2019 Hyundai Tucson: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine · FL

While driving on the highway 65 mph in our 2019 Hyundai Tucson AWD, the vehicle suddenly experienced a severe power loss, loud engine knocking, engine light flashing, and the car in limp mode. This caused a terrifying hazard. We exited to safety, the car was towed and is at a Hyundai dealership. It pulled a diagnostic engine trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System). The dealership confirmed the code, but is refusing to replace the engine under the Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement without an out-of-pocket 'combustion cleaning' fee, which, as seniors, we cannot afford on a fixed income. The dealership service manager told us that he requested Goodwill from Hyundai Corporate for the combustion engine cleaning. And because of a past denial, corporate denied it a 2nd time. So, we contacted our Hyundai Corporate case manager, who said our request for “the engine replacement” was still pending and in review by their team. She saw no denials, except for a loaner, which would be approved, upon repair approval. We added the dealership service manager on this call to discuss confusion about goodwill be denied by Corporate for the “combustion cleaning”. He said this case manager would not see the combustion cleaning requirement, because it was instructed by another department. His then pivoted the topic & said we received an estimate for combustion cleaning. My response “we never received an estimate & have no estimate in my email”. His response “I hate to use this word, but you’re a liar”. My husband then took the call saying “we did not receive an estimate in writing, although we had asked the tech for an estimate but nothing was final.” The service manager cut him off and said “we are done come pick up your car” & hung up. This dealership phone interaction needed to be included in this incident because now we are being put in grave danger as he is expecting us to pick up our un-drivable, unsafe & hazardous car with no concern for safety.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NH

The new 2019 Hyundai Tucson equipped with the Nu2.0L GDI engine, I purchased in 1/2020 as the original owner to this day has been diagnosed with a burnt exhaust valve due to heavy oil consumption that has been an uncorrected documented manufacturer’s defect within Hyundai motor corporation. The excessive engine oil consumption has poisoned and destroyed the first catalytic converter, has fouled the combustion chamber which has consequently choked and burnt the exhaust valve with the excess oil ash and carbon buildup. The car was approved for a second catalytic converter install last week which my car currently sits at 125,000 miles and the dealership through the authority of approval with Hyundai motor America has replaced under warranty however subsequently running the excess consumption test, the car now has a burnt exhaust valve which Hyundai motor America is extending a “good faith” proposal which they are willing to replace 60% of the burnt valve and I’m responsible for the 40% even though I have complied fully with the dealership’s recommended preventive maintenance schedule which has been solely performed at the same dealership since the day I bought the car and drove off the lot up until the 100K mile warranty. And now discovering my particular motor has been extended to the 15/150,000 warranty due to the lawsuit settlement. I have continued with my diligence with keeping up with the oil, instead of ignoring the issue that the car burns excessive oil to potentially has the engine fail while driving to be fully covered on the rod bearing failure settlement. Help in my concerns would be greatly appreciated through the federal safety agency.

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Engine · NY

OnXXX my car experienced sudden knocking in the engine. I pulled over to the service station on the [XXX] and had my car towed to Empire Hyundai in [XXX]. I had just changed oil on XXXand upon inspection oil level was fine. Problem is the theta 2 engine and though the car is under extended warranty Hyundai is requesting maintenance records before repairing this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL · fire

On March 21st, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I noticed the vehicle began making a ticking sound. After stopping the vehicle, it slowly began catching on fire. The fire ultimately spread and resulted in the vehicle becoming a total loss. This created a serious safety concern and placed me at risk. I later learned there was a recall associated with the vehicle. However, I never received any recall notices because Hyundai reportedly had the wrong address on file. Had I been properly notified of the recall and potential safety risks, I would have done everything in my power to ensure the vehicle was inspected, repaired, and safe to drive. Because I was unaware of the recall issue, the vehicle continued to be operated without my knowledge of the potential danger. The incident caused significant financial and transportation hardship, including loss of reliable transportation and additional financial strain. Hyundai later reached a determination regarding the matter, but I remain concerned about the serious safety risk and the fact that I did not receive proper recall notification before the incident occurred. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the recall notification process and handling of this matter should be reviewed further due to the serious safety risk involved.

Filed Apr 12, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

The component involved is the engine and associated knock detection system (KSDS). The system triggered a P1326 code indicating abnormal engine knock associated with a known defect condition. On February 14, 2023, while driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly entered reduced power (“limp mode”) and lost acceleration capability in active traffic. This created a safety risk, as the vehicle was unable to maintain speed with surrounding traffic or accelerate as needed for normal driving conditions. There were no sufficient warnings prior to the event to allow safe planning or avoidance of the loss of power condition. The system activation itself (P1326 and limp mode) was the first indication of the severity of the issue. The problem has been reproduced multiple times, with repeated P1326 events occurring after the initial incident. The condition has been inspected and partially confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. In March 2026, dealership records documented that oil contamination was causing catalytic converter failure, indicating ongoing engine-related deterioration consistent with the defect condition identified by the knock detection system. Despite these findings, the underlying engine condition has not been resolved. The KSDS system is designed to detect a potentially serious engine defect and limit engine power to prevent further damage. However, it does not correct the underlying defect. As a result, the vehicle may continue to operate with a known compromised condition that can trigger reduced power unexpectedly. This creates an ongoing safety concern. A vehicle that can suddenly lose acceleration due to a known defect presents a risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists, particularly during freeway driving, merging, or other situations requiring normal engine performance. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Engine · KS

