Recall 25V549 affects 29 2025-2026 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles for loose engine connecting-rod bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 29 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles because of improperly tightened engine connecting rod bolts. The defect can cause loss of drive power, engine damage, and an oil leak near hot engine parts, which raises the risk of a crash or engine compartment fire; Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 2025-2026 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe use connecting rods inside the engine to turn piston movement into crankshaft rotation. Each connecting rod is held by bolts that must be tightened to the correct torque, meaning the right clamping force. That clamping force keeps the rod secure while the engine is running under load.
On affected vehicles, an inspection process error left certain engine assemblies with connecting rod bolts that were not tightened correctly. A loose rod bolt can let the rod move out of position inside the engine. That can damage the engine, cause a loss of drive power, and lead to an oil leak.
Owners can notice abnormal knocking from the engine, reduced power, or hesitation. The Check Engine lamp or engine oil pressure warning lamp can turn on. A burning smell, visible oil leak, or smoke also points to the same engine problem.
Who's affected?
Covers Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs across the 2025-2026 model years, all tied to the same engine critical fasteners.
| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | Critical fasteners |
|---|---|
| 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | Critical fasteners |
| 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | Critical fasteners |
| 2026 Hyundai Tucson | Critical fasteners |
| Units affected | 29 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of drive power increases crash risk, and leaking oil near hot engine parts raises fire risk. If you notice knocking, hesitation, warning lamps, burning smell, oil leaks, or smoke, pull over when safe and call a Hyundai dealer before driving farther. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025-2026 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free engine replacement that addresses the improperly tightened connecting rod bolts.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V549 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Pull over safely and contact Hyundai if you notice loss of drive power or oil leaking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician replaces the engine covered by recall 25V549. The replacement engine, related parts, and labor are free under the recall for included 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. Hyundai used its standard reimbursement plan for this campaign, so owners who already paid for an engine repair tied to this defect should ask Hyundai customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation for review. Keep repair invoices and proof of payment with the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 25, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 27, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 23, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 24, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| October 24, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V549?
Recall 25V549 covers 29 2025-2026 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles with connecting rod bolts that were improperly tightened. The defect can cause loss of drive power, engine damage, and an oil leak near hot engine parts. Hyundai dealers will replace the engine for free.
What should I do if my 2025-2026 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SUV is included in recall 25V549. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the engine replacement. Reference Hyundai recall number 281 when you call, or contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Hyundai's remedy for recall 25V549 is an engine replacement free of charge. Schedule the work through a franchised Hyundai dealer and reference Hyundai recall number 281.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power and fire risk from an oil leak near hot engine components. Loss of drive power increases crash risk, and oil on hot engine parts increases engine compartment fire risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free engine replacement with Hyundai.
When did Hyundai mail owner letters for recall 25V549?
Hyundai mailed owner notification letters on October 23, 2025. A missed letter does not mean your vehicle is clear, especially if you bought it used or moved. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Hyundai dealer if your Tucson or Santa Fe is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V549000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V549 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V549000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →