NHTSA holds 6,267 complaints about the Hyundai Tucson for the 2005 to 2026 model years, and 2,705 of them are for just two years, 2016 and 2017. Those two, plus 2018, are the years to avoid. Power train and engine lead the complaints in that stretch, and complaints mentioning transmission problems, hesitation and engine failure all peak there. Five recalls carry a park-outside warning, three of them for the anti-lock brake (ABS) control module on 2010 to 2021 models, and NHTSA still has an open audit query, AQ23002, into Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires covering those years.
Hyundai Tucson Common Problems and Years to Avoid (NHTSA Data)
By the founder of CarWorthItPublished
Short answer
Hyundai Tucson years to avoid, going by NHTSA owner complaints: 2016 (1,619 complaints), 2017 (1,086) and 2018 (395), each at least twice the median model year (185). Newer years already past that line: 2022 (381 complaints). The components owners report most are engine (2,367), power train (1,210) and service brakes (724). NHTSA lists 34 recall campaigns and 5 defect investigations for the 2005 to 2026 model years.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls and defect investigations for the 2005 to 2026 Hyundai Tucson, 6,267 complaints in all, pulled September 28, 2026.
Hyundai Tucson complaints and recalls by model year
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation and distinct recall campaigns, for every model year with records, counted on September 28, 2026. The median model year up to 2021 drew 185 complaints; a year is marked to avoid when it is one of the three highest and drew at least twice that. Years after 2021 have had less time to collect complaints, so they are judged only if they already pass the same line.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Recalls | Crash / fire / injury reports | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new to judge | 60 | 0 | 14 / 0 / 7 | Forward collision avoidance (34), Service brakes (15), Electrical system (8) |
| 2025 | Too new to judge | 283 | 6 | 32 / 1 / 17 | Forward collision avoidance (148), Electrical system (63), Service brakes (39) |
| 2024 | Too new to judge | 96 | 4 | 12 / 0 / 5 | Forward collision avoidance (23), Electrical system (18), Service brakes (16) |
| 2023 | Too new to judge | 133 | 2 | 12 / 1 / 4 | Forward collision avoidance (28), Electrical system (26), Engine (23) |
| 2022 | High already | 381 | 3 | 25 / 4 / 10 | Fuel/propulsion system (131), Engine (115), Power train (63) |
| 2021 | Fewest complaints | 79 | 1 | 2 / 3 / 6 | Engine (39), Service brakes (12), Electrical system (11) |
| 2020 | Typical | 177 | 1 | 5 / 2 / 4 | Engine (72), Service brakes (44), Electrical system (19) |
| 2019 | High | 379 | 1 | 15 / 11 / 7 | Engine (196), Service brakes (118), Hydraulic (62) |
| 2018 | Year to avoid | 395 | 1 | 13 / 9 / 8 | Engine (242), Power train (101), Service brakes (42) |
| 2017 | Year to avoid | 1,086 | 3 | 13 / 26 / 12 | Engine (595), Power train (290), Vehicle speed control (87) |
| 2016 | Year to avoid | 1,619 | 5 | 14 / 25 / 6 | Power train (517), Engine (423), Structure (227) |
| 2015 | Typical | 227 | 1 | 7 / 8 / 6 | Engine (119), Service brakes (66), Hydraulic (52) |
| 2014 | Typical | 202 | 2 | 4 / 3 / 2 | Engine (111), Service brakes (56), Hydraulic (41) |
| 2013 | Above median | 266 | 3 | 16 / 18 / 10 | Engine (156), Service brakes (41), Hydraulic (31) |
| 2012 | Above median | 255 | 3 | 12 / 13 / 8 | Engine (160), Service brakes (35), Hydraulic (27) |
| 2011 | Typical | 124 | 5 | 5 / 3 / 3 | Engine (40), Service brakes (34), Hydraulic (21) |
| 2010 | Fewest complaints | 59 | 4 | 3 / 2 / 2 | Power train (22), Service brakes (14), Engine (7) |
| 2009 | Few records | 18 | 1 | 3 / 0 / 1 | Air bags (6), Seat belts (2), Structure (2) |
| 2008 | Fewest complaints | 43 | 1 | 5 / 5 / 3 | Service brakes (7), Vehicle speed control (5), Engine (5) |
| 2007 | Fewest complaints | 65 | 5 | 7 / 2 / 6 | Air bags (13), Structure (8), Suspension (8) |
| 2006 | Typical | 135 | 5 | 15 / 3 / 12 | Air bags (37), Electrical system (16), Service brakes (15) |
| 2005 | Typical | 185 | 8 | 12 / 3 / 11 | Air bags (31), Electrical system (30), Structure (20) |
Counts are raw totals and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so a big-selling year draws more complaints than a slow one. Crash, fire and injury columns count complaints that report one, as filed by the owner.
