Engine knock sensor went off and now the engine needs replacement due to faulty cylinder rod.
2021 Hyundai Tucson: engine knocking or ticking
13 of the 80 complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson describe engine knocking or ticking.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- recalls
- 0
Engine knocking or ticking by model year
What owners say
I was driving down [XXX] from my house.My engine light started to flash.I tried to accelerate my car barely went 10 miles an hour.I got Home 2 minutes later.There was major knocking.I had the car towed to [XXX], Hyundai, the only code that is showing up on the diagnostics, is P1326 there is an open class action lawsuit for this exact code. For the rod bearing failure, Hyundai is denying the claim, saying there's a gap in maintenance history on a car. I didn't own yet when I bought the vehicle. It passed a 190 point inspection. There's no way there was anything wrong with this vehicle.I am under fifty thousand miles , and if I was on the highway , it could've been deadly i could not accelerate. No other lights were on in the vehicle, except for the flashing engine light.I have already reported to the better business bureau and they have sent it to arbitration. I have contacted the escalation department for Hyundai.They opened up to separate cases.The agent that was assigned to me didn't even get the code from [XXX], they just denied the claim without it.I have the emails to prove that I had to give it to her. I have.\n All my maintenance history, but as you can see from the text message from XXX Hyundai, they are requesting maintenance for a car that wasn't in my possession yet. They're asking for dates from a year before I had the car, I bought it through EchoPark. I have everyone on my side including fFdelity , as I tried to go through Fidelity and they said they couldn't approve the warranty because of the class action lawsuit against Hyundai for that exact manufacturer malfunction. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car is burning oil. I have returned multiple times to have it serviced and checked for leaks, but no leaks have been found. Before reaching the recommended 3,000-mile oil change interval, the oil level drops below the minimum mark on the dipstick. In addition, my engine has started making a knocking noise, which is very concerning.
My 2021 Hyundai Tucson has experienced repeated engine-related failures associated with a knock sensor (P1326) fault that causes the vehicle to enter limp mode and lose power while driving. This issue has occurred multiple times at approximately 15,000, 17,000, 41,000, and 90,000 miles and has resulted in four separate incidents requiring towing. During these events, the vehicle suddenly loses power and cannot maintain normal driving speed, creating a hazardous condition while in traffic. The vehicle has undergone multiple repair attempts, including an ECM update and three knock sensor replacements. Despite these repairs, the issue continues to recur and no root cause has been identified. Hyundai has not provided a permanent fix and has advised continued operation of the vehicle unless the issue occurs again. This ongoing condition presents a safety concern due to the risk of sudden loss of power while driving.
Engine started making a knocking sound, then the oil light came on followed by the check engine light. Accelerates and decelerates on its own. Was forced to immediately pull over across three lanes on Interstate 95. It’s been over two weeks and I’ve yet to hear if Hyundai is going to cover a replacement engine. However, what happened is exactly what they have listed on their website ⬇️ What to look out for check-engine Check Engine oil-light Engine Oil Pressure A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp.
My family’s safety is at serious risk with my 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which I’ve owned only 55 days. This vehicle has stalled three times while driving, putting me and my two young children in immediate danger. Each time, the car operated normally until a flashing engine light appeared, RPMs spiked, and the vehicle suddenly lost all power—entering “limp mode” and unable to exceed 3,000 RPM or 50 MPH. The first failure occurred 9/14/25 while merging onto the interstate, forcing me to lose power mid-acceleration as surrounding vehicles slammed their brakes to avoid collision. 13 days later, it happened again in stop-and-go traffic, leaving me stranded on the shoulder. Both incidents occurred without warning or prior check-engine lights. The third—and most terrifying—incident was on October 17, 2025, when the engine completely died 300 miles from home on a busy highway. My children, ages 4 and 6, were terrified as cars sped by. We were extremely fortunate not to have been hit. I am urgently requesting assistance for the immediate replacement of this vehicle’s engine. It is covered by Hyundai’s 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty, clear evidence the company was aware of these issues. Service records from the previous owner-that I was told about by Hyundai show ongoing engine problems and recalls since 2022 further proof this vehicle should have been retired from service As a parent, I’m very alarmed that Hyundai refuses to act until “catastrophic damage” occurs. This policy is irresponsible and endangers entire families. There’s at least 50 the federal safety agency complaints describing identical issues; stalling, power loss, and bearing failure linked to defective connecting rod bearings. Yet, Hyundai has denied a replacement, insisting on waiting for further damage and failures in operation. I beg you to intervene and prioritize my family’s safety before tragedy inevitably strikes. My children should not be put at risk due to corporate negligence, greed and absence of accountability.
Engine started making a knocking sound, light came on. Accelerates and decelerates on it's own. Dealership will not provide a diagnosis in any way, but says complete engine replacement is the answer. Car has been at dealership for almost a month.
There was a recall on this engine which I had updated the knock sensor campaign. While on the highway the engine light started flashing and the speed was reduced to 20 mph on a major highway. I had to almost cause a wreck to get off highway. The vehicle went into limp mode with no prior indication
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. There was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Hyundai of Orange Park (7600 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244); who determined that the coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the coils and determined the failure was due to the engine. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 124,500.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact safely pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine knock sensor failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall due to a lack of maintenance records. The contact was advised to contact the Better Business Bureau. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
My check engine light came on in the vehicle and immediately the acceleration declined and I wasn’t able to go above 50 mph. I brought the vehicle to the dealership to which the code 1326 came up. I was told it is a rod bearing engine failure and I need a new engine for the vehicle. I was also told my vehicle doesn’t qualify for the recall already made for this damage and code number.
March of 2021 I purchased a new Hyundai Tucson SEL. I have performed all required maintenance (at the dealer no less). In May of 2022 the dealer performed the recall Campaign 966. Since that time, my Tucson has had to go to the dealer 5 times for a P1326 code. This resulted in the check engine light flashing and the car going into protection or limp mode. The vehicle would not accelerate past 30 mph and would not exceed 2000 RPM. This has happened as I have accelerated from either a stop or while in traffic. As of yet the dealer has been unable to permanently resolve the problem. They have replaced the knock sensor. The dealer has replaced spark plugs. The dealer has also replaced the catalytic convertor. They also recently scoped the cylinders and cleaned the engine with pressurized engine detergent. In the days and weeks prior to the check engine light, I can always tell that failure is imminent. The gas mileage will slowly drop off during both highway and city driving. Additionally, I can feel through the gas pedal hesitations and slight rhythmic pulsing. Lastly, I can feel gradual power loss in acceleration and very slight hesitations in acceleration as well.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s...
- This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s...
- Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil...
- Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil...
- Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II...
- Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may...
- Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year...
- Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson knocking
Is engine knocking or ticking a common problem on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
13 of 80 owner complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson (16%) mention engine knocking or ticking. The model year with the most reports is 2017.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
There are 0 recalls and 37 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson
Check engine light 17Engine failure 9Loss of power 9ABS 8Won't shift 8Fire or smoke 6Oil consumption 6
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