NHTSA Complaint #11668810 — 2017 HYUNDAI TUCSON

While driving under normal conditions, the engine began misfiring and losing power. Inspection revealed that two of the spark plugs had suffered a broken ceramic insulator, which likely occurred during a pre-ignition or detonation. As a result, the ceramic insulators were pushed through the engine causing at least one of the exhaust valves to burn leading to loss of compression resulting in engine failure on the highway. This engine has no current recall, despite numerous similar complaints. Hyundai has issued detonation-related recalls for other engines (like the Theta II), yet the 1.6L Turbo GDI engine in this Tucson is also experiencing similar failures. At the time of this complaint there are 955 complaints in the NTHSA database about this vehicle with more than half citing engine failure issues — many of them sudden and severe failures while driving. This creates both a safety risk and an excessive financial burden. These failures occur without warning and can leave the driver stranded. It is concerning that Hyundai has not acknowledged a defect pattern, despite consistent failure modes being reported across this engine type. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the 1.6L Gamma II Turbo engine for potential systemic detonation or pre-ignition issues that can lead to severe engine damage. A recall or special service campaign should be considered, and Hyundai should be held accountable to cover these repairs.