Check the value and recall status of a specific Hyundai Tucson
Model-year counts cannot tell you about the car in front of you. Enter its 17-character VIN for the free report: the exact year, trim and engine it was built with, the safety recalls NHTSA lists for its year, make and model, its crash-test ratings and running costs. No account. Then, from $2.99, see what that Hyundai Tucson is worth at its mileage near your ZIP code, with the listings behind the number, and whether the asking price is fair. The $6.99 Full Report also checks that VIN for recalls still outstanding.
Transmission complaints on the 2016 and 2017 models
The 2016 Tucson has 1,619 complaints, the most of any year, and power train leads with 517. Complaints that mention transmission problems (313) and hesitation, jerking or surging (250) both peak in 2016, with 2017 second on each (178 and 213). Recall 16V628000 covers 2016 models where certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly. The 2016 model also accounts for 270 of the 346 complaints that mention doors, locks or latches. These are raw counts, not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
Engine complaints, peaking with the 2017 model
Engine is the top component for every year from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2017 to 2021, with 595 complaints for 2017 alone. Across the model, 961 complaints mention engine failure, seizure or knocking, 842 describe stalling or loss of power while driving and 494 mention oil consumption or oil leaks, and 2017 leads all three. Recall 21V727000 covers 2017 models whose connecting rod bearings may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage. NHTSA's engineering analysis EA21003 into engine fires on 2012 to 2017 models closed in 2024 with campaign 23V877.
Park-outside recalls for the ABS module
The Tucson has 142 complaints that report a fire, the most for 2017 (26) and 2016 (25). Three recalls on the ABS control module carry a park-outside warning: 23V651000 for 2010 to 2013 models, where the module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving; 22V056000 for 2014 to 2015; and 20V543000 for 2016 to 2021. NHTSA's audit query AQ23002 into Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires, covering 2010 to 2021 models, has been open since November 2023. Two newer recalls, 23V526000 (2023 to 2024) for an oil pump controller that can overheat and 25V893000 (2022 to 2024) for trailer hitch wiring, also carry the warning.
Forward collision avoidance on the newest models
Forward collision avoidance is the top component for every year from 2023 to 2026, with 148 complaints for 2025, and 2025 is also the top year for complaints mentioning brakes (120). Recall 26V316000 covers 2025 models where software in the front cameras may cause the system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes. These years are too new to judge, but 2022 already has 381 complaints, more than twice the median of 185, led by the fuel/propulsion system (131).
What to check on a used Hyundai Tucson
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, which lists any recall not yet repaired on that car (see what else a free VIN check shows) and, on a 2010 to 2021 model, confirm the ABS module recall for that year was completed.
- On a 2016 or 2017, note any hesitation, jerking or surging from a standstill; on a 2016, confirm 16V628000 was done.
- On a 2017, confirm engine recall 21V727000 was completed and ask for records of any engine work. On any 2016 to 2018 model, check the oil level and look for leaks.
- On a 2016, test every door lock and latch, and confirm hood latch recall 16V348000 was completed.
- On a 2025, confirm 26V316000 was completed and watch for unexpected braking on the test drive.
- Before you settle on a price, check the seller's asking price against the Hyundai Tucsons for sale near you with the used car price check.
Before you make an offer, check what a specific Hyundai Tucson is worth by VIN. The CarWorthIt valuation, from $2.99, prices that VIN at its mileage near your ZIP code against cars for sale.
What Hyundai Tucson owners report most
NHTSA files each complaint under one or more component categories. Across all 6,267 Hyundai Tucson complaints, these are the most common:
| NHTSA component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2,367 | 37.8% |
| Power train | 1,210 | 19.3% |
| Service brakes | 724 | 11.6% |
| Electrical system | 719 | 11.5% |
| Structure | 384 | 6.1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 382 | 6.1% |
| Vehicle speed control | 355 | 5.7% |
| Hydraulic | 340 | 5.4% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 316 | 5.0% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 192 | 3.1% |
The categories are broad, so the owners' own descriptions were also searched for specific symptoms. These are counts of complaints whose text mentions each one, not diagnoses, and one complaint can mention several.
