Hyundai Recalls Over 51,000 Tucson Models Due to Fire and Lighting Hazard

Hyundai Motor America is initiating a safety recall affecting approximately 51,587 model year 2022-2024 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with an optional original equipment manufacturer (OEM) trailer wiring harness. According to the manufacturer’s submission to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a defect in the trailer wiring harness control module could lead to water ingress. This can result in the trailer lamps or vehicle stop lamps becoming inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash. In more severe cases, an electrical short within the module could occur, potentially leading to overheating, melting, and in some instances, ignition of the vehicle.

The issue stems from the trailer wiring harness accessory, intended for towing, being installed in a location susceptible to water intrusion. This can compromise the integrity of the control module. The defect was first identified through a “Speak Up for Safety” report on April 18, 2025, detailing inoperative trailer stop lamps on a U.S. market Hyundai Tucson equipped with an OEM trailer wiring harness. Subsequent investigations by Hyundai’s North America Safety Operations Department (NASO) and its trailer wiring harness supplier, MOBIS, revealed that water intrusion into the control module was a likely cause. Warranty part returns and testing confirmed the presence of water and debris within the affected modules.

Hyundai is aware of three confirmed fires in the U.S. market related to this condition, though no crashes or injuries have been reported. The company’s investigation also identified varying effects on vehicle and trailer lighting, which operators may notice. To mitigate risks, Hyundai is advising owners of the affected vehicles to continue driving them but to park them outdoors and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. The recall remedy will involve replacing the trailer wiring harness control module with a component that features improved sealing to prevent water intrusion. This repair will be provided at no cost to owners, regardless of the vehicle’s warranty status. Hyundai will also offer reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by owners who have already sought a remedy for this specific issue.

Owners of the potentially affected Hyundai Tucson vehicles will be notified by first-class mail with instructions on how to schedule their recall service at a Hyundai dealership. The manufacturer began notifying dealers electronically on February 16, 2026, and owner notifications are scheduled to commence by February 16, 2026, with a phased rollout. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for this recall became searchable on December 20, 2025. Affected vehicles are no longer in production, and the production correction for this issue has not yet been implemented in ongoing manufacturing.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Hyundai Motor America

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