Lawsuit Investigation: 2016 Hyundai Tucson Oil Consumption Problem

If your 2016 Hyundai Tucson is burning through oil more quickly than it should be, attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak with you.

They’re investigating whether a defect is behind reports that the vehicles are suffering from an oil consumption issue that can lead to engine failure and costly repairs. Before they can even consider taking action, however, they need to speak with owners and lessees to learn more about the problem.  

What Started the Investigation into the Oil Consumption Issue?

The investigation began after a number of complaints were discovered on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website involving the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and a possible oil consumption issue. Drivers complained that they were using more than one quart of oil per 1,000 miles, had to carry extra oil around in their vehicles, and even had issues with their cars losing power while in use or being unable to start due to low oil levels. For some Hyundai Tucson owners, an entire engine replacement was needed.

A sample of complaints from the NHTSA, as well as other websites, regarding the oil consumption issue can be found below [sic throughout]:

The vehicle is burning excess amounts of oil. The rate of engine oil loss is over one quart per 500 miles. My mechanic tells me his evaluation is the vehicle's turbo unit causes the engine to run very hot, and the internal seals are breaking down, causing oil to mix with the fuel. The solution is an engine rebuild, which will cost over $3,000. Such a rebuild will result in the same issue arising again after the vehicle is in use for a period of time. The manufacturer has refused to address the issue, as I have corresponded with them about it…My mechanic has researched the issue, and says it occurs in all Hyundai Tucson vehicles with this engine configuration.”
— Ellicott City, Maryland, NHTSA.gov

I drop the vehicle off and [the dealership] said the oil is extremely low (I’ve only had this car for about a month) I had bought it from a dealership so I assumes all the fluids would be fine until I needed an oil change. Well they continued with the oil change and found metal shavings in the oil pan they then dropped the oil pan and found metal chunks. They told me the vehicle is still under the bumper to bumper warranty and that the engine needed to be replaced.”
— Denton, Maryland, NHTSA.gov

The engine oil pressure warning light turned on without any auguries while driving on a highway. We pulled over the car as soon as possible, but the car could not be started again after we turned off the engine. We had the car towed to a Hyundai dealership, and then we were told the engine was seized and needed to be replaced.”
— Gainesville, Florida, NHTSA.gov

This evening me and my fiancé were driving 45mph down hill on a straight road to get christmas gifts, and all of a sudden out of no where the engine just died/stalled (no warning/dashboard lights). Thank god we were able to coast into a gas station and get off the road safely. The car wouldn't even turn over, so my fiancé checked the oil and it was low. The car doesn't leak oil and we do oil changes every 3,000 miles religiously. We carry extra oil in case an oil warning light appears so we added oil to correct fill level. To no luck the car still wouldn't turn over…we have to wait till Monday morning to get the car to a Hyundai dealer to be assessed by them. Hopefully they will come to the conclusion that the car burns oil out of no where…”
— CarProblemZoo.com

The engine is burning oil, there are no leaks and no dashboard warning lights. On 12/5/19, mechanic found a dry dip stick and removed less than 1 quart oil from the engine and examined for leaks. Oil changes are in regular 5,000-6,000 intervals using synthetic 5w30 oil…Oil was checked on 12/8/19 and the oil below is already below full.”
—  CarProblemZoo.com

It has been alleged that Hyundai is denying the existence of any defect, leaving drivers with hefty repair bills and no true fix for the problem.

How Can a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

A class action lawsuit, if filed and successful, could force Hyundai to alert all affected drivers of the reported oil consumption problem and find a fix for the issue. Those who spent money on repairs or extra oil may also be able to recover these expenses in a successful case.

Was There a Recall Over the Oil Issue?

No. To date, there has been no recall issued over the reported oil consumption issue in 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles. Hyundai did recall 125,000 2011-2013 Tucsons in early 2019; however, the recall was issued over a possible oil leak that could cause damage to the engine and result in a high-speed stall or car fire. 

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