2015 Hyundai Tucson Engine Recalls: What To Know

Dec 6, 2020

Manufacturers invest a significant amount of their time and research into ensuring their vehicles are safe to drive. That’s the good news, especially when drivers are looking for safe, reliable vehicles. Yet, problems can occur after owners start operating them. That’s when the company needs to issue a recall to bring those cars back in for repairs.

2015 Hyundai Tucson - Photo by Hyundai

Are there any 2015 Hyundai Tucson engine recalls?

As of September 2020—no (including engine-related components), but there are several manufacturer communications and consumer complaints concerning the engine.

Here we’ll take a look at the related information for this vehicle. Our goal is to help you have all of the information you need to make a buying decision.

Manufacturer Communications

These are notices sent about the vehicle. While they are not recalls themselves, they often have repairs or maintenance instructions for consumers and dealerships to follow. There is a total of 92 of these for the 2015 Hyundai Tucson. Here are a few related to the engine.

NHTSA ID: 10178174

In July of 2020, Hyundai issued a Dealer Best Practice note to tell dealers of a proposed settlement related to an engine class-action lawsuit filed against the company. Customers were to be contacted about this beginning in that month as well.

The lawsuit alleges that the vehicle has a defect in the engine that leads to engine seizure, stalling, fire, and failure. In addition, it notes that engine seizure or stalling can be dangerous, and it can lead to costly repairs.

Hyundai did not claim responsibility for this, but it did agree to a settlement. The settlement provides an extended warranty on the Powertrain, increasing it to a lifetime warranty for all engine repairs necessary due to connecting rod bearing wear and damage.

This warranty is applicable only after the Knock Sensor Detection System Software Update is completed. Owners can ask the dealership to inspect the vehicle at no cost to them.

NHTSA ID: 10177127

This recall relates to the 2015 Hyundai Tucson vehicles with a 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engine. In these vehicles, the check engine warning light can come on with DTC P1326. The light may not work properly. This can be a risk to drivers, who are then unable to know there is a problem with the engine.

The manufacturer had dealerships inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace either the engine or update the engine’s software, based on the results of the inspection.

NHTSA ID: 10167767

Hyundai conducted this product improvement campaign in October of 2019 before the engine’s lawsuit was completed (as noted). The goal was to enhance the knock sensor software to allow it to detect abnormal engine bearing noise.

The update should allow for this noise to be detected before severe engine damage occurs. If there is a noise noted, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will blink continuously and chime.

The engine would be put into Engine Protection Mode automatically. This allows the owner to drive the vehicle to the Hyundai dealer for repairs and inspections. This allows the vehicle to operate only for a limited amount of time, with lower accelerated power and a reduced maximum speed.

Customer Complaints for the 2015 Hyundai Tucson Engine

This vehicle has 56 complaints as of September 2020. Of those, 32 relate to the engine of the vehicle. Some of these complaints relate to the manufacturer communications listed above, but others are still more unique.

Some drivers reported that the vehicle can experience an engine oil filter blowing out, leaving no oil left within the engine itself. The vehicle does not alert to a low amount of oil present, and the owners claim the vehicle was properly maintained with oil changes.

Some owners reported the vehicle’s engine will smoke randomly, sometimes without any warning of an engine-related problem. This sometimes occurs with a knocking noise in the engine itself. In one instance, the driver pulled to the side of the road, opened the hood, and an engine fire occurred.

Numerous vehicle owners also report problems with damage to engine components, including significant damage to the oil pan. Some people reported that a sudden lack of power occurs before the vehicle suddenly stalling. It does not always result in a fire. Still, several claims include significant vehicle shaking before this occurring.

Hyundai has not issued a repair notice, investigation, or any type of recall on the 2015 Hyundai Tucson engine at this time.

How Do You Handle an Open Recall on the 2015 Hyundai Tucson?

With numerous claims of engine problems and a pending lawsuit filed against the company, it may be possible for Hyundai to issue a recall for this vehicle at some point.

That is why owners and those who plan to buy the car should stay up to date on the recalls that could occur. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a way to do that.

Users can visit the site and enter the VIN of their vehicle. If they do not own the vehicle, they can enter the make, model, and year of the vehicle. This will allow for the most recent recall notices to be displayed. In addition, if the VIN is used, it will alert to any pending, or not completed, repairs from service calls.

Owners are then instructed to contact Hyundai directly to learn how they can have their vehicle recalls serviced. Owners can reach the company at 1-866-944-7620.

