Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe engine bolts improperly tightened

NHTSA campaign 25V549000 · Reported 2025-08-26 · Hyundai Motor America

critical How serious is it? About this label

Very serious: losing drive power can cause a crash and leaking oil on hot parts can start an engine fire, so get this scheduled immediately — though Hyundai has not told owners to stop driving or park outside.

What's wrong, in plain English

Bolts that hold the connecting rods inside the engine may not have been tightened enough at the factory. That can damage the engine and make the vehicle lose power while you are driving — possibly in traffic, with no warning. The damage can also let oil leak out onto hot engine parts, which can start a fire under the hood. Because the engine itself can be ruined, the dealer replaces the whole engine at no cost.

What you should do

1. Verify your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls under campaign 25V549000 (Hyundai recall 281).
2. Contact your Hyundai dealer now to book the repair, or call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
3. The dealer replaces the engine free of charge.

Affected vehicles (2)

2025 Hyundai Santa FE
2025 Hyundai Tucson

Who to contact

Hyundai — official Hyundai recall lookup

Customer service: 1-855-371-9460

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Hyundai engine recalls: sudden power loss and engine fire risk · all 4 Hyundai recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
Safety risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.