2014 Hyundai Tucson

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 complaint 11699668. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

110,000 miles

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and an oil consumption test was performed. The contact stated that after performing the oil consumption test, the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming over 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles driven. The contact was advised by the dealer to continue driving the …

NHTSA complaint 11690356, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.