What 1,536 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell

I was driving home from work and heard knocking sound come from engine. No sensors came on to alert me of any problem. I pulled over and checked oil. There was no oil and it was not due for oil change for another 1,000 miles. Oil is always changed between 3-5K miles. Took it to Gettel Hyundai dealership where it was purchased. They are unable to explain what or why this happened. Took claim out with Hyundai as there is only 60K miles. Hyundai and dealership offered no help because warranty had ended. Just told me it needed a new engine for $8K. Hyundai corporate denied claim also citing lack of service. That is not a valid reason and makes no sense. We provided every paper receipt showing diligent oil changes and required mile maintenance. They never bothered to do an engine oil burning test. After researching this online there is a well-known problem with these engines burning oil. There was no oil leaking. Why did NO sensor alert me there was no oil? This seems like a major safety concern. Hyundai is refusing to take responsibility for this problem and needs to address this properly. This car engine should be recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11579851

Loss of power while driving thru heavy traffic causing car to go into a low speed. No warning lights until after turning off and back on. Hyundai dealership confirms no compression cyl 3, metal shaving in engine block, oil full. Engine in car 1.6L GDI turbo, not under hyundai recall. Hyundai denying claim to replace because vin not included in recall but does admit engine is same as in other recalled engines for same issue. Losing power in heavy traffic with no warning was safety issue. Only light to come on was engine light after the fact.

NHTSA ODI 11575542

I have joined the millions of disappointed Hyundai customers who have faulty engines in their cars. Hyundai is refusing to replace my engine or provide any assistance because there is no formal recall for my vehicle. In May of 2023, my engine failed after starting to have oil consumption issues and Hyundai diagnosed it as failure due to maintenance neglect. When I opened a case with Hyundai, I gave all maintenance records, including a January full-point inspection done by Hyundai, showing no engine issues or anything engine-related to be addressed. In follow up after providing the records, Hyundai determined it was actually not due to neglect of maintenance, but a dirty valve train, and therefore there was nothing they could do since I was out of my warranty period. However, when I asked how I was to know my valve train was dirty if all my inspections came back with no issues, I was told that it just happens and there is no way to prevent. I asked them to re-open my case and they again asked for maintenance records, the ones I already provided, to try and say again that it was maintenance related. I kept getting different stories from the case manager, the service manager at Cool Springs Hyundai, and the GM at Cool Springs Hyundai. I have since joined a group on Facebook with thousands of others encountering this same issue - random engine failure and case managers requesting maintenance records in the hopes Hyundai can find a way to blame it on the consumer. It’s no secret that Hyundai makes vehicles with faulty engines as seen by the multiple recalls over the past few years, including the recent one regarding engine fires affecting 3+ million customers. Hyundai needs to be held accountable. In research of my engine, the 1.6L GDI, I see that this engine is under recall for the Hyundai Veloster for the same exact issue that I have had, but for some reason that same engine in my vehicle has yet to be recalled. I plead for your assistance and resolving.

NHTSA ODI 11575141

When both driving and idling, the car will either stall or feel like it is about to stall, when all of a sudden the vehicle “pauses” for a second and then all of the dashboard lights come on. This has now happened at least 4 times in the past month. It will reset after turning the car off, but on more than one occasion after turning the car off, the engine doesn’t restart right away. Thankfully, the car has restarted and it resets the dashboard lights. My safety is a concern if my car stalls while driving at any speed! I have yet to take it to the dealer, as there’s a VERY long wait for an appointment - another recurring issue. No one has inspected this for me, and it is very concerning. There is plenty of evidence that this is happening to others in both online forums and Hyundai owners sites online.

NHTSA ODI 11575079

Engine was burning more oil between oil changes. Auto shop diagnosed engine as blown engine after scoping each valve. 126,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11574611

The engine in this vehicle is faulty like same engine in 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The recall that covers the engine in the Veloster shows identical engine failure to that seen in our vehicle. We noticed that the engine oil light came on within 3k miles of the last oil change and when we checked we had lost over 3 quarts of oil with no signs of external leaking. We put in more oil and within a week it started knocking and the engine failed. We took it to the shop and they said they had replaced multiple Hyundai engines under warranty for same exact problem. Reference Hyundai Campaign 22-01-023H. Hyundai is stating they are not going to fix this issue on the Hyundai Tucson because it doesn't fall under the recall yet though they know it has same issue. Our car has less than 90k miles with full synthetic used the entire time. This engine fails, they know why it fails, and ours did while my wife was taking kids to school.

