Hyundai Tucson Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Hyundai Tucson across 16 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (20). The words owners use most often: “catalytic converter” (15% of reports).
- 104engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Catalytic converter: mentioned in 16 of 104 complaints (15%)
- Oil level: mentioned in 8 of 104 complaints (8%)
- Knocking sound: mentioned in 8 of 104 complaints (8%)
- Consuming excessive: mentioned in 7 of 104 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 84 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 104 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury.
Hyundai Tucson engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tucson | 1 | 0% | 29,000 |
| 2021 Tucson | 3 | 4% | 58,972 |
| 2020 Tucson | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 Tucson | 4 | 1% | 89,000 |
| 2018 Tucson | 8 | 2% | 79,282 |
| 2017 Tucson | 17 | 2% | 92,000 |
| 2016 Tucson | 10 | 1% | 92,000 |
| 2015 Tucson | 2 | 1% | 70,000 |
| 2014 Tucson | 3 | 1% | 76,120 |
| 2013 Tucson | 3 | 1% | 150,000 |
| 2012 Tucson | 10 | 4% | 139,500 |
| 2011 Tucson | 5 | 4% | 79,300 |
| 2008 Tucson | 4 | 9% | 20,000 |
| 2007 Tucson | 4 | 6% | 106,000 |
| 2006 Tucson | 9 | 7% | 39,500 |
| 2005 Tucson | 20 | 11% | 31,300 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling:critical fasteners
Model years: 2025, 2026
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that oil was frequently added to the engine. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light was frequently illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to various independent mechanics and was informed that the engine was consuming an…
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder lane, engine oil was added, and the contact waited for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation…
The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the certified vehicle, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while her grandson was driving approximately 65 MPH, and the vehicle decelerated to 7 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Hyundai Tucsons have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 104 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Hyundai Tucson. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Hyundai Tucson engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Hyundai Tucson?
The most frequent phrase is “catalytic converter”, in 16 of 104 complaints, followed by “oil level” (8).
Other Hyundai Tucson problems
- Engine problems (2,381)
- Power Train problems (1,215)
- Electrical System problems (730)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (388)
- Structure problems (384)
- Service Brakes problems (379)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (359)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (341)
See all Hyundai Tucson problems.