NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 1,096 owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson. Most complaints involve engine (603) and power train (294). The EPA rates it 23–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. 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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Tucson model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 135 |
| 2007 | 65 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 124 |
| 2012 | 255 |
| 2013 | 266 |
| 2014 | 203 |
| 2015 | 229 |
| 2016 | 1,626 |
| 2017 | 1,096 |
| 2018 | 398 |
| 2019 | 385 |
| 2020 | 179 |
| 2021 | 80 |
| 2022 | 389 |
| 2023 | 136 |
| 2024 | 99 |
| 2025 | 295 |
| 2026 | 64 |
“My name is [XXX]. My husband, [XXX], and I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [XXX]) from a Hyundai dealership in 2023 with 53,920 miles for our daughter to commute to school. The vehicle now has approximately 77,940 miles, and she is still attending school. Since purchasing the vehicle, we have consistently returned to the same Hyundai dealership for regular maintenance, trusting its professionals to keep the vehicle safe and reliable. While driving on the freeway, our daughter suddenly lost engine power. The vehicle slowed down and would no longer accelerate. Thankfully, she managed to exit the highway before it stopped completely. Highway patrol assisted her in moving the vehicle to the roadside. The Check Engine Light and oil-pressure warning light came on, the engine made a pronounced knocking sound, and it would no longer run. We believe these symptoms closely resemble the engine defect described in Hyundai's Recall 209 (NHTSA 21V-727), involving connecting-rod-bearing failure in certain 2017 Tucson vehicles. Hyundai Motor America denied our request for assistance, stating that our VIN is not included in the recall and that no warranty coverage…”
“The issues is the engine shuts off at idle or in motion. Sometimes hard to start but it cranks over well. Then when it restarts after a shut down, three lights stay on some traction control, the steering and a picture of a car downhill with a clock or engine RPM light. No check engine light on. Then recently the tachometer doesn’t work after a shutdown then restart. But when you turn off the engine with ignition, then restart the third time. The lights all go off then the RPM gauge works. But the whole time the engine runs great. When I check ECM all is good no Fault codes, I monitor fuel pressure the low psi is 40 the high side is 999 psi. Is this a common issue with these cars?”
“While going down the highway at around 72 mph , my car went into limp mode. I was unable to accelerate, the brake and wheel locked. And then the engine light began flashing. The limp mode , non acceleration, and flashing engine light have happened twice before this instance. The first two times the pulled the P1326 knock sensor code and replaced it. Did the update, and sent me on my way saying it was fine. Now this most recent time (the 3rd time), the engine has failed. A CARFAX report says my car already had the engine replaced at 52k miles, meaning there’s 1 something internally wrong and 2 it’s still well within mileage warranty for another engine replacement. This car is extremely dangerous as it can literally stop in the middle of the highway. I went from 72 to about 15 mph in seconds, I was unable to get over or accelerate. It was terrifying. Now dealing with Hyundai - they don’t want to take fault.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson Eco FWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
| Tucson Eco AWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,400 | 333 |
| Tucson FWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,400 | 334 |
| Tucson FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 388 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,096 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (603), power train (294), vehicle speed control (88). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Hyundai Tucson at 23–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Hyundai Tucson 5 out of 5 stars overall.