| What the complaint describes | Complaints | Share | Model years with the most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1,033 | 16.5% | 2025 (120), 2016 (112), 2019 (108) |
| Engine failure, seizure or knocking | 961 | 15.3% | 2017 (248), 2016 (154), 2018 (100) |
| Stalling or loss of power while driving | 842 | 13.4% | 2017 (233), 2016 (157), 2022 (69) |
| Check-engine light | 783 | 12.5% | 2017 (190), 2016 (110), 2019 (94) |
| Hesitation, jerking or surging | 684 | 10.9% | 2016 (250), 2017 (213), 2018 (56) |
| Transmission problems | 651 | 10.4% | 2016 (313), 2017 (178), 2018 (54) |
| Oil consumption or oil leaks | 494 | 7.9% | 2017 (173), 2016 (103), 2018 (69) |
| Fire, smoke or a burning smell | 458 | 7.3% | 2017 (90), 2016 (78), 2019 (51) |
| Doors, locks or latches | 346 | 5.5% | 2016 (270), 2017 (42), 2013 (12) |
| Air bags | 231 | 3.7% | 2006 (36), 2005 (32), 2016 (18) |
Hyundai Tucson recalls (34 campaigns)
Every recall campaign NHTSA lists for the Hyundai Tucson, newest first, with the model years it covers and NHTSA's own description of the defect, shortened. A recall on the model is not proof a given car was affected or left unrepaired: check a specific car by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in the free CarWorthIt VIN report.
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V400000 | June 24, 2026 | 2025 | Electrical system | Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays." |
| 26V316000 | May 19, 2026 | 2025 | Forward collision avoidance | Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes. Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V893000 | December 19, 2025 | 2022 to 2024 | Trailer hitches | NHTSA park-outside warning. The wiring harness may have been installed incorrectly, allowing water into the control module. Moisture accumulation may cause the trailer lighting to fail or an electrical short circuit. |
| 25V809000 | November 21, 2025 | 2025 | Air bags | The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended. Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 25V549000 | August 26, 2025 | 2025 | Engine and engine cooling | The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak. |
| 24V877000 | November 20, 2024 | 2025 | Electrical system | The console extension wiring assembly may be routed improperly, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal. A transmission that can shift out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V691000 | September 13, 2024 | 2025 | Equipment | The glove box air bag warning label may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." |
| 24V412000 | June 5, 2024 | 2024 | Steering | The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist. A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V651000 | September 22, 2023 | 2010 to 2013 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. |
| 23V556000 | August 4, 2023 | 2024 | Equipment | The tire and loading information label may incorrectly indicate information about a spare tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." |
| 23V526000 | July 27, 2023 | 2023 to 2024 | Power train | NHTSA park-outside warning. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat. An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. |
| 23V038000 | January 31, 2023 | 2022 | Structure | The roof moldings may detach. A detached roof molding could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V056000 | February 3, 2022 | 2014 to 2015 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 21V938000 | December 2, 2021 | 2022 | Electrical system | The software installed in the Integrated Central Control Unit (ICU) may be incompatible with the vehicle, which could result in inoperative headlights and/or taillights. |
| 21V727000 | September 17, 2021 | 2017 | Engine | The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Show the other 19 Hyundai Tucson recalls
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V543000 | September 4, 2020 | 2016 to 2021 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire. |
| 19V063000 | February 5, 2019 | 2011 to 2013 | Engine and engine cooling | The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V842000 | November 21, 2016 | 2016 to 2017 | Electrical system | The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 16V628000 | August 30, 2016 | 2016 | Power train | Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly. Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 16V348000 | May 24, 2016 | 2016 | Latches/locks/linkages | In the affected vehicles, if the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion. |
| 16V147000 | March 10, 2016 | 2016 | Exterior lighting | In the affected vehicles, when the vehicle's engine is running and the brake lights are illuminated, if the turn signal is activated, the trailer turn signal lights will either turn off or remain continuously illuminated (not flash). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 16V057000 | January 28, 2016 | 2011 | Power train | The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak. If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 14V245000 | May 13, 2014 | 2011 to 2014 | Air bags | In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting. An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash. |
| 13V113000 | April 1, 2013 | 2006 to 2011 | Exterior lighting | In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. |
| 11V259000 | April 26, 2011 | 2010 | Exterior lighting | Failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," for the photometry requirements of the rear reflector assemblies installed in the rear bumpers. |
