Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operation, depending on driving conditions and mileage, and this procedure should only be performed when deemed necessary based on inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle as outlined in TSB 26-EM-015H, Engine Oil Consumption – Inspection & Repair Guidelines, or the latest revision.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Hyundai Tucson have filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of October 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Tucson | 139 |
| 2020 Tucson | 59 |
| 2021 Tucson | 33 |
| 2022 Tucson | 58 |
| 2023 Tucson (this page) | 8 |
| 2024 Tucson | 9 |
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operation. Oil consumption rates may vary based on mileage, operating conditions, driving habits, and maintenance history. Hyundai recommends following the prescribed maintenance schedule and periodically checking the engine oil level using the dipstick to maintain proper engine oil level.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some Tucson (NX4, NX4A) vehicles may have DTC P218100, P2181F0, and/or P2181F1 (Cooling System Performance) set in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), resulting in an illuminated Check Engine warning lamp. This TSB provides instructions to replace the Integrated Thermal Management (ITM) module and update both the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM), if applicable. Follow the flowchart in this bulletin to update the appropriate modules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 20-22MY Sonata (DN8a), 21-23MY Santa Fe (TMa), and 22-23MY Tucson (NX4a) vehicles may experience a warning lamp illumination for a diagnostic trouble code P2181 that is related to the Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM). Follow the service procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the ITM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Two days after purchasing this vehicle BRAND NEW, I received a "Low Oil" alert. I took it to the nearest Hyundai dealership where a salesman filled the engine with oil. Only a couple hundred miles later I received another "Low Oil" alert. I have been attempting to solve this issue with Hyundai, however, they are insistent that I must complete an oil consumption test, which takes 3,000 miles of…
Engine would not accelerate after stopping at a store. Limped home at 15 mph. Engine light came on a few miles from home. Vehicle would not stay running the next morning and had to be towed to dealership. Problem was an injector that the seal had failed on causing the engine to flood with gasoline. Dealership stated they had seen multiple injector failures and replacement parts now have a…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 24,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.