Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 227 safety complaints
about the 2015 Hyundai Tucson with the US government. Of those, 7 describe a crash, 8 mention a fire, 7 people were injured and no death is recorded. One recall campaign is open against it, covering the hydraulic brakes.
The most complained-about system is the engine,
named in 119 complaints, 52% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 69,336 miles,
the median across the 88
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers January 2015 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
227 complaints on file
227
Complaints
7
Describe a crash
8
Mention fire
7
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.
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 119 · 52%
119 52%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 52 · 23%
52 23%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 29 · 13%
29 13%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20 · 9%
20 9%
POWER TRAIN 20 · 9%
20 9%
SERVICE BRAKES 14 · 6%
14 6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 12 · 5%
12 5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9 · 4%
9 4%
STRUCTURE 7 · 3%
7 3%
AIR BAGS 5 · 2%
5 2%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 4 · 2%
4 2%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 3 · 1%
3 1%
050100
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 227.
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 91.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2015 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 2015 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
1 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
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.
AIR BAGS
2 injured · crash · towed · 19,000 miles
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.
NHTSA complaint 10918950. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 injured · fire · 70,000 miles
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.
NHTSA complaint 11208255. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
1 injured · crash · towed · 96,000 miles
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11490268, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
1 injured · crash
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11725846, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11765786, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11755592, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
POWER TRAIN
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11751791, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
towed · 118,000 miles
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11749344, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11728702, 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