NHTSA Complaint #11418907 — 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON

Recall 181 - failure to complete repairs (defective oil pan seal/switch) as requested by owners, that resulted in a catastrophic, high speed stall, loss of control and engine failure. On Mon May 17, 2021 at 4pm EST our 23 year old daughter and 3 of her college graduate girlfriends were driving from Atlanta to Charleston, SC (65-70 mph) on Hwy I-26 when suddenly & without warning her 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine started knocking, smoking and ultimately exploded throwing a piston through the engine block creating a huge hole and completely seizing up. She couldn't see due to the intense smoke, lost control of the car but thankfully was able to steer it to the roadside. As the girls struggled to get out they saw fire underneath the car and highway shoulder. They called 911. By the time the fire dept arrived, the fire had diminished but not before terrifying the 4 girls that the gas tank might explode. Our daughter & friends were completely frantic stranded on the side of a major hwy. After approx 1 1/2 hours, a County Sheriff drove by and stopped to assist. He took them to the next exit to wait for the tow truck. The vehicle was towed to Hyundai of North Charleston and inspected discovering a large gaping hole in the engine block. We had to pay $599 to have the car shipped back to Atlanta on Mon May 25th. On Thurs May 27, 2021, we went to Rick Case Hyundai in Roswell, GA and met with the GM. It was his service center involved in our attempts on Jan 6, 2021 to get the car repaired as per Hyundai Recall 181 instructions. We were told their was a national shortage of parts, received only an oil change and left driving a totally unsafe car which ultimately could have resulted in serious injuries or even loss of life to 4 young women. The dealership should not have allowed the car to be driven and a loaner car provided until repairs completed. The 2013 Tucson is available for inspection upon request as it is a nonrunning, engine completely totaled, vehicle.