Home · 2014 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Hev · Complaints

What 201 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (201)Crash / fire / injury (8)Engine (110)Brakes (56)Electrical system (15)Transmission & drivetrain (11)Fuel system (6)Steering (4)Engine & cooling (3)Speed control (3)Airbags (2)Body & structure (2)

110 of 201 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 1 of 5

Apr 20, 2026Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal ticking sound. While accelerating, the sound level increased. The contact stated that the failure was related to the engine warranty extension TXXM. An independent mechanic was contacted and determined that there was an internal failure with the engine. The fluid levels were topped off; however, the sound continued while driving. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and the dealer declined to replace the engine due to incomplete updates. The warranty was not transferred. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was purchased from Enterprise Rental Car, and the warranty was not transferred to the owner. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

NHTSA ODI 11732367

Feb 23, 2026Engine

My truck started knock and losing power as I drove it. I took it to get serviced put the machine same is was a recall on the engine. I took it to the Hyundai dealership with in 2 weeks he said it was rejected by Hyundai to replace my motor. I service my car but they said I didn't. If it's a recall and not my fault.

NHTSA ODI 11719937

Dec 15, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's wife was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. In addition, the contact was informed of Campaign 953 (Extended Warranty on the Engine). The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed of Campaign 953 (Extended Warranty on the Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the dealer. The manufacturer initially agreed to a good-faith repair. The manufacturer declined the good-faith repair because the Campaign 953 requirement was not performed. The contact had not received information on Campaign 953. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11705061

Nov 16, 2025Engine

On 10/13/25, I was driving on a state hwy & lost all power. All of my warning lights came on. I managed to pull into a driveway & when I tried to start it, puffs of smoke were coming from under the hood. I got it to my mechanic & he said my starter was burnt up. He replaced the starter & discovered that my engine is seized up. It was a scary incident especially driving on a busy state highway. It put my life & others lives in danger. There were no warning lights on prior to this. I acquired the vehicle in February from a car lot. I have had it serviced regularly.

NHTSA ODI 11699668

Nov 4, 2025Engine

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

Aug 26, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The engine experienced catastrophic failure. A piston punctured the engine block, likely due to failure of the connecting rods, an issue known to be associated with the recalled Theta II engine. The engine is still in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. We were scared and felt seriously endangered during the incident. The engine failed suddenly while we were driving on a busy highway. After a loud clunk, the vehicle immediately lost acceleration and would not respond to throttle input. We had to quickly pull over onto the shoulder while traffic sped past us at high speeds. The sudden loss of power in fast-moving traffic put us at serious risk of being rear-ended or causing an accident. It was a frightening experience that could have resulted in injury or worse. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed there is a hole in the engine block caused by a piston. We brought the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for further inspection. Still, their communication has been poor, and they have not yet confirmed whether they acknowledge the issue or its relation to the Theta II engine recall. Our independent mechanic has inspected the vehicle and is currently with a Hyundai dealership for inspection. It has not been checked by police or insurance representatives. No third-party inspector has been involved beyond the dealer and mechanic. There were no warning lights, error messages, noises, or performance symptoms before the failure. The engine failure was sudden and occurred without any prior indication of a problem.

NHTSA ODI 11683104

May 12, 2025Engine

I purchased a 2014 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.4L Theta II engine, which has since experienced complete engine failure due to bearing wear. The Hyundai dealership diagnosed this as the same defect covered under Recall 20V-520 and the Kinnick & Coats v. Hyundai class-action settlement (Case No. 8:17-cv-00838-JLS-JDE). Under the terms of that class action, this defect — specifically premature bearing wear leading to engine seizure — should be covered. However, Hyundai Corporate denied my repair, stating that my vehicle did not qualify under the 953 recall. I was never notified of this recall, as I had recently purchased the vehicle used and was unaware of the outstanding recall eligibility or class-action timelines. I maintain my vehicles meticulously, including regular oil changes every 3,000 miles, and this failure occurred under normal driving conditions. Given that the dealership confirmed the defect is exactly what’s outlined in the recall and lawsuit, and the fact that the recall should have applied to my engine based on symptoms and model, I am requesting an expansion of recall coverage or support through warranty or settlement coverage. I have already contacted Hyundai and was denied support. I am requesting investigation into why my VIN is not included and believe the recall scope should be extended.