| 10V061000 | February 25, 2010 | 2010 | Air bags | Properly seated adult right front seat passengers weighing over approximately 240 pounds cause the passive occupant detection system (pods) module program to illuminate the "air bag" warning lamp. |
| 09V280000 | July 21, 2009 | 2005 to 2007 | Exterior lighting | A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. A defective stop lamp switch may also affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature so the transmission would not be able to be shift out of the "Park" position. |
| 09V122000 | April 15, 2009 | 2005 to 2007 | Exterior lighting | The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. |
| 07V197000 | May 8, 2007 | 2005 to 2007 | Air bags | On certain vehicles, static air bag deployment testing conducted by NHTSA using fifth percentile female dummies indicated that a small stature adult driver not wearing a seat belt and involved in a frontal or near frontal crash, the deployment of the driver air bag may not occur. |
| 06V445000 | November 22, 2006 | 2005 to 2007 | Air bags | On certain sport utility vehicles, during static air bag deployment testing conducted by NHTSA using fifth percentile female dummies indicated if a small statured adult driver, not wearing a seat belt, is involved in a frontal or near frontal crash, deployment of the driver air bag may result in an insufficient margin of compliance as measured by the test dummy used in the NHTSA test. |
| 05V342000 | July 27, 2005 | 2005 | Parking brake | On certain passenger vehicles, the parking lever ratchet pawl was not properly manufactured and may damage the teeth of the parking lever ratchet. Damaged parking brake lever ratchet teeth may prevent the parking brake from engaging or may allow the parking brake to release after it has been engaged. |
| 05V315000 | July 7, 2005 | 2005 | Parking brake | On certain sport utility vehicles, the parking brake lever ratchet pawl was not properly manufactured and my damage the teeth of the parking brake lever ratchet. Damaged parking brake lever ratchet teeth may prevent the parking brake from engaging or may allow the parking brake to release after it has been engaged. |
| 05V177000 | April 27, 2005 | 2005 | Electronic stability control | On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with electronic stability program (esp), the yaw rate sensor may become too sensitive and may recalibrate inaccurately. While driving the esp program may cause the engine to reduce power and may cause a brake at one of the wheels to be inappropriately. |
| 05V119000 | March 25, 2005 | 2005 | Electronic stability control | On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with electronic stability program (esp), the yaw rate sensor may become too sensitive and may recalibrate inaccurately. While driving the esp program may cause the engine to reduce power and may cause a brake at one of the wheels to be inappropriately. |
NHTSA defect investigations
Investigations are opened when NHTSA sees a possible safety defect, often from complaints like the ones above. PE is a preliminary evaluation, EA an engineering analysis, RQ a recall query into whether an earlier recall went far enough, DP a defect petition and AQ an audit query.
| Number | Opened | Status | Hyundai Tucson years | Subject | Recall campaign linked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQ23002 | November 17, 2023 | Open | 2010 to 2015, 2019 to 2021 | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires | No |
| DP22005 | January 27, 2023 | Closed August 7, 2023 | 2022 | Pedestrian alert sounds | 22V063000 |
| DP22003 | September 12, 2022 | Closed December 12, 2023 | 2010 to 2019, 2022 | Loss of Motive Power | No |
| EA21003 | December 22, 2021 | Closed February 5, 2024 | 2012, 2017 | Engine Fires | 23V877 |
| PE09003 | January 14, 2009 | Closed April 24, 2009 | 2005 to 2007 | STOP LAMP SWITCH FAILURE | 09V122000 |
How these numbers were counted
Complaints: NHTSA's complaints API for NHTSA model names TUCSON, TUCSON ICE, each complaint counted once per model year; hybrid and plug-in versions, which NHTSA files separately, are not included. Recalls: distinct campaign numbers from NHTSA's recalls databasefor the same names and years. Investigations: NHTSA's defect investigation file. All pulled September 28, 2026. These are counts of reports, not failure rates, and they say nothing about any individual car. For that, check the VIN.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Tucson?
Engine is the top NHTSA complaint component with 2,367 complaints, followed by power train (1,210), service brakes (724) and electrical system (719). The most frequent themes are complaints that mention brakes (1,033), engine failure, seizure or knocking (961) and stalling or loss of power while driving (842), and 2016 and 2017 are the peak years for the engine and transmission themes.
What Hyundai Tucson years should I avoid?
The years to avoid are 2016 (1,619 complaints), 2017 (1,086) and 2018 (395), against a median of 185 per model year. 2019 (379) is also above twice the median, and among newer models 2022 (381) has already passed that mark.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Tucson have?
NHTSA lists 34 recall campaigns for the Tucson. Five carry a park-outside warning, including three for the ABS control module: 23V651000 (2010 to 2013), 22V056000 (2014 to 2015) and 20V543000 (2016 to 2021).
Is NHTSA investigating Hyundai Tucson ABS module fires?
Yes. Audit query AQ23002, Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires, was opened in November 2023, covers 2010 to 2021 Tucson models and is still open. In all, 142 Tucson complaints report a fire.