2013 Hyundai Tucson: engine knocking or ticking

Filed May 30, 2026 · Engine · LA

My 2013 Hyundai Tucson with 89,417 miles experienced complete engine failure due to severe rod knock from connecting rod bearing wear. This vehicle was brought to our local Hyundai dealership with confirmed diagnosis. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect in the 2.4L Theta II engine. This vehicle was bought 10/28/205 with 29,494 miles. The vehicle was properly maintained with regular oil changes from time of purchase- records attached. Hyundai denied warranty coverage under the TXXM extended program citing incomplete Campaign 966 (KSDS software update) and improper maintenance. However, I never received any recall notices or campaign notifications. When inquiring about notices, Hyundai cited an address that I have not lived at for over 10 years. This sudden engine failure has left me without a vehicle with Hyundai refusing to address this known problem with their engines. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue as well as Hyundai's inadequate notification practices.

Filed Aug 6, 2024 · Engine · 213,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was serviced under Technical Service Bulletin: 22-01-028H-1. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the following day, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was scary for the contact and her minor child who was a passenger in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with the knock sensor failure. The contact was informed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under approval from the Manufacturer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed four days later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the software update on older Hyundai vehicles was causing the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer informed the contact that the repair was not eligible for coverage under Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 213,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · SC

We experienced engine failure of a 2013 Hyundai Tucson on 2/20/24. There were no warning lights displayed on the instrument panel. There was an unidentified noise and a loss of power/compression. We are in the process of learning the difference between a Service Campaign and a Recall Notification and I can’t say we understand it yet. We were not notified nor aware of potential engine failure issues. The research we’ve been able to obtain regarding Service Campaign 966 (“SC966”) appears to exclude the 2013 Tucson model unless it has a Theta II engine. The service department at Dick Smith Hyundai stated that if we would have had our car serviced at the dealership, we would have been informed of SC966. As we are the second owner of an eleven-year-old vehicle, we do not typically have it serviced at a dealership. Oddly enough, we received a notification regarding the knock sensor on 3/18/24 almost one month after we contacted Hyundai Customer Support and after the vehicle was towed to Dick Smith dealership and we spoke with the service department. We have been informed by the local dealership (Dick Smith Hyundai service department) that it is unlikely that the engine will be replaced under the Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit, or any open Recalls and it will be 2-4 months before a decision is rendered regarding the matter. We are also being charged a diagnostic fee for their services of approximately $200.00. Regardless of the recall coverage, our experience with this vehicle engine seems to mimic the exact same symptoms and issues as the Make/Models that are included in the published Recall notice by Kia/Hyundai, and we would like to make this known to protect other consumers and to see if there is any recourse and/or assistance for us.

Filed Oct 17, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · TX

I have owned the vehicle for 10 months and it had about 80,000 miles on it. The engine light started flashing 2 days ago. The vehicle started running rough, so I drove 10 miles back home at no more than 40 mph. I took the vehicle to my trusted mechanic. He conducted a diagnostic test & received a code 1326, which meant there was a vibration indicating excessive connecting rod bearing wear. He advised me this is a common issue with this 2.4 liter engine. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer. While at the dealer, a mechanic came in with a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. We started speaking and found out the Sonata he brought in was having the same issue and is also a 2.4 litre four cylinder engine, which produced a 1326 code during a diagnostic test.

Filed Jul 9, 2023 · Engine · MI

350 miles from home the car started a knocking noise and that the engine failed. My family was in risk , i had my 2 year old son in the car and it was behind shock. No lamp no nothing. On my expenses took the car with a tow company and send it to a mechanic, he told me this cars are recalled. I got shocked again because Hyundai never send me mail or something for the KSDS update recall

Filed Aug 14, 2022 · Engine · CA

I was driving on the freeway and my engine started making a knowing sound. Then my car died. I pulled over to the side and couldn't even brake and I had to put the emergency brake on. Then when I tried to start my car it made a loud screeching noise from the engine so I turned it back off. I have had it checked out by a mechanic who says it's a rod bearing went out. It is common with my vehicle but my specific year hasn't been recalled but other years have been recalled for the same problem.