NHTSA ODI 11574350

While driving my car started to have trouble accelerating and then the engine started to make a knocking noise. While driving the noise started to get louder and worse and then the check engine light came on. I have checked for recalls with my vin # and there are none. The issue I am having with my vehicle is exactly like recalls I have seen listed for other years and or version of my 2016 Hyundai Tucson Turbo. I can not drive my car and I need help.

NHTSA ODI 11572826

All 4 Windows will not roll up/ down. Using multiple quarts of oil a week. The heat doesn’t work. Back doors will not open.

NHTSA ODI 11570516

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to cease driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that there were metal fragments in the oil, resulting in damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11570647

I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic when I was driving out of town and the check engine light came on. I pulled over and was able to get off the freeway and safely park. I called for a tow tuck. At the time the check engine light came on it started to stutter and act like it was out of gas or oil. I just had my oil changed few weeks ago and had plenty of gas. I could tell something wasn't right. When I found a safe place to pull over and park while I waited for the tow truck. I tried to start the engine and it would crank but quickly start shaking. I tried starting it up to see if I could make it to a church that was several yards away and when I tempted to it quickly started to shake and out of fear of getting stuck or hit I just let it stay put until the tow truck came. Once the tow truck arrived they were having a hard time getting it to start to get on the truck. I had it towed to a local mechanic and it stated that it failed the compression test and needs a engine repair. Since it needs a new engine I had it towed to the Hyundai dealership and after they performed there tests it came to the same conclusion. New engine. At this point, the dealership says it's not covered. The car has 89k miles. At this point I'm at the mercy of the dealership and honestly I just want out of this car and in a safe and reliable vehicle. I owe more than what's its worth. I feel like the moment I purchased this vehicle it was a lemon and had alot of issues arise that shouldn't

NHTSA ODI 11569136

The check engine light came on in my 2016 Tucson , which only had 77K in mileage. I had it towed to a Hyundai dealership in Richmond, VA. They reported that there was a rod beading issue which would require a total engine rebuild for $15k. I have since learned that there was a class action lawsuit against Hyundai. This recall included the Theta II engine, not the engine in my 2016 Tucson, which is a 1.6 Turbo. The defective part in the Theta II engine is the same defective part in the 1.6 Turbo. When the engine malfunctions, it can cause the engine to go into limp mode which prevents acceleration, it can cause the motor to seize up, or it can cause engine fire. When I contact Hyundai customer service and explained my concern with the engine not being covered in the lawsuit, they admitted that it probably should have been. While the dealership is blaming the issue on a missed oil change, it is a known fact that this is an ongoing issue with the engine. I have documentation attached from my local mechanic sharing the notification Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin. I have since done a lot of reading about the issue with this motor and I have joined several social media groups whose members have all had issue with these engines. These cars are pose a safety risk to the driver and others on the road. They should all be recalled. Please let me know if you require any additional information from me.

NHTSA ODI 11566954

In between oil changes, almost all oil will be burned off in none is added. There are no oil Leaks or other problems. This access oil consumption is a manufacturing defect.

NHTSA ODI 11566811

A/C failure & Heat Failure which resulted in an accident. Was not the thermostat. ACCEDENT was unable to defrost/defog windows, causing the driver to crash

NHTSA ODI 11564862

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the engine overheated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact opened the hood and became aware that the coolant cap had detached and there was coolant covering the engine. The contact stated that the engine failure had occurred previously, and the failure was persistent. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

NHTSA ODI 11564111

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the low engine oil warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle had been consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and had been taken to the dealer for observation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the repair could not be completed under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,482.

NHTSA ODI 11563007

The engine began to make a knocking noise. Upon our inspection, the vehicle had lost all oil. Vehicle was towed to our local dealership. Dealership informed us a bearing had become worn causing rapid oil loss and a rod to break, sending metal shards into the engine compartment. Engine could have seized up or caught on fire, had the vehicle continued to run. Dealership informed us of other Hyundai recalls for the same issue, however we were told our year/make/model was not included. Vehicle had been at same dealership 2 months prior for a heat/AC issue and a complete inspection was completed. No indication of bearing, oil, or engine issue was noted. No warning lights came on at any point.

