NHTSA Complaint #11682202 — 2017 HYUNDAI TUCSON

While driving to work on I-26 in the far left lane at approximately 55 mph, my vehicle suddenly and completely shut off without warning. The engine power was lost instantly, forcing the car to come to an abrupt stop in live interstate traffic. I had no prior indication of a problem—no warning lights, no messages, no abnormal performance. It took three attempts to restart the vehicle. When it finally restarted, the engine made a loud knocking noise, and the car could only move at a dangerously slow crawl. I had to cross multiple lanes of high-speed traffic to reach the right shoulder, nearly causing several accidents in the process. Other drivers had to brake hard and swerve to avoid colliding with me. This situation could have easily resulted in a multi-vehicle crash, severe injury, or death. After pulling over and shutting the vehicle off, I checked the oil dipstick and found it completely dry. The engine had failed with no warning whatsoever. The vehicle was later inspected at an independent service center and I was told the engine must be replaced, and that the vehicle is not safe to drive. I am now left without reliable transportation due to this sudden failure. This incident represents an extreme safety hazard. Losing all engine power in the far left lane of an interstate at highway speeds placed my life, and the lives of countless other motorists, in immediate danger. The outcome could easily have been catastrophic. To reiterate: the engine failed without any warning or indication, creating a life-threatening emergency situation. This is a critical safety defect that requires urgent investigation.