NHTSA Complaint #11626066 — 2017 HYUNDAI TUCSON

In August 2024, the engine of the vehicle suddenly started making a very loud knocking noise, with no previous warning lights. We did not feel it was safe to drive. We saw online that a recall was underway by Hyundai for 2017 Tucsons due to problems with the rod bearings, where metal spreads throughout the engine. There is the potential for the engine to catch fire, and a complete engine replacement is recommended. This was confirmed by the dealership where we bought the vehicle, Boucher Hyundai of Waukesha, which told us they are replacing the engines in many of these vehicles. However, our VIN was not included in the recall, although the problem is identical to what is described in the recall. We had the car towed to the dealership; after confirming the problem, the dealership filed a claim with Hyundai seeking to add our VIN to the recall. We included all of the maintenance records since we bought the vehicle in January 2021 with 64K miles. Hyundai rejected the claim, citing a gap in the maintenance records from 64,000-124,000 miles. The dealership questioned that, since they had submitted our maintenance records and there were no gaps. Hyundai again denied the claim, citing a gap in the maintenance records from 17,000-29,000 miles - before we owned the vehicle. We called Hyundai customer service seeking an explanation; they said that the decision is made by Hyundai Motor America, a different entity, which only the dealership can contact, not vehicle owners. The customer service rep's only suggestion was to file a claim with your agency. The vehicle is parked and undriveable; it is available for inspection.