NHTSA ODI 11562609

Engine heating problems, electrical problems and now engine failure, the vehicle is no longer safe to drive. The vehicle is available for inspection. Other vehicles of same make, model, and year have been recalled for these issues however mine has not. I feel it has the same types of issues and safety concerns which should be recalled. The issues began with electrical problems inside the vehicle, random check engine lights coming on then off and other lights popping up in the dash board, the car was not accelerating properly, took the car in and they could not find a problem or fix it. The engine began heating and the speed of vehicle was also being affected. The car would randomly slow down quickly while on the highway at 70 MPH which happened a couple of times and was not safe at all, it could have caused a horrible accident. I could not accelerate enough to stay on the highway. That issue was fixed when we took the vehicle into the dealership to fix and should have been a recall as other cars where having the same issue. Hyundai should be held responsible for issues such as this that are affecting many other Hyundai Tucson drivers. Oil keeps depleting and the engine is burning through fast, also another concern and safety issue as that causes the engine to over heat and potentially cause a fire. A loud noise is coming from the vehicle, sounds like a helicopter it happened suddenly with no check engine light or warning. I'm concerned this car could catch fire, many Tucson's have had warning of catching fire. I don't park in our garage or even in the driveway for fear of that happening although they state ours is not supposed to be affected all these vehicle issues are telling me otherwise. Engine is now dead.This is unacceptable. Windows cannot be rolled down after multiple fixes that I paid for. Hyundai's poor production, manufacturing and quality control is unacceptable, please hold them responsible. Too much money has been spent on issues with no real results.

NHTSA ODI 11560166

Oil consumption is very high and leads to no oil in car in a normal oil change timeframe then a failed engine comes No lights on to indicate oil is low Dealership denies oil is low

NHTSA ODI 11560206

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, he and his wife observed a faint knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the noise grew louder while attempting to exit the highway. The contact stated that the oil, check engine, and unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment however, there was no fire. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the hood was opened. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was awaiting a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle could not be repaired because Service Campaign 966 was not performed on the vehicle before the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.

NHTSA ODI 11559749

My Hyundai Tucson burns through 3.5 quarts of oil in 1,000 miles. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle. Yet I have no choice as Hyundai dealerships do not offer loaner cars and nurses cannot call off from the hospital with car problems. I purchased a Hyundai because of the 100,000 mile warranty, and I expect resolution in a timely manner. I have kept detailed records, including the 14 oil changes and two oil pan resealings required in the past year.

NHTSA ODI 11558974

Vehicle has 101k miles on it, just over the 100k Hyundai warranty. Vehicle began shaking and sputtering while driving, and check engine light illuminated, I was able to get it to a local mechanic. Mechanic said it had multiple codes (P300, P302, and P304). They did a compression test and said the engine has internal failure and should be replaced; quoted 13k to replace. I had it towed to the Hyundai dealership where I bought it, and they are investigating it. The service manager told me even with perfect maintenance records, Hyundai will likely deny a goodwill claim to replace the engine. Looking at all these engine failure complaints for this year model, it is clear this is an ongoing problem and Hyundai needs to issue a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11558759

51k miles and engine went out on the highway. No lights or warnings until afterwards. We were able to safely pull over onto the shoulder and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for servicing.

NHTSA ODI 11554760

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle inadvertently decelerated with the accelerator pedal depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ODI 11553281

The engine has continuously thrown itself into limp mode, unable to exceed 2,000 RPMS and 60mph. It has been in and out of the dealership for the past 6 months as they have zero idea of what’s going on. This all started a month after some software updates were done. Car had zero mechanical issues prior. Car has no audible knocking or engine failure symptoms. I’ve spent atleast $2,000 out of pocket to attempt to get the car fixed with no luck. When I get the car back everytime, it goes into limp mode at interstate speeds which is extremely dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11553049

UNKNOWN FULLY Engine knocking out of the blue and then died. Car went limp while driving down the road. Starts and is loudly knocking. Throws codes P0011 and P0326 Cannot drive vehicle. I have not notified hyundai yet. There were no warning lights. Car ran perfectly fine. No issues. Then the engine just died.

NHTSA ODI 11552325