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2005-2026 · 22 model years

Hyundai Tucson Problems by year

Owners have filed 5,090 complaints about the Hyundai Tucson across 22 model years, and it has 36 recalls. The 2016 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (1,626), while 2008, 2009 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling, followed by the transmission & drivetrain.

Most complaints for its age20161,626 complaints · 5 recallsSee the 2016
Complaints
5,090
Recalls
36
Crashes
144
Fires
132
Injuries
129
Deaths
1

Tucson complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20260500-C
20250600-B
20240400-A
20230200-A
20220300-A
20210100-A
20200100-A
201938711511Engine & coolingF
20183981139Engine & coolingF
20171,09731326Engine & coolingF
20161,62651426Transmission & drivetrainF
2015229178Engine & coolingD
2014203243Engine & coolingD
201326631618Engine & coolingF
201225531213Engine & coolingD
2011124553Engine & coolingC
201059432Transmission & drivetrainB
200918130AirbagsA
200843155Engine & coolingA
200765572AirbagsB
20061355153AirbagsD
20051858123Engine & coolingD

Most common Tucson problems

Hyundai Tucson recalls 36

Latest Tucson complaints

2019 Hyundai TucsonAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

My 2019 Hyundai Tucson Value AWD with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine has experienced repeated sudden loss of acceleration and limp mode, creating a serious safety concern. On August 11, 2026, the vehicle suddenly lost normal acceleration and the check-engine light flashed. The dealership found diagnostic code P1326. A Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) passed, the knock sensor was replaced, codes were cleared, and a short road test was performed. On October 10, 2026, the problem happened again while my daughter was driving on...

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I-270 in Maryland. The vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating in the middle lane. She activated the hazard lights and managed to move into a nearby parking lot. She was frightened and did not feel safe driving home. This exposed her and other motorists to a potentially dangerous situation. The October 29, 2026 dealership invoice documents a flashing check-engine light, limp mode, and inability to exceed approximately 35 mph. P1326 was recorded as pending. Another BCT under TSB 26-EM-014H passed, and a three-mile road test was performed. The code did not return during that test. However, the dealership did not identify the cause of the repeated loss of acceleration. Its request for engine replacement was declined because "no engine malfunction has been identified." Hyundai has confirmed the vehicle's TXXM warranty extension (15 years/150,000 miles, subject to terms) and completion of Service Campaign 966. Despite the repeated incidents, neither Hyundai nor the dealership has provided a satisfactory explanation of the underlying problem or a written, vehicle-specific safety determination. I am not claiming that an engine defect has been conclusively established. I am asking NHTSA to investigate the repeated sudden loss of propulsion and potential safety defect in 2019 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11777335
2019 Hyundai TucsonElectrical systemBrakes

My husband was driving the car to work and all of a sudden a bunch of dash warning lights came on. It was lit up like a Christmas tree. Then the car went into limp mode. The vehicle has been at the dealership 4 weeks. And they refuse to do a 20 min test on the ABS module. It is a part of the HECU Settlement. You can find the settlement at [[redacted]] My husband is an electronic engineer. He knows why all the lights are on simultaneously. The ABS needs to be replaced. It's causing all the communication to go...

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down that's on that can bus system. That's why all the parts dont make sense to each other. It all boils down to the ABS improperly working causing communication issues. The recall fix did fix the fires. It won't catch fire now but the ABS is still malfunctioning. There's a lawsuit. All vehicles involved in the recall are required a free ABS inspection and a replacement if they are malfunctioning but the dealership refuses to diagnose the ABS. That is the loophole Hyundai has found to not uphold the law. They are not standing by the settlement. They are skirting around from checking the ABS module so they won't find the malfunction. They want us to replace parts that are brand new that my husband just replaced. They want to charge us $700 for some other part and refuse to check the ABS system per the lawsuit. My husband needs that vehicle to work. So he's been out of work for 4 weeks. It's ridiculous! I can't hire a lawyer at this time and it's ridiculous that I may have to. This corporation should uphold their part of a lawsuit! There was already a settlement. My vehicle is included without even submitting a claim. It's ABS warranty is also extended per the lawsuit. I've read it backwards and forwards. I'm so at a loss! I need help. They also refuse to help us with a loaner and that will force us to drive an unsafe car in limp mode off the property when they are responsible for fixing this faulty part per the settlement INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 11776890
2017 Hyundai TucsonEngine & coolingFuel system

While driving down the highway, the check engine light started to flash. Once the car was turned off and back on again, it shook violently. It was hard to keep it in the lane and I was worried it would cause an accident. It was driven off the highway while constantly shaking. Once it sat off for roughly 30 minutes, it would turn on, but wouldn't turn over and drive. It was towed to a dealership where it was diagnosed, though I was never given anything past a verbal "it stopped compressing". It turns on and over,...