NHTSA ODI 11660573

Apr 3, 2025Engine

While I was driving ,my vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning ,creating a dangerous situation ,thankfully I was able to safely pull over .Due to this issue I had my car towed to dealership for inspection I discovered my car is included a recall number 22v056000 Hyundai refusal to honor a recall that directly affected my car Hyundai have denied the recall on my car for no reason

NHTSA ODI 11652668

Mar 18, 2025Engine

As with many Hyundai vehicles, soon after I hit 100,000 miles, there was unbeknownst to me and oil leak that caused the engine to seize. There was no indicatior lights warning of the issue. My car’s has been maintained, and although this is under warranty, Hyundai is refusing to fix the issue because I cannot produce oil receipts for the past 4 1/2 years that I’ve owned the car. Those that I have produced, they say are not enough. The service station that I normally had my oil changed at has shuttered. So I cannot get as many oil change receipts as they want. Besides, who keeps receipts of this nature and what if oil changes were done privately?

NHTSA ODI 11649029

Dec 3, 2024Engine

A recall caused my engine to fail, and needs replacing. it is i believe “campaign 966” They are claiming that i needed to have the system software updated PRIOR to the engine failing. they know that their recall is responsible for the engine failing, but they are trying to go around it by saying that it needed to be fixed before the engine gave out. They NEVER, not one time, reached out about this needing to be fixed. not by email, or regular mail. Nothing. i’m reading everywhere that they do this shady stuff constantly to people, and it is just not right. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11628646

Dec 1, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

While driving on street lost power in traffic then a loud knocking noise.pulled over to a mechanic shop and they told me that it was engine pulleys was bad plus 2 transmitters was bad . I only had the vehicle 4months .The dealership that sold me the vehicle I don't believe they had the car inspected tried to contact them but no reply . I believe the dealership ripped me off and I'm making payments on the vehicle, also my Vehicle has not been running for 3 weeks due to the expensive repairs that is needed.

NHTSA ODI 11628113

Oct 20, 2024Engine

On August 17th 2024 my 2014 Hyundai Tucson wouldn't start. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership so that they can figure out why my vehicle wasn't working. I just leased the vehicle in March 2024. The dealership told me there was an engine recall on my vehicle and they didn't handle engine work and it needed to be towed to an Hyundai dealership. I contacted the Hyundai dealership and they told me there was an engine recall on my vehicle and that it would be serviced on October 17th 2024 at 11 am and hopefully done by 6 pm that day. I was and still am blown away that I have to be without my vehicle for 2 months. Fast forward to October 17th 2024 I'm excited about finally getting my vehicle back as this recall has caused me so much stress and a Major Inconvenience on my life. I contact Hyundai and am told the appointment is for a vehicle diagnostic and they don't have the engine it has to be ordered and then make an appointment to install. I also was told there were 2 other recalls on the vehicle that would be covered under the warranty or recall but the engine would not be covered under the warranty or recall because my name is listed under the dealership name on the title so my vehicle is currently still sitting at Hyundai with no answers from either party about me getting my vehicle fixed and back on the road

NHTSA ODI 11620917

Oct 7, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled; the vehicle eventually returned to normal operation once the contact waited several minutes for the engine to cool down. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop where it was diagnosed that an abnormal sound was coming from the engine compartment and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11618463

Sep 29, 2024Engine

Car came to a complete stop. Check engine light came on. Took car to Ricks repair shop here in Middletown NY. Results was told we needed a new engine. Had car towed to Pepe’s repair shop Middletown NY same results need a new engine. Ticking sound with check engine light.

NHTSA ODI 11617094

Aug 23, 2024Engine

Hyundai of Meridian has my vehicle due to the Recalls! Hyundai Motor has denied repair! I was almost hit by a 18 wheeler when my engine stalled and shut down on the highway!

NHTSA ODI 11610506

Jul 23, 2024Engine

For a year my vehicle has this sort of loud noise, sort of a vibration , it has been consuming and burning large amounts of oil, to now where I'm having to put 1-2 Quarts of oil in a week. I was made aware from a mechanic at Hyundai there is a class action lawsuit for an engine defect where the rod bearing breaks which damages the engine and can cause either the engine to seize or catch on fire.. Hyundai refused to fix the engine until it is deemed a total loss despite them being aware my vehicle is already displaying the symptoms of this engine defect. This is so unsafe for not only myself and my family but other motorists .

