Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Hyundai Tucson owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On January 7, 2026, shortly after delivery of a used 2015 Hyundai Tucson (VIN [redacted] ), the vehicle experienced immediate mechanical failure while being driven, resulting in sudden loss of power and drivability. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard at the time of failure. The vehicle became disabled and left the occupants stranded roadside in Fairhope, Alabama. The exact component that failed is UNKNOWN at this time. The failure appears related to the engine, powertrain, fuel/propulsion, and/or electrical systems. The vehicle was not operable after the incident. On January 8, 2026, the selling dealership (Sandy Sansing Nissan, Pensacola, Florida) towed the vehicle back to their dealership. The vehicle has remained in the dealership's possession since that date and is available for inspection upon request. …
On [redacted], my husband and I were driving on [redacted] (Highway) in the slow lane, when the engine shutoff without any Service engine light warning. It was frightening because an tractor trailer was directly behind the car as we lost power. There was no sounds of engine parts knocking or pinging when the problem occurred. The only thing was observed was (two) 2 puffs of smoke seen from the tailpipe, witnessed by my son who was following behind in his vehicle. The vehicle was not able to start after shutdown and had to be towed to my home. We purchased a new battery after assuming battery failure--with no resolve. The vehicle was towed to(two) 2 repair shops with the same conclusion: Seized Engine After checking Open Recalls on my vehicle, I contacted Hyundai to check for assistance. The vehicle is now at the Hyundai dealership in McDonough, Georgia for inspection. …
I was driving and there was a knocking noise from the engine and loss of power. I opened the hood and noticed a pulley on the belt that looked loose and had the car towed to the dealership. According to them they know this particular engine Theta model has been an issue for fires and engine failure with components breaking internally but no recalls have been addressed for my VIN number even though there are hundreds of thousands of customers with the same issues and only some recalls have been made. Ultimately leaving the customer with the bill. This is a very dangerous situation and reading hundreds of comments on various sites and these incidents happening in other countries as well with this engine, there should be a huge investigation and something being done about this.
The engine uses about 3 to 4 quarts of oil before a oil change the it will go in limp mode. I have to get it rest and then add oil for the engine to run right. Also transmission don't want to shift 3 to 4 gear it will be 35 mph to 65 before it shifts. When the car goes in limp mode I lose power going up a hill and almost got rear ended. They won't do anything do to its a used car. No lights came on the dash till it acts up.
Pulled out of a parking lot into the street and there was an unusual clunking noise coming from the drivetrain of the car. Had the car towed to the dealer for diagnostics. The diagnosis from the Dealer was the transfer case splines no longer are engaging with the transmission. This problem is already known to the Manufacture and for some reason nothing has been done to address the safety issue.
Part 43777-1G100 Pin-Snap is Part Code 43777B does not keep linkage attached to transmission shifter, it broke/snapped off due to wear and tear on a vehicle that only has 65,000 miles on it causing the vehicle to be stuck in drive.
Previous History: Vehicle already required an engine replacement - short block assembly. Current Details: DTC P01326 - While driving - Check Engine Light blinks & vehicle's acceleration is immediately reduced, causing dangerous disruption to the flow of traffic while merging into traffic from exit ramps, at traffic lights, stop signs, turns etc. Has been to dealer 3x for diagnosis and repair. Jan 2022 - 1st attempt - Knock Sensor replaced (Recall 966 was performed in Nov 2021) 2nd attempt - Knock Sensor software updated - 3rd attempt - Knock Sensor disconnected and reconnected. After each repair attempt the vehicle continued to suffer reduced acceleration and blinking check engine light while driving within a day or two. 4th time - DTC P0087 - Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low & DTC P2191 System too Lean at Higher Load (Multiple) (Bank 1). …
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recall repair performed on my 2015 Hyundai Tucson on October 5th, 2022. I have received numerous letters from Hyundai regarding an open recall and finally received a notice stating the remedy was ready. I scheduled an appointment with Matthews Hyundai of Syracuse and took the vehicle for the recall. Unfortunately, after taking the vehicle back to the dealership, I was advised that the check engine light was on and the issue was a result of a faulty knock sensor and purge valve. I was asked to pay more than $100 for the repairs. However, after further discussion, it was concluded that I wouldn't be charged. However, after only two days, the engine check light came on again, and the speed reduced to 45 MPH on the highway. I was then told that the problem was from the ignition coil and was charged $232.72 for the repairs. …
While driving on a US highway, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost the ability to start/run normally, requiring the vehicle to be pulled off the road and towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership. Dealer diagnostic testing found the engine failed a bearing/performance test, consistent with connecting rod bearing wear. This failure mode - Check Engine light, DTC P1326, abnormal noise, or a no-crank/no-start condition caused by connecting rod bearing wear - is described in the manufacturer's own internal dealer service bulletin covering an engine warranty extension program for multiple engine families (Theta II MPI and Nu GDI engines) across several model years and vehicle lines. That bulletin acknowledges the failure as a known condition and extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles for original and subsequent owners. …
At times on the road the car loose power and in a highway that you can go 70 I can only go probably 45mph because it seems as it can not go over that mileage. I have to try hard to go even 55mph. It happened since while ago and I thought it was because it was brand new out of the box. I took to the dealer potamkin in manhattan, ny where I purchased and they said it was because of the "economic" button. A separate mechanic said it is indeed not normal. Also the air conditioning broke 7/2017 and I had to pay to the dealer for repair. All because I did not want to miss work to file complaint, etc. I have paperwork for all this.
Transmission complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2015 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, 9% of the model year's 229 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 Hyundai Tucson transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Hyundai Tucson transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.