2015 Hyundai Tucson Complaints

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/24/2026

Pulled out of a parking lot into the street and there was an unusual clunking noise coming from the drivetrain of the car. Had the car towed to the dealer for diagnostics. The diagnosis from the Dealer was the transfer case splines no longer are engaging with the transmission. This problem is already known to the Manufacture and for some reason nothing has been done to address the safety issue.

ENGINE — Filed 09/03/2026

ENGINE and RECALL NOTIFICATION MALFUNCTION: My 2015 Hundai Tuscon exerperienced a catastrophic engine failure/seizure while driving. Hyundai is denying an engine replacement under their extended warranty under the KSDS software update (Campaign 966) because the software update wasn't completed. However, Hyundai failed to notify me of this requirement; I purchased the automobile in Jan 2024. The KSDS recall was sent out in 2021. I recently received an official physical mailer from Hyundai Motor America titled 'IMPORTANT VEHICLE SERVICE REQUIRED' for my VIN. On that official notice, there is a dedicated section explicitly titled 'OTHER RECALLS AND/OR IMPROVEMENT REPAIRS NEEDED (associated with my VIN).' Hyundai corporate left this b ox completely blank, officially misinforming me that no other active campaigns existed for my vehicle. This represents a critical malfunction in Hyundai's automated recall and campaign notification mailing systems, which actively misleads consumers and keeps them in the dark about mandatory preservation updates. Either Hyundai's automated notification systems completely failed to inform me of mandatory nature of Campaign 966 - which is directly proven by my official printed mailer leaving the open campaign box completely blank - or the service was performed during a prior dealership visit and failed to register in the corporate database due to an administrative tracking error. I am requesting an audit of the vehicle's engine control module ROM ID to confirm if the calibration updates is physically present on the vehicle computer

ENGINE — Filed 09/01/2024

We have a 2015 Hyundai Tucson that we bought brand new. It has 80k miles on it. The car started using oil about three years ago. The dealer recommended replacement of the catalytic converter, which we did. The car continued to use oil, and the dealership had us replace the catalytic converter two more times, so three times total. Now the problem is occurring again and they are recommending replacement of the catalytic converter for a FOURTH time. We have filed a claim with the manufacturer and have been going in circles with the dealership for months. It is our position that the repeated catalytic converter failure is caused by an underlying motor issue, which should be covered by the manufacturers warranty, but the dealer treated the symptoms instead and waited for the warranty expiration. This car is owned by my father, an [XXX] disabled veteran. He bought this car thinking it would be a safe and reliable vehicle for him to drive into his retirement years. Instead, Hyundai is repeatedly making him pay to replace the same part when it is clearly not resolving the oil consumption issue. He is being taken advantage of. Hyundai should honor their warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 06/21/2026

While driving on a US highway, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost the ability to start/run normally, requiring the vehicle to be pulled off the road and towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership. Dealer diagnostic testing found the engine failed a bearing/performance test, consistent with connecting rod bearing wear. This failure mode — Check Engine light, DTC P1326, abnormal noise, or a no-crank/no-start condition caused by connecting rod bearing wear — is described in the manufacturer's own internal dealer service bulletin covering an engine warranty extension program for multiple engine families (Theta II MPI and Nu GDI engines) across several model years and vehicle lines. That bulletin acknowledges the failure as a known condition and extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles for original and subsequent owners. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning while the vehicle was in active use on a highway, creating a stall/loss-of-power hazard in moving traffic — the vehicle could not be restarted at the roadside. The dealership's own multi-point inspection performed shortly after intake confirmed engine fluid levels and oil grade were within normal range, indicating the failure was not attributable to a lack of lubrication at the time of failure. Despite this, the manufacturer denied warranty coverage for the repair, citing an inability to produce maintenance receipts for a prior period, even though the dealership's own inspection findings do not support a maintenance-related cause. This report is submitted because of the safety hazard posed by unwarned loss of engine power/starting capability while driving, and because this failure pattern appears consistent with a defect the manufacturer has already acknowledged for closely related engine platforms, raising the question of whether additional vehicles with this engine design should be included in that existing warranty/defect campaign.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE — Filed 04/01/2026

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The engine turned over but failed to restart. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic shop and then to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine seized; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised that there was no warranty coverage. The Better Business Bureau was contacted and informed that the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed, but a request for repair coverage was declined due to a failure to have the recall remedy completed; however, both the contact and the previous owner were unaware of the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

