Problems · by component

2017 Hyundai Tucson engine problems

603 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Tucson cite engine, 55% of all 1,096 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
603
55% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
21
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026EngineODI 11774108
“On [XXX], I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Tucson from DriveTime, located at 6400 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32505. Within approximately nine days of purchase, the vehicle began experiencing serious mechanical problems, raising significant concerns about its safety and roadworthiness. On [XXX], the vehicle suffered a severe loss of acceleration and was unable to exceed approximately 30 mph. This sudden reduction in engine performance created a dangerous situation while driving, particularly when attempting to maintain normal traffic speeds. Following these issues, mechanical inspections revealed water inside the spark plug wells, a severely rusted ignition coil, and a failing catalytic converter. Firestone estimated the catalytic converter repair at approximately $5,000. The presence of water and corrosion raised concerns about possible pre-existing damage and whether the vehicle had been properly inspected before being sold. The vehicle remained in repair-related custody for approximately 29 days. Despite repeated communications with DriveTime, the mechanical problems were not satisfactorily resolved. DriveTime representatives informed me that a replacement…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11772852
“engine failure even though this car has always had oil changes at 110,000 miles. I would like the company to fix this since i am not the first to complain about this. I still have the car parked.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026EngineODI 11771356
“The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and was unable to exceed 30 MPH. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and oil contaminated the catalytic converter, causing the catalytic converter to fail and require replacement. The transmission was repaired by the dealer, and the catalytic converter was replaced by an independent repair facility. The contact subsequently observed continued oil loss following the repairs. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold headers failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact requested and received a complete diagnostic report from the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 90,502.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11771068
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11769530
“Failed Component: Engine assembly / internal powertrain (specifically, a connecting rod bearing failure in cylinder #2 causing severe engine knocking and risk of mechanical seizure). The vehicle is available for inspection, the complete vehicle and affected engine assembly are intact and available for inspection upon request at CMA's Hyundai of Lexington Park: [XXX] Safety Risk: A rod bearing failure causes violent engine knocking, severe loss of engine power, and eventual engine seizure or stalling while driving. Losing propulsion unexpectedly—especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic—creates an immediate collision risk for the vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic due to sudden loss of power, power steering, and power brake assistance. The issue was formally diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership service department. The technician performed a physical diagnostic evaluation and officially documented a knocking condition resulting from a connecting rod bearing failure in cylinder #2. Symptoms & Timeline: Initial engine knocking noises first appeared on XXX. The vehicle was previously updated with Hyundai's Knock Sensor Detection…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026EngineODI 11768090

Showing 6 of 603 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine

Free remedy

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.

EngineReported Sep 17, 2021NHTSA 21V727000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.