Photos: Hyundai

Owner Reviews

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Anika Coleman on October 19, 2021

Bad Engine

2Out of the blue the car started stalling and making a loud noise. We had no idea of what it was, we got our oil changed regularly, kept up with fixing issues immediately. This last bout which has lasted 2 months, multiple oil changes because the engine is burning oil. Which we didn't know, we kept checking it a few weeks after oil changes and it was low...so we started digging a little deeper, and the car got worse. Now it stalls and won't keep engine power, continues to burn oil, we are told by Hyundai Consumer Care there is a recall (966), however, the dealing says it doesn't apply to my vehicle. I call b.s., it's stalling, ratting, engine light on and off half the time. We consulted with muffler repair shops who state don't put in a new catalytic converter because it's going to go bad because of the engine problem. We need help. We have spent hundreds of dollars to get a proper diagnosis, and all the dealer says is catalytic converter. Mind you we took the vehicle to two separate Hyundai dealers and neither of them addressed the fact that the catalytic converter goes bad when something else is the root cause. This is not good business practice. We wouldn't have ever purchased this Tucson if we would have know they had engine problems. Oh, and AUL is full of c**p not wanting to cover nothing related to diagnostics, especially when it's $700 plus just to determine why the oil is burning and contaminating the catalytic converter. I hope someone sees this who can help make this right. We are everyday people who kept up our end of the bargain, yet we were sold a LEMON. 2015- Hyundai Tucson

Isabel H. on July 2, 2021

2015 Tucson Terror

We always maintained our 2015 Tucson for oil changes, tuneups and checkups. We drove it approximately 37,000 miles, buying it used around 35,000 miles. Around November 2020, our car began to stall and it started making a louder jalopy rattling sound. No oil lights went on. One day, when driving home, the engine light went and we called the dealership to get an appointment. The car then died a few days later and got towed to the dealership. We had the extended warranty and AUL stated they would not cover our car because it didn't have a full amount of oil in the pan. The Hyundai mechanic and dealership backed us, indicating it was the rod bearing that fell apart and we had always maintained our vehicles. Three months later around March 2021, no thanks to AUL, we had to pay for the installment of the engine and the Hyundai dealership paid for the engine. The Tucson drove fine until early June 2021 when it began to make that jalopy sound. They have replaced several parts they thought would be the issue, but it is still in the shop and they are working with the Hyundai tech engineers to fix the issue. We love the look of the 2015 Tucson, leather mesh ergonomic seating and easy to use instruments, but almost 5 months in the shop for one year, no bueno! We have a 2022 Santa Fe for a loaner, but its complicated instruments and lack of a hand-held gear shift is not our cup of tea.

Atheist1 on June 15, 2022

Don't know what the question is asking.

I just bought a 2015 Tuscon limited 2 months ago and have had nothing but problems. When we took it home we went out to start it next morning when it was cold and it was making a rattling noise. I took a video with audio and showed it to the Janex mechanic, Janex being the dealership, and the mechanic said there was nothing wrong. I looked on line and also went to my mechanic to enquire, and he said the same thing the guy said on the video that it was anything but normal. After making several complaints they agreed to do the timing chain and tensioner but they were having problems getting parts. We drove it to my gf's parents 400kms away and it didn't make it back, engine failure. It also was discovered that it would jump all over the road when encountering rough road conditions and was actually dangerous. There is also an alignment problem with the steering wheel being several degrees out of true center. The audio video unit takes up to a half hour to load and the backup camera is so blurry it's useless. The Tuscon was towed to the Janex garage yesterday and haven't heard anything back yet. I have told them I am returning the vehicle for a full refund. If they refuse, lawyers will be getting involved as well as consumer protection agency, the vehicle ombudsman and the media as well as social media. Janex auto will feel the full impact of their poor judgment.

Michelle on April 7, 2023

Bad engine, burns oil no sensor lights

I bought a 2015 Hyundai Tucson used in 2019 with 45k on it. It seemed like a great car at a good deal. At about 85k it started making a weird sound coming from the engine about 1,000 miles before my next oil change. Turns out that my oil was basically non existent but no lights ever came on the dash to warn me. After this happening a few more times, my mechanic told me the engine is burning the oil and I'll have to check it once a week to make sure the oil level stays optimal. Then at about 110k I started getting power loss. Spent a week in the garage trying to figure it out and it was the catalytic converter. Replaced that with a super costly Hyundai part. Now my engine is still burning oil and it is back in the shop again at 117k for loss of power. My mechanic found metal shavings in the exhaust system and the spark plugs they replaced at my 100ktune up are completely busted. This car is a total lemon. NEVER buying another Hyundai again.

