2021 Hyundai Tucson Engine Problems

While driving on the freeway, my 2021 Hyundai Tucson SE (72,021 miles) suddenly and without warning lost power and entered limp mode. I was able to safely maneuver to the shoulder and exit the freeway. The check engine light came on and is currently flashing. I took the vehicle to AutoZone where code P1326 was retrieved. I then took it to Pep Boys for a full diagnostic where P1326 was the only code present. The Pep Boys report states the vehicle requires immediate attention. The vehicle remains in limp mode and the check engine light is flashing. The vehicle is not being driven as it cannot safely reach freeway speeds. I contacted Hyundai Customer Care and was assigned Case # XXX. I also contacted a Hyundai dealership who attempted to charge a 225 diagnostic fee despite P1326 being a known Hyundai defect covered under recall/service campaign. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from under the hood. No warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road, where white smoke was noticed leaking from under the hood, and the intensity was increasing while the smoke turned black. The local fire department arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The source of the fire was not identified. It was unknown if a Fire report was filed. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not sought. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was deemed a total loss as it was majoily consumed by the fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

I have been adding oil to this engine excessively for more than 3 years..I have had appointments with the dealer where they flat out told me bring it back when the engine fails.i finally got N appointment and was told the engine needed to be replaced.that was 2 weeks ago..they are now denying the claim...have had my car for 2 weeks..no loaner..and decided to deny what they told me

I am the original owner of this car and in June 2025 I brought my car to Hyundai from noises and they told me it had no oil despite me being up to date with oil changes on the vehicle. They told me they were going to do an oil consumption test and once they did that the engine was denied. 6 months later 3 days after an oil change and no check engine light on, the engine fails while I’m on the side of the highway. This car is not safe. Check engine light was not on and I am always up to date with my cars maintenance.

Oil light comes on between changes at about 1500 miles before needing one, oil does not show on dipstick and have to repeatedly put on in engine. Chance of engine seizing or jumping time.

The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the certified vehicle, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while her grandson was driving approximately 65 MPH, and the vehicle decelerated to 7 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the NOX sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but while leaving the dealer, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who replaced a second NOX sensor and the catalytic converter. The contact stated that days after retrieving the vehicle, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the NOX sensor had failed for a third time, within several days of owning the vehicle. The vehicle was traded in. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,944.

Engine started making a knocking sound, then the oil light came on followed by the check engine light. Accelerates and decelerates on its own. Was forced to immediately pull over across three lanes on Interstate 95. It’s been over two weeks and I’ve yet to hear if Hyundai is going to cover a replacement engine. However, what happened is exactly what they have listed on their website ️ What to look out for check-engine Check Engine oil-light Engine Oil Pressure A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp.

My family’s safety is at serious risk with my 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which I’ve owned only 55 days. This vehicle has stalled three times while driving, putting me and my two young children in immediate danger. Each time, the car operated normally until a flashing engine light appeared, RPMs spiked, and the vehicle suddenly lost all power—entering “limp mode” and unable to exceed 3,000 RPM or 50 MPH. The first failure occurred 9/14/25 while merging onto the interstate, forcing me to lose power mid-acceleration as surrounding vehicles slammed their brakes to avoid collision. 13 days later, it happened again in stop-and-go traffic, leaving me stranded on the shoulder. Both incidents occurred without warning or prior check-engine lights. The third—and most terrifying—incident was on October 17, 2025, when the engine completely died 300 miles from home on a busy highway. My children, ages 4 and 6, were terrified as cars sped by. We were extremely fortunate not to have been hit. I am urgently requesting assistance for the immediate replacement of this vehicle’s engine. It is covered by Hyundai’s 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty, clear evidence the company was aware of these issues. Service records from the previous owner-that I was told about by Hyundai show ongoing engine problems and recalls since 2022 further proof this vehicle should have been retired from service As a parent, I’m very alarmed that Hyundai refuses to act until “catastrophic damage” occurs. This policy is irresponsible and endangers entire families. There’s at least 50 NHTSA complaints describing identical issues; stalling, power loss, and bearing failure linked to defective connecting rod bearings. Yet, Hyundai has denied a replacement, insisting on waiting for further damage and failures in operation. I beg you to intervene and prioritize my family’s safety before tragedy inevitably strikes. My children should not be put at risk due to corporate negligence, greed and absence of accountability.

