Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 202 safety complaints
about the 2014 Hyundai Tucson with the US government. Of those, 4 describe a crash, 3 mention a fire, 3 people were injured and no death is recorded. 2 recall campaigns are open against it, covering the hydraulic brakes and the air bags.
The most complained-about system is the engine,
named in 110 complaints, 54% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 78,605 miles,
the median across the 94
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers May 2014 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
202 complaints on file
202
Complaints
4
Describe a crash
3
Mention fire
3
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
Complaints fell 33% year on year: 8 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 12 in the twelve before.
A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free.
Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can
answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a
model year.
A further 1 defect
investigation is
open and unresolved.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 110 · 54%
110 54%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 41 · 20%
41 20%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15 · 7%
15 7%
SERVICE BRAKES 15 · 7%
15 7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13 · 6%
13 6%
POWER TRAIN 11 · 5%
11 5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7 · 3%
7 3%
STEERING 4 · 2%
4 2%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 3 · 1%
3 1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3 · 1%
3 1%
AIR BAGS 2 · 1%
2 1%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2 · 1%
2 1%
04692
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 202.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2022 at 78.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2014 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2014 Hyundai TUCSON, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
SUV AWD
SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
17.6%
18.0%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed.
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
Recall campaigns
2 on file
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 357,348 vehicles across all model years covered
AIR BAGS
14V245000 · May 13, 2014
The defect
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.
The risk
An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
The remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.
Hyundai Motor Company · up to 137,500 vehicles across all model years covered
Defect investigations
2 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
AQ23002
Still open audit query · opened November 17, 2023
the hydraulic brakes
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
Loss of Motive Power
DP22003
Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023
the engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
STRUCTURE:BODY
2 injured · crash · 51,000 miles
AS WE EXITED THE FREEWAY, WE STOPPED AT THE SIGN, WAITED FOR TWO CARS, PROCEEDED TO GO AND AS WE WERE ALMOST TURNED INTO OUR LANE I LOOKED AND SAW A CAR SPEEDING UP AND HIT US GOING AROUND 50 MPH, SHE DIDN'T BRAKE AND ENDED UP SWERVING A LITTLE TO THE LEFT AS SHE DRUG OUR BIKE WE WERE EJECTED ACROSS THE ROAD AND ALMOST DIED WITH SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING INJURIES
NHTSA complaint 11052024. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
1 injured · towed · 122,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STALLED CAUSING THE DRIVERS HEAD TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. DURING THE INCIDENT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER GARVEY HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 257 DIX AVE #1, QUEENSBURY, NY 12804 WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. *DT*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint 11402559. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
fire · towed · 62,000 miles
The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact safely exited the vehicle. The vehicle then caught fire in the engine compartment, causing the windshield to shatter and explode. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact did not sustain any injuries, and no medical attention was received. The contact was not aware if there was a fire department report. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
NHTSA complaint 11459682, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
fire · 65,000 miles
BOUGHT CAR IN DEC 2017. JULY 8, 2018, CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. NO ISSUES BEFORE THIS EVENT. NO WARNING, CARE JUST WENT UP IN FLAMES STARTING FROM UNDER THE CAR/THE ENGINE. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS OF HYUNDAI CARS, BUT THEY DO NOT INCLUDE HYUNDAI TUSCONS. I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE DUE TO THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint 11110247. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
An authorized Hyundai dealership performed a major engine replacement on my vehicle on June 11, 2024. The vehicle mileage was documented as 110,797 miles in and 111,799 miles out. In September 2026, after the vehicle had reached 129,430 miles, I brought it to an authorized Hyundai dealership because of a severe gasoline odor and evidence of gasoline entering the engine oil. The dealership documented the vehicle at 129,430 miles in and 129,431 miles out. The documented mileage from the 2024 engine replacement's out-mileage of 111,799 to the September 2026 diagnostic in-mileage of 129,430 is 18,633 miles. The vehicle was returned to me, but the fuel/oil contamination condition recurred within …
NHTSA complaint 11767385, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
Complete engine failure in July of 2024. When the car was sold to us it was under recall and not repaired and we were not told there was a recall. When the engine failed we were told we were at fault because we failed to get the recall addressed.
NHTSA complaint 11759748. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
towed · 134,000 miles
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11732367, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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 complaint 11719937. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS 2014 HYUNDAI TUCSON. IN AUGUST 2025 I NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS SEIZED. THIS MEANT THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE, OUTSIDE OR REMOTELY. THIS PRESENTED A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION , OVERTURN , FIRE OR FLOOD. nO PASSENGER COULD EXIT, AND NO RESCUER COULD OPEN THE DOOR. I NOTIFIED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE #[XXX], BUT SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COUD DO AS NO RECALL HAD BEEN MADE. HOWEVER THEY DID RECALL THE 2015 HYUNDAI TUCSON FOR THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART. SO THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT AND HAZARD. SINCE HUNDAI REFUSED TO FIX THIS, I INSTRUCTED MY LOCLA MECHANIC TO REPLACE THE …
NHTSA complaint 11710366, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
towed · 130,000 miles
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11705061, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed February 3, 2022.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst