I went through Hyundai’s dealer bulletin on the class action settlement and the 2019 Tucson owner’s manual, and the main takeaway is that the code and the oil burning are covered differently.
P1326 comes from the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Hyundai added that software to these engines to catch connecting rod bearing wear early. When it spots something, it turns on the check engine light with P1326. Some owners also say the car drops into limp mode. Either way, get it looked at now, not later.
That’s what the extended warranty covers. Under the “Engine II” settlement, 2014-2021 Tucsons with the 2.0 Nu engine get repair or replacement for connecting rod bearing damage for 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original sale date. It applies to original and later owners. Some Elantras, Elantra GTs, Velosters and Sonata Hybrids are included too. The KSDS update is generally required for coverage, so if yours never got it, ask the dealer to install it (Service Campaign 966 or 982). You can check your VIN at HyundaiEngineClassSettlement.com. The bulletin also recommends dealers offer you a rental car while they inspect it.
Oil burning by itself isn’t part of that. The bulletin tells dealers that an unrelated engine problem, with oil consumption as the example, goes through normal diagnosis and the standard warranty. That’s why some people get an oil consumption test or a “combustion cleaning” instead of a new engine. If yours burns oil and throws P1326 or knocks, make sure the dealer submits it for the bearing coverage. The bulletin says dealers should always submit a prior approval request for eligible cars still inside the extended warranty.
Keep your oil change receipts handy. If the dealer suspects missed maintenance, Hyundai’s process is to ask for every receipt and give you up to 10 business days to find them.
In the meantime, the manual says to check your oil every time you fill up. Park on level ground, warm the engine up, shut it off, and wait about five minutes before pulling the dipstick. If the oil pressure light comes on, pull over somewhere safe, shut it off, and check the oil. If the light stays on after you top it off, the manual says there’s a mechanical problem to fix before you keep driving. It also warns that driving with the check engine light on can damage the catalytic converter, and a few owners say they’ve gone through more than one because of the oil burning.
One catch: all of this is for the 2.0. The 2.4 isn’t on the bulletin’s list, so check your VIN rather than assuming.
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