Total Complaints
300 filings
HYUNDAI TUCSON · model year
300 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2015HYUNDAITUCSON carries 300 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 11 crashes, 13 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2015 TUCSON is engine with 114 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic (51) and unknown or other (29). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2015 TUCSON, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
300 filings
Crashes Reported
11 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 114 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 51 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 29 |
| POWER TRAIN | 19 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 19 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 14 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 12 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 9 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 7 |
| AIR BAGS | 4 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 4 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 3 |
| VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY | 2 |
| TIRES | 2 |
| STEERING | 2 |
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.
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 dealershipâs 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 indepe
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 dealershipâs 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 indepe
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 dealershipâs 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 indepe
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.
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.
The engine failed two years ago at 86000 miles. Hyundai replaced the engine for it to start knocking and stop working a year later. I completed all of the first oil changes, slow driving, ect. Seems like an engine problem with Hyundai itself.
I started having oil issues 3 years after purchasing my hyundai Tuscan 2015. I took my vehicle to hyundai several time all of which I was told by service guy and I quote âHey its Hyundai, just following up so right now we have a consumption issue. It is currently 2.5 quarts low. The tech recommends re doing the oil change and returning in 1000miles and recheck. When you return and we see that the oil level is more than a quote low then we would have you reduce the service interval from 5000miles to 3000miles, let me know if you have any questions. I had many questions and also wanted to know why it was my responsibility to do all these things if they know the engine is faulty. Had another diagnostic and the code P1326 populated. That means indicates an issue with the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS), often pointing to actual engine knocking caused by worn connecting rod bearings, but also potentially to a faulty knock sensor, wiring problems, outdated ECM. The Theta II engines ar
Without any notice, the crankshaft seized while driving 55 mph on the highway. We were on a highway with one lane in each direction and a shoulder. No warning lights appeared until after the engine failed. We were barely able to coast to the shoulder at the time. The incident blew a baseball size hole in the engine. The vehicle was towed to over 60 miles to Noller Hyundai of Lawrence, Kansas. The repair was paid for under the Hyundai warranty without me providing any maintenance records. The engine is not in our possession for you to inspect, but I'm sure you could reach out to the dealership where it was replaced.
engine is burning oil. have to replenish oil level once a month, started about a yr ago
On [XXX], my husband and I were driving on [XXX] (Highway) in the slow lane, when the engine shutoff without any Service engine light warning. It was frightening because an tractor trailer was directly behind the car as we lost power. There was no sounds of engine parts knocking or pinging when the problem occurred. The only thing was observed was (two) 2 puffs of smoke seen from the tailpipe, witnessed by my son who was following behind in his vehicle. The vehicle was not able to start after shutdown and had to be towed to my home. We purchased a new battery after assuming battery failure--with no resolve. The vehicle was towed to(two) 2 repair shops with the same conclusion: Seized Engine After checking Open Recalls on my vehicle, I contacted Hyundai to check for assistance. The vehicle is now at the Hyundai dealership in McDonough, Georgia for inspection. I am thankful that my husband and I were not injured or laying in a Morgue after this frighten ordeal on the highway when the En
On [XXX], my husband and I were driving on [XXX] (Highway) in the slow lane, when the engine shutoff without any Service engine light warning. It was frightening because an tractor trailer was directly behind the car as we lost power. There was no sounds of engine parts knocking or pinging when the problem occurred. The only thing was observed was (two) 2 puffs of smoke seen from the tailpipe, witnessed by my son who was following behind in his vehicle. The vehicle was not able to start after shutdown and had to be towed to my home. We purchased a new battery after assuming battery failure--with no resolve. The vehicle was towed to(two) 2 repair shops with the same conclusion: Seized Engine After checking Open Recalls on my vehicle, I contacted Hyundai to check for assistance. The vehicle is now at the Hyundai dealership in McDonough, Georgia for inspection. I am thankful that my husband and I were not injured or laying in a Morgue after this frighten ordeal on the highway when the En
On [XXX], my husband and I were driving on [XXX] (Highway) in the slow lane, when the engine shutoff without any Service engine light warning. It was frightening because an tractor trailer was directly behind the car as we lost power. There was no sounds of engine parts knocking or pinging when the problem occurred. The only thing was observed was (two) 2 puffs of smoke seen from the tailpipe, witnessed by my son who was following behind in his vehicle. The vehicle was not able to start after shutdown and had to be towed to my home. We purchased a new battery after assuming battery failure--with no resolve. The vehicle was towed to(two) 2 repair shops with the same conclusion: Seized Engine After checking Open Recalls on my vehicle, I contacted Hyundai to check for assistance. The vehicle is now at the Hyundai dealership in McDonough, Georgia for inspection. I am thankful that my husband and I were not injured or laying in a Morgue after this frighten ordeal on the highway when the En
The engine uses about 3 to 4 quarts of oil before a oil change the it will go in limp mode. I have to get it rest and then add oil for the engine to run right. Also transmission don't want to shift 3 to 4 gear it will be 35 mph to 65 before it shifts. When the car goes in limp mode I lose power going up a hill and almost got rear ended. They won't do anything do to its a used car. No lights came on the dash till it acts up.