We were driving and the engine light started flashing and buckling. The vehicle had been properly maintained with oil changes. We have oil changes receipts from our mechanic. Hyundai refuses to cover it under their warranty even though there are documented issues with the make and models of 2021 Hyundai Tuscons.

When going through Auburn, AL with speed limit of 70 mph my car engine started blinking on and off then my car dropped down only allowing me to go 60 Mph.

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light was frequently illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to various independent mechanics and was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for service, and upon inspection, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was provided with an estimate for the engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was initially informed that the vehicle was covered under warranty; however, the contact was later informed that there was no warranty on the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Around November 1, 2024 my 2021 Tucson check engine light came on. I had this checked out and was told by a mechanic that it was the Camshaft Sensor. I had this repaired and then on November 23rd while traveling to Ohio my Check Engine light started flashing and needed immediate attention. I was on the West Virginia Turnpike when this happened and it caused the car to go no more that 45 mph in a zone marked 65mph. We got this immediately checked out and repaired and then 4 days later the same thing happened while in Ohio. It was taken to Deihl Hyundai in Massillon, Ohio and they once again made this repair with video evidence of said repairs. Once again while driving at freeway speed on December 23rd my car experienced this malfunction. The same dealership fixed it once again with direction from Hyundai. I am concerned for this is an ongoing problem and could cause serious injury to myself or others in my vehicle if this would happen once again on a freeway.

There was a recall on this engine which I had updated the knock sensor campaign. While on the highway the engine light started flashing and the speed was reduced to 20 mph on a major highway. I had to almost cause a wreck to get off highway. The vehicle went into limp mode with no prior indication

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact safely pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine knock sensor failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall due to a lack of maintenance records. The contact was advised to contact the Better Business Bureau. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

My check engine light came on in the vehicle and immediately the acceleration declined and I wasn’t able to go above 50 mph. I brought the vehicle to the dealership to which the code 1326 came up. I was told it is a rod bearing engine failure and I need a new engine for the vehicle. I was also told my vehicle doesn’t qualify for the recall already made for this damage and code number.

Oil Consumption problems

Crank sensor went bad and engine needs rebuilt

I was contacted by Hyundai last year about a possible recall on my engine so I brought it in October 2023 to have it checked out. I was told that everything with the car was fine. Fast forward to last week 02-21-2024 and my engine starts shutting off while driving ON THE HIGHWAY? I have it towed to a new dealership in Jacksonville FL Jenkins Hyundai I believe. They inform me that it is indeed the engine and it will be replaced for free under warranty. However, it’s been over a week and the parts for the car are still not available. I have researched online and found I am far from the only one this has happened to. I was not given a loaner car and they did not offer to pay for my rental but I was told they would reimburse me. I was also told that they would just pay every week for a rental car for me but then I was later told that that was a flat out lie. After March 7th when the rental car I have is to be returned I can no longer afford a rental car and will not have access to reliable transportation. This could potentially result in me losing my job. This is unacceptable and Hyundai should be investigated and held accountable for selling cars they know have faulty engines.

September 15, 2023 while driving on the expressway my engine light came on. Vehicle towed to World Hyundai dealership and it was diagnosed as engine seized.

The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend who owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH in the driveway, there was steam coming out from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact stated that as he opened the hood, flames came out. The contact's girlfriend also saw flames coming out of the A/C vents. The contact closed the hood and assisted his girlfriend and his pet in exiting the vehicle. The contact stated that his girlfriend slipped and fell while exiting the vehicle. The contact's girlfriend sustained back pain and the contact sustained a flash burn. There was no further information provided. The contact stated that the entire vehicle caught on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. No police report was filed. The insurance company technician determined that the fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company and remained in the contats driveway. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.