Marcy C Gentry on June 11, 2021

Marcydearmond1@yahoo.com

We own a 2015 Hyundai Tucson and about 3 weeks ago, when my husband was driving home, there was a knocking sound in the engine and the car lost speed. At the same time, smoke started to come from the engine compartment. During this time, the check engine light never came on. He pulled over and the car died. Our car was towed to the dealership, and we were told the engine blew, and that we needed a new one. Basically, they had to rebuild the entire engine. During this time, we looked to see if there were any recalls, which there weren't. But there had been reports of other Tuscan owners having catastrophic events happening with their engines, as well. We never received any word from either the dealership, or Hyundai itself, about potential problems. We are blessed, though, because we were still under warranty, so all we had to pay was the deductible.

FranchescaTrujillo on May 14, 2022

This is crazy.

I have been at Hyundai almost every weekend for 4 months or longer. I take very good care of my car. Constant maintenance. I came in because of my check engine light flashing. I also mentioned I thought it was burning oil. Insisted I get a tune up . So I did tho I had got one a year ago.2 days later light back on flashing. They continued to make me come back in forth due to the fact Ihad no other vehicle and they had no loaner for me . I've missed days from work for nothing to be done. Told me it was my catalytic converter, changed that also. One week later not even. Lights flashing and back on. Noone mentioned a law suit , a problem with the engine. I've been here before my warranty expired before I even hit 100,000 miles and Ifeel like they kept me coming back and forth to wait for my warranty to end to stiff me . Any body that can help?

Lucinda Edwards on May 15, 2023

Great car love it but it’s a lemon

My poor mom and dad are on social security, a fixed income!!! They bought this car almost brand new with an extended warranty which was c**p and useless. As soon as there is no more warranty the car is burning more oil than gas which is crazy because the gas mileage is c**p now too but to put the cherry on top of the ice cream the thing started knocking like crazy the day he came home from his brother’s funeral!!! There was oil in it he keeps it checked. No warning lights came on. Wth? Isn’t that supposed to happen? My parents have doctors appointments every week my mom has Parkinson’s and dimentia my dad has heart problems and now they have to buy another car with money they don’t have because there is no recall for a problem EVERYONE IS HAVING WITH THESE SAME VEHICLES THEY FREAKING MADE!!! Can anyone say crooks?

Tricia Willis on January 28, 2022

Freakytricia@aol.com

Wow, I am really bummed out after reading all of these bad reviews. My Tucson has 109,000 miles and it’s burning a quart of oil every 2,500 miles. Unfortunately, it sounds like it’s only going to get worse. I took it to the dealership and they said basically until the engine just gives out, Hyundai won’t do anything about it. I got a letter in the mail saying I have a lifetime warranty on my engine, so I guess I’ll just wait until it finally gives out. I just hope the catalytic converter doesn’t go out first because that’s what my local mechanicI got a letter in the mail saying I have a lifetime warranty on my engine, so I guess I’ll just wait until it finally gives out. I just hope the catalytic converter doesn’t go out first because that’s what my local mechanic told me is keeping the engine clean.

Jamaar Anderson on May 31, 2022

2015 Hyundai Tucson Engine fails at 69,000 miles

2015 Hyundai Tucson, SE, check engine light came on around 69,000 miles. I took it to a nearby mechanic shop and then said the engine needed to be replaced. The internal engine bearing had failed. I have always completed the necessary oil changes on time, but I did not notice some minor signs prior to the check engine light coming such as occasional miss-fire, stalling, abnormal short vibration when the ac unit would start. The 10-year 100,000 mile warranty only applies to the original owner. I never thought any of these signs would lead to engine failure. I feel like I just bought a lemon and Hyundai was aware of the consumer complaints but did not issue a recall.

Curtis Be on March 13, 2023

POS engine

We had to rebuild ours at 98,000 miles on our 2015 Tucson 2.4 l. We had to rebuild it in Tijuana for about $1,000. The problem is there's metal shavings in the pan from the factory in South Korea. Hyundai then years later in 2022 sent me a paper saying that the engine was under warranty. Day late dollar short. We had to rebuild it like in 2018 so we're out $1,000. So no more Hyundai for our family I'm moving into Toyota's. We did have a good experience with the 2006 Hyundai Tucson. Which I put 450,000 miles on it sold it still running perfectly. That's why I bought the 2015 Tucson I expected it would be the same or better but they went downhill stupid Hyundai

