Hyundai Tucson Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 6,302 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 6,302 owner complaints and 36 safety recalls on file for the Hyundai Tucson, across 22 model years (2005–2026). The 2016 model year has the most complaints (1,622). The most reported problem area overall is engine.

Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson (NX4, SWB) Facelift in Böblingen. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2016, with 1,622 complaints
2005: 18520052006: 1352007: 6520072008: 432009: 1820092010: 592011: 12420112012: 2552013: 26620132014: 2022015: 22820152016: 1,6221,6222017: 1,09020172018: 3992019: 38320192020: 1782021: 8020212022: 3862023: 13520232024: 982025: 28820252026: 63

n = 6,302 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Hyundai Tucson years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Tucson year: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2016 Tucson: 1,622 complaints, 5 recalls
  2. 2017 Tucson: 1,090 complaints, 3 recalls
  3. 2018 Tucson: 399 complaints, 1 recall

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2009 Tucson: 18 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2008 Tucson: 43 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2010 Tucson: 59 complaints, 4 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Hyundai Tucson problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine problems2,3762223
Power Train problems1,2132130
Electrical System problems7292221
Fuel/propulsion System problems388187
Structure problems3842217
Service Brakes problems3792144
Vehicle Speed Control problems3582231
Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems341195
Forward Collision Avoidance problems3181458
Latches/locks/linkages problems192120
Air Bags problems1872178
Exterior Lighting problems142202
Steering problems112228
Engine and Engine Cooling problems104162
Suspension77185
Visibility71162
Electronic Stability Control (esc)58140
Visibility/wiper53151
Lane Departure51122
Seat Belts501914
Tires39162
Wheels37184
Seats30142
Back Over Prevention2663
Fuel System, Gasoline25100
Equipment1673
Trailer Hitches1130
Service Brakes, Air751
Electronic Stability Control410
Traction Control System431
Equipment Adaptive/mobility331
Fuel System, Other320
Firerelated220
Fuel System, Diesel220
Carry Handle, Shell, Base110
Child Seat110
Parking Brake110
Rollover110
Service Brakes, Electric110
Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Autohold Brake System/brake Hold110

Hyundai Tucson problems by model year

Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.

All Hyundai Tucson model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2026 Tucson6355★Forward Collision AvoidanceFar fewer complaints than other years
2025 Tucson28865★Forward Collision AvoidanceMore complaints than other years
2024 Tucson9845★Forward Collision AvoidanceFewer complaints than other years
2023 Tucson13525★Unknown or OtherFewer complaints than other years
2022 Tucson38635★Fuel/propulsion SystemFar more complaints than other years
2021 Tucson8015★EngineFar fewer complaints than other years
2020 Tucson17815★EngineAbout as many complaints as other years
2019 Tucson38315★EngineFar more complaints than other years
2018 Tucson39915★EngineFar more complaints than other years
2017 Tucson1,09035★EngineFar more complaints than other years
2016 Tucson1,62255★Power TrainFar more complaints than other years
2015 Tucson22814★EngineMore complaints than other years
2014 Tucson20224★EngineAbout as many complaints as other years
2013 Tucson26634★EngineMore complaints than other years
2012 Tucson25534★EngineMore complaints than other years
2011 Tucson1245—EngineFewer complaints than other years
2010 Tucson594—Power TrainFar fewer complaints than other years
2009 Tucson181—Air BagsFar fewer complaints than other years
2008 Tucson431—Electrical SystemFar fewer complaints than other years
2007 Tucson655—Air BagsFar fewer complaints than other years
2006 Tucson1355—Air BagsFewer complaints than other years
2005 Tucson1858—Air BagsAbout as many complaints as other years

More from Hyundai: all Hyundai models · Hyundai VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Hyundai Tucson years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2016 (1,622), 2017 (1,090), 2018 (399), 2019 (383), 2022 (386) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Tucson year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Hyundai Tucson?

Engine, with 2,376 complaints across 22 model years.

How many recalls does the Hyundai Tucson have?

36 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.