2022 Hyundai Tucson

The defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. The roof moldings may detach.

The risk

A detached roof molding could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

The remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the roof moldings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 241.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 16,104 vehicles across all model years covered

The defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson vehicles. The software installed in the Integrated Central Control Unit (ICU) may be incompatible with the vehicle, which could result in inoperative headlights and/or taillights.

The risk

Inoperative headlights or taillights can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

The remedy

Dealers updated the ICU software, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been repaired and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 214.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 12 vehicles across all model years covered

Closed defect petition · opened January 27, 2023 · closed August 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000

the electrical system

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

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.

3,212 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and was cleared; however, the warning light returned hours or days later. The dealer had cleared the check engine warning light approximately 15-16 times. The vehicle occasionally stalled while driving at various speeds. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with terminal engine failure. The contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be overhauled, and the fuel injectors and caps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice. The failure persisted after the contact had confirmed the diagnosis with a certified mechanic. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who replaced …

NHTSA complaint 11756964, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

While driving at night, the headlights on my 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid shut off randomly, including when using the turn signal. The lights will turn off without warning at highway speeds, creating a serious safety hazard. Using the turn signal can cause the headlights to turn off, and sometimes using the turn signal will temporarily turn them back on. The headlight mode also changes by itself while driving (AUTO to OFF to ON to OFF). Additionally, when the vehicle is turned off, the headlights often stay on no matter what mode the switch is in. I have to restart the vehicle and manipulate the turn signal/headlight stalk multiple times to get the lights to turn off. This is a recurring and …

NHTSA complaint 11755276, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Front brake rotors warped causing violent brake pedal pulsating and steering wheel vibration. My vehicle has only 18000 miles. The dealership Hyundai reported problem as a service bulletin TSB 23-BR-004H. I believe this a safety issue and a recall should be annouced.

NHTSA complaint 11755025. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

25,800 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his wife was operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost headlight functionality without warning. In addition, the contact stated that the radio intermittently failed to operate while driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the headlight became operable when his wife was near to her destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V938000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,800.

NHTSA complaint 11754364. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

While driving the car stalled and then the engine shutdown, caused by a misfired fuel injector. Myself and the passengers in the car were minorly safe, as this incident occurred while driving through the Yellowstone National park; having to pull over on the side of the road with no shoulder. The Woody Smith Hyundai Dealership in Idaho Falls confirmed that the feul injectors had misfired, and then replaced them. Prior to the failure, there was no warning until the car was actively stalling and failing (battery light and check engine light came on).

NHTSA complaint 11754564. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Unintentional and unexpected activation of emergency collision or adaptive cruise control, causing the vehicle to stop and become immobile in the lane of traffic. I was driving down the interstate with the adaptive cruse control on and the lane keeping assistance on. These both were on for about 20 minutes as I was driving down the highway. There were no vehicles in front of or behind me for a quarter mile or so. I as all alone with nothing around me. All of a sudden it seemed like the collision avoidance system activated. The car came to a complete stop in the right lane of the highway. I tried to proceed and could see the emergency brake was on, the engine was running the car was in drive …

NHTSA complaint 11754276, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.