ENGINE — Filed 03/16/2026

My 2015 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.4L engine developed a loud engine knocking sound while driving. The knocking became worse and the vehicle became unsafe to drive due to the possibility of sudden engine failure. The vehicle is currently at a Hyundai dealership and has been there for over a month. The dealership denied the warranty claim stating that a different engine component failed instead of the connecting rod bearing. This engine is part of the known Theta II engine defect issue that has caused engine failures in many Hyundai vehicles. A sudden engine failure while driving could result in loss of power, difficulty steering or braking, and could increase the risk of a crash. I am filing this complaint because the engine failure symptoms match the known defect pattern, and the vehicle may be unsafe if the issue is not properly addressed. Hyundai Tucson with 113,000 miles and failing engine. I’ve been told repairs have amounted to $10,000. I was told my car has severe engine failure and must be replaced by Hyundai of the shoals in Tuscumbia, AL. Engine failure is dangerous as a fire may start from a metal piece and also loss of control of vehicle is possible. Hyundai has denied warranty as they say the exact part in theta 2 engine settlement is not failing. I have had to complete recalls on this car since the first payment I made on it. The engine knocking began a month ago and that’s about how long the dealership has had my car.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS — Filed 03/13/2026

On March 13, 2026, I was operating my 2015 Hyundai Tucson when the steering locked up, causing me to crash into a tree head-on. In the course of this head-on crash, my airbags failed to deploy. As a direct result of my airbags not deploying in a serious car crash, my head hit the steering wheel, causing a confirmed concussion diagnosis of Post Traumatic Headache and Post Concussion Syndrome in a hospital emergency room. There were no lights or symbols on the dashboard prior to the accident. My car had a prior repair for a front end collision in a body shop and a replacement of the engine in a Hyundai dealership prior to the accident. My car is currently in a tow yard. There has been no inspection of my car by the manufacturer. I have since discovered that there are a number of complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") from other Hyundai Tucson owners for the model years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2023 complaining of the same defect in their Hyundai Tucsons – the failure of the airbags to deploy in serious car accidents. I believe this represents a systemic safety defect in the Hyundai Tucson airbag system that has not been addressed for the 2015 model year. This failure put my safety at serious risk and resulted in significant injuries that could have been prevented had the airbag system functioned as designed.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/07/2026

On January 7, 2026, shortly after delivery of a used 2015 Hyundai Tucson (VIN [XXX] ), the vehicle experienced immediate mechanical failure while being driven, resulting in sudden loss of power and drivability. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard at the time of failure. The vehicle became disabled and left the occupants stranded roadside in Fairhope, Alabama. The exact component that failed is UNKNOWN at this time. The failure appears related to the engine, powertrain, fuel/propulsion, and/or electrical systems. The vehicle was not operable after the incident. On January 8, 2026, the selling dealership (Sandy Sansing Nissan, Pensacola, Florida) towed the vehicle back to their dealership. The vehicle has remained in the dealership’s possession since that date and is available for inspection upon request. This sudden failure created a significant safety risk due to loss of propulsion while in traffic and exposure to roadside hazards. The problem has not been independently repaired or evaluated by the consumer. No manufacturer inspection has occurred to the consumer’s knowledge. The dealer has not provided a diagnostic report or repair findings. No warning lights or symptoms were disclosed prior to delivery. The failure occurred almost immediately after delivery. The vehicle was sold and delivered by a licensed dealership. The sale is currently in dispute because the vehicle became disabled almost immediately after delivery due to this safety-related failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 01/09/2026

At the time of engine failure, my husband was on the offramp between 140N and 24N at approximately 8:30pm. This ramp is under construction and narrow, but state troopers stopped and were able to push the car to the side of the road. As it was nighttime, my husband and /or other motor vehicle drivers/passengers could've been seriously injured. The car did not display any warning lights or signals. The car was then towed home and then to Empire Hyundai in Fall River, where it was assessed. It was determined that there were 5 outstanding recalls on the vehicle. Hyundai fixed all, with the exception of Recall #966, which was issued and not repaired PRIOR to my purchasing the vehicle. Hyundai Corporate was contacted by Aaron at Empire Hyundai. They (Corporate) refuses to replace the engine. According to Corporate, this should've been fixed by the independent dealer or owner PRIOR to being sold to me.

ENGINE — Filed 10/25/2025

Driving on interstate for approx 30min and the car stopped accelerating. We safely merged off to the side and the car completely shut off. The car would not start. We put oil in and it started up by engine light was on. We got vehicle towed 1hr back into town. We are lucky no cars were behind us to cause an accident. We are also lucky engine did not catch on fire. This happened completely out of the blue. I get my vehicle serviced regularly and serviced at Hyundai dealerships for major repairs. The engine failed us and is available for inspection. Our claim was denied by Hyundai due to my mileage being 10k over the warranty. However they installed the faulty engine so regardless of mileage this needs to be resolved.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 12/18/2022

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. A chemical odor was detected coming through the air vents causing a burning sensation to the contact's eyes and nose. The contact had to roll down the windows to get relief from the chemical odor. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The dealer scheduled an upcoming appointment for February 2023. Ray Brandt Hyundai (1700 Westbank Expy, Harvey, LA 70058) and Hyundai Slidell (298 E Howze Beach Rd, Slidell, LA 70461) were also made aware of the failure and scheduled upcoming appointments in 2023. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

SERVICE BRAKES,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 10/31/2021

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving in stop and go traffic, the braking system malfunctioned. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the pedal extended to the floor causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. During the failure, the contact sustained an injured left forearm from the air bag deployment. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The contact stated that the driver in the other vehicle left the scene after the emergency services arrived. The contact was unaware of any injuries to the other driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The contact later received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 06/11/2022

