Hyundai Tucson owners filed 4,848 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2016 Hyundai Tucson drew the most complaints (1,617); across all years, owners complain most about engine (38% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2016, with 1,617 complaints, led by transmission / powertrain (516) and 5 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 1,848 complaints but 2 recalls, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Stop-driving recalls: 4 recalls told owners to park outside until repaired (25V893000, 23V526000, 22V056000, 20V543000).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2016 (5.8 times as many complaints), 2017 (3.9 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: automatic emergency braking / collision warning complaints came at a median 5k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 89 complaints mention a fire and 150 a crash, with 144 injuries and 1 death reported.
Hyundai Tucson complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 1 recall | 226 | Engine (118), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (52), Transmission / powertrain (20) median 70k mi · 7 crashes · 8 fires |
| 2016 5 recalls | 1,617 | Transmission / powertrain (516), Engine (423), Body structure (227) median 30k mi · 14 crashes · 24 fires |
| 2017 3 recalls | 1,084 | Engine (594), Transmission / powertrain (289), Speed control / acceleration (87) median 26k mi · 13 crashes · 26 fires |
| 2018 1 recall | 396 | Engine (243), Transmission / powertrain (101), Electrical system (27) median 32k mi · 13 crashes · 9 fires |
| 2019 1 recall | 379 | Engine (196), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (62), Brakes (53) median 21k mi · 15 crashes · 11 fires |
| 2020 1 recall | 177 | Engine (72), Brakes (26), Electrical system (19) median 6k mi · 5 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2021 1 recall | 78 | Engine (38), Electrical system (11), Brakes (9) median 29k mi · 2 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2022 3 recalls | 381 | Fuel system (131), Engine (115), Transmission / powertrain (63) median 26k mi · 25 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2023 2 recalls | 133 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (28), Electrical system (26), Engine (23) median 19k mi · 12 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2024 4 recalls | 96 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (23), Electrical system (18), Brakes (16) median 20k mi · 12 crashes |
| 2025 6 recalls | 281 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (148), Electrical system (63), Brakes (38) median 5k mi · 32 crashes · 1 fire |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 28, more than the 19 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Hyundai Tucson problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,848 | 38% | 2 | 58k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 1,080 | 22% | 2 | 8k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Electrical system | 581 | 12% | 4 | 32k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Fuel system | 359 | 7% | 0 | 11k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Body structure | 312 | 6% | 1 | 58k mi | — |
| Speed control / acceleration | 297 | 6% | 0 | 10k mi | — |
| Brakes | 287 | 6% | 2 | 24k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | 279 | 6% | 1 | 5k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Hyundai Tucson owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
The engine is failing at 128,000 miles. The car is burning so much oil that it is impossible to drive more than 500 miles without the oil running dry. The problem has been inspected by the Hyundai dealership nearest me. The vehicle notified me of the oil issue by illuminating the oil light. The issue started after the turbo failed at 127,000 miles.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11749884
Engine check light came on on 1/4/24 took it to dealership they ran a quick check and they said it had multiple misfires. The car has a lot of carbon buildup and they recommend a 24 hour cleaning which will cost me over $700.00. The car stalls and starts shaking as I speed up. I don't feel that a care with less than 70,000 miles should have this problem. Mine also has now been using up the oil very quickly.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11564068
Related recalls: 21V727000 (2017): A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. 25V549000 (2025): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
1,848 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
I am the sole owner of a 2017 Hyundai Tucson limited, (AWD) with the 1.6L engine, 7 dual clutch transmission, with 46,000 miles as of today thursday, february 23, 2023. Currently, I am experiencing problems with the engine/transmission stuttering and vibrating, the gears slipping, and with the inability to accelerate when merging into oncoming traffic.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11508689
Vehicle transmission prolongs shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and from 2nd to 3rd gear. Vehicle only has 55000 miles on it and we are second owners of the vehicle. This has been on ongoing issue with the vehicle that we attributed to design but a month ago, the check engine light came on.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11577551
Related recalls: 16V628000 (2016): Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash. 23V526000 (2023–2024): An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
1,080 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
The front passenger window regulator failed in jan 2025. Before the complete fail, the power window was becoming sluggish when lowered/raised. I just paid $1,000 to have the dealer repair. I have seen dozens of online items regarding the identical issue. I consider it a safety issue because of easy entry to the vehicle interior and contents, including inclement weather that can damage interior electrical components
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11642614
A month ago my engine light stayed on and dealer said rodents had eaten electrical wires and insulation under the hood cost over $600. To fix. Today same thing and I opened the hood to find the entire engine area littered with chewed wires and insulation . The soy based wiring coating needs a safety recall,
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11244698
Related recalls: 16V842000 (2016–2017): If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash. 26V400000 (2025): An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash. 24V877000 (2025): 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.
581 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Hyundai Tucson recalls
Check these first: 25V893000 (2022–2024, trailer hitches: park outside); 23V526000 (2023–2024, transmission / powertrain: park outside); 22V056000 (2015, service brakes, hydraulic: park outside); 20V543000 (2016–2021, service brakes, hydraulic: park outside).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V400000 | 2026-06-24 | 2025 | Electrical system | An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V316000 | 2026-05-19 | 2025 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V893000 | 2025-12-19 | 2022–2024 | Trailer Hitches | Nonfunctioning trailer lights can increase the risk of a crash. A short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V809000 | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | Air bags | Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 25V549000 | 2025-08-26 | 2025 | Engine and cooling | A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. |
| 24V877000 | 2024-11-20 | 2025 | Electrical system | 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 | 2024-09-13 | 2025 | Equipment / accessories | Without the glove box label, operators may be unaware of the increased risks that an air bag poses to an infant or child in the front seat, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. |
| 24V412000 | 2024-06-05 | 2024 | Steering | A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V556000 | 2023-08-04 | 2024 | Equipment / accessories | A label that incorrectly states spare tire pressure when there is no spare tire on-board may cause confusion during an emergency tire replacement, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 23V526000 | 2023-07-27 | 2023–2024 | Transmission / powertrain | An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. |
| 23V038000 | 2023-01-31 | 2022 | Body structure | A detached roof molding could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V056000 | 2022-02-03 | 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 21V938000 | 2021-12-02 | 2022 | Electrical system | Inoperative headlights or taillights can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V727000 | 2021-09-17 | 2017 | Engine | A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V543000 | 2020-09-04 | 2016–2021 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash. |
| 16V842000 | 2016-11-21 | 2016–2017 | Electrical system | If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V628000 | 2016-08-30 | 2016 | Transmission / powertrain | Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 16V348000 | 2016-05-24 | 2016 | Latches and locks | If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V147000 | 2016-03-10 | 2016 | Exterior lights | Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
4,848 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Hyundai models in the index
- Hyundai Sonata (3,717)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (2,823)
- Hyundai Elantra (2,503)
- Hyundai Palisade (2,302)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.