David Andrews on October 18, 2021

Ridiculously poor mileage

I love my 2015 Tucson it's just the right size for a well aged senior citizen, with the exception that it has the worst gas mileage of any vehicle i have ever had with the exception of a large boat I once had. There have been no fault lights that come on, I have hooked up a computer to the car and it comes out with flying colors. The normal mileage that I get will be from 15 to 17.5 miles to the gallon unless I am on the highway using cruise at 50 to 55 mph then I will get 20 to 21.5 mpg. If I cant find the leak where it is apparently pumping half its fuel out on the ground I will probably have to get rid of it.

vincent pafumy on November 30, 2021

Vinmanftpier@ol.com

2015 Hyundai Tucson ,, oil leaking , brought to dealer ,, they changed the VALVE Cover gasket ,, Brought back , they wanted to change the oil and filter ( said special sealant on drain plug and oil filter,,, YEA RIGHT ,, B S ) Came back used 1.5 quarts of oil on 1,400 miles ,,, brought back asked to do a compression test ,, ( which the service advisor ,,Woundnt show me the paper work ,, SAID WE DIDNT DO THE TEST ,, SAID IT WAS IN HYUNDAI GUIDELINES TO LOSE ONE QUART OF OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES ,,, WAS I BORN YESTERDAY ??? CAR HAS 62,000 MILES ON IT 100.000 MILE WARRANTY ON DRIVE TRAIN ,,, MY a*s !!!

Byron on January 18, 2022

Significant oil loss

72,000 miles have been burning a lil less than 1qt of oil every 1000miles 3qts every 3000 miles which hyundai says is normal..🤣 multiple consumption test had to replace catalytic converter @ $2800 due too oil burning.. Now I'm at 94000 miles same issue now they want to do software update for 2 days with no loaner.. Fuk hyundai. Lying a*s company..oh they still owe me over 2 grand for rental for 10 weeks due to them not getting with me for a claim. Been a year not seen any of it. After they said they'd pay..don't buy the junk.

Melicent Davis on November 10, 2021

Oil Consumption issues, blown catalyic converter

Sunbeads47@aol.com This car was fine until about 65,000 miles ...oil needed changing every 30 days, than the catalyic converter blew but they still charged me 1300 for spark plugs and coils which i have found out is all related to the trouble with oil consumption...Now 10 months later the car is in the shop and i will not hear of another dollar for this truck without consulting an attorney. This SUV has problems that they are well aware of and should not cost the owners a dime!!!

Melissa on June 15, 2022

Hyundai Tucson 2015 catalytic comverter

Yesterday I took my car to Hyundai after engine light come on. I was then told later it was the catalytic converters and would cost $7800. It is a year out of warranty. I can not afford this and if Idon’t have a car I can’t work as I drive from job to job. Anyone knowof any recalls or same problem at all? I just don’t know what to do at this point. I paid my last finance payment yesterday as well so should have been a happy relief day. Instead I got that

Bianca on August 18, 2022

Car lost power while driving on highway

Love my car. Just bought it a year ago. Regular service done etc. Engine light came on,brought it in. They resolved the light issue. No problem found with the engine. Last scheduled maintenance was end of April. Last week the car suddenly lost power while i was on the highway. Thankfully I was able to pull over safely. Engine is done. Still waiting to hear if they will cover it since there's a recall and still waiting for a loaner vehicle.

Ashton on June 14, 2022

Car died on me WHILE driving

I used to live my car, until it randomly died on me while I was driving. Thankful I was in my neighborhood and not the highway. I took it to the mechanic who tried working with Hyundai to see what the problem specifically is. I have 128,000 miles on it and have had ZERO issues until now. Now she’s dead in my driveway. SOS.

Sharon on April 6, 2022

Hyundai owner

Hyundai 2015 67,000 on it and the engine is blown.Never Never agian. They would not value my warranty. I don't have 10 grand to put another engine in. I have nothing good to say about Hyundai, I'm going to the states attorneys office and better business buero..

Jd on August 30, 2021

Junk

I maintained this vehicle meticulously with synthetic oil from day one. 50k miles started to use more and more oil at 80k miles the rod bearings were shot sounded like a diesel. Never again Hyundai never again

Melicent Davis on December 3, 2021

Two Catalytic converters replaced

At about 65,000 miles things started going wrong with the car...Needs oil changes constantly, has needed 2 converter repairs and in general the car is running poorly and making horrible sounds..never again!!!

fredrick Chege on November 11, 2021

Fredrick66@yahoo.com

Avoid buying hyndai tuscon i bought a car a month ago if i step on the gas pedal the cat cant go over 40mile per hr

DAN on February 21, 2023

TUSCON

AS SOON AS THEY FIX MY CAR, I'M GETTING RID OF IT

Sandy B

Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)