NHTSA ODI 11604064

Apr 30, 2024Engine

Motor started smoking, lost most power,able to get to side of highway

NHTSA ODI 11586217

Apr 9, 2024Electrical systemEngineFuel system

I brought my car to dealership three times in two month period time. The first time was because car wasn’t starting and I need to replace spark plugs , second time was because camshaft position sensor and now the engine has failed

NHTSA ODI 11581843

Apr 5, 2024Engine

The connecting rod bearing failed. The dealer has the car and has not provided me with detailed documentation as I have requested. I was traveling ~70 MPH on [XXX] in Maryland when the engine threw a rod. I could control the braking and steering, but had no ability to accelerate. I was able to magically go across 3 lanes of traffic and exit the highway to a safe resting place. I had the car towed to Porter Hyundai in Newark, DE. They inspected the engine and sent documentation to Hyundai. Prior to the event, no warning lamps were on. The "check engine" light came on as the incident was occurring. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11581351

Mar 28, 2024Engine

On [XXX] I was driving my vehicle and the vehicle stopped moving. The vehicle panel did not display any warning lights. My vehicle had to be towed to my residency. I have attached a copy of the information from my insurance company State Farm regarding the towing expense. 2016-2017 Hyundai Tucson have a current recall for engine failure the same failure the 2014 has. I will like to have an explanation why my vehicle has not been recalled. Please see the link below for other owners of the same make, year and model with the same issues. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11579867

Mar 26, 2024Engine

Catastrophic engine failure While driving at 50 m.p.h. engine failure caused brake failure all electronics failed. Complete engine failure diagnosed by Hyundai dealership. Only inspected by qualified Hyundai mechanics. No warning lamps, no messages. UNKNOWN The contact stated please remove the complaint as it will be revised and resubmitted at the end of my current arbitration during class action period.

NHTSA ODI 11579624

Mar 3, 2024Engine

Hyundai Corporate and Bentley Huntsville are refusing to fix faulty engine in vehicle. Bentley Hyundai submitted a fake PA asking for Hyundai Corporation to pay for engine combustion cleaning. Hyundai Corporation and Bentley Hyundai Huntsville Alabama are not honoring extended warranties on known engine failure in their vehicles that are stalling on highways, catching fire and damaging other car parts such as catalytic converter, compressors and rod throwing of engines on highways. This is a danger to consumers and should be addressed.

NHTSA ODI 11575119

Jan 30, 2024Engine

Friday [XXX] I was driving my 4 year old to preschool. We were on the highway traveling about 55 mph. Without warning my car engine turned off. After coasting for awhile, because I couldn't pull over due to guardrails, I was able to get to shoulder of road. Vehicle was towed to local chevy dealership with inspection result of seized engine. car is available for inspection at chevy dealer, manufacturer has not inspected yet because I will need to have it towed the 35 miles to their dealership but they are aware of the situation. I didn't notice any symptoms prior to engine failure. This was a very scary situation for me and my child. I was so worried I was going to get hit by a car traveling behind me since my car was slowly coasting in the lane of the traffic and I couldn't get off of the highway right away because of guardrails. Once I could get off the highway, my car could only coast enough to get about 1 foot off of road which caused a hazard to other vehicles, myself, and child. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11568855

Oct 24, 2023Engine

Car died on freeway. Hyundai is saying it needs an engine due to recalls not done. hyundai is refusing to fix these three recalls or replace engine we never received notice of these recalls.Car is sitting at dealership hyundai in flint

NHTSA ODI 11551715

Sep 29, 2023Engine

On September 21, 2023, around 5:15PM, on Long Island (LI) road in the right lane, I was heading to Mastic area. 1.First noticed burning smell mixing unburned fuel from dashboard. 2.After few times, car started knocking which intense over time and left to immediate exit. 3.Then after few min., car’s engine light and motor oil indicator started blinking and immediately proceed to park. 4.Then after car stalled and didn’t get start.

NHTSA ODI 11547346

Older →

Working with the data? Download all 201 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 20, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Hev verdict →