Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 145 of 145 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 100 of 145 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
67 complaint records6 fire reports
"THE VALVE COVER GASKET IS LEAKING OIL ON TO THE ALTERNATOR. THE ALTERNATOR IS COVERED IN OIL, POSSIBLY CAUSING IT TO SHORT OUT WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
30 complaint records1 fire report
"THE VALVE COVER GASKET IS LEAKING OIL ON TO THE ALTERNATOR. THE ALTERNATOR IS COVERED IN OIL, POSSIBLY CAUSING IT TO SHORT OUT WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
17 complaint records1 crash report
"I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY CAR BEING IN DRIVE AND THEN WHEN I STOP NOT BEING ABLE TO GET IT TO GO INTO PARK. THE ESC LIGHT IS ALSO ON...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE09003 opened Jan 2009 | closed Apr 2009 | Vehicle Speed Control | STOP LAMP SWITCH FAILURE - led to recall 09V122000 BY LETTER DATED APRIL 15, 2009, HYUNDAI NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 09V122) TO REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES ON MANY OF ITS MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 VEHICLES.SEE RECALL 09V122 FOR A COMPLETE LIST. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V705000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V-415. | Normally free |
| 14V415000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. | Normally free |
| 11V472000 | Air Bags | HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 26, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19,... | Normally free |
| 09V122000 | Exterior Lighting | HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 532,633 MY 2006-2007 ACCENT, ENTOURAGE, SONATA, MY 2007 AZERA, ELANTRA AND SANTA FE, MY 2005-2007 TUCSON AND MY 2007-2008 VERACRUZ VEHICLES. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020549 2020-11-13 | Engine | 9,426 | Issue: On certain vehicles, engine oil can leak from the valve cover onto the alternator. If this happens, the charging system could stop working and cause a warning light to turn on. |
| 2020233 2020-05-27 | Electrical | 3,838 | Issue: Certain vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer wiring harness kit that could fail. Over time, this could result in a short circuit that can cause overheating of the control module. |
| 2014297 2014-07-16 | Engine | 9,426 | This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-549. On certain vehicles, engine oil can leak onto the alternator, which could affect charging system function and potentially cause the engine to stall and not restart. |
| 2011333 2011-09-09 | Airbag | 31,078 | On certain vehicles, the clockspring assembly for the driver's airbag may become damaged and fail. As a result the airbag may not function as intended, and the instrument panel warning lamp would illuminate. |
| 2009120 2009-04-23 | Lights And Instruments | 67,976 | On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may have been incorrectly installed during vehicle assembly. This could prevent proper brake lamp operation. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTN DCS Apr 2026 | Air Bags | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. | |
| DTN DL Apr 2026 | Air Bags | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). | |
| 25-BD-012H TSB Nov 2025 | Exterior Lighting | This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. | |
| 24-BD-001H Feb 2024 | Visibility | This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side... | |
| 23-EM-005H Oct 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services. |
Show 47 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23-BD-007H Apr 2023 | Structure | Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. | |
| 23-BD-002H Jan 2023 | Visibility | This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. | |
| 22-EM-010H Jul 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement. | |
| 22-GI-006H Jul 2022 | Tires | Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. | |
| 21-BE-003H-1 May 2021 | Steering | The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first. This warranty coverage applies to both the original and subsequent owners. | |
| 21-EM-004H Mar 2021 | Equipment | This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps. | |
| 21-BR-002H Mar 2021 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures. | |
| 21-EM-003H Mar 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below. | |
| 20-BR-002H Nov 2020 | Service Brakes | This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area. | |
| 20-SS-004H Nov 2020 | Wheels | This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the âTire Balance Data Sheetâ must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data. | |
| 20-BD-014H Jul 2020 | Exterior Lighting | This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. | |
| DOR-M3J3F-07 Jun 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected. | |
| DOR-M9J4S-07 Jun 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected. | |
| 20-SS-002H(1) May 2020 | Wheels | This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance. | |
| 20-BD-007H-1 May 2020 | Equipment | This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products. | |
| 20-EE-003H Apr 2020 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: ⢠A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. ⢠A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days. | |
| 20-AT-016H Apr 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions: | |
| 20-BD-007H Mar 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products. | |