The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH with her son in the front passenger seat and her daughter in the rear seats, she heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle along with her children. The contact saw flames of fire underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire extended and burned the entire vehicle. There were no physical injuries sustained. However, the contact and her children sustained trauma. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The used car dealer was notified of the failure. The contact later received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which she associated with the failure. The Hyundai dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/29/2021

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/14/2020

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND OTHER DRIVER FLAG ME DOWN, THE CAR BEHIND ME HONK WHEN I LOOK BACK I REALIZE THAT THE CAR WAS SMOKING WHEN I COME OUT AT THE CAR THE WHOLE CAR CAUGHT FIRE.

ENGINE — Filed 06/17/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SON WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD AND ANOTHER DRIVER ALERTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS STATED THAT SMOKE WAS SEEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE PASSERBY OPENED THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE BURSTED INTO FLAMES. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE PASSERBY ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A STATE TROOPER FILED A POLICE REPORT AND THAT A FIRE REPORT WAS ALSO FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD NOT GIVEN THE FINAL REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000. *BF CONSUMER WAS TOLD CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.*JB

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/10/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 50 MPH, OTHER DRIVERS BEGAN TO ALERT HIM THAT THERE WAS FIRE EMERGING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE; THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS ALERTING THE CONTACT OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THE FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REACHED HIM, THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE, AND THE CONTACT FILED BOTH A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST TOWED A JUNK YARD AND THEN TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP (RICK CASE HYUNDAI 925 N STATE RD 7, PLANTATION, FL 33317 (954) 388-9627) AND THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A PRE-OWNED SALES MANAGER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 05/16/2019

HYUNDAI RECALL. I AM A 65 YEARS OLD, I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON NOV 2018 AND AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FLAMES CAME THROUGH THE FLOOR PANEL AND THROUGH THE VENTS. MY ENTIRE AREA WHERE THE GAS & BRAKE PEDAL ARE BURNED UP, THE RADIO AREA AND CONSOLE AREA IS CHARRED BEYOND RECOGNITION. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS IN FLAMES.

ENGINE — Filed 02/27/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. 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 NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE — Filed 11/24/2018

THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FRIDAY 11/23/2018 AT ABOUT 3:30 PM. THE NEXT DAY, SAT, 11/24/2018 ABOUT 12:45, A BOY BANGED ON THE FRONT DOOR OF THE HOUSE AND TOLD WIFE THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. SHE CAME AND GOT ME FROM THE BACK YARD AND I RAN AROUND TO THE DRIVEWAY. I SEEN FLAMES AROUND THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR QUARTER, THE WHEEL WELL,AND THE GAS CAP. I GRABBED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE GARAGE AND SPRAYED IT AT THE GAS CAP AREA. THE WIFE SAID THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON THEIR WAY. I USED THE EXTINGUISHER AND THE WIFE BROUGHT ME ANOTHER ONE. I USED THEM TO TRY AND KEEP THE GAS CAP COOL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND I MOVED MY TRUCK FROM PARKED NEXT TO THE TUCSON TO ACROSS THE STREET AND OUT OF THE WAY OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN STARTED OR EVEN UNLOCKED SINCE IT WAS PARKED THE DAY BEFORE.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 10/01/2018

I WAS WAITING TO TURN LEFT, AFTER CHECKING BOTH DIRECTIONS, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND COULD BARELY MOVE. AT THIS POINT I SAW A CAR HEADED TOWARD ME THAT I COULD NOT SEE DUE TO A CAR BEING PARKED ALONG SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, BUT MY TUCSON WOULD NOT MOVE. THIS RESULTED IN BEING T-BONED. VIN PHOTO INCLUDED I HAVE MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED

AIR BAGS — Filed 07/24/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT MADE A LEFT TURN AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT BUMPER. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES AFTER THE CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE — Filed 09/12/2017

CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD SUDDENLY CAUSING CRASH INTO RETAINING WALL. WHILE PARKING.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 10/06/2016

I WAS PARKING IN A PARKING GARAGE AND HAD TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A SPACE WITH CARS ON BOTH SIDES. WHEN I NORMALLY PARK, MY FOOT IS OVER THE BRAKE AND I TAP THE BRAKE AS I GO IN. IN THIS CASE, AS SOON AS I BEGAN TURNING RIGHT, MY CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A SHOT. IT FELT LIKE A CAR BEING FLOORED. I BARELY MISSED ONE OF THE CARS AND SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL, MAKING A 4 X 6 HOLE IN THE WALL AND SETTING OFF THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WAS SMOKING AND I IMMEDIATELY SHUT IT OFF SO THERE WOULD BE NO FIRE.

AIR BAGS — Filed 04/11/2015

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT 5 MPH FOR NO REASON THE SIDE AND CURTAIN AIRBAGS EXPLODED! *TR