NHTSA Complaint #11708727 — 2017 HYUNDAI TUCSON

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or accelerating from idle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. While accelerating from idle, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH, requiring that the driver slowly accelerate and gradually increase the speed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The mechanic replaced the brakes and tires. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the muffler assembly and catalytic converter related to the failure to accelerate. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, who confirmed the noises coming from the engine while the accelerator pedal was depressed, with a burning odor, and oil issues. After five visits to the dealer, an oil leak from the drain plug was determined. The drain plug and oil pan were replaced a year and six months later. The vehicle continued to fail to accelerate properly, making it difficult to drive uphill. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Niagara Hyundai of Grand Island (1910 Alvin Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072), who confirmed that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The catalytic converter was replaced again but the failure persisted, and there was no engine oil in the vehicle. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited approximately 10–15 minutes before continuing to drive at 50 MPH. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the engine was hot. The vehicle was towed back to the second dealer, who performed an oil consumption test requiring the contact to drive 1,000 miles. The test determined the engine oil level was extremely low. The dealer suggested a chamber cleaning, but the request was still pending. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.