by Problem with the trailer wiring harness
Hyundai has announced a recall of over 50,000 Tucson SUVs from model years 2022-2024. The issue concerns vehicles equipped with an optional towing package. Engineers discovered that the trailer wiring harness is attached to the body in a location where moisture can accumulate. This creates a risk of a short circuit in the wiring control module.
Consequences of the malfunction
The consequences of this defect can be two dangerous scenarios. First, the trailer lighting or the vehicle’s own brake lights may fail, increasing the likelihood of a collision if a driver behind does not notice the braking. Second, and perhaps most threateningly, a short circuit could lead to a fire in the wiring harness itself.
Recommendations for owners and repair timeline
The manufacturer allows continued use of the vehicles until repairs are made, but gives an important recommendation regarding parking. Hyundai advises Tucson owners to park away from buildings and other structures until the recall is performed. Repair work is expected to begin no earlier than the second half of February 2026.
Problem with do-it-yourself installation kits
Attention is required not only for factory equipment. Hyundai also sold over 1,300 wiring harness kits for DIY installation through dealers in the USA. Owners of vehicles with such kits should also come in for inspection. This creates additional difficulties for the company, as tracking vehicles where installation was performed outside the official network is significantly more challenging.
Previous Hyundai recalls
This recall is not the only one for Hyundai related to wiring. For example, in October of last year, the company recalled 136,000 Santa Fe SUVs due to a problem with the starter harness cover. And a month later, another 143,000 vehicles of this model were subject to a recall due to faulty rearview cameras.
Similar incidents indicate that the complexity of modern vehicle electrical networks requires increased attention at the design and quality control stages. For owners, this is also a reminder of the importance of responding promptly to recall notices, even if no direct symptoms of a malfunction are observed, as the risks can be hidden but serious.
