER SINCE I DON'T LIVE CLOSE TO A DEALER. IF THE MANUFACTURER REQUIRES IT TO BE CHANGED OR MAINTAINED THROUGH A DEALER, THAT SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THIS MANUFACTURER SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF ISSUES WITH ENGINE FAILURES. THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY POTENTIALLY CAUSING TO HARM TO PEOPLE IN MY CAR OR CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI 11110780