| 20-SS-001H Feb 2020 | Suspension | This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years. | |
| 20-BE-001H Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. | |
| 19-BE-011H-1 Nov 2019 | Back Over Prevention | The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. | |
| 19-GI-006H Oct 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number. | |
| 19-BR-001H-1 Jul 2019 | Service Brakes | This bulletin provides information on the rear wheel speed sensor for Santa Fe (CM), Santa Fe / XL (NC), Santa Fe Sport (AN), and Veracruz (EN) vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD). | |
| 19-BR-001H(1) Jun 2019 | Wheels | This bulletin provides information on the rear wheel speed sensor for Santa Fe (CM), Santa Fe / XL (NC), Santa Fe Sport (AN), and Veracruz (EN) vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD). | |
| 19-FL-003H Apr 2019 | Power Train | This bulletin provides the procedure to write the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during the replacement of the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Once the VIN has been programmed to the ECM/PCM, it cannot be removed or overwritten. | |
| 19-BE-004H Mar 2019 | Visibility | This bulletin provides information on the serviceable parts for the outside mirror assembly. When diagnosing and repairing the outside mirror, do not replace the entire assembly. Refer to page 2 of this TSB for replacement of individual parts. | |
| 5NP-B6E2P-10 Aug 2016 | Power Train | "THE PCM OR TCM CONTAINS LOGIC TO ADJUST SOLENOID DUTY AND LINE PRESSURE AS NEEDED TO COMPENSATE FOR NORMAL CLUTCH WEAR OVER THE LIFE OF THE TRANSAXLE. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO RESET (ERASE) AND RELEARN THE PCM/TCM ADAPTIVE VALUES. | |
| 085A May 2014 | Equipment | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| SB-10-FL-021 Dec 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HYUNDAI: EGR/VVT READINESS INFORMATION. *RM | |
| SB-10-EM-006 Dec 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HYUNDAI: A REVISED PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS. *RM | |
| TSB-10-FL-010 Aug 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HYUNDAI: DTC P2135/P0638 OR COLD ENGINE RPM FLUCTUATION; TPS REPLACEMENT AND ECM UPDATE. SOME 2.7L, 3.3L OR 3.8L ENGINES IN MODELS IDENTIFIED IN THE APPLICABILITY LIST MAY EXPERIENCE ONE OR MORE OF THE CONDITIONS LISTED. *PE | |
| TSB09-FL-003-2 Oct 2009 | Equipment | HYUNDAI: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE ETC (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P2135 ( FORCED LIMITED POWER) OR DTC P0638 (POWER MANAGEMENT). *PE | |
| TSB-09-BE-003-4 Sep 2009 | Steering | HYUNDAI: STEERING WHEEL POWER TILT AND TELESCOPE LIMIT SWITCH REPLACEMENT SERVICE PROCEDURE. THE SERVICE PROCEDURE TO REPLACE BOTH THE TILT LIMIT SWITCH AND THE TELESCOPE LIMIT SWITCH WITH REPLACEMENT SERVICE PARTS. *PE | |
| TSB-09-01-018 Jun 2009 | Exterior Lighting | HYUNDAI SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. STOP LAMP SWITCH REPLACEMENT (CAMPAIGN 092). THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES THE PROCEDURE TO REMOVE, REPLACE, AND ADJUST THE STOP LAMP SWITCH. *PE | |
| YSB: 09-01-013 Apr 2009 | Power Train | HYUNDAI: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A COMMUNICATION FAILURE CODE WHEN USING A GENERIC SCAN. TOOL TO COMMUNICATE WITH AN ECU OR TCU. *PE | |
| TSB-09-FL-003-1 Apr 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HYUNDAI: MIL ON DTC P2135 OR P0638 OR COLD ENGINE RPM FLUCTUATION- TPS REPLACEMENT & ECM UPDATE. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE EITHER SLIGHT ENGINE RPM FLUCTUATION AT COLD WARM UP OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE ETC (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL) SYSTEM. *PE | |
| TSB-09-FL-003 Feb 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HYUNDAI: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE ETC (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P2135 OR DTC P0638. *PE | |
| 08-01-016 Oct 2008 | Power Train | HYUNDAI: TCCU UPDATE-NO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A GENERIC SCAN TOOL AND ECU OR TCU. VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A COMMUNICATION FAILURE CODE WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL. *PE | |
| 08-01-001 Mar 2008 | Fuel System | FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT (SERVICE CAMPAIGN T50). *NJ | |
| 08-01-004 Mar 2008 | Trailer Hitches | TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (CAMPAIGN 082). *NJ | |
| 183 Mar 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT P2135 DTC DIAGNOSIS - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L, 3.3L, OR 3.8L ENGINES. *NJ | |
| 08-FL-004 Feb 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT P2135 DTC DIAGNOSIS -- SOME 2006-2007 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L, 3.3L, OR 3.8L ENGINES. *NJ | |
| 0701010 Nov 2007 | Exterior Lighting | REAR COMBINATION O/S LAMP ASSEMBLY INSPECTION (SERVICE CAMPAIGN T45). *NJ | |
| 0701012 Nov 2007 | Exterior Lighting | HEAD LAMP AIMING ADJUSTMENT FOR VERACRUZ (SERVICE CAMPAIGN T47). *NJ | |
| 0736008 Nov 2007 | Electrical System | ECM UPDATE - MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) ON WITH DTC P0110 OR P0300, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NO SYSTEM FAULTS. *NJ | |
| 0701009 May 2007 | Seat Belts | 2ND ROW CENTER SEAT BELT GARNISH REPLACEMENT. *KB | |
| 0701008 May 2007 | Unknown Or Other | FRONT ROOF RACK COVER INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT. *KB |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Hyundai Veracruz →