Filed Nov 10, 2021 · Engine · IL

Was driving at 70mph on the highway when the failure occurred. The engine began making a very loud knocking noise and I was thankfully able to safely pull over before the car completely shut down. No check engine or oil lamps turned on and there were no signs that the engine was failing. It just all of a sudden started knocking while driving on the highway and I was lucky to get to the side of the road without causing an accident or being stuck in the middle of the highway with a broken engine. Checked the oil and found metal shavings on the dipstick so I called a tow truck to have the vehicle towed to the dealership that last serviced it. The dealership initially kept telling me it was upper engine noise until I pushed them to actually tell me which part failed. They then finally admitted that it was one of the engine bearings. This failure was also 2 months after that same dealership had pulled the oil pan off and replaced the gasket and oil pressure sensor for an active recall. This seems to be a VERY common problem for this 2.4theta engine from Hyundai. Hyundai is refusing to warranty the engine and wants $9600 to replace the engine that failed and left me stranded on the highway 2hrs away from home. The vehicle has now been at the same dealership for over 2 months while I fight with Hyundai's warranty and customer service dept who keep denying my claim that the engine is defective and should be warrantied. While my car has been at this same dealership they have preformed another NEW active recall for programming the knock sensor to sense bearing failures on these engines. THIS NEW RECALL WORK WAS DONE WITHOUT MY CONSENT AND I DID NOT SIGN OFF ON THEM PREFORMING THIS WORK BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAS ALREADY HAD A BEARING FAILURE!!!

Filed Sep 27, 2021 · Engine · CO

Was driving on the highway at 74 mph when the engine started knocking and smelled of smoke, no other warning symptoms and all routine maintenance have been performed timely, in fact on-time pul change was performed the day before. I safely exited the highway and when I came to a complete stop at the end of the off ramp the oil, engine _ battery light came on and engine died. I checked the oil - it was clean and full. Had to get towed to a shop. They said the rod in the 4th cylinder is the culprit and requires a new engine ($7,500). I've called the Hyundai dealer and am waiting to hear back. Cars mileage is 139k and otherwise in excellent condition.

Filed Sep 26, 2021 · Engine · CA

I have Only 113186 miles on my Tucson.I started hearing a engine knock while driving the vehicle and then the vehicle started stalling out.The next day I took it to my mechanic.He tested everything then he drained my oil and found metal shavings from the rod bearing and told me the engine was no good.I changed the oil at regular intervals.I found out they have a recall on the 2017-2018 Tucson's with bad bearing issues.The engine is the same as mine the 2.0

Filed Aug 31, 2021 · Engine · 65,000 miles · CA · fire

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle engine failed. When driving with the cruise control set at 70 mph, the engine emitted a loud knocking sound and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle powered off and the vehicle rolled onto the road shoulder. The contact was able to open the hood and smoke emitted from under the hood and emitted an engine oil burnt odor. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer or mechanic to have a diagnostic performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2021 · Engine · MA

Driving on highway 65miles an hour plus, car started making horrible knocking/banging sound. No lights or indicators had went off. I pulled off highway and car just stopped and died. From full speed. Had I not pulled off the highway or was unable to get over it would have stopped without warning and someone could have hit me. I towed the vehicle straight to Hyundai. They told me it was internal engine failure in the lower bearing system. They recommended a full engine replacement. No warning lights. Car was maintained with ALL suggested maintenance and oil changes. My particular car is not under recall however this issue in the 2013 Hyundai happens too frequently for it to be a coincidence. In a well maintained car.

Filed Jun 15, 2021 · Engine · MS

Driving vehicle, engine started knocking, noises got louder, engine stalled, caused 360 in the highway, was able to come to a stop on side of road. Inspected by mechanic, noted as engine failure, if vehicle would not have been stopped, would have caused fire in engine.