Hyundai Tucson years to avoid: 2016 and 2017 lead NHTSA complaints

At a glance

• Most complaints

  1,621

  Model year: 2016

  complaints to NHTSA [19]

• Fewest complaints

  18

  Model year: 2009

  complaints to NHTSA [19]

• Most recall campaigns

  8

  Model year: 2005

  recall campaigns [19]

The highest value in each column is marked in amber. Raw counts, not adjusted for sales.

Tucson complaints and fire reports by model year

The 2016 and 2017 each have 26 complaints flagged for fire, the most of any year; the 2013 is next with 18. With crashes included, the 2016 leads at 40 complaints, ahead of the 2017 at 39 and the 2013 at 31. One complaint in the whole set reports a death; it concerns a 2017 Tucson and is also flagged for fire. All of these are raw tallies of owner reports NHTSA has not verified, with no adjustment for sales, age or mileage.

The table lists four counts for every model year from 2005 to 2024: complaints to NHTSA, recall campaigns, complaints that report a crash or fire, and complaints filed since Oct. 12, 2024.

Complaints filed since Oct. 12, 2024 show which years owners are still reporting: 212 for the 2017, 196 for the 2022 and 155 for the 2016.

2016 and 2017: transmission and engine records

NHTSA files each complaint under component category names such as power train and engine, and the two peak years differ: the 2016's complaints name the power train in 517 and the engine in 423. For the 2017 the order flips, with the engine in 599 and the power train in 290. A complaint can carry more than one label, such as power train and engine together.

Hyundai's launch release for the 2016 lists a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine for the Eco, Sport and Limited models. It pairs that engine with a seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Base models get a 2.0-liter engine with a six-speed automatic.

What ties the 2016 to its transmission is the owners' descriptions: 164 of its 1,621 complaints mention a dual clutch, DCT or clutch. Recall 16V-628 covers certain 2016 Tucsons with that transmission built from May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016. In some driving conditions and high heat, those cars may not move if the accelerator is pressed and released repeatedly. Dealers update the Transmission Control Module software free of charge. NHTSA's record lists 41,000 vehicles in the campaign. NHTSA also returns 1,536 of the 2016's 1,621 complaints under the name Tucson Fuel Cell; they are the same records, counted once here.

In the 2017's 1,090 complaints, 234 descriptions mention engine failure, knocking, a rod bearing or seizing. A dual clutch, DCT or clutch comes up in 118. Hyundai's 2017 specification sheet lists the same seven-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission for the 1.6-liter turbo. Recall 21V-727 covers certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles whose connecting rod bearings may wear prematurely, which can damage the engine. Dealers inspect the engine, replace it if they find bearing damage and install software with a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS), all free of charge.

The park-outside recalls, year by year

Five campaigns covering Tucson model years carry NHTSA's park-outside advice: leave the car outdoors, clear of buildings, until it is repaired. Each covers certain vehicles, not every car of those years, so only a VIN check settles whether a particular Tucson is included.

• 2010-2013, recall 23V-651: the anti-lock brake (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and short out, which can cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. Dealers replace the ABS fuse free of charge.
• 2014-2015, recall 22V-056: the ABS module could malfunction and short out, which could cause an engine compartment fire. Dealers replace the ABS multi-fuse as necessary, free of charge.
• 2016-2021, recall 20V-543: the anti-lock brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could corrode internally and short out, possibly causing an engine compartment fire. Dealers replace the HECU fuse and, on 2019-2021 models, also update the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software, free of charge.
• 2022-2024, recall 25V-893: on certain Tucsons with an optional Mobis tow hitch wiring harness, an incorrectly installed harness can let water into the control module. NHTSA says the resulting short circuit can increase the risk of a fire, and failed trailer lights the risk of a crash. Dealers remove the trailer wiring harness and cap the receptacle, free of charge; owner letters went out May 11, 2026.
• 2023-2024, recall 23V-526: the electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump may contain damaged parts that make it overheat. NHTSA says an overheating oil pump assembly increases the risk of a vehicle fire. Dealers inspect the oil pump controller and replace it as necessary, free of charge.

2011 to 2015: engine complaints and the oil pan recall

From 2011 through 2021, the engine is the component named most often in every model year's complaints except the 2016, where the power train leads. In the second generation, engine complaints peak on the 2012 and 2013, at 160 of 255 and 156 of 266. In 69 of the 2012's 255 complaints and 85 of the 2013's 266, the description mentions engine failure, knocking, a rod bearing or seizing. The 2014 and 2015 follow with 111 of 203 and 119 of 228.

Hyundai's release for the redesigned 2010 model names its engine as the Theta II 2.4-liter four-cylinder. NHTSA lists no connecting rod bearing or engine replacement recall for the 2010-2015 Tucson; its only engine campaign for those years is 19V-063. That one covers certain 2011-2013 Tucsons whose engine oil pan may leak; if the leak is not fixed, the loss of oil may damage the engine. Dealers inspect for a leak, replace the pan if needed and fit an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. A Hyundai knock sensor (KSDS) software campaign, documented in NHTSA's EA21-003 investigation file, covers certain 2014-2015 and 2018-2019 Tucsons with the 2.4-liter engine. Hyundai said it would extend the warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles for engine repairs needed because of excessive connecting rod bearing damage.