The engine uses about 3 to 4 quarts of oil before a oil change the it will go in limp mode. I have to get it rest and then add oil for the engine to run right. Also transmission don't want to shift 3 to 4 gear it will be 35 mph to 65 before it shifts. When the car goes in limp mode I lose power going up a hill and almost got rear ended. They won't do anything do to its a used car. No lights came on the dash till it acts up.
--->While I was driving my hyundai tucson engine seized (-engine model (lm) 2.4l theta ii--> 63,664 miles). Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. ---> As I said before I was driving in a express way when the incident happened. My car just stopped working out of a sudden and I had to take the side road by applying a much force effort from myself not to get hit by several vehicles behind. When I finally managed to step aside, I sensed some sort of smoke smell. And also all warning lights from car dashboard came up with no prior lamp alerts before this incident. ---> I took the vehicle to the nearest repair shop called Sam's certified auto repair. And there it was diagnosed that the vehicle engine was seized. So i inmediately called the dealer and the asked me to tow my SUV. There they diagnosed the vehicle with a seized engine too. From there on I found out that these vehicle i bought have a recall and that the this engine model has a major malfunctioning manufacture issues
The engine completely shut off while I was driving 70 mph on the highway. I lost braking and steering power. I had NO warning, no lights came on at all. I bought it used on 11/20/2023 and I have only driven it 6,011 miles.
Left passenger door, (that has child safety lock engaged,) will not open, from either the inside or the outside, when the unlock door button is pushed. When manually unlock door, it still won't open from either inside our outside. I have owned this vehicle for 9yrs and am less than 54,000 miles driven. This is a safety concern as I 2 small grandchildren and I need access to both doors.
- My engine seized while driving North on [XXX] from San Diego to CA. After having it towed to a shop I was informed it was completely out of oil which caused the engine to seize and would need to be replaced. My last oil change had taken place within about 6k miles and should not have been out of oil. Additionally no oil light, engine light, or any light on the dashboard was on to notify me something was wrong. - I was on a major CA highway in the far left lane when the engine seized and would no longer accelerate. I was incredibly lucky to make it across 4 lanes and that there was an off-ramp right there so I could get off the highway. This could have caused a massive pile-up accident. - The first shop it was towed to confirmed no oil and engine seizure. Hyundai has only acknowledged I need a new engine but won't confirm it was due to lack of oil, likely because they know there are massive oil consumption problems with this Theta II engine. - Hyundai has now had my vehicle for 2 mon
Our 2015 Hyundai Tucson check engine light started flashing and went into "limp mode" while driving on the freeway. Limp mode means the car loses power to accelerate, struggles going up hills, and limits speed. Thankfully I was not pulling out. The vehicle was towed that day to a mechanic who found traces of metal in the oil (see documentation). The vehicle was then towed to the Hyundai dealer. The dealer explained there is a common problem with Hyundai engines failing due to rod bearing issues and PistonSlap. I later learned the dealership covers the rod bearing issues due to a court settlement from being sued for so many engine issues. The dealership said if they found it was an engine bearing rod issue (ring connecting to the piston) they would replace the engine since it was a safety issue. They claimed if it was a piston slap it would not be covered (even though the bearing rod is connected to the piston and could potentially cause PistonSlap). After checking that the car had bee
Ticking sound (loud noise ) from the engine and the check engine light is flashing. The mileage on the car is 142600km.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.