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but makes a grinding noise. It will die and turn off the engine after roughly 45 minutes. This had never happened before. *I've been told a few different things by people who hear about the problem, but I've never received a real diagnosis by the Hyundai dealership it is located at. It has always had a oil consumption problem, adding roughly one quart of oil every 800-1000 miles. It has had oil changes every 5,000 miles. It also had a hard time when cold-started accelerating, but would work fine once heated up. It is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11775583
2017 Hyundai TucsonSteeringTransmission & drivetrainFuel system

The issues is the engine shuts off at idle or in motion. Sometimes hard to start but it cranks over well. Then when it restarts after a shut down, three lights stay on some traction control, the steering and a picture of a car downhill with a clock or engine RPM light. No check engine light on. Then recently the tachometer doesn't work after a shutdown then restart. But when you turn off the engine with ignition, then restart the third time. The lights all go off then the RPM gauge works. But the whole time the engine runs great. When I check ECM all is good no Fault codes, I monitor fuel pressure the low psi is 40 the high side is 999 psi. Is this a common issue with these cars?

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11774699
2017 Hyundai TucsonEngine & cooling

My name is [[redacted]]. My husband, [[redacted]], and I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [[redacted]]) from a Hyundai dealership in 2023 with 53,920 miles for our daughter to commute to school. The vehicle now has approximately 77,940 miles, and she is still attending school. Since purchasing the vehicle, we have consistently returned to the same Hyundai dealership for regular maintenance, trusting its professionals to keep the vehicle safe and reliable. While driving on the freeway, our daughter suddenly...

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lost engine power. The vehicle slowed down and would no longer accelerate. Thankfully, she managed to exit the highway before it stopped completely. Highway patrol assisted her in moving the vehicle to the roadside. The Check Engine Light and oil-pressure warning light came on, the engine made a pronounced knocking sound, and it would no longer run. We believe these symptoms closely resemble the engine defect described in Hyundai's Recall 209 (NHTSA 21V-727), involving connecting-rod-bearing failure in certain 2017 Tucson vehicles. Hyundai Motor America denied our request for assistance, stating that our VIN is not included in the recall and that no warranty coverage applies. We respectfully question whether vehicles experiencing the same or substantially similar defect may have been excluded from the recall. We request a technical investigation into why our vehicle was excluded and whether its engine failure is related to the recalled defect. This was a serious safety concern, not merely a repair expense. Our daughter could have suffered a serious accident had she been unable to exit the freeway safely. We are grateful she escaped without injury. We respectfully request that Hyundai reconsider its decision, review the vehicle's maintenance and diagnostic records, and investigate the engine failure. If the failure is related to the recalled defect, we ask Hyundai to cover the cost of engine repair or replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11774108
2016 Hyundai TucsonOther & unknown

Description of Defect: Progressive, complete failure of all four (4) power window regulators on a low-mileage 2016 Hyundai Tucson (~29,848 miles). Three windows failed in rapid succession, followed by the fourth, rendering all power windows completely inoperable. Safety Hazard: The inability to operate any window creates a dangerous safety risk during driving and emergency situations, including restricted egress during a crash, lack of cabin ventilation in high heat, and inability to clear windshield/window...

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fogging or signal outside the vehicle. Manufacturer Response: Inspected by Hyundai dealer (Repair Order #348315). Hyundai Corporate (Case #42475291) acknowledged the issue and offered a 50% goodwill cost share, confirming a known premature component failure, but refused 100% repair coverage. My Tucson has roughly 29,848 miles. A simultaneous failure of the entire system at 30k miles is a clear material or manufacturing defect, not user wear-and-tear. Having all windows permanently failed poses an immediate safety hazard regarding emergency egress, vehicle security, and cabin environment management. Safety implications of total window failure while driving: - Emergency Egress & Rescue: In a rollover, severe crash, or submerged vehicle event, non-functioning windows restrict emergency egress and impede rescue personnel. - Cabin Ventilation & Visibility: Inoperable windows prevent defogging or quick ventilation during extreme heat, electrical smoke, or toxic air exposure. - Driver Communication: Inability to roll down windows prevents using hand signals if turn signals/brake lights malfunction, or communicating with emergency responders or law enforcement. The vehicle was inspected at Ourisman Hyundai in Laurel Maryland under Repair Order #348315 and Hyundai Corporate Case #42475291.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11773418

Questions about the Hyundai Tucson

Which Hyundai Tucson years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2016 (1,626), 2017 (1,097), 2018 (398). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2016 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Hyundai Tucson years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2020, 2021, 2023 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Tucson years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Hyundai Tucson problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the engine & cooling (2,196), transmission & drivetrain (1,103), brakes (549) most often.

How many recalls does the Hyundai Tucson have?

NHTSA lists 36 recalls across all Hyundai Tucson model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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