While driving at highway speed, the engine suffered a sudden connecting rod bearing failure (Cylinder 3) with no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. The vehicle made a slapping noise, a belt came off, the engine died, and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership. The driver, a [XXX] [XXX] , was able to safely guide the vehicle to a stop without injury. The dealership inspected the engine and confirmed a complete Cylinder 3 connecting rod bearing failure. The technician contacted Hyundai Techline, who confirmed the diagnosis and recommended engine replacement. The estimated repair cost is $6,500. The failed engine is available for inspection at the dealership. This vehicle is a 2019 Tucson with the Nu 2.0L GDI engine, which is covered under the E2 Class Action Settlement for connecting rod bearing defects. Hyundai Service Campaign 966 provides a KSDS software update designed to detect abnormal bearing noise before catastrophic failure occurs. This update was never performed on the vehicle. The 2019 Tucson was not added to Campaign 966 until April 2022, after the vehicle had already been purchased used. The owner was never effectively notified of the campaign and the vehicle was never at a Hyundai dealership where the update could have been performed. Hyundai denied warranty coverage solely because Campaign 966 was not completed, despite confirming the failure is the exact defect type the campaign and settlement were designed to address. The vehicle had only 49,437 miles at the time of failure. The engine failed without any prior warning — the exact scenario Campaign 966 was designed to prevent. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Engine · MA

While driving a flashing engine light came on in my 2019 Hyundai Tucson. This made the car slow down and have no power. I brought the car to the nearest mechanic, they told me it was the knock sensor and told me it was a recall for this car, I should bring it back to the dealership. I called the dealership and they had told me to bring the car in. They inspected the car on 8/30/24 at 44,990 miles and told me it was the knock sensor and replaced it. On 11/4/24 at 46,246 miles the car was brought back in for the same issue and the car was inspected again, it was the knock sensor. This time the software was replaced. On 1/29/25 at 48,042 while driving on a highway going 70 mph the flashing light comes on again, brought it back to the dealership and I was given a loaner. The reached out to me and told me it was the knock sensor. They had the car for about 5 days. On 2/14/25 at 48,248 again, driving on a highway the flashing engine light appears again. Called the dealership and brought in the car and again, the knock sensor. On 12/31/25 at 56,712, driving on the highway, the flashing light appears again...On 1/2/26 the car goes back to the dealership, they call me and said that it's the strangest thing, the serpentine belt is worn, and it was making a banging sound which was setting off the knock sensor. At this point they offered to put in a new serpentine belt. I refused because after 5 failed attempts, I decided to bring it to my mechanic (I had lost all confidence with Hyundai mechanics). He did replace it. At this point I sent a letter to Hyundai motors stating all the facts that have been happening and asked for a buyout. After their investigation they called me and said, because you brought it to your mechanic they couldn't help me, but, if it happens again, bring it back to Hyundai. On 2/2/26, 57,286, again. I called the dealership and brought it back. This time they said that they didn't have a loaner to give so I rented one, 4 days. This is 5 failed attempts

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

Catalytic converter and oil leak which is causing the vehicle to lose power. The catalytic converter was replaced in 2024 and now is bad again in 2025. Oil consumption has been a problem since 2024. Hyuandi is refusing to repair the vehicle. Despite the engine making a knocking noise and the check engine light is flashing the vehicle is still under the 150,000 power train warranty

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · LA

Low oil, burnt oil on dip stick, engine running dangerous hot, lights on on dash, engine knocking

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · WV

Limp mode, knocking , engine light. Only has 62,768 miles on it. I can't fill out campaign 966 or 982 on the official web site for extended coverage.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · FL

My 2019 Hyundai Tucson, VIN [XXX] , has developed engine knocking, which may indicate internal engine failure. A mechanic has suggested a possible loss of cylinder compression, though the exact cause has not been confirmed. Hyundai vehicles from similar model years have experienced engine failures related to bearing wear and metal debris, leading to stalling, loss of power, and complete engine failure. These failures present a serious safety risk, particularly if the engine fails while driving. I am concerned that this defect could result in sudden loss of power or engine seizure, increasing the risk of an accident. I am submitting this complaint to ensure the issue is properly investigated and addressed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Engine · FL

My 2019 Hyundai Tucson, VIN [XXX] , has developed engine knocking, which may indicate internal engine failure. A mechanic has suggested a possible loss of cylinder compression, though the exact cause has not been confirmed. Hyundai vehicles from similar model years have experienced engine failures related to bearing wear and metal debris, leading to stalling, loss of power, and complete engine failure. These failures present a serious safety risk, particularly if the engine fails while driving. I am concerned that this defect could result in sudden loss of power or engine seizure, increasing the risk of an accident. I am submitting this complaint to ensure the issue is properly investigated and addressed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)