The 2022 redesign's first year

Hyundai's Alabama plant launched the all-new 2022 Tucson on Feb. 22, 2021, the first time the model was built in the United States. That first year has 385 complaints, the fourth-highest count of any Tucson and more than any model year after 2018.

The component field names the fuel/propulsion system in 132 of them, the engine in 115 and the power train in 64. Of the 385 descriptions, 125 mention a fuel injector. None of the three recall campaigns NHTSA lists for the 2022 involves the fuel system. 21V-938 fixed software that could leave the headlights or taillights inoperative. 23V-038 covers roof moldings that may detach. The third is 25V-893, the tow-hitch harness campaign listed above.

The 2022 is also still drawing reports: 196 of its complaints were filed since Oct. 12, 2024, second only to the 2017. In our CSV, the 2022's injury total of 54 comes from 10 complaints, and one air bag complaint alone reports 40.

For the 2023 and 2024, forward collision avoidance is named in 28 of 135 and 23 of 98 complaints. Recall 24V-412 covers certain 2024 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles whose power steering circuit board may short circuit, cutting power steering assist. Dealers replace the steering power pack free of charge.

NHTSA files hybrid complaints under separate model names, and none is in the counts in our table. It lists 113 Tucson Hybrid complaints for the 2022, 35 for the 2023 and 46 for the 2024, plus seven for the 2022 Plug-in Hybrid.

Four Tucson generations compared

Hyundai introduced a new Tucson for 2010. It called the 2016 the third generation. With the 2022 redesign, that makes four eras in NHTSA's records.

In three of the four eras, the first model year drew the most complaints and the last the fewest; 2010-2015 is the exception. Later years have also had less time on the road, so their counts can still grow, as the 1,110 complaints filed across all years since Oct. 12, 2024 show.

• 2005-2009: 446 complaints (8 percent of the total), nine recall campaigns, 55 crash or fire reports and five filed since Oct. 12, 2024; the 2009 has the fewest, 18.
• 2010-2015: 1,135 complaints (19 percent), eight campaigns, 90 crash or fire reports and 66 filed since Oct. 12, 2024; the 2010 has the fewest, 59, and the 2013 the most, 266.
• 2016-2021: 3,746 complaints (63 percent), six campaigns, 138 crash or fire reports and 697 filed since Oct. 12, 2024; the 2021 has the fewest, 79.
• 2022-2024: 618 complaints (10 percent), six campaigns, 53 crash or fire reports and 342 filed since Oct. 12, 2024; the 2024 has the fewest, 98.

Steps before you buy a used Tucson

1. Run the 17-character VIN through our free recall check or NHTSA's lookup; on a 2010-2024 Tucson, look for 23V-651, 22V-056, 20V-543, 23V-526 and 25V-893, and ask for the repair order for any that apply.
2. On a 2019-2021, check that the 20V-543 record shows both the HECU fuse and the ESC software update; earlier years get the fuse only.
3. On a 2016 with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, confirm the 16V-628 software update on the repair order. Then, on a quiet road away from traffic, drive it once it is hot, pressing and releasing the accelerator repeatedly, the situation the recall names. Hyundai's 2017 specification sheet pairs the 1.6-liter turbo with the same transmission, so check whether a 2017 has the 1.6-liter turbo with the dual-clutch, and give it the same drive.
4. On a 2017, ask for the 21V-727 inspection record, which shows whether bearing damage was found and the engine replaced, and confirm the KSDS software was installed.
5. On a 2011-2013, ask for proof of the 19V-063 oil pan inspection and the updated oil pressure switch.
6. Engine is the top complaint component on every 2011-2021 model but the 2016. For the 2005-2024 Tucson, NHTSA lists only two engine recalls (19V-063, 21V-727); Hyundai's KSDS campaign is not a recall. On a 2014-2015 or 2018-2019 with the 2.4-liter, ask a Hyundai dealer, by VIN, whether the KSDS update was done and whether the extended engine coverage still applies. On the other years, ask for oil-change records and pay for an independent pre-purchase inspection.
7. On a 2022, where the fuel/propulsion system is named in 132 of 385 complaints and 125 mention a fuel injector, ask for service records that show any fuel injector work. Then read the newest NHTSA complaints for that exact year.
8. On a 2022-2024 with a tow hitch, ask whether it has the optional Mobis wiring harness covered by 25V-893.
9. On a 2024, ask for the 24V-412 repair order showing that the steering power pack was replaced.
10. On a 2023 or 2024, where forward collision avoidance is named in 28 of 135 and 23 of 98 complaints, note any warning or braking you did not expect on the test drive.
11. Shopping a Ford Escape too? Our Escape guide at automotor.news/guides/ford-escape-years-to-avoid/ gives its complaint and recall counts for each model year.